Governor McAuliffe Announces 300 New Jobs in City of Lynchburg - The Corporate Welfare Machine Grows

Half a million here, a million there, two hundred seventy five thousand here, before you know it, it all starts to sound like real money.  More corporate welfare being given to an insurance company.  Is McAuliffe buying both business relocation's into the state as well as votes?  Are people anywhere getting this kind of money to start their own businesses?

  In the propaganda machine article below, what is failed to be mentioned is if this company will be paying new workers a living wage.  Chances are no they will not.  So another new company is going to come in and under employ a workforce and those working there will need to be on the welfare roles in order to survive.  But that is okay since the company will get a cool half a million dollars just to come to Virginia.  Isn't that special?  Instead of being independent, people get to be fully dependent on a company that does not care about them as well as depending on the state just to try and live.  You have to love the new Virginia Economy.  Here is the official state propaganda.

~ Pacific Life Insurance Company to invest nearly $4 million to establish business center ~

RICHMOND – Governor McAuliffe today announced that Pacific Life Insurance Company will invest nearly $4 million to open a business center in the City of Lynchburg, expanding the company’s suite of innovative products and service capabilities. With this investment, the company completed an acquisition of the term life new business platform from Genworth Financial. The project will create 300 new jobs.

“I am pleased to congratulate Pacific Life for their significant expansion to the City of Lynchburg and applaud their choice to invest in one of the best business regions on the East Coast,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Pacific Life’s creation of 300 new jobs in Virginia reflects the Commonwealth’s rapid economic growth, pro-business climate, and world-class workforce. I am confident that Pacific Life will thrive in this new location and will bring the Commonwealth one step closer in our efforts to diversify and build a new Virginia economy.”

“This is exciting news for the City of Lynchburg and the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “Congratulations to Pacific Life and Lynchburg whose outstanding workforce, competitive business environment and high quality of life will contribute to the company’s continued growth and prosperity.”

“Pacific Life is looking forward to launching our new term life insurance operation in the city of Lynchburg,” said Jim Morris, Chairman, President and CEO of Pacific Life. “The diverse and educated workforce of Virginia will allow us to continue providing superior customer service to our policy owners as we expand into new markets. And Lynchburg’s vibrant downtown is the ideal place for our employees to work. We appreciate the partnership with the city of Lynchburg and Governor McAuliffe as we open this new office."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Lynchburg and the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Lynchburg with the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.

"The selection of Lynchburg for Pacific Life's east coast operation is a testament to the City's skilled workforce and strong business community," said Michael Gillette, Mayor of Lynchburg. "Pacific Life's decision demonstrates that Lynchburg is not only a great place to live, work and play but also an excellent place to do business.

"This project represents a significant investment in the Lynchburg community and state of Virginia on the part of a financially stable, well regarded company," said Mike Lucado, chair of the Lynchburg Economic Development Authority. "In addition to property acquisition and improvements, Pacific Life's considerable job creation with competitive salaries will serve as an employment anchor in our rapidly revitalizing downtown district and have a tremendous impact on the City of Lynchburg for years to come."

"The Lynchburg region is a great place to locate, build, and grow a business, and I know Pacific Life will thrive here," said Delegate Kathy J. Byron.  "Our region has positioned itself as an ideal - and affordable - place for business. I am thrilled to have this investment and these jobs here. The state and local officials who worked on this deserve our congratulations and our thanks.”

About Pacific Life

Offering insurance since 1868, Pacific Life provides a wide range of life insurance products, annuities, and mutual funds, and offers a variety of investment products and services to individuals, businesses, and pension plans. Pacific Life counts more than half of the 100 largest U.S. companies as its clients. For additional company information, including current financial strength ratings.

Governor McAuliffe Announces $275,000 in Grants for Early Intervention and Education of Children with Disabilities

Here we go with more corporate welfare from the state or should I say, from your pockets.  At what point do we say stop?  It's not the government's business to get involved in every area of our lives!  Here is their official propaganda.

~ Grants awarded through the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities will improve services and expand resources ~ 

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced two federal grants that will improve services, supports and information availability for early intervention and education of children with disabilities. The grants are awarded through the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities Council.

“Improving and expanding services for individuals and families with disabilities is imperative to ensuring that all Virginians have access to the tools they need to succeed,”said Governor McAuliffe. “Securing these federal grants is a big step forward for the private and public institutions in Virginia that work to provide care and assistance to those with disabilities, and I commend the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities for their hard work on this issue. We will continue to ensure all children, adults, and their families in Virginia have the resources they need to achieve their dreams and realize their full potential.”

The Virginia Hospital Research and Education Foundation will receive $125,000 for its Virginia Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Early Intervention Collaborative, a statewide program designed to increase access to early intervention services for infants who have spent time in a NICU and may be at risk of developmental delay.

