Richmond, Virginia

One of PPD's two bioanalytical labs is located in Richmond, Va. (the other is in Middleton, Wis., near Madison). Scientists at our bioanalytical lab quantitatively measure all types of compounds from small molecules and conventional drugs to proteins, peptides and biomarkers.

Richmond, the capital of Virginia, boasts a distinctive mix of dynamic economic growth and Southern small-town charm. Filled with historic sites from both the Revolutionary and Civil War periods, Richmond has magnificent museums, spectacular architecture and a vibrant arts community.

• Richmond was ranked number 14 on Forbes magazine's 2007 survey of Best Places for Business and Careers.

• A fast-growing sophisticated city, Richmond is home to nine Fortune 500 companies.

• The rapidly-developing Virginia BioTechnology Research Park is located adjacent to the Medical College of Virginia campus of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).

• In addition to VCU, the Richmond area has several large higher education institutions, including the University of Richmond, Virginia State University and Virginia Union University.

• Richmond Public Schools continue to show improvement in test scores, while the Henrico County and Chesterfield County schools challenge students beyond the normal classroom experience.

• The James River is essential to the Richmond lifestyle. The city's River District includes Canal Walk, an attraction in itself, and more than 125 restaurants, bars and shops. In addition, kayakers and rafters enjoy easy access to the only metropolitan whitewater river in the country.
• The city's park system includes Belle Isle, a picnic and hiking area, and Brown's Island, a popular spot for festivals. The lush Byrd Park/Dogwood Dell is home to numerous music and arts events, while the Victorian estate Maymont offers formal gardens, a nature center and a children's farm.

• Major attractions in Richmond include the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum, the Science Museum of Virginia and the Richmond Children’s Museum. The amusement park King's Dominion is a short drive away.

• There are many annual events in the Richmond area including the Virginia State Fair, the Maymont Flower and Garden Show and the Richmond Highland Games and Celtic Festival.

• As a sophisticated cultural center, Richmond is home to the Richmond Ballet, Richmond Symphony, Virginia Opera and the renowned Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Summer concerts featuring contemporary music performers are presented at the Innsbrook pavilion.

• Sports fans enjoy the top tier of minor league baseball with the Richmond Braves (Triple-A farm team of the Atlanta Braves). The Richmond International Speedway continues a lengthy tradition of motor sports events by hosting two annual NASCAR Nextel Cup races.

For additional information, please visit the following Web sites:

City of Richmond
Richmond Visitors Bureau
Richmond Chamber of Commerce

Pictures courtesy of the Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau.