Governor McAuliffe Announces $40 million investment in Henrico County

English: Nilla Wafers by Nabisco. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Mondelēz International to expand Nabisco biscuit manufacturing operation in Virginia~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Mondelēz Global LLC, the U.S. operating company of Mondelēz International, Inc., will invest more than $40 million to expand its biscuit bakery in Henrico County. The facility manufactures a variety of Nabisco crackers and cookies, including Ritz, Wheat Thins and Premium crackers, Oreo and Chips Ahoy! cookies, andNilla wafers. This investment will enable the addition of a new, state-of-the-art manufacturing line forRitz crackers and add 38,000 square feet to its existing bakery in Henrico County.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “This new investment in theNabisco bakery in Henrico County is a reflection of the outstanding climate that Virginia offers businesses seeking to start or expand their operations and stay on the cutting edge of high-tech manufacturing.  The Nabisco biscuit bakery was opened in 1973 and currently employs nearly 500, representing one of the largest employers in Henrico County. The addition of a high-tech manufacturing line will provide Mondelēz International with the opportunity to expand Ritzproduction and further support the company’s North American business. Mondelēz International is a fantastic corporate partner for the Commonwealth and a great example of the type of business that I am working to bring to Virginia to grow and create jobs here.”

“With this tremendous project, Mondelēz International is really investing in the future of its Henrico County operation,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This investment and the addition of 38,000 square feet will bring the facility to nearly one million square feet and 10 total manufacturing lines. Mondelēz International’s bakery in Henrico County has been in operation for more than 40 years, and this significant investment is a great testament to the confidence the company has in Virginia’s business climate. ”

Mondelēz International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MDLZ) is a global snacking powerhouse with 2013 revenue of $35 billion. Creating delicious moments of joy in 165 countries, Mondelez International is a world leader in biscuits, chocolate, gum, candy, coffee and powdered beverages, with billion-dollar brands such as Oreo, LU and Nabisco biscuits; Cadbury, Cadbury Dairy Milk and Milkachocolate; Trident gum; Jacobs coffee and Tang powdered beverages. Mondelez International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor's 500, NASDAQ 100 and Dow Jones Sustainability Index.  For more information, visit www.mondelezinternational.com.

“We’re excited about this investment in our U.S. biscuit network and the opportunity to reaffirm and enhance the role of the Henrico County bakery within our Mondelēz International manufacturing footprint for North America,” said Cindy Waggoner, Vice President, North America Integrated Supply Chain, Biscuits. “The bakery in Henrico County is geographically well-situated to support our East Coast business, and this investment is a part of our commitment to create a best-in-class integrated supply chain to support our business,” added Waggoner.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Henrico County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $100,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. The company may be eligible to receive benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity will provide funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities.

“I am pleased that Mondelēz International continues to show confidence in Henrico County and in their facility here,” states Patricia O’Bannon, Chairman of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors. “Because of the plant’s consistent efficiency, it has been rewarded with this expansion in new technology and investment. Henrico is proud to be a partner with Mondelēz International as they continue to make some of the world’s favorite snacks.”

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Mrs. McAuliffe and Virginia Council on Women Announce the 3rd Annual STEM Essay Contest Winners

The Governor's Mansion in Virginia, 1905 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The Council awarded five scholarships to female juniors and seniors pursuing STEM careers at institutions of higher education, the highest award winner receiving a $10,000 scholarship. 270 young women from across the Commonwealth submitted essays focusing on the student’s vision for a future STEM. Scholarships were presented to the recipients at the Science Museum’s Up & Atom Women’s Leadership Breakfast.

While announcing the STEM essay contest award recipients, First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe said, “One of the top priorities of the McAuliffe administration is to advance STEM education and workforce training across the Commonwealth. We need to encourage more young women to excel in these high demand STEM fields, so they can be leaders in the industries that will make Virginia more competitive in a global economy. An innovative program like the STEM Essay Contest is just one tool we can use to build awareness of the great career pathways our students are pursuing in every region in Virginia.”

The award recipients are as follows:

-        First Place, $10,000 scholarship award: Jennifer Louie of Chancellor High School, Fredericksburg, VA

-        Second Place, $7,500 scholarship award: Jessica Sun of Chantilly High School, Chantilly, VA

-        Third Place, $2,500 scholarship award: Melissa Angell of Osbourn Park High School, Manassas, VA

-        Fourth Place, $2,500 scholarship award: Kaela Frazier of Bruton High School, Williamsburg, VA

-        Fifth Place, $2,500 scholarship award: Brittany Huffman of George C. Marshall High School, Falls Church, VA

Applicants were required to be females who reside in Virginia, are enrolled as a junior or senior in high school and hold at least a 2.5 GPA. 

