Friday, October 10, 2014

GMSA and GMSPT Have Created GRLF Revolving Loan Fund, Watch Your Investment Disappear?



The folks who run the Gloucester Main Street Association and the Gloucester Main Street Preservation Trust have developed a new way to get at potential business investors money.  It's called the GLFR, or Gloucester Revolving Loan Fund.  All hail BAAL for that.  These folks want you to invest in the dead area of Gloucester Main street.  A place with minimal parking at best, where the sidewalks barely meet residential standards, never mind commercial standards and there are areas considered potentially dangerous to pedestrians as the slopes on the sidewalks do not meet specs based on our research.  

  This is an area that has a lot of new business turnover as most people can not make a go of it here.  One must ask why.  Simple, no parking and no chance of ever attracting an anchor business.  An anchor business is pretty much a large retailer that has the capability of attracting large amounts of traffic into it's store and all the other stores in the area will hopefully benefit from the extra traffic in the area by offering complimentary goods and or services not carried by the anchor store.

  Not to take anything away from the well established businesses on Main Street, there are some wonderful shops there if you do not mind the lack of parking and poor pedestrian walkways throughout the area.  But look at what has been built in the area over the past decade and you will see that the only thing that might prove viable is senior service providers and if the population does go up with seniors, then maybe one candy store can make it in this environment.  I would not bank on anything else.  

  What also tickles our funny bone about the statements coming out of the Main Street Preservation Trust is their commitment to preserving main street.  Take a look at the present structures around the area and explain to us where preservation exists.  Look at the rents for the area and they are way to high for such poor traffic.  Most of the businesses that went out of business all complained of no customers or not enough customers to support the business.  

  So you want to go broke trying to make money on Main Street?  There are much better options and at better prices in other areas of the county where you are more likely to get traffic into your business.  If you listen to the hype these folks want to sell you, it all sounds rosy.  Your best bet is to walk the entire Main street area for one day and talk to present business owners and actually pay attention to everything you see.  You may save yourself a fortune and much heart ache.  Just be careful around these folks who want to give you such nice loans, they can sell ice to an Eskimo and water to fish.  And they can make everything very easy and handle all the paper work for you.  Just don't miss any payments even after you have gone belly up and have nothing left.  Isn't that just great news?


Link to all the wonderful news.  All hail BAAL!  And you even get to bow before the great BAAL when entering their office at their wonderful BAAL shopping center on Main Street.  Where our public library is as well.  That's just so special how they thought of all these wonderful ideas ahead of time.  Just remember, anyone after your money is going to be very helpful and offer more than you ever expected, that is until all your money is gone.  Then you get to see they are not sheep.  And you thought they were as gentle as lambs?

Canadian Banking Fraud? See What This 12 Year Old Girl Knows.




Amazing video.  This 12 year old girl knows more about world banking and finances than most people will ever understand because most people do NOT want to know what is really happening.  She talks about the Canadian banking system, however, it applies to just about all banking systems throughout the world.  Think the US is any different?  No way.  There are some interesting arguments on the comments of the video.  It's amazing how many people have no clue and will argue to no end on issues they simply do not understand.

  One area where agreement is made, this 12 year old seems rather well trained.  Does she actually understand what she is saying?  It's a tough question.  Is paper money actually a debt?  Well if you read the wording on paper money, then you will quickly realize that it is in fact a debt and not a currency.  Coinage is a currency.  Paper money is a debt.

Federal Reserve Notes are the only type of U.S. banknote currently produced.[1] Federal Reserve Notes are authorized by Section 16 of the Federal Reserve Act of 1913(codified at 12 U.S.C. § 411) and are issued to the Federal Reserve Banks at the discretion of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.[2] The notes are then put into circulation by the Federal Reserve Banks,[3] at which point they become liabilities of the Federal Reserve Banks[4] and obligations of the United States.[2]

Federal Reserve Notes are legal tender, with the words "this note is legal tender for all debts, public and private" printed on each note. (See generally 31 U.S.C. § 5103.) They have replaced United States Notes, which were once issued by the Treasury Department. Federal Reserve Notes are backed by the assets of theFederal Reserve Banks, which serve as collateral under Federal Reserve Act Section 16. These assets are generally Treasury securities which have been purchased by the Federal Reserve through its Federal Open Market Committee in a process called debt monetizing. (See Monetization.) This monetized debt can increase the money supply, either with the issuance of new Federal Reserve Notes or with the creation of debt money (deposits). This increase in the monetary base leads to larger increase in the money supply through the fractional-reserve banking as deposits are lent and re-deposited where they form the basis of further loans. (Wait, I thought that paper money was backed by the good faith and credit of the people of the United States?)


