Governor McAuliffe announces 16% economic impact increase of the Virginia Film Industry in 2013

~ AMC’s “TURN,” National Geographic’s “Killing Kennedy” among most significant projects ~

RICHMOND -- Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that the total economic impact of the film industry in Virginia in 2013 was $382.5 million, providing $19.4 million in state and local tax revenue for the Commonwealth.  This is a 16% increase from 2012 when the economic impact was $328.4 million.   In 2013, a total of 2,014 full-time jobs were available in the film industry.    

Among the major projects filmed in Virginia in 2013 were Killing Kennedy for the National Geographic Channel and the AMC television series TURN: Washington’s Spies.  Feature-length films included The Field of Lost Shoes, filmed in Lexington and Richmond, and Big Stone Gap,filmed in Wise County.  Significant TV production activity occurred in the Hampton Roads area, locally-produced indie feature films worked around Roanoke and Lynchburg, and Northern Virginia hosted a portion of the major motion picture Foxcatcher – releasing this weekend.  

“I am pleased to see Virginia’s film industry growing, which helps boost our local economy,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “Bringing jobs and revenue to the Commonwealth is my top priority, and the sixteen percent increase shows that our incentive program has been successful in generating more business and jobs for the Commonwealth.”

Many productions filmed in Virginia benefit from incentive programs designed to support the Commonwealth’s film production industry while making the filming experience in Virginia as economical and efficient as possible for production groups that choose Virginia for their projects.

Virginia has two separate incentive funds. One is the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund, which is a grant fund. The other is the Virginia Motion Picture Tax Credit fund, which is a refundable tax credit program.  In addition to the incentive funds, the Commonwealth also has a Sales and Use Tax Exemption that applies to the purchase of production related supplies and equipment. 

“Film and television production provide solid, good-paying jobs, and the industry has proven to be important for the diversification of our economy.” said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  “This is an asset we have that we need to maximize for continued growth.”

“We are particularly interested in continuing to bring episodic television series to Virginia,” said Andy Edmunds, Director of the Virginia Film Office.  “These productions stay longer, hire more Virginians, and provide a greater impact on the economy.  With the support of the Governor and the General Assembly, I believe that TURN: Washington’s Spies will be the first of many major TV series that will choose Virginia.” 

The economic impact data was collected in a November 2014 study by Fletcher Mangum of Mangum Economics, based on information from the Virginia Employment Commission and the Virginia Film Office.

The Virginia Film Office is a division of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2013, visitors spent $21.5 billion, supporting 213,000 jobs and contributing $1.42 billion in state and local taxes.

(Hope you do not mind that we are taking credit for what another Governor did before we got into office.  We do deserve to after all don't we?  Besides, he got arrested and went to jail.)

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Governor McAuliffe Kicks off Open Enrollment

Governor Terry McAuliffe kicked off this year’s open enrollment for the Federal Marketplace, promising to take an aggressive role in helping eligible Virginians sign up for high-quality, affordable health insurance.

“Quality and affordable health care is a basic necessity for healthy families and a strong economy,”Governor McAuliffe said during a press conference at the Vernon J. Harris Medical and Dental Center in Richmond. My goal is to enroll up to 160,000 Virginians in affordable health coverage between now and February 15. I want to make sure all Virginians who want help can get the in-person assistance they need to choose the right plans for themselves and their families.”

Open enrollment on the Federal Marketplace this year runs from November 15 through February 15. Last year, 216,000 Virginians went online and purchased health plans at healthcare.gov. Another 300,000 state residents qualify for tax credits on the Marketplace but remain uninsured.

Virginia was awarded a $9.3 million federal grant to fund more than 100 enrollment assisters across the Commonwealth. Those assisters are being hired through the Virginia Community Healthcare Association’s member health centers and the Virginia Poverty Law Center through its Enroll Virginia initiative, as well as other community partners.

“Virginia’s federally qualified health centers and the Virginia Poverty Law Center have long been valuable partners with state leaders in improving health care for Virginians,” said Dr. Bill Hazel, Secretary of Health and Human Resources. “I look forward to building on this great collaborative relationship. Together we will improve thousands of lives across the Commonwealth.”

A separate $4.3 million federal grant is funding additional outreach and educational activities, as well as a major media campaign this winter.

