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

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 10^th 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 21^st 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?) 

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

 (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.

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

. (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)

MARRIAGE EQUALITY IN THE COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA

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

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Governor McAuliffe Declares October as TechTober

RICHMOND – In an effort to highlight Virginia’s technological innovation and raise awareness about high performing industries, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe today declared October to be TechTober, a statewide celebration of Virginia’s high-tech sector.

“The tech sectors will play a significant role in building a new Virginia economy centered on innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Governor McAuliffe. “We need to do everything we can to retain, recruit and grow these industries to ensure that Virginia continues to be a leader in the global economy.  This starts with equipping Virginia’s students and workforce with the skills and resources they need to succeed in these rapidly expanding sectors.”

TechTober activities will focus on new and emerging industries in the Commonwealth, including information science, biotechnology, cyber security, advanced materials, aerospace, advanced manufacturing, energy, health and environmental technologies.

Virginia has the highest concentration of high tech jobs per capita in the nation. With TechTober, Governor McAuliffe and his administration aim to leverage that strength by hosting informational, hands-on events, highlighting tech activities happening during TechTober, and launching a new mentor program for students.

The Governor also announced the launch of “Mentors for Momentum,” a new program designed to connect  businesses, organizations, educators and other professionals with students interested in studying and experiencing technology. These mentors will help inspire students by sharing job experiences, providing internships and supporting school, college and university activities.

To sign up for the Mentors for Momentum program or to view TechTober events, please visit Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson’s homepage: www.technology.virginia.gov.

Read the proclamation here.

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Virginia Governor and Attorney General Thumb Nose At State Constitution

3 girls kissing. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 5129 Offered June 19, 2014 Directing the Speaker of the House of Delegates to appoint counsel in the court in whichBostic v. Rainey is pending to permit the General Assembly to intervene and defend vigorously the constitutionality of Article I, Section 15-A in such court and in all other proceedings in any other court.


---------- Patron-- Marshall, R.G. ---------- Committee Referral Pending ----------

WHEREAS, the plaintiffs in Bostic v. Rainey (Bostic),  now pending in the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, attack the constitutionality of Article I, Section 15-A of the Constitution of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, engagement of special counsel in Bostic is necessary because Mark R. Herring, the Attorney General of Virginia, without legal  authority and without precedent, not only ceased defending the validity of Article I, Section 15-A but joined the plaintiffs in convincing the trial judge to hold that Article I, Section 15-A was unconstitutional; and

WHEREAS, engagement of special counsel in Bostic is also necessary because the Governor of Virginia, violating his constitutional obligation under Article V, § 7 of the Constitution of Virginia to ensure that the laws of the Commonwealth be faithfully executed,  has refused to exercise the authority granted to him by § 2.2-510 of the Code of Virginia to employ special counsel to defend the constitutionality of Article I, Section 15-A of the Constitution of Virginia; and

WHEREAS, the case of INS v. Chada, 462 U.S. 919 (1983), involved a situation analogous to that involved in Bostic in which the United States House of Representatives and Senate successfully intervened, and the United States Supreme Court stated that Congress is the proper party to defend the validity of a statute when an agency of government, as a defendant charged with enforcing the statute, agrees with plaintiffs that the statute is inapplicable or unconstitutional; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the Speaker of the House of Delegates engage special legal counsel to move the court in which Bostic v. Raineyis pending to permit the General Assembly to intervene and defend vigorously the constitutionality of Article I, Section 15-A in such court and in all other proceedings in any other court.

(The Governor and the Attorney General both took oaths of office and in that oath, swore to uphold the Constitution of Virginia.  Neither one of them is willing to do so and if they are not willing to do so here, what other areas are they going to destroy?  What laws are they willing to break to get their way?  Why are Virginians allowing this?  In a democratic republic, the people decide.  That decision was already made by the people.  Now these two clowns are doing everything they can to destroy the state Constitution.  They both need to be thrown out of office once and for all.  They are no friends to "WE THE PEOPLE", but instead they are political terrorists!)

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Governor McAuliffe Unveils Major Workforce Development Initiative

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Today, Governor Terry McAuliffe signed executive order 23 establishing “The New Virginia Economy” Workforce Initiative, which will be led by Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. This initiative seeks to overhaul our economy in four ways: increasing postsecondary education and workforce credentials, securing employment for veterans, aligning education with the needs of businesses, and diversifying the economy.

“By better aligning workforce supply to employer demands, we can implement common-sense solutions that will help ensure Virginia’s workers can get the skills they need for the jobs they want,” said Governor McAuliffe. “In order to remain globally competitive, it is critical that Virginia’s workers have the tools they need to succeed in a 21^st century economy.”

“Talent development is the most important ingredient for economic growth of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “On behalf of the Governor, I am working with public and private sector entities involved in workforce development to ensure that Virginia is the leading state for attainment of credentials that matter to business, industry and economic prosperity.”