(Source:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Reserve_Note )

Now that you understand what paper money is, wait, are you sure you understand what paper money is?  Do you really understand what the above is saying to you?  You can go through all the links above and try to educate yourself to the best of your ability, but chances are very high that you will be more confused than you already are.  That's okay, it's designed to be confusing.  We highlighted a key area for you to really ponder upon however.  It's the Debt Monetizing.  Wait, wouldn't that make paper money a debt obligation and not a currency?  Play this game any way you want and you can control the economics of the country that this system is set up in.  You can create economic downturns or economic booms.  It matters not.  It only matters what those in control want to do.  Sorry, you get no vote in this.


Lincoln memorial cent, with the S mintmark of ...
Lincoln memorial cent, with the S mintmark of the San Francisco mint. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)




Let's hear it for the penny.  Actual US currency.  Maybe it's time to reconsider matters?  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Currency  Some interesting further reading.  You might learn something new.  

Governor McAuliffe Announces Stone Brewing Co. to Establish Operation in the City of Richmond

Beers of Stone Brewing Company
Beers of Stone Brewing Company (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Company to invest $74 million and create more than 288 new jobs ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Stone Brewing Co., the 10th largest craft brewer in the United States, will, pending city approvals next week, invest $74 million to construct a production brewery, packaging hall, destination restaurant, gardens, retail store and administrative offices in the City of Richmond. Virginia was selected among more than 20 states that submitted proposals after Stone’s request for proposal was sent out in January. 

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Today’s announcement marks the fruition of months of partnership and aggressive efforts to show Stone Brewing Co. that Virginia is the best state for its new craft beer production and hospitality facility. The company received submissions from more than 20 states, and the Commonwealth of Virginia was selected. This competitive, high-profile project really puts Virginia on the map and cements our standing as a serious player in the craft beer industry. In addition to Stone’s significant investment and more than 288 new jobs, the far-reaching economic benefits of this operation are innumerable. The City of Richmond offers the infrastructure, available site and building, and natural resources that will allow the company to thrive and grow, and we are confident that Stone will benefit from the Commonwealth’s excellent business environment for years to come. Today is an achievement of great magnitude, and we are thrilled to welcome Stone Brewing Co. to Virginia.”

“Having the 10th largest craft brewer in the United States choose the Commonwealth for an operation of this size and stature is a true testament to Virginia’s ability to compete at the highest level when it comes to attracting world-class businesses to our state,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  “This announcement is a result of the great teamwork of the state, the City of Richmond and Stone Brewing, and that teamwork will be the key to success of this business and the Commonwealth in the 21st Century. Today is a great day for economic development in Virginia, and we look forward to a strong corporate partnership with Stone Brewing Co. in the City of Richmond.”

"Stone Brewing Co.’s decision is a huge win for Richmond and Virginia as we become bigger players in the nation's fast growing craft beer industry, which saw sales increase by 17.2%, last year," said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, also noting that the U.S has more than 2,700 craft breweries. "Stone's presence in Virginia, along with our outstanding existing craft breweries, will undoubtedly enhance the Commonwealth's position in the industry and in the research and production of hops, a huge potential cash crop for our agricultural producers. In addition, Stone’s strong commitment to sustainability and sourcing local ingredients in all of their operations will mean long-term benefits for Virginia’s agricultural producers.”

Founded by Greg Koch and Steve Wagner in 1996, San Diego-based Stone Brewing Co. is the 10th largest craft brewer in the United States. Stone has been listed on the Inc. 500 | 5000 Fastest Growing Private Companies list 10 times, and has been called the “All-time Top Brewery on Planet Earth” by BeerAdvocate magazine twice. The multi-faceted company will be the first American craft brewer to independently own and operate facilities in Berlin, Germany once the brewery is operational in late 2015. Known for its bold, flavorful and largely hop-centric beers, Stone has earned a reputation for brewing outstanding, unique beers while maintaining an unwavering commitment to sustainability, business ethics, philanthropy and the art of brewing.