Radio, bus and digital ads will begin in December. Television ads promoting health coverage will begin airing in January.

On Thursday, Governor McAuliffe unveiled an improved, more user-friendly website atcoverva.org, which will guide qualified individuals to healthcare.gov to enroll in insurance plans and educate them about their options. The new website will launch on Saturday, the first day of the open enrollment period for the Federal Marketplace, and is operated by the Department of Medical Assistance Services. A related Facebook page and Twitter account, @coverva, are already in operation.

One of the new features on the website will help individuals find assisters located in their communities or nearby.

The website also will assist individuals who qualify for Medicaid and the Family Access to Medical Insurance Security, or FAMIS, Virginia’s insurance program for children. DMAS also has opened a new processing center to make sure applications for people eligible for Medicaid and FAMIS are processed efficiently.

(The hidden tax you never wanted but are now forced to pay into.)

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Construction Begins for Amtrak Service to Roanoke

~ Northeast Regional service expanding in Virginia ~

RICHMOND –  Governor McAuliffe announced that the Commonwealth of Virginia, Amtrak, Norfolk Southern and the City of Roanoke are beginning the first phase of construction for the platform that will serve intercity passenger rail service to the Star City.

Amtrak service to the city will be an extension of the successful Northeast Regional train from Lynchburg and is anticipated to start in 2017. The service will provide a same-seat trip from Roanoke to Lynchburg, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and cities as far north as Boston. 

“Bringing passenger rail service back to Roanoke will be an enormous economic driver for the region and the entire Commonwealth,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I look forward to working with the parties involved to get this project completed so that Virginia families and our economy can benefit from this expanded service as soon as possible.” 

It has been 34 years since intercity passenger rail service has served Roanoke.

“Construction is a major development in our efforts to bring Amtrak service to Roanoke,” said Jennifer Mitchell, Director of the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.“This new service is an example of the significant expansion of the Commonwealth’s passenger rail service. I appreciate the commitment of Amtrak, Norfolk Southern and the City of Roanoke to make this new service a reality.”

Virginia continues its ongoing commitment to congestion mitigation by offering the public alternate transportation choices to driving on congested highway corridors like I-81, Route 29, I-95, and Route 460 while expanding mobility and increasing connectivity for travel throughout the regions served by and along the Northeast Corridor.

“There is high demand for passenger rail service in Virginia as demonstrated by considerable ridership growth throughout the Commonwealth,” said Jay McArthur, Amtrak Principal Officer, State Partnerships. “We have developed a strong partnership with the Commonwealth and look forward to Roanoke as another service expansion in Virginia’s successful rail program, providing passengers with a convenient and pleasant service to Washington and other Northeast Corridor destinations.”

Roanoke is the latest step for Virginia to lead the way as one of the few states in the country to successfully negotiate the addition of new intercity passenger rail service in major rail corridors, balancing freight and economic development needs with additional intercity passenger rail options.

“Norfolk Southern and DRPT have a track record of success in implementing passenger service in Virginia,” said James A. Hixon, Executive Vice President, Law and Corporate Relations, Norfolk Southern Corporation. “We have made investments in our network, here in Roanoke and across the state, to ensure that passenger service is done safely and efficiently.”

“Given our history as a railroad town, the return of passenger rail is very exciting for the citizens of Roanoke,” said Roanoke Mayor David A. Bowers. “We are thrilled to see this initiative move forward, and anticipate the time when passenger service will once again be available to those who want to make connections, both inside and outside The Star City.”

(Never mind improving highways or building better roads.  Never mind the high fuel prices.  Traffic is actually down yet congestion is up?  How does that work?)

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Governor McAuliffe announces new digital gateway to connect Chinese travelers to Virginia

English: Main Terminal of in Virginia, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Launch of new Chinese-language landing page will help travelers plan their next visit to Virginia~

(We need someway to provide Chinese investors a chance to visit their new purchases of Virginia and America)

RICHMOND –  Governor Terry McAuliffe announced yet another gateway connecting Chinese travelers to Virginia with the creation of a brand new landing page on the state’s tourism website, Virginia.org. The landing page, virginia.org/china, will provide Chinese travelers with unprecedented access to curated itineraries and resources, including information about the region’s rich history, diverse shopping opportunities, iconic cultural experiences, incredible outdoor activities, and award-winning culinary offerings. Additionally, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) has produced a 15-page brochure which provides the Chinese traveler with a suggested six-day itinerary. All resources are provided in Chinese.

