Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces November as Virginia Oyster Month

~ Virginia is the Leading East Coast Seafood Producer, Third Largest in the Nation ~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that November is Virginia Oyster Month.  Visitors and Virginians alike are encouraged to experience the fresh wild-caught and farm-raised oysters from Virginia's seven different oyster regions throughout the month of November, as well as participate in the numerous oyster festivals and events around the Commonwealth.
Virginia oysters have diverse flavors from the saltiest in the waters of Chincoteague on Virginia’s Eastern Shore to the sweet taste of Rappahannock River oysters and the rebirth of Lynnhaven oysters in Virginia Beach.  This diversity gives visitors a lot to love about oyster travel in Virginia.

"Virginia oysters are the best in the world, and they play an increasingly important role in growing our economy and keeping the Chesapeake Bay clean,” said Governor McAuliffe. “My team and I are working hard to make Virginia the Oyster Capital of the East Coast, and I hope Virginians will join us by enjoying local, fresh and delicious Virginia oysters during the month of November.”

Virginia's oyster harvest increased by 25% from 2012 to 2013, with more than 500,000 bushels - the most in nearly a generation.  Over the past 12 years, the oyster harvest in Virginia has increased from approximately 23,000 bushels in 2001 to last year's level of just over 500,000 - the highest level since 1987.  The dockside value alone of the oyster harvest is 2013 was more than $22 million, up from approximately $16 million in 2012.

"Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia, and the continued growth of the oyster industry, combined with private sector investment, positively impacts the tourism industry in the Chesapeake Bay region and the Commonwealth," said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  "In 2013, visitors spent $21.5 billion, supporting 213,000 jobs and contributing $1.4 billion in state and local taxes. Marketing Virginia as an oyster destination will help us attract more of those visitors and continue to help our economy grow.”

"The oyster industry plays a significant role in Virginia’s recognized position of being the nation's third largest producer of marine products and, the leading seafood producer on the East Coast,"said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.  "In addition to the domestic impact of our marine products sector on the tourism and agricultural industries, we're proud of the successes we’ve had in promoting Virginia oysters on international trade missions, where we've generated new export sales to China, Hong Kong and Canada.  These deals and others we hope to help achieve will help generate business and attention for Virginia’s thriving oyster industry."

In August 2014, Governor McAuliffe announced the development of the Virginia Oyster Trail, a major tourism development project connecting travelers to Virginia oyster purveyors, raw bars and restaurants, and the watermen culture throughout Coastal Virginia, the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and the Eastern Shore.  As a result of these exciting developments with the Virginia oyster, Governor McAuliffe officially declared November as Virginia Oyster Month and named Virginia the "Oyster Capital of the East Coast."
“By pairing Virginia oysters with other Virginia products including wine, craft beer, cider and spirits, travelers can experience the state with taste,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation.  "Oysters only add to the impressive list of things Virginia has to offer."
For a list of Oyster Month festivals and events around the state, go to http://www.virginia.org/OysterFestivals/

For more about Virginia oysters, go to http://virginia.org/oysters

Watch video on Virginia Oyster Month here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lENusPnc8A


Tuesday, October 21, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces New Biotech Agricultural Export Deal to China

An SVG map of China with Beijing municipality ...
An SVG map of China with Beijing municipality highlighted (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Richmond-based Agrivita Biogroup Developing Sales of Feed Additives for Dairy, Swine Industries; Business Furthers Virginia's Position in Fast Growing Ag-Bio Sector ~

BEIJING, CHINA – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced as part of his trade and marketing mission to Asia that Agrivita Biogroup, Inc. (Agrivita) has reached new export deals of animal feed additives to Chinese importers.  Agrivita is a Richmond-based company that specializes in bio-science and animal nutrition, health, and performance with a focus on providing advanced and proven solutions for modern agriculture.  The agreement was facilitated during meetings at the VIV Beijing large animal feed exhibition trade show in September after Agrivita began exploring sales opportunities to China with the assistance of Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) international marketing and trade staff over the last year.

