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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Virginia Leaders Announce Comprehensive Budget Deal

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bipartisan Agreement Targets $2.4 Billion Budget Shortfall While Protecting K-12 in FY’15

Richmond, Virginia – Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe, Speaker Bill Howell, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Chris Jones, Senate Finance Co-Chairman Chuck Colgan and leaders from the General Assembly money committees announced they had reached a bipartisan agreement on how to tackle Virginia’s budget shortfall. The agreement will close $346 million this fiscal year and will address the $536 million gap for Fiscal Year (FY) 16.

“Virginia stands at an economic crossroads and the decisions we make today will affect the Commonwealth for years to come,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. “I am pleased we were able to come together in a bipartisan way and make the tough decisions that will help ensure Virginia remains fiscally strong and provide much-needed certainty to the bond rating agencies on Wall Street. While the budget shortfall is forcing us to tighten our belts, I am proud that we were able to protect many of our core democratic priorities, including health care and K-12 funding for this fiscal year. The plan also prioritizes higher education by reducing the average budget reduction for public colleges and universities from an expected 5 percent to 3.3 percent for FY15. As we move forward, it is my hope that we can find other constructive ways to work together to build a new Virginia economy.” 

Speaker Bill Howell (R-Stafford)

“Addressing Virginia’s budget shortfall sooner rather than later is the fiscally responsible thing to do. By acting now, we can create certainty for Virginia’s economy, give state agencies and local governments flexibility, and most importantly send a strong signal to the bond rating agencies that Virginia is serious about protecting its AAA -bond rating. We have once again proven just how big a difference 90 miles can make. While Washington continues to kick the can down the road, Virginia is demonstrating that elected leaders can work together, make tough decisions, and find ways for government to live within its means.”

House Appropriations Chairman Chris Jones (R-Suffolk)

“As House Appropriations Committee Chairman, I have a fiduciary obligation to the people of the Commonwealth. I take pride in our responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, especially during tough economic times. The actions taken today, and the bipartisan manner in which we have taken them, speak clearly to Virginia’s reputation as one of the nation’s best-managed states.”

Senate Finance Co-Chairman Chuck Colgan (D-Prince William)

"This bipartisan agreement is a good first step toward dealing with our budget shortfall and working together on Governor McAuliffe's vision for a new Virginia economy. The Governor and both parties in the General Assembly came to the table to broker a responsible bipartisan compromise that will balance the budget and put core priorities like education and health care first."

The agreement will close the budget gap by:

• Appropriating transfers from the Revenue Stabilization Fund, estimated at $470 million in FY15 and $235 million in FY16;

• Establishing reduction adjustment targets for state agencies, higher education and local governments to address the shortfall, including:

• State agencies are slated for $92.4 million in FY15 and $100 million in FY16
• Higher education is set at $45 million per year during the biennium
• Aid to localities is included at $30 million a year for the biennium
• Setting the stage for $272 million in other actions in FY16 to be achieved through measures that the Governor will address when he introduces his budget amendments in December.

• Allowing flexibility in capturing savings from available unexpected balances so that important priority items, especially in the areas of health care and economic development, are kept in place.

President Pro tempore, Senate Finance Co-Chairman, Senator Walter Stosch (R-Henrico)

“A major responsibility of the legislature and Governor is to protect and improve on the financial integrity of the Commonwealth.  I am pleased we were able to work as a team to bring our collective and creative solutions together to respond to the further expected revenue shortfall.  Virginia’s financial standing with Wall Street and with our citizens will benefit from our proposed action to responsibly address this matter now.”

Senate Majority Leader Thomas K. Norment Jr, (R-James City)

“Virginia is once again serving as a model on how government should address fiscal challenges.  Today’s announcement is the result of collaboration and cooperation between the Executive and Legislature, the House and the Senate, and Democrats and Republicans.  The hard work of Chairmen Jones and Stosch, Governor McAuliffe, and Secretary Brown has resulted in the Commonwealth quickly taking the steps necessary to preserve its hard-won reputation as America’s best fiscally managed state.”

Senate Democratic Leader Senator Dick Saslaw (D–Fairfax)

"Virginians elect us to work together to solve problems, and this agreement is proof that we can still honor that responsibility. Cutting the budget is never easy, but Governor McAuliffe's leadership has resulted in a balanced process that prioritizes core services like education and health care."

Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Ryan T. McDougle (R-Hanover)

“When legislators act to approve this measure on Thursday, they will be voting for the sound fiscal management of the Commonwealth.  When this challenge was identified over the course of the summer, Virginia acted urgently to ensure its budget would remain balanced, its taxpayers protected, and its AAA-bond rating preserved.  That’s precisely what the people who have entrusted us to represent them expect of their leaders.”

House Majority Leader Kirk Cox (R-Colonial Heights)

“Today’s agreement proves once again that it is not impossible for elected leaders to work together in order to address fiscal challenges, despite Washington’s best attempts to prove otherwise. This agreement is about protecting the financial integrity of Virginia and preserving Virginia’s reputation for sound fiscal management. This agreement cuts spending, but protects core functions of government like K-12 education and provides local governments with the flexibility they need to address this shortfall. Most importantly, we are not raising taxes or fees. We are setting priorities and making tough decisions just like Virginia families and businesses have to do.” ​

House Democratic Leader David Toscano (D- Charlottesville)

"Governor McAuliffe promised to bring Republicans and Democrats together to build a new Virginia economy, and that begins with balancing our budget responsibly. We cannot grow an economy without investing in public education, health care and other core services, and this budget deal protects those priorities first. I applaud the Governor and the General Assembly leadership for coming together and getting this important agreement done."

