Governor McAuliffe Announces 3rd Year of Virginia’s Going Global Defense Initiative

~ Commonwealth receiving $1.8 million for GGDI program to preserve jobs and replace declining state tax revenues for Virginia ~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia has received $1.8 million in grant funding for a third year of its Going Global Defense Initiative (GGDI), administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP).  The GGDI was created to mitigate the negative impact of defense spending cuts on Virginia’s economy. 

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “As federal budget cuts and sequestration continue to hamper Virginia’s economy, the Going Global Defense Initiative is a vital tool to help Virginia’s defense companies offset the loss of defense revenue. The GGDI, which is the first program of its kind in the U.S., helps Virginia defense companies diversify their revenue streams by identifying new business in international markets. This successful program is another example of Virginia’s innovative approach to strengthening its economy.”

“The past two years of solid performance with the GGDI program demonstrates how the federal government, Virginia government and its private sector can partner in ways that will benefit the economy of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “We are pleased to continue this effective partnership with our federal resources to provide assistance to even more of Virginia’s defense and security businesses. VEDP’s initiative will contribute to the companies’ future growth and health, thereby contributing to job growth in Virginia.”

Virginia is the top state in the nation for federal defense contracts. With approximately 5,000 defense companies in Virginia facing U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) spending reductions of more than $300 billion in the next five-plus years, Virginia stands to lose many high-paying jobs.  The GGDI is the Commonwealth’s only program that replaces DOD revenue streams for Virginia’s defense companies, which, in turn, preserves jobs and replaces declining state tax revenues for Virginia.

In its first two years, over 250 companies participated in VEDP’s GGDI program. More than 100 participants travelled to an international market in pursuit of new business.  In its third year, the DOD has granted $1.8 million for GGDI to assist Virginia’s defense-related companies that have been adversely affected by defense budget reductions. Virginia’s support of the GGDI is made possible by Governor McAuliffe’s funding of the Virginia International Trade Alliance (VITAL), announced last month.  VITAL’s goals are to increase Virginia’s exports by $1.6 billion and to create 14,000 trade-supported jobs over the next 5 years. 

The GGDI generates international sales for Virginia’s defense companies by providing the following:

·         Research on international markets

·         Export compliance

·         Digital localization

·         Technical translation and adaptation

·         Events with U.S. Combatant Commands and partner nations

·         Export training

·         Online portal of GGDI resources

·         Going Global training courses

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Governor McAuliffe Announces More Than $8.2 Million in Community Development Block Grants

~ Projects include water and sewer service, downtown revitalization, and housing rehabilitation ~ 

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced more than $8.2 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for 12 projects in Virginia. Since 1982, the federally-funded CDBG program has been administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and Virginia receives approximately $17 million annually for this grant program.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “In order to build a new Virginia economy, we need to use all available resources to improve the lives of Virginians.  These projects help provide better infrastructure, affordable housing, and revitalize downtown districts to create sustainable and vibrant communities across the Commonwealth.”

Speaking at an event in Bassett, Virginia, Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones said, “The CDBG program continues to help localities across the Commonwealth make the necessary investments to stay competitive and thrive in today’s economic environment.  These funds are critical in order to help our communities, particularly those in rural areas, become the best places to live, work and conduct business.”

CDBG grants are awarded through a competitive process.  Most projects benefit low- and moderate-income persons, and many projects are targeted for the prevention or elimination of slums and blight conditions.

During this year’s competitive cycle, 22 proposals were submitted by 21 localities, and 11 projects received the initial funding, with two projects receiving multi-year funding and one project receiving a letter of intent. Multi-year funding projects are those that will receive a contract allocating a portion of the funds this year, and after achieving specific performance targets, the project will then be eligible for additional funding. The letter of intent project is worthy of funding but lacks key components necessary for the project to be immediately implemented, and the grant allows the locality to address the missing key components.

2015 CDBG Community Improvement Grant Awards:

Locality	Project Name	CDBG Award
Buchanan County	Hurley Regional Water Project Phase VI	$ 1,000,000
Town of Damascus	Damascus Downtown Revitalization	$ 659,400
Dickenson County	Georges Fork Sewer Project	$ 1,000,000
Town of Dungannon	Dungannon Economic Revitalization	$ 700,000
Henry County	Smith River Small Towns Business District Revitalization	$ 700,000
Town of Smithfield	Pinewood Heights Redevelopment Project Phase III	$ 1,000,000
Town of Strasburg	Strasburg Downtown Revitalization Project	$ 700,000
Wise County	Roda, Osaka and Stonega Sewer Phase II	$ 690,000
Town of Wytheville	Freedom Lane Housing Production	$ 505,625
Town of Appomattox	Meadowlark Neighborhood Improvement Project Multi-year Funding	$ 1,000,000
Town of Pulaski	Kersey Bottom Neighborhood Revitalization Project Multi-year Funding	$ 1,000,000
Town of White Stone	White Stone Comprehensive Project Letter of Intent	$ 1,400,000

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Matching Tourism Grants

Program will generate more than $3 million in marketing initiatives

46 local tourism partners to receive public-private marketing dollars to bolster economy; grants will impact at least 195 statewide tourism entities

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that more than $852,000 in matching grant funds will be awarded to 46 local tourism initiatives as part of Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Marketing Leverage Program. The grants are designed to help local and regional tourism entities attract more visitors by leveraging local marketing dollars, and will ultimately impact at least 195 other statewide tourism entities. The local organizations match the state grant funds by a minimum of 2:1 in order to support marketing projects. This funding cycle, the local partners will match the VTC grant dollars with more than $2.1 million, providing more than $3 million in new marketing to increase visitation to Virginia.