“The directive regarding Virginia’s veterans is another strong example of how the Governor is positioning the Commonwealth to be the most veteran and military friendly state in the Union,” saidSecretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John Harvey.  “Not only does it reinforce current cross-collaborative efforts within state government for hiring veterans, it bolsters what will be an ever increasing pipeline of highly-trained, well-disciplined and leadership-ready employees for our burgeoning Virginia businesses--from the healthcare industry, to cyber security and IT, modeling & simulation and beyond.  The Governor’s coordinated directives of greater outreach to Commonwealth businesses and easier veteran transition to a career in this new Virginia economy will be a positive and powerful economic boost to our state’s economic future.”

“The Governor’s new Workforce Initiative is a tremendous step forward in combining post-secondary public education with the needs of businesses and a diverse economy,” said Secretary Holton. “We can’t expect Virginia to have a world-class workforce if we’re not willing to provide the education and training citizens need for the careers of the 21^st Century. The Governor’s plan is bold, ambitious, and just what the Commonwealth needs to remain competitive.”

The executive order includes several ambitious goals, such as the “Pathway to 50K” initiative which sets a target of 50,000 credentials, licensures, apprenticeships, and sub-baccalaureate degrees earned that meet the immediate needs of Virginia’s workforce.

The Governor also unveiled “The Patriot Pledge,” which will ask 10,000 businesses to sign a pledge of commitment to hiring more veterans. This pledge will help recruit veterans to the Commonwealth, where they can take advantage of the ample opportunities our state provides.

ESTABLISHING THE

NEW VIRGINIA ECONOMY

WORKFORCE INITIATIVE

Importance of the Initiative

With its favorable economic climate, quality of life, regulatory environment, and low unemployment rate, Virginia has been designated as the best state for business. Also named the Best State for STEM Jobs, Virginia has the highest concentration of high tech jobs per capita in the nation. In light of these positive factors, it is critical to prepare for changes to Virginia’s employment marketplace and retiring workforce.

A new workforce agenda is required to fill jobs of today and the future. Based on current estimates,by 2022, about 500,000 new jobs will be created in Virginia. Over 930,000 workers will be needed to replace Virginia’s retiring workforce. Many of these jobs will be in scientific, technical, or healthcare careers, and will require postsecondary education or workforce credentials. Careers in these fields are readily accessible for those who are trained, credentialed, and ready to work. However, we do not have enough tech-savvy frontline workers.

The Commonwealth must devise a long-term, comprehensive plan to equip our workforce with in-demand skill sets that will retain and attract businesses. It is crucial for enough students to graduate from Virginia’s educational institutions to meet the demands from current and prospective employers. Employers must be engaged to determine current and future employment needs.

As Chief Executive Officer and Chief Workforce Development Officer for the Commonwealth of Virginia, and in furtherance of my commitment to workforce development and training, I am dedicated to ensuring that all Virginians are afforded access to a world class education and workforce system. Therefore, in consultation with the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Chief Workforce Development Advisor, I am directing Virginia’s Workforce Development System (“Workforce System”), including the Department for Aging and Rehabilitation Services, Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Virginia Community College System, Virginia Economic Development Partnership, Virginia Department of Education, Virginia Employment Commission, Department of Labor and Industry, Department of Social Services, as well as the Virginia Board of Workforce Development, local Workforce Investment Boards (“WIBs”), and other state agencies as identified below to take immediate action to marshal the Commonwealth’s education and training resources.

Establishment of the Initiative

Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby create Establishing the New Virginia Economy Workforce Initiative. 

Actions to Drive Virginia’s Workforce System

This Executive Order requires Virginia’s Workforce System to take the following immediate actions:

1.     Establish annual goals and identify opportunities to increase statewide attainment rates of credentials that align with employer needs.

Specialized, skilled, and technical jobs at the technician level currently comprise about 45% of Virginia’s labor market. The required training for these jobs is usually acquired through community college degrees, certificate programs, apprenticeships, certifications, licenses, or other career-related credentials. As the demand for new workers with specialized skills increases, the Commonwealth must act quickly to address industry needs, fill the workforce gap, and foster new opportunities. 

·       “Pathway to 50K” – Virginia will set a goal of attaining 50,000 STEM-H credentials, licenses, apprenticeships, and associate degrees that meet the immediate workforce needs during my administration. Many of these jobs will have high individual wages and bring a substantial return on investment to the gross state product.

·       Action Item: By October 31, 2014, state agencies including the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Education, Department of Labor and Industry, Department of Social Services, Virginia Community College System, and local WIBs must each produce a report for the Secretary of Commerce and Trade that will incorporate the current workforce credential attainment levels from FY2013, and regional business and industry needs. After reviewing the baseline data, each agency and WIB will establish an annual goal and strategies for the next three years to increase attainments rates and identify barriers to credential attainment to meet the Governor’s goal of 50,000 credentials. The reports must also identify opportunities to take immediate action for changing state policies, funding, or applying for federal waivers to increase credential rates. In addition, local WIBs will work with local businesses and industry sectors, local chambers of commerce, and local community colleges to identify and prioritize those workforce credentials most in demand by employers in the WIBs’ regions. Transparency of credential attainment will be provided by an online Commonwealth Scorecard of Economic Opportunity that will be hosted by the State Council for Higher Education of Virginia.

