Venture Richmond Celebrates in 2026!

Twenty years ago, a bold vision for Downtown Richmond became reality.

In July 2006, Venture Richmond was created through the merger of four organizations dedicated to the city's urban core: Richmond Renaissance, citycelebrations, Richmond Riverfront Development Corporation, and the River District Alliance. Together, they formed one organization with one mission—to champion a vibrant, thriving downtown.

For the past two decades, Venture Richmond has brought together business and community leaders to partner with the City of Richmond in strengthening downtown through economic development, marketing, advocacy, events, and public space management.

That mission continues today with the launch of our newly redesigned website, VentureRichmond.com, making it easier than ever to discover downtown businesses, attractions, restaurants, and events by neighborhood or category.

Beyond promotion, Venture Richmond works every day to keep downtown welcoming and vibrant. Our team provides enhanced property management services throughout Downtown, Manchester, and the Riverfront through the Clean & Safe program, beautification initiatives, and maintenance of many of Richmond's signature public spaces—including Brown's Island, the Canal Walk, Tredegar Green, and the Belle Isle parking lot.

Creating memorable experiences is another hallmark of our work. Through Venture Richmond Events, LLC, we produce Friday Cheers, the 2nd Street Festival, the Richmond Folk Festival, and Eerie Canal Cruises, while partnering with Sports Backers to present Dominion Energy Riverrock. Our subsidiary, Riverfront Canal Cruises, LLC, offers historically narrated canal tours and private charters along the James River and Kanawha Canal.

Behind every project, event, and initiative is an exceptional team. Our staff of fifteen brings a combined 287 years of service to Venture Richmond, reflecting an extraordinary commitment to our mission and to Downtown Richmond.

As we celebrate our 20th anniversary, we extend our heartfelt thanks to the current and former members of our Board of Directors and Board of Trustees, our volunteers, donors, partners, and everyone who has helped shape Venture Richmond over the past two decades.

Together, we've accomplished so much—and we're just getting started.

Here's to the next 20 years of building an even stronger, more vibrant Downtown Richmond!

Venture Richmond Board Chairs

2006–2009 – C.T. Hill

2010–2011 – Robert Woltz

2012–2014 – Jacqueline McClenney

2015–2016 – Mary Doswell

2017–2018 – Brian Jackson

2019–2020 – Mark Merhige

2021 – Adam Harrell

2022–2023 – Darius Johnson

2024–2025 – Farhad Aghdami

2026–Present – Devon Henry