Our Region
Virginia's ❤️ Heartland
A place where history, opportunity, and community meet in the center of Southside Virginia.
Welcome to Virginia’s Heartland
The Commonwealth Regional Council proudly serves seven counties—Amelia, Buckingham, Charlotte, Cumberland, Lunenburg, Nottoway, and Prince Edward. Rooted in agriculture and craftsmanship, our region pairs small‑town character with room to grow. Centrally located between Richmond, Lynchburg, and Charlottesville, Virginia’s Heartland offers access to markets, peaceful communities, and authentic Virginia landscapes.
Where We Are
Situated in the heart of Southside, our counties connect by US‑360/460/15 and State Route corridors with ready access to I‑85 and I‑64. Businesses and families benefit from short drives to Richmond, Lynchburg, and Charlottesville while enjoying the open space and pace that define rural Virginia.
A Diverse, Hands‑On Economy
Virginia’s Heartland blends agricultural strength with advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, logistics, and growing renewable energy.
Manufacturing & Logistics
From precision components to distribution, our location and workforce support modern production and movement of goods.
Education & Training
Longwood University, Hampden‑Sydney College, and Southside Virginia Community College fuel talent and innovation.
Healthcare & Public Service
Regional hospitals, clinics, and public institutions provide essential services and stable employment.
Agriculture, Forestry, and Working Lands
Generations of farmers and foresters shape our landscape. Today’s producers lead in soybeans, corn, small grains, beef cattle, and poultry, while forestry and wood products remain major contributors. Available acreage, farm‑friendly infrastructure, and emerging agribusiness create room for growth.
- Extensive forested acreage across the seven counties
- Diverse farm sizes: family operations to commercial-scale
- Access to regional markets and processing within a day’s drive
Ready to Grow
The region offers business‑ready sites, industrial parks, and adaptable buildings suited to manufacturing, logistics, and ag‑related ventures. With competitive land costs and supportive local partners, projects can scale here without big‑city overhead.
Industrial and business parks across multiple counties
Utility capacity and roadway access at priority sites
Collaborative permitting and regional support
Small‑Town Living, Big Outdoor Backdrop
Our communities offer historic main streets, welcoming neighborhoods, and easy access to rivers, trails, and state parks.
Outdoor Recreation
High Bridge Trail State Park, Twin Lakes State Park, and miles of rivers and forests to explore.
Affordable Living
Lower housing costs and room to breathe—without losing access to nearby cities.
Culture & Community
Local festivals, historic sites, college arts, and year‑round civic life.
Virginia’s Heartland
The Commonwealth Regional Council region is Virginia’s Heartland—a practical place to build, a beautiful place to live. Whether you’re launching a venture, growing a family, or exploring what’s next, you’ll find space, support, and community here
Visit Us
Address: 200 Heartland Road, Keysville, VA 23947
Phone: (434) 392‑6104