“We know that the care a child receives in her earliest hours can have a lasting impact on her life,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel. “This collaborative project will help the families of our most vulnerable infants make sure those children get the support they need.”

The Virginia Department of Education (DOE) will also receive $150,000 for its project “Adult Curriculum on Critical Decision Making Points for Students with Disabilities.”

“Improved access to and knowledge of intervention services and educational resources are critical for our children with disabilities,” said Secretary of Education Anne Holton. “The grant that the Department of Education will receive will help support their work to positively impact the lives of students with disabilities.”

The goal of DOE’s project is to improve post-school outcomes and increase opportunities for employment and higher education through the development and implementation of a training curriculum for students, families, schools, staff, and others.

“We are grateful to receive grant funding through the support of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities,” said Tracey A. van Marcke, Executive Director of the Virginia Hospital Research and Education Foundation. “By partnering with Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association members, VHHA’s Center for Healthcare Excellence will work with Virginia’s NICU leaders to spread patient- and family-centered best practices with the goal of enhancing links to crucial early intervention services for NICU patients and their families.”

“The Virginia Board for People with Disabilities is very excited to be funding both of these projects,” said Heidi Lawyer, the Board’s Executive Director. “We believe these grants will directly help families access needed services and supports and bring about statewide improvements in policy and practice.  These projects also support the Governor’s broader initiatives in early childhood and education, which are expanding opportunities for all children.”

The VBPD serves as the Developmental Disabilities Planning Council for the Commonwealth of Virginia. Both of these projects stemmed from recommendations that the Board made in its 2014 Assessment of the Disability Services System in Virginia, which identifies gaps and barriers in services and supports for individuals with disabilities of all ages. 

Governor McAuliffe announces $5 million in Vibrant Community Initiative funding for Montgomery County and City of Richmond

Well here we go with more state welfare being sold as caring for the people by big government.  Over 5 million dollars of your tax money being thrown at projects the state has no business being in.  But then again, it is after all a Big Brother deal.  Since there is no capital market for this, the government must step in and do the job.  (1984).  All I can see is pure communism here.  Here is the rest of their story.

~ Funding will be used for comprehensive neighborhood housing and community development projects ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today $5 million in Vibrant Community Initiative (VCI) funding for housing and community development projects. Montgomery County and the city of Richmond will each receive $2.5 million for a regional comprehensive community-based strategy to expanding the availability of affordable housing and creating more opportunity for community residents to succeed.

“The Vibrant Community Initiative channels vital funding to affordable housing in central Virginia, which in turn fosters economic growth and job opportunities for communities that need it most,” said Governor McAuliffe. “We want to ensure that every Virginian has the opportunities to succeed and this starts with investments at the local level in housing, schools, and infrastructure. By combining state and federal resources, this pilot program will serve as a foundation for future economic investments and local initiatives across Virginia as we continue to build our new Virginia economy.”

VCI combines multiple Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) funding sources to support local or regional comprehensive community-based projects including affordable housing, community development and economic development components. The initiative identifies highly impactful, transformational projects and then leverages several funding resources to streamline the application process, while also streamlining the project management and compliance processes. The Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) has partnered with DHCD to provide critical technical assistance and financial support.

“The Vibrant Community Initiative will make a meaningful difference in these two communities,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “This comprehensive approach will not only address affordable housing needs but also assist the development and execution of an economic and community development strategy that will create an overall better quality of life for their residents.”

A tiered application process was utilized to solicit proposals, and applicants were required to submit a letter of interest to identify the project and its key characteristics. A panel with representatives from DHCD and VHDA evaluated the proposals. Site visits were conducted for the five highest rated projects, and those five applicants all submitted final proposals for the $5 million program.

Richmond Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Community Builders received funding for the city of Richmond project, which is focused on the Church Hill North and East End Revitalization. The Church Hill North/East End Revitalization is a comprehensive project that focuses on increasing opportunities for low- to moderate-income residents by building quality and affordable housing options for residents of a variety of income levels. The project capitalizes on ongoing economic and community development work and leverages existing plans to address the East End business corridor’s needs and lack of community amenities. The VCI investment will fund the development of 220 units of rental housing for a mixed-income community, including 128 units of replacement public housing for residents of the nearby Creighton Court Public Housing development. In addition, the VCI resources will be allocated to support homeownership opportunities for residents located on the site of the currently vacant old Armstrong High School.

The project in Montgomery County is the Old Prices Fork School Comprehensive Community Revitalization Project. This project is a multi-phased project involving the historic revitalization and renovation of the former elementary school to incorporate 32 units of mixed-income, multi-generational housing and new and innovative economic development opportunities through the establishment of the Old School Food Center. The housing units will provide an opportunity for mixed generational living and support the sense of community and learning that has been a hallmark of the Old Prices Fork School. Additionally, the development of food processing, dining and retail opportunities will expand the vibrancy of the project not only to those living, working and selling products there, but also to the community and region. The Old Prices Fork School will continue to be an integrated space and cultural touchstone of the Prices Fork Village, the county and the New River Valley. 