“These grants equip local tourism businesses with the tools they need to stay competitive,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The Marketing Leverage Program grants help support and grow a robust and diversified new Virginia economy and encourage strategic marketing of tourism products and businesses across the Commonwealth, generating revenue and jobs.”

Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia. In 2013, tourism generated $21.5 billion in revenue, supported 213,000 jobs and provided $1.42 billion in state and local taxes. Dollars invested in tourism are proven to provide a 5:1 return in tax revenue for Virginia, and the grant awards and matching funds provide a stimulus to localities seeking to increase tourism visitation and revenue.

VTC’s Marketing Leverage Program is designed to increase visitor spending by leveraging limited marketing dollars, stimulating new tourism marketing through partnerships, and extending the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand.  A minimum of three Virginia entities must partner financially to apply for a grant.  Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other not-for-profit entities.  In total, VTC awards approximately $1.7 million annually - matched and leveraged on average 3:1 by partner dollars.

“The grants are supporting businesses across the Commonwealth, contributing to the overall economic health of our communities,” said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.“The state’s investment maximizes local marketing funds, allowing for localities to double and sometimes triple their marketing power to attract more visitors. This is a powerful tool for small businesses across the state.”

Details on the grant awards are below. The next round of VTC Marketing Leverage Program grants will open September 29, 2014. Localities interested in applying may visit www.vatc.org for more information.

Grant Program Name


Lead Partner


Award Amount



Capture the Clinch


Clinch River Adventures


$9,895.00



Bush Mill: Millstones, Mountains, Memories


Southwest Virginia Community Foundation


$2,500.00



Music, Milk & Marketing


Lee County


$5,125.00



Shenandoah Valley Kids Trail


Great Country Farms


$50,000.00



America's Historic Triangle Marketing Program


Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Inc


$50,000.00



This is RVA Launch


Valentine Richmond History Center


$5,000.00



Virginia By Rail


VisitNorfolk


$7,500.00



Humpback Bridge - History Over the Water


Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism


$10,000.00



Claw of the Dragon Southwest Virginia Motorcycle Trail


Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau


$50,000.00



"Heart Rate" Campaign


Heart of Appalachia


$50,000.00



What's Your Bot-e-Type? Social Media Campaign


Botetourt County Office of Tourism


$30,500.00



Authentic Abingdon Overnight: Experience Culture, Make Memories


Barter Theatre


$25,000.00



Blue Ridge Standard Time Campaign


Roanoke Valley CVB


$50,000.00



Middlesex County Marketing Initiative


Middlesex County


$7,400.00



Historic Downtown Wytheville - Where the LOVE is!


Bolling Wilson Hotel


$50,000.00



My Bristol Visit


Bristol Convention & Visitors Bureau


$27,340.00



More of What Matters Campaign


Mecklenburg County Tourism Office


$11,716.50



Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival


Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest


$5,000.00



New River Valley Trail Guide


New River Valley Planning District Commission


$3,000.00



Rappahannock River Community Branding


Town of Kilmarnock


$13,300.00



Bluegrass, Barbecue & Brew Festival at Patrick Henry's Red Hill


Red Hill, Patrick Henry National Memorial


$3,057.00



Hunter's Raid Civil War Trail


Lexington and Rockbridge Area Tourism


$3,500.00



Believe in Bristol Digital Marketing Platform


Believe in Bristol


$10,000.00



Find Your Sweet Spot In Highland County


Highland County Economic Development Authority


$6,500.00



Virginia Science Festival


Science Museum of Western Virginia


$24,707.50



Fall Oyster Fests on Virginia's Eastern Shore


Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission


$4,750.00



Route 5 Tourism Website and Take 5! Marketing Campaign


The Route 5 Corridor Coalition


$3,124.50



Richmond Garden Trail


Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden


$2,900.00



Promoting the Shenandoah Valley as a Green Wedding Destination


Hermitage Hill Farm & Stables


$5,000.00



Virginia is for "Opera" Lovers


Virginia Opera


$50,000.00



Salvage Dawgs Weekend Getaway


Black Dog Salvage


$4,750.00



Smith Mountain Lake Online Marketing and Responsive Website


Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce


$9,878.00



Tom Tom Founders Festival


Tom Tom Foundation


$50,000.00



Explore the Depths…Newport News Museums Revealed!


