08/05/2026
Mayor Richard Conner and EDA Chair Dr. Zamora Crawford Olin attended the Business at Breakfast and Energy Forum hosted by the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. ⚡🏛️
The forum brought together state leaders, legislators, utilities, energy manufacturers, economic developers, and industry experts to discuss how Virginia can meet its rapidly growing demand for electricity while maintaining affordability, reliability, and grid resilience.
Key topics included the impact of data centers and artificial intelligence, the need for additional power generation and transmission infrastructure, customer protections, workforce development, domestic energy manufacturing, and the important roles of nuclear power, natural gas, solar energy, battery storage, and emerging technologies.
The discussion also highlighted Central Virginia’s growing importance to the nation’s energy economy. With companies such as Framatome, BWXT, Delta Star, and Goldi America operating in our region, Central Virginia is well positioned to support energy innovation, advanced manufacturing, workforce development, and economic growth.
A major takeaway from the forum was clear: Virginia will need an all-of-the-above energy strategy, thoughtful planning, and strong collaboration among government, utilities, businesses, educators, and communities to prepare for the future. 🤝💡
This was an excellent opportunity to learn more about the policies and investments shaping Virginia’s energy future—and what they could mean for economic development in Appomattox and throughout Central Virginia.