2016 Virginia Community Initiative Fund:

Locality	Project Name	CDBG Award
City of Richmond Applicant: Richmond Housing and Redevelopment Authority and the Community Builders	Church Hill North/East End Revitalization	$2,500,000
Montgomery County Applicant: Montgomery County	Old Prices Fork Road School Revitalization Project	$2,500,000

Governor McAuliffe Announces 348 New Jobs in Arlington County

What you will want to note while reading the article below, written by one of the Governor's staff writers, is that we the people, or you the taxpayer, is paying a company over one million dollars to downsize and relocate everything here in Virginia.  Virginia may gain some jobs, over 300 according to the article below, but at a cost to all of us and again, the company is downsizing which is played off as meaning nothing.  So what that others around the nation loose their jobs.  We are gaining some new jobs for folks here in Virginia.  Well, that isn't exactly stated.  It's only suggested.  The company is more likely to move their best people to the new office here in Virginia.

And again, we see nothing about any of those jobs paying a living wage.  A living wage in an area such as Northern Virginia is higher than most other areas due to the cost of living there.  So, about $55,000.00 a year for a single person would be appropriate for a living wage in that area.  It's just outside of the DC belt.  $55 thousand might still be way to low.  I have not checked prices there in the past few years.

  So we have some very serious corporate welfare going on here and no signs of any decent return for all of that corporate welfare.  Just another raid on the people at the people's expense.  So here is their article.

~ Grant Thornton LLP to invest $15.75 million to consolidate operations and expand in Northern Virginia ~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Grant Thornton LLP, a leading U.S. professional-services firm, will invest $15.75 million to consolidate offices and grow its presence across the Northern Virginia region. Virginia successfully competed against Washington, D.C. for the project, which will retain 994 jobs and create 348 new jobs.

“Retaining Grant Thornton in Virginia is a big win for the Commonwealth, as we continue to make Virginia the best place in the country for business and workforce development,”said Governor McAuliffe. “The firm’s consolidation is a great testament to the business advantages of Arlington County and we are excited to announce that this project is, not only retaining nearly 1,000 jobs in Virginia, but also creating 348 additional jobs. I am pleased with our success and will continue to work with industry leaders to ensure the new Virginia economy is innovative, diverse, and competitive in the global marketplace.”

“I am thrilled we were able to help Grant Thornton find a new, state-of-the-art home in Arlington County that can meet the company’s growing needs as it consolidates locations and expands in the region,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “Grant Thornton will continue to benefit from the Commonwealth’s superior workforce and Northern Virginia’s best in class business environment, and I congratulate the company on this exciting new chapter.”

“This move reinforces Grant Thornton’s commitment to Virginia and Arlington County,”said Jamie Fowler, Grant Thornton’s Atlantic Coast managing partner. “We’ll be combining our area offices to create a more efficient footprint, but also the ‘workplace of the future,’ a concept developed with input from Grant Thornton employees. The ‘workplace of the future’ equips and engages our people to leverage technology and design to do their jobs smarter, faster and better. More importantly, it allows them to feel connected no matter where they work.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Arlington County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $1 million grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the County with the project. The company will also be eligible to receive a Major Business Facility Job Tax Credit. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. 

“Grant Thornton is a well-established company with clients around the globe, and we could not be happier to welcome them to Arlington," said Libby Garvey, Chair of the Arlington County Board. "The company's expansion in Arlington County will bring significant job growth here, and we are confident Grant Thornton will find the workforce, resources and support it needs to ensure its success."

"This is another win for Arlington County and Governor McAuliffe," said Delegate Rip Sullivan. "Grant Thornton's decision to consolidate its Northern Virginia offices in Arlington will bring hundreds of talented workers—and taxpayers—to the County. Today is a great day for our Arlington community and for Grant Thornton."
"Grant Thornton has made a wise choice selecting Arlington County as the place to expand its Atlantic coast operations,” said Senator Barbara Favola. “Arlington County and the entire Northern Virginia region offer a highly educated and technologically savvy workforce, coupled with first-class school systems and research institutions. Clearly, Virginia's investments in human capital are yielding positive results every day. We welcome Grant Thornton to the region."

About Grant Thornton LLP

Founded in Chicago in 1924, Grant Thornton LLP (Grant Thornton) is the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd, one of the world’s leading organizations of independent audit, tax and advisory firms. In the United States, Grant Thornton has revenue in excess of $1.45 billion and operates 59 offices with more than 550 partners and 7,000 employees. Grant Thornton works with a broad range of dynamic publicly and privately held companies, government agencies, financial institutions, and civic and religious organizations.

“Grant Thornton” refers to Grant Thornton LLP, the U.S. member firm of Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL). GTIL and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions. Please seegrantthornton.com for further details.