The new landing page is the 16^th of its kind. VTC’s international landing pages currently welcomes visitors from countries like France, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, and Japan, each in the respective country’s official language.

With China as one of Virginia’s top emerging markets, Governor McAuliffe has recognized the importance of launching new initiatives to build Virginia’s economic bridge to China. The creation of the landing page follows a successful collaboration earlier this year with Air China, and the establishment of new nonstop flights between Beijing and Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The new air route is expected to bring in an additional 16,000 tourists and business travelers to the capital region annually, which will result in 24,000 additional hotel room nights and $14 million in local spending annually.

As part of the memorandum of understanding with Air China, today Governor McAuliffe met with eight Chinese tour operators visiting Virginia as part of a familiarization tour in Virginia Beach. The purpose of this tour is to create awareness of the exceptional travel experiences and tourism products that are available around the Commonwealth for Chinese travelers.

“The Commonwealth of Virginia has a longstanding and productive relationship with China, and I am passionately committed to expanding that relationship,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “There is great opportunity to continue building strong partnerships and a powerful bridge to connect our two great countries. These new resources will help unite businesses, friends, families, and universities, and will help us to continually improve our communication to Chinese travelers.”

“International tourism is one of our strongest markets, and one that has incredible growth opportunity,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “The estimated economic impact of Air China alone is evidence of just how important these partnerships are to the new Virginia economy. It is our hope that these new resources will continue to create opportunities for Chinese travelers to experience all Virginia has to offer for many years to come.”

Tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2013, travelers spent $21.5 billion, supporting 213,000 jobs and provided more than $1.42 billion in state and local taxes.

To learn more about Virginia’s international marketing efforts, please visit: http://www.virginia.org/international/.

(Selling out our country for fun and profit.)

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Governor McDonnell Announces Signed Agreement to Extend Amtrak Virginia Service to Roanoke

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Train Travel Will Return to Star City for First Time in 34 Years

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Norfolk Southern Corporation have entered into an agreement to improve rail related infrastructure between Lynchburg and Roanoke. The improvements will allow passenger rail to once again serve the Roanoke Region. Governor McDonnell’s 2013 transportation funding plan was instrumental in funding the return of intercity passenger rail service to Roanoke.

“DRPT and Norfolk Southern continue their strong partnership to advance intercity passenger rail service in the state of Virginia,” said Governor McDonnell. “Intercity passenger rail service is central to the Commonwealth’s economic growth, vitality and competitiveness in the region. Now the major population centers will have intercity passenger rail service.”

“The historic transportation bill has opened the door for continued expansion and growth of intercity passenger rail service in the State. The extension of intercity passenger train service from Lynchburg to Roanoke would not be possible without passage of this legislation,” said Virginia Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.

“During this administration, new train service to Norfolk, and funding for the continuation of six state regional trains occurred,” said Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT). “With the signing of this agreement, the State will be able to extend Amtrak Virginia daily intercity passenger train service to Roanoke within four years with direct same seat service to as far north as Boston.”

Wick Moorman, Norfolk Southern Chairman and CEO, stated, “Norfolk Southern is proud to expand our partnership with DRPT and the Commonwealth. Virginia’s leadership enables both passenger mobility and economic development through a strong rail network.”

“The signing of the agreement between Norfolk Southern and the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is an important milestone in bringing Amtrak rail service to our community. This is a tremendous accomplishment for the Commonwealth, the Roanoke Valley region, and our city, and with this signed agreement we can accelerate the return of passenger rail to the valley,” said Roanoke City Mayor David A. Bowers.

Included in this agreement are track additions and realignments, signal and communication upgrades along the route, clearance adjustments, and a platform and train servicing facility in downtown Roanoke.  Design work will begin immediately. In another effort funded by the Commonwealth and Norfolk Southern, the downtown Roanoke rail connections are currently being reconfigured to improve the flow of train traffic through Roanoke, which is a prerequisite to reintroducing passenger rail service.