Speaking about the new trade agreement, Governor McAuliffe said, “I am thrilled to announce this export opportunity for Agrivita Biogroup.  Virginia’s aggressive international marketing and trade efforts are yielding new sales agreements and new business partners for the Commonwealth.  This is the type of deal I urged my agricultural development and marketing team to seek as we work to build a new Virginia economy.  Today’s win both furthers our position in Virginia’s growing bio-science sector and moves us closer to my goal of making the Commonwealth the East Coast Capital for agricultural and forestry product exports.”

Assisted by VDACS international marketing and trade staff, Agrivita secured new export business in China this year and next.  These new sales are important for the company that only recently navigated the challenging Chinese regulatory process.  Agrivita worked with VDACS in 2013 to successfully register its product in China and, earlier this year, shipped samples of its product to be used in feeding trials throughout the country.  The results of those trials showed increased milk production in dairy cattle, more efficient growth in poultry, and greater weight gain in swine production. 

VDACS international marketing and trade staff and the VDACS China trade representative continued supporting the company to overcome significant certification and regulatory issues and develop a marketing strategy to compete in a rapidly growing sector of the animal feed business in China.

“The new export sales for Agrivita Biogroup is a great example of how our international marketing and trade efforts work in a comprehensive way with large and small agricultural and forestry exporters to identify new market opportunities, make the right buyer introductions, and follow up with the necessary resources to develop a winning strategy,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore.  “Further, we’re particularly excited about the opportunity these new exports represent as agricultural biotechnology is a growing sub-sector of bio-science in Virginia that can be harnessed and poised for additional growth.”

“The long and intensive work we put into this project is finally paying dividends,” said Arunas Vanagas, President of Agrivita Biogroup, Inc.  “With a full team effort from everyone at Agrivita Biogroup’s Virginia- and China-based offices and continuous support from VDACS international marketing and trade staff, we have already set five distributors and in the near future are planning to add four more to cover all targeted provinces and animal sectors in China.  From the humble $400,000 in sales we made this year, our conservative projection for 2015 is well over $1.5 million. We are happy with our success and are looking forward to continued effective cooperation and support from VDACS.”

Today's announcement comes on the second leg of the Governor’s almost two-week trade and marketing mission to Japan, China, Hong Kong, and South Korea.  Over the eleven-day mission, Governor McAuliffe, First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, Secretary Haymore, and VDACS international trade representatives are meeting with agribusinesses and importers to encourage more investment in Virginia and promote Virginia agricultural and forestry products. The delegation is also engaged in meetings organized by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Tourism Corporation to promote trade and investment in a wide array of sectors.

Agricultural and forestry exports from Virginia reached a record high of $2.85 billion in 2013.  China is Virginia’s largest export customer of agricultural and forestry products.  Last year, more than $580 million worth of product was exported to China.  Since 2010, agricultural and forestry exports from Virginia to China have increased by more than 200 percent.

According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia’s largest industries with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually.  Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry induces over $17 billion.  The industries also provide more than 400,000 jobs in the Commonwealth. More information about the Weldon Cooper Center’s study can be found at http://www.coopercenter.org/node/2/publications/economic-impacts-agriculture-and-forestry-virginia-revised-2012.

According to a 2014 Battelle/BIO report, Virginia’s bio-science industry is thriving, with more than 26,500 industry jobs that spanned 1,451 business establishments in 2012.  The same study shows Virginia enjoyed double-digit employment gains from 2007 – 2012 in the agricultural feedstock and chemicals sub-sector, which involves industries that utilize biochemistry and biotechnology for producing everything from food to fuel.