“The search for our location east of the Mississippi River was no easy endeavor,” said Stone President and Co-founder Steve Wagner. “We received and reviewed hundreds of proposals, visited more than 40 sites, and received quite a bit of attention from communities and craft beer fans. The three finalist cities each provided diverse offerings, however, we decided to begin next-step negotiations with Richmond because of their ability to meet our extensive site requirements, subject to the city’s approval. We also feel that Richmond’s vibrant energy and impressive craft beer culture, along with the uniqueness of the property, will allow us to create a truly memorable Stone experience for our fans. We are honored by the amount of time and effort all the communities that submitted proposals put forth, and we want to specifically thank Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe and Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones for welcoming us.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Richmond to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffeapproved a $5 million grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist the City of Richmond with the project. The company will also be eligible to receive up to a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID), administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, depending on its procurement and use of Virginia grown products in its operations.The company will also receive 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.

“We are thrilled about Stone's decision to choose Richmond as its East Coast production and distribution facility location,” said Richmond Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “After competing with more than 20 other states, we are so pleased that Stone has discovered those attributes that make Richmond a great place to do business. The fact that they have chosen a site in the Greater Fulton Community underscores their understanding of the rich history and natural assets that we have to offer. As they bring their unique craft beer and visionary business model here, I look forward to the many opportunities that lay ahead with Stone.”

###

Since the beginning of the McAuliffe Administration, 179 economic development deals have been closed in Virginia with over $4.5 billion in capital investment, the largest amount of capital investment brought to the Commonwealth in any Governor's first nine months in office.
(How much from the hard work of former governor McDonnell?  Let's also not forget all the companies that have left or closed and the sell outs to China?) 


Governor McAuliffe Awards Extended School Year Planning and Start-Up Grants to 13 School Divisions

Terry McAuliffe, former chairman of the Democr...
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor Terry McAuliffe today awarded more than $1.6 million in state extended school year grants to support the development and implementation of year-round instructional programs in 29 schools in 13 school divisions.

The Extended School Year Grant Program was created by the 2013 General Assembly in response to an October 2012 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) report on the effectiveness of year-round school programs in raising student achievement, especially among historically under-performing student subgroups.

The JLARC report, which analyzed 2001-2009 Standards of Learning (SOL) test data, concluded that the scores of historically under-performing student groups were more likely to improve at a faster rate in year-round schools than in schools following traditional calendars.

“Building a new Virginia economy requires innovative approaches to improving our education system, and this is exactly what these school divisions have done as they embrace the year-round instructional models.”Governor McAuliffe said. “Every student who is able to perform at grade level or above as a result of year-round instruction is another student who will have access to greater opportunities to learn and succeed.”

“Year-round instruction is not a cure-all that will make achievement gaps disappear,” Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve R. Staples said.“But the evidence so far suggests that it can make a difference among students who are particularly susceptible to learning loss during the traditional summer break.”

Extended year start-up grants were awarded to the following divisions to support year-round programs that began in 2014-2015:
·       Galax — $210,723.53 for Galax Elementary, Galax High and Galax Middle
·       Henrico County — $197,546.45 for the College Readiness Center at L. Douglas Wilder Middle
·       Petersburg — $267,492.55 for A.P. Hill Elementary and Peabody Middle

The following divisions were awarded start-up grants for year-round programs scheduled to begin in 2015-2016:
·       Gloucester County — $44,943 for Abingdon Elementary
·       Goochland County — $46,374.85 for either Byrd Elementary, Goochland Elementary or Randolph Elementary
·       Roanoke — $397,259.44 for Fallon Park Elementary, Hurt Park Elementary and Westside Elementary

Extended year planning grants were awarded to the following divisions to support the development of new year-round programs:
·       Harrisonburg — $41,625 for Spotswood Elementary
·       Manassas Park — $50,000 for Cougar Elementary, Manassas Park Elementary, Manassas Park High and Manassas Park Middle
·       Radford — $25,000 for Belle Heth Elementary, Dalton Intermediate, McHarg Elementary and Radford High

