Here’s a recap of the top stories for the week of April 25, 2025:
Virginia transit officials recommended funding for 14 transportation projects in the Richmond region
Reported by BizSense’s Jack Jacobs
The Virginia Department of Transportation’s SMART SCALE program identifies critical transportation needs and evaluates potential projects based on a rubric of factors.
State officials have endorsed putting $338.5 million toward 14 local transportation projects that were among 65 submitted by the Richmond area.
VDOT plans to host several in-person information sessions to further engage the public on which projects should be fully funded.
Henrico-based Elephant Insurance firm to be sold to N.Y.-based private equity firm
Reported by BizSense’s Jonathan Spiers
The parent company of Elephant Insurance Co. and Elephant Insurance Services struck a deal to unload the auto insurance company that would bring the company’s ownership stateside.
The deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close in the fourth quarter of this year.
Admiral Group PLC, a UK company, agreed to sell to J.C. Flowers & Co., a private investment firm, for an undisclosed amount.
Elephant's latest investment value is over $23.5 million.
Global toy retailer Miniso opens a second local store in Richmond
Reported by BizSense’s Jackie DiBartolomeo
Miniso is a Chinese toy store chain that sells a variety of trinkets, cosmetics, plushies and blind box toy brands.
The company currently has 250 stores in the U.S and 7,000 stores internationally.
The brand opened its first Virginia store at Short Pump Town Center last November. Its next location, in Henrico County’s Olde Town Shopping Center, is set to open in early May.
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