Gloucester, Virginia Links and News
Because The Main Stream Media 
Won't Cover The Tough Issues


Wednesday, August 6, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces Special Election Date for Eric Cantor’s Congressional Seat

English: The state seal of Virginia. Српски / ...
. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
 Governor Terry McAuliffe signed a writ of elections declaring a special election to replace the congressional seat vacated by Representative Eric Cantor for November 4th, 2014:
                                                           
“I thank Congressman Cantor for his years of service to Virginia and for his fierce commitment to protecting Virginia’s economic and military assets as majority leader in Congress. Eric Cantor has dedicated his life to public service and I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

“In order to make this transition as smooth as possible for Congressman Cantor’s constituents and use Virginia resources most efficiently, a special election to fill the vacant seat will be held on Election Day, Tuesday, November 4th, 2014. Holding a special election on this day will ensure that the people of the 7th District will be represented as soon as practicable during the lame duck session and put Virginia’s congressional delegation in the strongest position possible at the beginning of the next congress.”

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces New Agricultural Exports to United Kingdom and European Union

Barley is a major animal feed crop.
Barley is a major animal feed crop. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~Animal Feed, Specialty Foods Deals Enhance Virginia's Position in Growing European Marketplace; Trade, Marketing Mission Also Continues Work To Expand Forest Product Exports~

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced as part of his United Kingdom trade and marketing mission new export sales for Virginia agricultural and foodstuff products into the European market.  Over the last several months, Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services' (VDACS) international marketing staff and Virginia's agricultural trade representative in Europe, Andrew Brown and Associates (ABA), based in Surry just outside of London, worked with several Virginia specialty food producers and an animal feed additive exporter to achieve new international sales from the Commonwealth.  While sales figures are confidential, the trade deals represent new revenue streams for the exporting companies into the growing United Kingdom and European markets.

Speaking about the new exports as he finishes the United Kingdom portion of an eight-day trade and marketing mission that also included several stops in China, Governor McAuliffe said, "One of my top job economic development priorities is to work with Virginia businesses, foreign purchasers, and government leaders from around the world to find new trade opportunities that grow Virginia’s economy.  Finding new international sales provides more revenue and job creating opportunities for our producers and agribusinesses.  The new exports also move us closer to my goal of making Virginia the East Coast capital for agricultural and forestry product exports."

Over the four-day mission and in addition to meetings conducted by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and Virginia Tourism Corporation, Governor McAuliffe, along with First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore, and VDACS and ABA staff, met with European agribusinesses and various specialty food and beverage importers to encourage more investment in Virginia and promote Virginia agricultural products.  Meetings focused on thanking businesses and importers for recently completed deals and discussing ways to expand those relationships.  Other meetings started dialogue on potential new export deals. 

“Virginia’s work in global agricultural and forestry product trade development and expansion has not been focused singularly on large-scale commodity exports, such as soybeans, corn, and other small grains," said Secretary Haymore.  "Export sales are also important to smaller agribusinesses and family-owned operations, which are the backbone of Virginia’s economy and create the majority of jobs in the Commonwealth.  Assisting those smaller-scale businesses has been a priority for the Governor and our international marketing and development teams in both Virginia and Europe.”

Micron Bio-Systems is a smaller-scale agribusiness that has benefited from Virginia’s marketing push in Europe.  The Buena Vista-based company produces feed additives for dairy cattle, poultry, swine, and other animal feed.  The company focuses on additives, which preserve feed and diminish mold problems, benefiting the health of livestock and poultry.  Working with Micron Bio-Systems, Virginia's European trade representatives helped secure a trade deal with Bio4Globe, a major farm supplies distributor covering France, Spain, and Portugal. 

Following a VDACS-organized reverse trade mission promoting speciality food products, FERIDIES, a Courtland-based producer of award-winning, extra large gourmet Virginia peanuts and peanut products, reached a deal with Cotswold Fayre to have a variety of products featured in the company's 2014 Christmas catalogue.  Cotswold Fayre is a fine foods wholesaler supplying independent and high-end retailers in the United Kingdom with quality food and drink products sources from across the globe.  Cotswold Fayre works in close partnership with its suppliers, most of whom are small producers not currently distributing through major United Kingdom supermarkets.

