“Where’s the Ribbon, Red Vest? Southwest Virginia Wonders if Glenn Youngkin Lost His Map”
While Governor Glenn Youngkin was busy cutting ribbons and taking selfies at Micron Technology’s $2.17 billion expansion in Manassas—complete with 340 shiny new jobs and enough fanfare to make a Fourth of July parade jealous—Southwest Virginia folks are left scratching their heads and asking: Where’s our party?
Let’s be clear—Micron’s investment is impressive. New facilities, cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing, and a national shoutout for Virginia’s economic prowess. And, of course, the governor was there front and center, issuing statements about America’s “supply chain security” like he’s auditioning for a cabinet position. Meanwhile, back in Southwest Virginia, we’re wondering if our supply chain includes anything more exciting than an overdue Dollar General delivery.
Micron’s Got Chips, SWVA’s Got Crickets
Micron gets federal CHIPS Act funding, $70 million from Virginia’s MEI Commission, and a talent accelerator program so streamlined it practically hand-delivers engineers to the factory door. Southwest Virginia? We’re lucky if we get a broadband grant announcement before the internet cuts out. Where’s our semiconductor facility? Where’s our advanced manufacturing hub? Heck, where’s the “thanks-for-participating” trophy?
Governor Youngkin campaigned with promises of big economic wins for Southwest Virginia. Yet when it’s time for ribbon cuttings, he’s miles away, red vest freshly pressed, shaking hands with Northern Virginia’s tech elites while the only ribbon we see is at the county fair.
Hello, Southwest Virginia Politicians?
And where are our local representatives? Are they too busy debating the merits of 1990s coal policies to notice that every high-paying tech job seems to end up in Manassas or Richmond? Maybe they think cutting one ceremonial ribbon every decade is enough economic development for a generation.
Meanwhile, Southwest Virginia Needs Basics, Not Buzzwords
We’re not asking for the moon—we’re asking for healthcare systems that aren’t run like monopolistic fiefdoms, for broadband internet that doesn’t lag when someone streams Netflix, and for jobs that pay a living wage instead of exporting our young talent to other regions. Northern Virginia gets semiconductor expansions; we get lectures on “grit.”
The Irony of a “Supply Chain Hero” Who Forgot Southwest Virginia
The governor talks a big game about strengthening the supply chain, but here’s the irony: Southwest Virginia is still disconnected from the digital supply chain altogether. Semiconductors are great, but so are reliable broadband and jobs that don’t require leaving town. If Youngkin’s economic strategy is to declare Southwest Virginia “open for business,” he forgot to add the businesses.
The Reality Check
Manassas gets semiconductor glory, while Southwest Virginia is left with well-worn platitudes about potential. Until we see action—like real investment in healthcare, broadband, and good-paying tech jobs—every ribbon Youngkin cuts up north feels like a reminder that Southwest Virginia is still waiting in the wings.
So, Governor Youngkin, if you’re reading this, maybe it’s time to break out that red vest for a Southwest Virginia ribbon-cutting. Or at the very least, send us a postcard from Manassas with a note: Wish you were here.
–Mountain Bee Satire
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