Known as the “Amtrak Virginia” partnership, Roanoke is the latest step for the Commonwealth to lead the way as one of the few states in the country to successfully negotiate the addition of new intercity passenger rail service in major rail corridors, balancing freight and economic development needs with additional intercity passenger rail options.

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Governor McDonnell Announces Amtrak Ridership Grows

  c 2005 joseph barillari (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Since 2009, Ridership on Virginia’s State-supported Amtrak Intercity Passenger Trains Has Almost Doubled~

Staples Mill Road station busiest in Virginia

 

RICHMOND - Today, Governor Bob McDonnell announced Amtrak Virginia service continues to grow year and after year, delivering statewide benefits, providing vital transportation services, advancing the Commonwealth’s economy, and demonstrating the value and convenience of intercity passenger rail.

           “The impressive increase in Amtrak Virginia ridership demonstrates why the state has become more involved with providing additional transportation choices for citizens of the Commonwealth,” said Governor McDonnell. “It is clear that Virginians embrace the idea of passenger rail and we are pleased to be able to continue to expand intercity passenger rail service, most recently to Norfolk, and in the future to Roanoke.”

Stations in Richmond (Staples Mill Road), Alexandria, Charlottesville, and Newport News are the busiest facilities in Virginia.

“Since 2009, the Commonwealth's state-supported Amtrak intercity passenger trains have seen ridership grow by 99.83 percent.  Dedicated funding for Amtrak Virginia trains was included in Governor Bob McDonnell's 2013 transportation package, HB 2313, to continue to support existing intercity passenger rail and to provide additional funding sources to expand services for Virginians,” said Transportation Secretary Sean T. Connaughton.

                The Amtrak Virginia Lynchburg route had an increase of 7 percent. The Norfolk service has exceeded expectations as its one-year anniversary approaches. Both Amtrak Virginia trains provide same-seat service as far north as Boston.

                “People throughout the State are deciding on other modes of transportation rather than driving their vehicles to their destinations and often sitting in traffic,” said Thelma Drake, director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT).  “Train travel is an attractive option by providing a relaxing one-seat ride up to Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York and Boston, free Wi-Fi and the ability to work, read or just enjoy the beautiful scenery of the State during the journey.”

                Virginia and other state-supported services are vital links in the Amtrak national network.  The power of increasing demand for passenger rail is recognized through state investments to improve service, speed and safety.  In addition, states and communities realize stations served by Amtrak are anchors for economic development, catalysts for historic preservation and tourism growth, sites for commercial and cultural uses, and points of civic pride.

                “There is high demand for passenger rail service in Virginia as demonstrated by considerable ridership growth throughout the Commonwealth,” said Amtrak President and CEO Joe Boardman. “We look forward to continuing our partnership with DRPT and further expanding service in the Commonwealth.”

About Amtrak Virginia

Amtrak Virginia is a partnership between the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT) and Amtrak to provide more rail travel choices in Virginia. The Lynchburg train was initiated in October 2009, and serves the following Virginia stations: Lynchburg, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Burke Centre, and Alexandria. The Richmond train was initiated in July 2010, and serves the following Virginia stations: Richmond-Staples Mill, Ashland, Fredericksburg, Quantico, Woodbridge, and Alexandria. The Norfolk train launched in December 2012 and connects passengers to destinations north of the city. Amtrak Virginia service promotes economic, tourism and environmental benefits. Seewww.amtrakvirginia.com for more information.

About Amtrak®

Amtrak is America’s Railroad®, the nation’s intercity passenger rail service and its high-speed rail operator. Amtrak and its state and commuter partners move people, the economy and the nation forward. Formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, Amtrak is governed by a nine member board of directors appointed by the President of the United States and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Anthony R. Coscia is board chairman and Jeffrey R. Moreland serves as vice chairman. In FY 2013, a record 31.6 million passengers traveled on Amtrak on more than 300 daily trains – at speeds up to 150 mph (241 kph) – that connect 46 states, the District of Columbia and three Canadian Provinces. Enjoy the journey® at Amtrak.com or call 800-USA-RAIL for schedules, fares, and more information. For updates, Like them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter (@Amtrak), and check out their blog at blog.amtrak.com.

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