Virginia’s European trade representatives worked with Dr. Lucy's, a Norfolk-based gluten- and allergen-free cookie manufacturer, to secure a new trade relationship with natural food distributor Tree of Life.  The two companies reached an agreement regarding exclusive distribution in the United Kingdom.  The deal marks Tree of Life's first-ever food product import from North America.  Dr. Lucy's also received assistance from VEDP's Virginia Leaders in Export Trade (VALET) program, which helped the company research new markets to focus on and provided introductions to international consumer products experts, banks, and legal consultants.

Tree of Life was established almost 20 years ago originally as Natures Store.  The company is now the largest wholesaler in the United Kingdom's 'Nutrition & Healthy Lifestyle' sector.  Tree of Life distributes over 14,000 premium products including organic foods, general health food products, vitamins, minerals, sports nutrition supplements, body care, and household products.

In additional to the new feed and specialty food export deals, Governor McAuliffe continued efforts related to the ongoing growth of Virginia’s wood fuel pellet exports to the United Kingdom.  Over the past year, Virginia has worked with Virginia exporters and British policy makers and electric utilities promoting Virginia’s sustainably-managed wood resources as a renewable fuel for power plants that previously utilized coal as an energy source.  In the first five months of 2014, Virginia’s wood pellet exports to the United Kingdom reached $22 million, an increase of 275% from the same period last year.  Wood pellets have been one of Virginia's fastest growing agricultural commodity exports, on a percentage basis, over the last two years.

During meetings in London, Governor McAuliffe, Secretary Haymore, and VDACS and ABA staff met with representatives of electric utilities purchasing Virginia wood pellets as well as smaller importers in hopes of growing existing export deals and establishing new trade relationships.  They also met with British Members of Parliament and other senior government leaders who are responsible for establishing standards for renewable fuels utilized in power generation.

Agricultural and forestry exports from Virginia reached a record high of $2.85 billion in 2013.  Europe is a significant market for Virginia's agriculture and forestry products.  Last year, more than $320 million worth of product were exported to the United Kingdom and other European Union countries.  That figure is expected to rise in 2014.

According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry, generating more than $52 billion per annum. The industry also provides more than 310,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Embarks on Trade Mission to China and United Kingdom

Red Arrows at Farnborough Air Show 2006
Red Arrows at Farnborough Air Show 2006 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
 Governor Terry McAuliffe embarked on the first international trade mission of his governorship, an eight day trip to China and the United Kingdom.

Accompanied by First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe, Secretary of Commerce and Trace Maurice Jones, Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore and representatives of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the Virginia Tourism Corporation and the Virginia Department of Agricultural Services, the Governor will meet with business executives, government representatives and other leaders in both countries in an effort to bring more businesses and jobs back to Virginia and find new customers for products exported from the Commonwealth. The Governor and his team will attend 75 events or meetings over the course of the trade mission.

“Creating jobs, growing Virginia’s economy and finding new markets for our product are my top priorities,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Trade missions like these are a great opportunity to meet prospective partners face-to-face and convince them to bring their business to the Commonwealth. No country or state can match the workforce, infrastructure and business climate that Virginia has to offer, and my team and I are looking forward to making that case over the next eight days.

While in China between Thursday, July 10th and Saturday July 12th, the Governor will meet executives from the Tranlin Paper Company, which recently announced a $2 billion investment in Chesterfield County that will create 2,000 manufacturing jobs. He will also host a private Virginia reception for prospective Chinese companies interested in investing in Virginia as well as Chinese companies that could expand an existing relationship with Virginia.

On July 11th the Governor will travel to London, England to attend the Farnborough International Airshow and a number of business-development events related to the airshow. He will  attend the  Aerospace Industries Association's (AIA)  exclusive reception in honor of the U.S. President’s Representative to the Farnborough Air Show; attend a Rolls-Royce Global Partners Banquet to network with the companies that form Rolls Royce’s global supply chain; and host a Virginia Executive Reception for senior corporate executives from the greater London area, as well as those attending the Farnborough Airshow.