·       Action Item: By December 31, 2014, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade will approve a plan for implementing new statewide common metrics and methods of measuring postsecondary education/workforce credential attainment, employment, wages, professional mobility, and return on investment. Currently, the only established performance metrics for most of Virginia’s publicly funded workforce programs are those from various federal agencies. To better align Virginia’s workforce programs with a common goal of continued economic development, the state will, for the first time, introduce common performance metrics for all publicly funded workforce programs. 

2.     Create seamless transitions for Virginia’s veterans by providing high quality education and workforce services that accelerate career opportunities.

At present, over 840,000 veterans reside in Virginia. Since 2000, Virginia has had high growth in its veteran population, and, more specifically, those veterans under the age of 25. With a strong military presence, defense activities, and civilian contractors, Virginia is a leader of veteran employment strategies through the Department of Veteran Services’ Virginia Values Veterans (V3) program. V3 educates employers to recruit, hire, and retain veterans. However, more resources and services are needed to enhance this program. In addition, actual skill sets and academic transcripts must be quickly evaluated for transferability. Virginia must take a multifaceted approach to building a comprehensive veteran workforce services initiative.

·       “Our Patriot Pledge” - Virginia will request that 10,000 businesses sign pledges of commitment for hiring our veterans. In addition, by the end of the administration, Virginia will double the number of veterans hired through the V3 program.

·       Action Item: By November 30, 2014, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, in consultation with Virginia’s Workforce System, the Secretary of Education, the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs, the Department of Veterans Services, and each of the education and workforce development agencies and programs within Virginia’s Workforce System will present a plan to the Governor on how to recruit and retain veterans in Virginia. The plan will outline how Virginia will convert military experience and training into academic or workforce credentials, simplify and accelerate the education and workforce credentialing process toward a career, create online portals with information and services that support the transition process, and build an awareness of careers and services that Virginia offers as the preeminent state for veterans.

3.     Diversify the economy by providing workers with skills to meet new private sector needs, encouraging innovation through entrepreneurship, retooling regions for economic advancement, and educating Virginia’s workforce for the future.

Roughly thirty percent of Virginia’s economy is tied to the federal government. Virginia needs to strengthen its economy by encouraging the growth of robust industry sectors that do not rely on government contracting or grant funding.

·       “A Diversified Dominion” – Virginia will seek to diversify the economy by increasing support for small businesses, start-ups, entrepreneurial ventures, and patent production. The Commonwealth can help advance current industries, while recruiting new ones to maintain our global strength.

·       Action Item: The Secretary of Commerce and Trade will work closely with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, state and local chambers of commerce, trade associations, and Virginia’s Workforce System to set a vision for Virginia’s future economy. Local, state, and national business trends and forecasts will be evaluated to help shape next steps to retain Virginia’s current and future competitive edge. These short-term and long- term goals, recommendations, and strategies will be submitted in a report to the Governor’s Office by no later than December 1, 2014.

4.     Align workforce supply to current and anticipated employer demands by constructing career pathways and training solutions for the dislocated, underemployed, and future worker.

Virginia will align its workforce supply to current and anticipated employer demands by constructing career pathways and training solutions for the dislocated, underemployed, and future worker. Currently, tens of thousands of jobs are left unfilled in Virginia due to the creation of new jobs and positions available from the recently retired. In Virginia’s            metropolitan areas, job vacancies for highly skilled and high tech workers average over a month to fill, while a single job in rural Virginia might garner hundreds of applications. Education attainment requirements also differ from industry to industry and can be regionally specific.

·       “Real-Time Resources” – Virginia will create the Commonwealth Consortium for Advanced Research and Statistics (CCARS) for workforce and education policy. CCARS will support education and workforce entities through analysis and research to help drive economic development in the Commonwealth. This consortium will provide real-time data about human capital, regional skills gaps, local and state wage data, university research and talent, and availability of local and state workforce programs. The availability of data will increase outcomes-based decision-making which will help create effective and efficient strategies for employment development and job replacement, as well as streamline and target resources. The Secretary of Commerce and Trade will convene a CCARS conference at least once a year.

·       Action Item: To better assess and take action regarding regional and state skills gaps in key occupations and industry sectors, the Virginia Employment Commission, in partnership with the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and Virginia’s Workforce System, will develop an online dashboard that integrates regional and statewide information about the supply of workforce credentials, as well as information about college degrees, and other academic credentials. 

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 13th day of August, 2014. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    _____________________________ 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Terence R. McAuliffe, Governor

 Attest:

___________________________________

Levar M. Stoney, Secretary of the Commonwealth

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