Virginia elected officials, business leaders and advocates from across the Commonwealth released the following statements today, following Governor Terry McAuliffe unveiling his New Virginia Economic Strategic Plan and a series of legislative proposals aimed at accomplishing the plan’s mission of growing and diversifying the Virginia economy.
Heywood Fralin, Chairman of Virginia Business Higher Education Council:
“We commend Governor McAuliffe for his leadership in identifying ways to transform Virginia’s economy. At a time when our state’s economy faces unprecedented challenges, the business community, our excellent community colleges and four-year colleges and universities, and our state and local governments must work together to diversify and enhance economic prosperity. Each region of the state needs to carefully examine its goals and work together on strategies to meet its own unique circumstances. Our Governor has quickly proven he is a great business recruiter and we, as business and college leaders, are committed to helping achieve the goals of the economic growth strategy he has outlined.”
Martin Barrington, CEO of the Atria Group, Inc.:
“Since he took office, Governor McAuliffe has lived up to his promise to focus every day on growing Virginia businesses and bringing new ones to our Commonwealth. We agree that as we all work to create new jobs today, we must lay a foundation for the new Virginia economy and support economic development in every region of our Commonwealth.”
Laurie Moran, President of the Danville and Pittsylvania Chamber of Commerce:
“A 21st Century economy requires a 21st Century workforce development system, all the way from childhood to post-secondary education. Governor McAuliffe clearly understands the need to reform our workforce development approach so that Virginia can continue to train our workers to do the jobs of today and create the innovative jobs of tomorrow.”
Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Maurice Jones:
“I am truly excited about the release of this plan. This is an important step – one that presents an opportunity for this administration to work with the private sector and local governments to catalyze growth and opportunity in the Commonwealth.”
Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Todd Haymore:
“Today’s strategic plan announcement allows Virginia to build on the many successes we’ve enjoyed already in the thriving agriculture and forestry industries, which represent two of the largest private sector economic drivers in the Commonwealth. By making targeted plans to build our domestic capacity, globally market Virginia-grown products, and protect our resources along the way, we will be poised to continue contributing to the new Virginia economy.”
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