The Governor and his team will also attend a number of private meetings with companies that could invest in Virginia’s economy.

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces 2,000 new jobs in Chesterfield County

The Senate floor session in the Richmond capit...
The Senate floor session in the Richmond capital building. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Shandong Tranlin Paper Co., Ltd. will invest $2 billion in first U.S. advanced manufacturing operation~
-Project represents largest Chinese greenfield economic development project in U.S. and largest Chinese economic development project in Virginia history-

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today at the Virginia State Capitol that Shandong Tranlin Paper Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese pulp and paper company will invest $2 billion over five years to establish its first U.S. advanced manufacturing operation in Chesterfield County. The investment represents the largest Chinese investment and job creation project in Virginia history and is the largest Chinese greenfield economic development project in the United States. Virginia successfully competed against several other states for the project, which will create 2,000 new jobs by 2020.

            Speaking at today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “An investment of this magnitude, with the creation of 2,000 new jobs by 2020, represents the largest Chinese greenfield economic development project in the United States, and shows how Virginia is leading the way in attracting innovative businesses to the Commonwealth. Advanced manufacturing jobs are the heart of a strong and growing 21st century economy, and this investment symbolizes the economic recovery taking place across the nation, and will be transformational for the economy of Chesterfield County and the surrounding region. The opportunity to welcome a leading, global company’s first U.S. manufacturing operation and simultaneously strengthen Virginia’s relationship with China is invaluable. Economic development is a team effort, and it is the collaboration of the entire team that helped to convince Tranlin that Virginia is the best site for its U.S. operation. We are therefore partnering with the Major Employment and Investment Commission, and are confident this project will bring international attention to the thriving advanced manufacturing industry in the Commonwealth.”
“The Tranlin operation in Chesterfield County represents a project of historic proportions for Virginia,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This global pulp and paper company is a national leading R&D Center for straw-based pulp and paper in China, among many other awards for innovation and invention, and will enter the U.S. market with its new paper and fertilizer manufacturing facility in Chesterfield County. The new 850-acre campus offers the potential for Tranlin to eventually produce its full product lines and continue to grow its operation and customer base while using Virginia’s natural resources. Attracting companies like Tranlin to Virginia is how we will build a 21st Century Virginia economy.”
“As we work to grow and diversify our economy, it is vital that we continue to build relationships with our largest agricultural and forestry trade partner, China, through both exports into Chinese markets and Chinese investments in business ventures here,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. “Tranlin represents a tremendous opportunity for Virginia’s corn and small grain producers by creating a lucrative new market for agricultural residuals that are typically left in the field. Based on the agricultural supply chain opportunities associated with the project, the economic benefit to farmers in this region alone could exceed $50 million per year once the project is complete and operating at full capacity. I look forward to working with Tranlin as they begin to procure needed agricultural products from our growers, to help them succeed and continue to expand their investment in Virginia.”