Barry Duval, President & CEO Virginia Chamber of Commerce

"A bipartisan approach to balancing the budget is in the long term best interest of the Commonwealth.  I commend the Governor and members of the General Assembly for protecting Virginia's reputation as the best managed state."

Brett A. Vassey, President and CEO, Virginia Manufacturers Association:

"VMA is encouraged that Governor McAuliffe and General Assembly leaders have been able to work together to balance priorities and the budget."

Chris Saxman, Executive Director, Virginia Foundation for Research and Economic Education (FREE)

"Thank you to Governor McAuliffe, Speaker Howell, Chairmen Jones, Colgan and Stosch for working together to balance Virginia's biennial budget. This bipartisan effort sends a strong signal to the business community and the citizens of the Commonwealth that maintaining our strong fiscal position is essential to economic development and growth."

(It just reeks of socialism to the hilt.  All the socialist buzz words are used throughout.)

Governor McAuliffe Accepts Commissioner Paul Galanti’s Resignation as Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This week, Governor Terry McAuliffe accepted Paul Galanti’s decision to conclude his service to the Commonwealth as Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services.

“Paul is a true American hero, and we are very grateful for his service to this nation and to the Commonwealth,” said Governor McAuliffe. “He led our Department of Veterans Services with great skill, compassion, and dedication and has ensured the Commonwealth is well-postured to continue to serve our rapidly growing veteran population.  Paul will be greatly missed, and I wish him well in his long-delayed and well-deserved retirement.”

Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John Harvey praised Commissioner Galanti’s vision and dedication, “Working with Paul Galanti on behalf of the Commonwealth’s veterans has been the privilege of a lifetime.  Paul is a gentleman, a tireless advocate for our veterans, and a public servant of the highest order.  I learned a great deal from Paul and look forward to maintaining a close relationship with him as we continue to work for Virginia’s veterans.”

Commissioner Galanti has served as the Commissioner, Department of Veterans Services since April 2010. He will leave office on October 8, 2014.

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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 Celebrates New Initiative to Support State Parks

Fall in Sky Meadows State Park in Virginia, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe and First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe hosted a strategic planning session today in Richmond for the Partnership for Parks campaign founded by the Virginia Association for Parks and the Garden Club of Virginia.  The Partnership for Parks was formed to raise private funding to design, build and install new interpretive exhibits in more than a dozen state park visitor centers.  The partners recognize that the goal of exhibits is to educate, entertain and inspire park visitors. 

More than 30 people from across the Commonwealth came to Richmond to chart a strategic plan for completing this effort by the year 2020.  More than $5 million will be needed for the campaign. 

At a luncheon following the meeting, Governor McAuliffe said, “Our state parks are treasures enjoyed by more than 9 million visitors a year and they are places where Virginians and visitors to Virginia go to enhance their mental and physical health and well being. The installation of these new exhibits will improve the experience of the many visitors to our state parks, increase knowledge of our natural and cultural heritage and make Virginia an even more attractive place for tourism, a key element of our efforts to build and sustain a new Virginia economy.  My thanks to the partnership for helping to make this happen”

Secretary of Natural Resources Molly Ward introduced Mrs. McAuliffe as an advocate for childhood issues, including quality education, access to healthy foods and the availability of close to home outdoor recreation. Mrs. McAuliffe addressed the group and spoke about the importance of reaching children with the modern technology that they have become accustomed to using  an average  of eight hours a day. “If we want to make outdoor recreation a lifelong part of a healthy lifestyle, experts tell us these habits must be developed early in life,” said Mrs. McAuliffe. The partnership has already designed an exhibit in collaboration with our state parks titled “Outdoor Challenge” that is a state-of-the-art, high tech, interactive multimedia experience intended to engage youth particularly and everyone else regardless of age in life enhancing outdoor recreation in our parks.  

If we also want the millennial generation to understand the stewardship responsibility we all have as citizens, then that too needs to be communicated early.  If students understand the connectivity between ourselves and everything else in our environment, they will appreciate the balance that must be maintained,” Mrs. McAuliffe stated.

Johnny Finch, president of the Virginia Association for Parks and Jeanette Cadwallender, president of the Garden Club of Virginia, expressed their appreciation that the Governor and First Lady are supporting the Partnership for Parks.  “It may be years before the state’s budget improves enough to address funding for state parks.  Our state parks are among America’s best, but simply maintaining and staffing them has been a challenge for the state.  We believe the Partnership for Parks campaign is essential to keeping our parks relevant and exciting for visitors young and old alike. Our parks are good for people, good for the environment and are vital to our economy. Tourism is an important part of our economy and our parks are a centerpiece of our tourism infrastructure. To have the support from the McAuliffes strengthens this volunteer effort.” stated the two state leaders. 

For more information about the Partnership for Parks visit www.VAParks.net.

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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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