The Council extends their sincere thanks to all of the sponsors and judges of this year’s STEM Scholarship Awards.  The sponsors were:  Capital One; Morrison & Foerster; Holland & Knight; Hunton & Williams; KPMG; McGuireWoods LLP; Murphy & McGod; BonSecours; Range Resources; Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; Troutman Sanders.  The judges who generously gave their time in judging entries were: Barbara Kapas, Northern Virginia; Nikki Nicholau, Richmond; Mary Quillen, Blacksburg; Barbara Fuhrmann, Richmond; Kinsey Peeler, Richmond; Laura Mandela, Burke; Marjorie Brahms Signer, Arlington; Kelly Stuart, Richmond; Marty Wilson, Richmond; Olivia Gans, Fairfax; Brook Trible, Richmond; Donna Hearn, Charlottesville; Susan Green, Richmond; Belinda Ragonese, Richmond; Kimberly Snipes, Richmond; Donna Ciliberto, Richmond; Katie Crepps, Richmond; Catherine Harris, Richmond; Christine Hales, Richmond; Juanita Lasswell, Richmond

The purpose of the Virginia Council on Women is to help women reach their potential and maximize their contributions to society and the Commonwealth as wage earners and citizens.  The Council has initiated several projects to meet this goal.  One is the annual STEM essay contest for young women in high school.  For more information on the Council or on available sponsorship opportunities, please visit: https://commonwealth.virginia.gov/about/council-on-women/. 

The mission of the Science Museum of Virginia is to inspire Virginians to enrich their lives through science.  The annual Up & Atom Women’s Leadership Breakfast helps support its role in STEM education.  Literacy in STEM disciplines is vital to prepare youth for an ever changing, increasingly complex world. For more information on the Science Museum of Virginia, please visit:www.smv.org.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments

U.S. Department of Homeland Security Official Seal Websafe Colors (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration today. The appointees will join McAuliffe’s administration focused on finding common ground with members of both parties on issues that will grow Virginia’s economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.

Secretariat of Commerce and Trade

George Stewart, Special Assistant

George Stewart served as a confidential assistant to Chief of Staff designee Paul Reagan and Secretary of the Commonwealth designee Levar Stoney on Governor-elect McAuliffe’s transition team.  Prior to that, Stewart served as Special Assistant to Governor McAuliffe during his campaign.  Stewart graduated from Vanderbilt University with a degree in Economics.

Secretariat Public Safety

Jeffrey D. Stern, State Coordinator, Virginia Department of Emergency Management

Jeffrey Stern has over 25 years of local and federal government experience as an emergency manager and first responder, having been a firefighter, paramedic, and battalion chief, leading hazmat, technical, and swiftwater rescue teams with fire departments in Virginia, Maryland, and Colorado.  He served in leadership roles as Director of the Northern Virginia Emergency Response System and in the Arlington County Office of Emergency Management, and helped lead teams in response to Hurricanes Charley and Katrina and the Haitian earthquake.  Stern was also the Executive Director of the Homeland Security Advisory Council at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and he teaches disaster management at Georgetown University. Mr. Stern earned his B.A. in Government from the College of William & Mary, his MPA from the American University School of Public Affairs, and is a Ph.D. candidate at Virginia Tech’s Center for Public Administration and Policy.  He is a Certified Emergency Manager through the International Association of Emergency Managers, a member of the InterAgency Board, and is a Senior Fellow with the Stephenson Disaster Management Institute.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Resumption of Virginia Poultry Exports to China

National emblem of the People's Republic of China (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that after almost seven years Virginia poultry exports will resume to the People’s Republic of China.  The McAuliffe administration learned earlier today from Chinese and U.S. officials that the ban, instituted in July 2007, has been rescinded by China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) and China’s Ministry of Agriculture (MOA).

“This is outstanding news for Virginia’s poultry industry and the many related businesses that work to move product from our family farms into the global marketplace,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “Strengthening Virginia’s economy is my number one priority and the lifting of this ban is certainly good news for Virginia’s economy.  Poultry is the largest individual sector of Virginia’s agriculture industry and increased exports will help support farm, processing, and transportation related jobs in the Commonwealth. This will also bring enormous business benefits to the Port of Virginia at a critical time for that entity.”  

In recent months, Governor McAuliffe and Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore have discussed the issue with top officials from China’s Embassy in Washington, D.C., including Ambassador Cui Tiankai; the newly appointed United States Ambassador to China, Max Baucus; United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack; and United States Trade Representative, Ambassador Michael Froman.  The McAuliffe administration’s focus on resolving this trade issue built upon work that Virginia officials, including former Governor Bob McDonnell, Senator Mark Warner, Senator Tim Kaine, Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA 7^th), Congressman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA 6^th), and Congressman Robert Hurt (R-VA 5^th), among others, have done over the past several years to re-open the Chinese market to Virginia poultry.  Hobey Bauhan of the Virginia Poultry Federation, Jim Sumner of the U.S.A. Poultry & Egg Export Council, and others in the private sector have been instrumental in Virginia’s work with U.S. authorities and Chinese government officials.