Tranlin’s new manufacturing facility in the paper and fertilizer sectors will be located on an 850-acre campus in the James River Industrial Center. Based on analysis performed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, and Virginia Tech Cooperative Extension, the economic benefits of this operation will be felt throughout the agriculture sector, from new demand for agricultural equipment, to new jobs for direct and indirect agricultural jobs. In addition, this project will help preserve farmland by providing farmers a new opportunity to derive additional economic return from their land and equipment, creating positive economic pressure to maintain it in farming use. The harvest of straw in the spring and corn stalks in the fall for use by Tranlin will be two new cash crops for Virginia producers, in addition to other fibrous products from the surrounding area. From an environmental standpoint, the harvest of these agricultural residuals is compatible with the Chesapeake Bay-friendly no-till crop production practices these producers are already using. In addition, Tranlin prides itself on a process that leads to an environmentally friendly effluent, resulting in the discharge of quality, clean water.
Founded in 1976 and based in Liaocheng, China, Shandong Tranlin Paper Co., Ltd., formerly known as Shandong Tralin Paper Co., Ltd., is centered on the pulp and paper industry, with an annual productivity of 400,000 tons of refined pulp, 700,000 tons of machine-made paper, 400,000 tons of organic fertilizers, and 2.4 billion food and medical packaging boxes. The company has established a diversified product structure centered on the natural products and a marketing network in accordance with demands of internationalization. The main products, with more than 100 varieties and five categories, include refined natural pulp, natural culture paper, natural household paper, food and medical packaging box and organic fertilizers. The products are sold in more than 30 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions of China, and some products have been exported to the United States, Europe, Japan and South Korea.
We are pleased that Virginia and Chesterfield County will be the site of our first U.S. advanced manufacturing operation,” said Mr. Hongfa Li, Chairman and President, Shandong Tranlin Paper Co., Ltd. “Virginia has abundant resources of agricultural stalks, power and water supplymanpower, and strong transportation systemall necessary tools that guarantee Tranlin’s future development. More importantly, the Virginia team’s flexibility, patienceteamwork,cooperation, and above all, passion for foreign investment, factored into our decisionAfter an in-depth feasibility study that occurred over the past year, we have all the reasons to say “Yes, Virginia.”
            “We are very excited about joining the welcoming community of Virginia and Chesterfield County,” said Jerry Z Peng, Chairman and CEO of Tranlin, Inc., Tranlin group’s recently established US entity. “We are even more excited about the opportunity to apply our innovative technologies in building an industry-leading production base in central Virginia. We are confident this will not only provide U.S. consumers with clean and eco-friendly paper products, but also serve U.S. agricultural interests and home owners with all-natural and highly effective organic fertilizers.” Mr. Peng also noted his ties to Virginia, having received his MBA from UVA’s Darden School and currently serving on its foundation board.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Chesterfield County, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, the Greater Richmond Partnership, Dominion Virginia Power, and the Virginia Port Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $5 million grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Chesterfield County with the project. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

The company may be eligible to receive a Major Employment and Investment (MEI) custom performance grant, subject to approval by the General Assembly. An MEI project is defined under current law as a regional economic development project in which a private entity is expected to make a capital investment exceeding $250 million in the Commonwealth and to create more than 400 new full-time jobs. As part of its review, the Commission may endorse certain incentive packages for approval by the General Assembly.

"What a great and historical day for Virginia, the region, and Chesterfield County,” said Jay Stegmaier, County Administrator for Chesterfield County. “We have worked diligently within the county, and with our partners at the state, regional, and local levels, to build an environment that is attractive for this record-breaking announcement of $2 billion with 2,000 new, quality jobs. Additionally, this announcement comes from a leading company that manufactures great products while staying focused on the environment, recycling, and sustainability, which will contribute to the long-term success of Chesterfield County. The scope and reach of this project is enormous and has significant impacts on both the business and agriculture communities.  We enthusiastically welcome Tranlin as the newest international member of our corporate family."

“This announcement is the largest in the history of Chesterfield County,” said Jim Holland, Chairman of the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors. “It is very fitting that our county was founded on an international investment and now, over 400 years later, we are still celebrating why we continue to be a great location for companies from around the world. Welcome Tranlin, to Chesterfield County. We look forward to your continued growth and success."  

           “The Major Employment and Investment (MEI) Project Approval Commission was established in 2009 to help Virginia better compete for major economic development projects that require General Assembly approval for incentive packages,” said Senator Walter Stosch and Delegate Chris Jones, members of the MEI Project Approval Commission. “The Tranlin project is significant for Virginia and is critically important to win. These jobs and related revenues are important to our ability to fund education, health care and other core priorities. The MEI Commission is fully supportive of this transformational project and we are pleased that the MEI Commission could play a role in ensuring that the Commonwealth of Virginia is home to Tranlin’s first U.S. operation.”