Planning grants also were awarded to the following divisions with existing year-round programs, as allowed by the 2014 Appropriation Act:
·       Bristol — $47,905 for Highland View Elementary, Joseph Van Pelt Elementary, Stonewall Jackson Elementary, Virginia Middle and Washington-Lee Elementary
·       Henrico County — $50,000 for Baker Elementary, John Rolfe Middle and Varina High
·       Loudoun County — $40,720.18 for Middleburg Community Charter School
·       Lynchburg — $50,000 for W.M. Bass Elementary
·       Petersburg — $100,000 for A.P. Hill Elementary School and Peabody Middle
·       Richmond — $43,722 for Patrick Henry School of Science and Arts

The 2014 General Assembly authorized up to $1 million during 2014-2015 and $2.4 million during 2015-2016 for start-up grants of up to $300,000 per year. The 2014 Appropriations Act gives priority to the following: school divisions that received extended year planning grants during 2013-2014; a pilot college-readiness program at L. Douglas Wilder Middle in Henrico County; and schools not meeting state and federal achievement and accountability standards. 

The 2014 Appropriation Act also authorized $613,312 during both 2014-2015 and 2015-2016 in year-round school planning grants of up to $50,000 per year, with priority for schools not meeting state and federal achievement and accountability standards.


Governor McAuliffe and Steve Forbes Host Celebration of the Release of Virginia Section in 2014 Forbes 400 Magazine Issue

English: Derek Jeter
English: Derek Jeter (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~More than 150 New York-area businessmen and women attend reception during Governor’s economic development marketing mission~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced this week the release of a Virginia advertising section that appears in the 2014 Forbes 400 magazine issue. The Governor and Mr. Steve Forbes, Chairman and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Media, hosted an event in New York City to celebrate the advertising section and Virginia’s continued recognition by Forbes.com as a Best State for Business. More than 150 New York-area businessmen and women attended the reception at The Forbes Galleries in New York City.

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “It was my distinct honor to co-host a reception with Steve Forbes to celebrate Virginia’s continued recognition as a top state for business, and the release of a special Virginia section in Forbes magazine’s annual Forbes 400 issue. The Commonwealth’s relationship with Forbes Media is long-standing and valuable, and it is gratifying that Virginia’s outstanding business climate is consistently recognized by an objective third party. We look forward to sharing Virginia’s strong business story with an international audience in the special section, and, as we advance our plan for a new Virginia economy, we are confident that the Commonwealth will maintain a leadership position in the coming years.”

“The Governor’s reception with Steve Forbes was a tremendous occasion to really demonstrate to all of the businessmen and women in attendance why Virginia is a great place to do business,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Forbes Media reaches theworld’s most powerful people, and we look forward to the Virginia section targeting this audience to promote our business costs, labor supply, regulatory climate, economic climate, quality of life, and economic growth prospects.”

Steve Forbes addressed the audience, touting Virginia’s excellent business environment and assets, and the Governor’s ability to aggressively promote economic development in the Commonwealth.

“Virginia has many attributes that make it attractive to business, and it is my pleasure to showcase this leading state within the pages of the Forbes400 issue. Virginia's profit-friendly environmment and economic development program are models for success,” said Forbes. He went on to add, “Governor Terry McAuliffe is the Derek Jeter of economic development.”

Forbes Media is a media, branding and technology company that today reaches approximately 75 million people worldwide with its business message through print, digital, TV, conferences, research, social and mobile each month.  Publications include Forbes magazine, a leading business magazine with a circulation of more than 900,000 in the U.S. Other publications include Forbes Asia, Forbes Europe, ForbesLife, a luxury lifestyle publication, and Forbes licensee editions published in over 30 countries.  Forbes.com, launched in 1996, reaches almost 60 million unique visitors (according to Google Analytics).  The company’s growth has also been fueled by new brand extensions, including conferences, real estate, education, financial services and technology agreements.