“Addressing China’s ban on Virginia poultry has been a real team effort,” added Governor McAuliffe, referencing work conducted by staff from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) in coordination with federal officials from the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS) and the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR).  “The USTR and USDA made resolution of this issue a priority and worked closely alongside Virginia’s individual efforts to address the matter.  I also want to thank Ambassador Cui and the Chinese Embassy staff for their attention and work to resolve this important issue.”

Since 2007, following an isolated case of low pathogenic avian influenza (LPAI) reported on a single farm in Virginia, China has maintained a ban on all poultry produced in Virginia, poultry transiting through Virginia, and poultry that is exported from any port in Virginia.  Virginia officials have long contended that China’s ban was not justified by scientific data, as the isolated LPAI occurrence did not pose a food safety or poultry health risk.  Because of the ban, Virginia had been excluded from taking advantage of business in this high growth market.  China is currently one of the top foreign markets for U.S. poultry, purchasing more than $416 million in 2013, with Georgia, Mississippi, and North Carolina as leading suppliers. 

Virginia’s work to resolve the ban with federal and Chinese officials began in late 2007 under then-Governor Kaine.  During Virginia trade missions to Asia in 2011 and again in 2013, then-Governor McDonnell and Secretary Haymore held meetings with government officials in China regarding the poultry ban.  As a result of discussions with Chinese officials, in March of 2013, Virginia worked with federal officials from USDA APHIS and USTR to host a technical delegation from the Chinese regulatory agencies that were responsible for the ban.  The technical delegation conducted site visits and meetings in Virginia, examining farm and food safety protocols and testing.  This work, along with other efforts over the last seven years, ultimately led to the resolution of the ban.

“Based on China’s current poultry purchases from other nearby states, we believe that Virginia stands to gain $20 million or more in export sales each year,” stated Haymore. “China is a good market for certain items that are not of high value in the domestic market, but can be an important income generator for poultry processors.  Chicken feet and wing tips are considered a delicacy in some parts of China.  Reopening the market to these Virginia products adds commercial value to the product.  Chicken feet and wing tips may be worth a few cents per pound in the domestic market but can sell for many times this amount in China.”

China ranked as the number one market for Virginia’s agricultural exports in 2013 with more than $580 million in purchases.  However, the country’s market has remained closed to Virginia poultry products for the past seven years.  The total value of Virginia poultry exports exceeded $186 million in 2013, with China absent as a major potential market for Virginia.   Agricultural and forestry exports from Virginia reached a record high of $2.85 billion in 2013.

The poultry industry is the largest individual sector of Virginia’s agriculture industry.  With annual farm cash receipts in excess of $950 million, poultry accounts for more than 30 percent of all Virginia's cash receipts from agriculture.  Virginia's poultry industry depends on fair access to foreign markets in order to support continued prosperity.

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.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Next Steps in SOL Reform Process

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the process for the nomination and appointment of members to the Standards of Learning (SOL) Innovation Committee. The 2014 General Assembly directed Secretary of Education Anne Holton to establish the committee as part of a package of reforms to the commonwealth’s assessment and accountability system. The committee’s charge is to recommend further reforms, in addition to an already-approved reduction in the number of required SOL tests. 

“Innovation and accountability are critical components in building a public education system that meets the demands of a 21^st Century economy,” Governor McAuliffe said.  “The challenge for the SOL Innovation Committee will be to chart a course for reform that builds on the strengths of the current SOL system while creating more room for the rich, creative and innovative learning experiences that will prepare all Virginia students with the knowledge and tools they need to succeed in a global economy.” 

As directed by the 2014 legislation, Secretary of Education Anne Holton is soliciting recommendations and nominations from statewide organizations representing parents, teachers, principals, school boards, superintendents and other stakeholders.

In addition, applications and nominations are being accepted from individuals interested in serving on the SOL Innovation Committee.  Individuals can submit nominations and applications online by visiting the Gubernatorial Appointments page of the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website and following the directions. Applicants and nominators should select the Education Secretariat in applying or recommending someone for service on the SOL Innovation Committee. Applications and nominations will be accepted until May 23, 2014.

“My goal is to have the committee begin its important work this summer,” Secretary Holton said. “I look forward to working with a diverse group truly representative of the commonwealth and united by a desire to make our nationally regarded public schools even better.”

The SOL Innovation Committee also will include four members of the House of Delegates appointed by Speaker of the House William J. Howell and two members of the Senate appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules on the recommendation of Senate Committee on Education and Health Chairman L. Louise Lucas. Secretary Holton, Board of Education President Christian N. Braunlich (or his designee) and Superintendent of Public Instruction Steve Staples will serve as ex-officio members of the committee.