The Mariners' Museum


$10,000.00



Declare Your Independence with a Northern Neck Getaway


Stratford Hall - the Robert E. Lee Memorial Association


$10,000.00



"Come Play Outdoors!" Shenandoah County Outdoor Recreation


Shenandoah County


$4,760.00



Big Stone Gap The Movie Regional Promotion Phase II


Town of Big Stone Gap


$12,580.50



It’s Always Playtime in Abingdon - TV and Digital Campaign


Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau


$50,000.00



Northern Virginia Canadian Marketing Campaign


Northern Virginia Visitors Consortium


$9,375.00



Engaging Visitors all Across Virginia's Artisan and Oyster Trails


Artisan Center of Virginia


$23,225.00



Bringing Castleton to the World


Castleton Festival


$50,000.00



Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k Marketing Initiative


Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers


$25,000.00



Choose Your Own (Staunton) Adventure


American Shakespeare Center


$3,627.00



Find Yourself in the Heart of Southwest Virginia


Russell County Board of Supervisors


$5,000.00



Virginia Fall Foliage Art Show


Fall Foliage Festival Art Show


$4,650.00



NoVa Loves the Blues


Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization


$2,750.00

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Governor McAuliffe Signs SB362 Allowing the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to Bring Entrepreneurs into State Government

At New Richmond Ventures, Governor McAuliffe signed SB362 which allows the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to coordinate with the private sector on issues related to entrepreneurship, and to solicit input on creative solutions to ongoing government issues.  The bill is the latest effort by the Governor to promote entrepreneurs, encourage startups, and diversify the economy.

The bill, patroned by Senator Dick Saslaw, and its companion bill HB321 patroned by Delegate Steve Landes passed with unanimous support through both chambers of the General Assembly.  The bill received enthusiastic support from Virginia Commonwealth University along with the private sector.

“This legislation is an example of Democrats and Republicans coming together to find creative solutions to the problems facing the Commonwealth today,” said Governor McAuliffe as he signed the bill.  “In addition, this bill harnesses the most important asset of our rapidly diversifying new economy: entrepreneurs.” 

“Entrepreneurs are a key component to creating a strong and diverse economy,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “We are committed to ensuring that Virginia becomes the top state in the nation in which to start a business.”

“This new law opens the door for the private sector and state government to work hand in hand on economic issues facing the Commonwealth,” said Senator Dick Saslaw. “Bringing successful business models in to state agencies, can only enhance services for Virginians.”

"This legislation is not only a perfect example of bipartisan cooperation and support, but it will bring about the possibility of true business practices to Virginia's Government,” added Delegate Steve Landes.

Under the new law, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade is allowed to:

·       Open a pilot program to improve outreach by the state government to the private sector

·       Bring private sector entrepreneurs into state agencies in order to streamline their processes

·       Contract with a public institution of higher education for the management of the program

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Tourism Revenues Exceeded $21.5 Billion in 2013

~ New statewide data shows 1.4 percent increase over 2012 ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia generated $21.5 billion in revenue from tourists in 2013, a 1.4 percent increase over 2012. In 2013, tourism in Virginia supported 213,000 jobs, an increase of 1.4 percent in employment, and provided more than $1.42 billion in state and local taxes. 

“Tourism is an important industry that will continue to fuel the New Virginia Economy,”said Governor McAuliffe. 

“Virginia continues to offer a dynamic, rich experience for visitors, which helps to make the Commonwealth a better place to live, work and raise a family. Virginia’s tourism economy is an enormous asset for this Commonwealth, and continuing to grow it is one of my top priorities.”

“Virginia is a uniquely attractive destination for visitors, offering a wide array of travel choices. From hiking the Peaks of Otter, to strolling through historic cities and towns in Northern Virginia, to rafting across Class IV rapids in our Capitol city, the Commonwealth offers everything you love about vacation,” said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “While Virginia presents an exciting experience for visitors, the tourism industry offers solid, good-paying jobs for our citizens and contributes billions to our economy.”

The Virginia Tourism Corporation is the state agency responsible for marketing Virginia to visitors and promoting the Virginia is for Lovers brand. Virginia is for Lovers is the longest-running state tourism slogan in the country. Virginia is for Lovers stands for love, pure and simple, and promotes the state as the ideal destination for loved ones to completely connect on a great vacation. Virginia is for Lovers was named one of the top 10 tourism marketing campaigns of all time by Forbes and was inducted into the National Advertising Walk of Fame in 2009.

Love is at the heart of every Virginia vacation. Go to http://www.virginia.org/ and start planning a trip or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free, Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide.

Autumn is a great time to “fall in love” in Virginia. Discover (or re-discover) what makes Virginia magical this fall. http://www.virginia.org/fall/

___________________________________________________________________________

The Virginia Tourism Corporation receives its annual economic impact data from the U.S. Travel Association.  The information is based on domestic visitor spending (travelers from within the United States) from per-person trips taken 50 miles or more away from home. Detailed economic impact data by locality is available on www.vatc.org under Research.

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