Governor McAuliffe Statement on U.S. District Court’s Redistricting Ruling

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement in response to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia’s decision declaring Virginia’s congressional map unconstitutional:

“Today’s ruling demonstrates the need to get partisan politics out of how Virginia draws its legislative boundaries.

“The court’s order to redraw our congressional map is an opportunity to emerge with a map that reflects the best interests of Virginia families, not the political interests of the people drawing the lines.

“I hope my friends in the General Assembly will join me in taking this opportunity to draw districts that are more compact, contiguous, and reflective of the shared interests that unite many of our communities.”

Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Order Directing State Agencies to Comply with Same-Sex Marriage Ruling

Girls in Small Black Bikinis and Bras at the A...
. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since There Is No State Oversight, State Agencies Can Ignore This Order?  We Would Recommend Yes!


Today Governor Terry McAuliffe signed Executive Order #30, directing all Virginia state agencies, authorities, commissions and other entities to make the necessary policy changes to comply with yesterday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision not to review the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision legalizing gay marriage in Virginia. The text of the Executive Order is as follows:



NUMBER THIRTY (2014)





Importance of the Issue

            The highest priority of state government should be to guarantee every person’s right to live, learn, work, and do business, regardless of their race, gender, creed or sexual orientation. This principle guided my first act as Governor when I signed Executive Order #1 banning discrimination in the state workplace based on sexual orientation or gender identity. This principle also guided the Virginia leaders, advocates and allies who fought for marriage equality and won when the Supreme Court declined to review the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals’ ruling inBostic v. Schaefer. Same-sex marriage is now legal in Virginia. This is a historic and long overdue moment for our Commonwealth and our country.

            The decision has opened new doors to my administration’s guiding principle of equality. An open and welcoming environment is imperative to grow as a Commonwealth, and to build a new Virginia economy that will attract vital businesses, innovative entrepreneurs, and thriving families.

            On issues ranging from recognizing same-sex marriages to extending health care benefits to same-sex spouses of state employees, state government is already well-prepared to implement this landmark decision. My administration will act quickly to continue to bring all of our policies and practices into compliance so that we can give married same-sex couples the full array of benefits they deserve. 

            Pursuant to the authority vested in me as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth, and pursuant to Article V of the Constitution and the laws of Virginia, I hereby order, effective immediately, that all entities in the executive branch, including agencies, authorities, commissions, departments, and all institutions of higher education further evaluate all policies and take all necessary and appropriate legal measures to comply with this decision.  

In addition, the Director of the Department of Human Resource Management shall notify all state agencies that employees whose same-sex marriage is recognized as legal in the Commonwealth, and who are eligible, may enroll their spouse and eligible dependents in the health benefits program for state employees within sixty (60) days of marriage.

            A full and complete report of all appropriate measures will be reviewed by the Counselor to the Governor and presented to the Governor on or before November 15, 2014.

Effective Date of the Executive Order
            This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing, and shall remain in full force and effect unless amended or rescinded by further executive order.
            Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 7th day of October, 2014.


                                                                                                                                                      ___________________________________
Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor






Attest:            




_________________________________
     Secretary of the Commonwealth

Governor McAuliffe Statement on Supreme Court’s Gay Marriage Decision

Kissing girls.
Kissing girls. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What Happens At The Beginning Of The Fall Of Every Great Civilization:


Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement today on the U.S. Supreme Court’s denial of a writ of certiorari in the case that overturned Virginia’s ban on gay marriages:

“This is a historic and long overdue moment for our Commonwealth and our country. On issues ranging from recognizing same-sex marriages to extending health care benefits to same-sex spouses of state employees, Virginia is already well-prepared to implement this historic decision. Going forward we will act quickly to continue to bring all of our policies and practices into compliance so that we can give marriages between same-sex partners the full faith and credit they deserve.”

“I applaud all of the Virginians who gave so much time and effort in the fight for equality, and congratulate my friend Attorney General Mark Herring on this important victory for justice and equal treatment under the law.

Equality for all men and women regardless of their race, color, creed or sexual orientation is intrinsic to the values that make us Virginians, and now it is officially inscribed in our laws as well.”

{A complete violation of the Virginia Constitution.  Thanks for nothing to Governor McAuliffe and Mark (Red) Herring.}