The reform legislation signed into law last month by Governor McAuliffe directs the SOL Innovation Committee to take a comprehensive look at the SOL assessments — including the computer adaptive tests now being piloted by the Virginia Department of Education — and related accountability and instructional issues and make recommendations to the Board of Education and General Assembly.

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Governor McAuliffe Names Six Members to Commonwealth Transportation Board

. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

 Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that he has named 6 new Virginia business and transportation leaders to the Commonwealth Transportation Board.

“Over the past several months, my administration has been working hard make Virginia a leader in the 21st Century Economy, be smart stewards of taxpayer dollars, and build a strong foundation for the next generation to succeed,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Investing every one of our transportation dollars wisely is central to meeting those goals. The bipartisan Virginia business and transportation leaders that I named to the Commonwealth Transportation Board today share my vision for the future of our transportation system, and will get right to work investing our resources in projects that ease congestion, promote economic development and support local communities across the Commonwealth.”

The new members of the Commonwealth Transportation Board and their brief bios are below:

Shannon Valentine, Lynchburg

Shannon Valentine is a lecturer, former member of the Virginia House of Delegates, and advocate for serving the poor through economic opportunity. In January 2014, she completed an assignment as Director for the Transportation Policy Council for Governor McAuliffe’s transition team. During her time in the House of Delegates, 2006-2010, Shannon’s legislative priorities included ethics, economic development, education and transportation. She led the bipartisan, legislative effort to invest in intercity passenger rail service for the first time in Virginia’s history, worked to expand clean energy production, and created the first comprehensive legislative study of autism, which continues to serve as a blueprint today.

Shannon currently serves on the Board of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership, Lynchburg City School Foundation, E. C. Glass Foundation, Converge Virginia, Habitat for Humanity Advisory Council, and Beacon of Hope, an organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing students for post-secondary education.

Court Rosen, Roanoke

Court Rosen is Vice Mayor of the City of Roanoke and has served on the Roanoke City Council since 2008. He has a deep background in business and public service. He currently serves as a principal with Walnut Creek Development Group, a residential real estate development firm. He has previously held several strategic communications positions on Capitol Hill. Court is a graduate of Vanderbilt University.  

Henry “Hap” Connors, Fredericksburg

Henry (Hap) Connors is Vice President for Government and Public Affairs at the Center for Innovative Technology (CIT). In this role, Hap oversees corporate communications and outreach to federal, state, and local government officials to increase awareness of CIT’s mission and its economic value to the Commonwealth. Hap has 25 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications for business, non-profit and government entities. Hap’s background includes management of marketing and media relations activities for the National Trust for Historic Preservation and the U.S. General Service Administration. Hap also served for nine years on the Spotsylvania County Board of Supervisors, and currently serves on numerous boards of foundations and non-profits in the Fredericksburg area.

James W. Dyke, Jr., Reston

Jim’s broad practice covers corporate, legislative, education, governmental relations, and municipal law. He previously served as Virginia’s Secretary of Education under former Governor L. Douglas Wilder, and as domestic policy advisor to former Vice President Walter Mondale.

Jim has established a significant regional presence in the business, education and government arenas. He was elected chairman of the Greater Washington Board of Trade for 2010. The Board of Trade is the largest regional business organization in the Washington, D.C., area, advocating for the business community in Virginia, the District of Columbia and Maryland. During his term, he was co-chair of the Joint Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (Metro) Governance Review Task Force. He was subsequently appointed by Virginia Governor McDonnell to be the Commonwealth’s representative on the WMATA Board of Directors where he chairs the Governance Committee.

E. Scott Kasprowicz, Middleburg

Scott Kasprowicz has an extensive business and public service resume to compliment his substantial philanthropic and private aviation accomplishments. In 1981 Scott founded Texel, a privately held communications services company in Reston which he sold in 1999 after growing revenues in excess $45 million.

Scott, an avid conservationist and environmental impact advocate, later served as Deputy Secretary of Transportation under Governor Kaine. While serving as deputy secretary, Scott was influential in numerous planning and development initiatives including the advancement of the Dulles Rail project.

Marty Williams, Richmond

For over twenty years, Marty Williams worked from the inside at both the state and local government levels throughout Virginia. Marty’s public service began in 1990 when he was elected to the Newport News City Council and was twice selected as Vice Mayor by his peers. As member of the Newport News City Council he represented the city on a variety of regional boards and commissions, interacting with local political and administrative leaders across the state. Marty was elected to the Virginia State Senate in 1995, representing the Virginia Peninsula and was named Chairman of the Senate’s Transportation Committee in 1999, where he served until 2007.

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