Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments

  (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced additional appointments to his administration. 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.

Office of the Governor

Carrie Henderson Caumont, Director of Scheduling

Carrie served as the Executive Scheduler to the President of University of Richmond for the past six years. Previously, Carrie served in the scheduling office for Governors Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Carrie earned her B.A. from James Madison University.  She is a native of Richmond and resides in Glen Allen with her family. 

Secretariat of Education

SOL Innovation Committee

·        Grace Chung Becker of Fairfax, Parent, Fairfax County Public Schools

·        Susanna Burgos of Newport News, Teacher, Newport News Public Schools

·       Kim Paddison Dockery, EdD of Fairfax, Assistant Superintendent for Special Services, Fairfax County Public Schools

Secretariat of the Commonwealth

Board Appointments

Advisory Board on Genetic Counseling

·       Heather A. Creswick, MS, CGC of Richmond, Genetic Counselor, Clinical Faculty, Genetic Counseling Training Program, Virginia Commonwealth University

·       Marilyn Jerome Foust, MD of McLean, Foxhall OB/GYN Associates, P.C., Washington, DC

·       John M. Quillin, PhD, MPH, MS of Mechanicsville, Genetic Counselor, Assistant Professor, Human and Molecular Genetics, Family Medicine and Population Health,  Virginia Commonwealth University             

·       Lori Swain of Alexandria, Executive Director, National Cancer Registrars Association

·       Matthew J. Thomas, ScM, CGC of Charlottesville, Genetic Counselor, Division of Genetics, Department of Pediatrics, University of Virginia School of Medicine

Advisory Board on Respiratory Care

·       Sherry Compton of Mechanicsville, Distance Education Coordinator, J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College

·       Lois A. Rowland, MSc, RRT-NPS of Midlothian,  Director of Respiratory Care and Pulmonary Lab Services, Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center

·       Daniel Rowley* MSc, RRT-ACCS, NPS, RPFT, FAARC of Charlottesville, Therapy Services Coordinator, Pulmonary Diagnostics & Respiratory Therapy Services, University of Virginia Health System

·       Bruce K. Rubin, MD, MBA, FRCPC of Henrico, Jessie Ball duPont Distinguished Professor and Chair, Dept. of Pediatrics, Professor of Biomedical Engineering Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine Physician in Chief, Children's Hospital of Richmond at VCU

Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects

·       Chris Stone of Virginia Beach, President, Clark Nexsen

Board of Medicine

·       The Honorable Jasmine Gore of Hopewell, Vice-Mayor, City of Hopewell

Board of Physical Therapy

·       Sarah C. Schmidt of Palmyra, Physical Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy @ACAC, Charlottesville

Commonwealth Neurotrauma Initiative Advisory Board

·       Scott Dickens of Richmond, President & CEO, Rocket Pop Media

Council on Aging

·       Valerie L’Herrou, JD of Richmond, Director of Public Sector Career Development, University of Richmond School of Law

·       Shewling Moy of Virginia Beach, Commissioner, Development Authority; Realtor; Former Registered Nurse

·       Roberto Quinones* of McLean, Executive Director, UNITY – Journalists for Diversity; former Senior Development Officer, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute

·       Veronica E. Williams, JD of Hampton, Owner, Virginia LifeCare Planning, The Center for Elder Law & Estate Planning

·       Dr. Sandra Williamson-Ashe of Chesapeake, Assistant Professor, The Ethelyn R. Strong School of Social Work, Norfolk State University

Criminal Justice Services Board

·       John Anthony Manuel Boneta of Vienna, Managing and Founding Partner, Law Offices of John A. Boneta & Associates, PLLC

·       Jeffrey S. Brown* of Disputanta, Director of Public Safety, Chief of Police, Hampden-Sydney College

·       The Honorable Vanessa Reese Crawford of Petersburg, Sheriff, City of Petersburg

·       The Honorable Michelle R. Mosby of Richmond, Member, Richmond City Council, 9^thDistrict

·       Kevin Pittman of Manassas, Deputy Sheriff, Fairfax County

·       Bobby Russell* of Roanoke, Superintendent, Western Regional Jail

·       The Honorable Kelvin L. Wright of Chesapeake, Chief of Police

·       Stephanie M. Wright, MSW of Alexandria, Co-Founder of Together We Bake, a nonprofit designed to serve women in need who are transitioning from the corrections system

Governor’s Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates

·       Nancy Howell Agee of Salem, President and CEO, Carilion Clinic

·       Scott Blackley of Leesburg, Executive Vice President – Controller and Principal Accounting Officer, Capital One

·       William G. Crutchfield of Charlottesville, Founder & CEO, Crutchfield Corporation

·       Albert J. Dwoskin of McLean, President and CEO, A.J. Dwoskin & Associates, Inc.

·       Thomas Farrell* of Richmond, Chairman, President & CEO, Dominion Resources, Inc.

·       B. Keith (BK) Fulton* of Richmond, Vice President, Mid-Atlantic Region, Verizon Communications

·       William M. Grace* of Yorktown, President and CEO, Grace Industries, Inc.

·       Robert D. Hardie* of Charlottesville, Managing Director, Level One Partners, LLC

·       James A. Hixon* of Norfolk, Executive Vice President, Law and Corporate Relations, Norfolk Southern Corporation

·       C. Burke King* of Richmond, President, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

·       Jeffrey M. Lacker* of Richmond, President, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

·       Robin S. Lineberger of McLean, Principal, Deloitte Aerospace & Defense

·       Stephen C. Movius of Falls Church, Corporate Vice President and Treasurer, Northrop Grumman Corporation

·       Jonas E. Neihardt* of Alexandria, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Hilton Worldwide

·       Mike Petters* of Newport News, President & CEO, Huntington Ingalls Industries

·       C. Larry Pope of Williamsburg, President and CEO, Smithfield Foods, Inc.

·       Mitchell N. Schear of Arlington, President, Vornado/Charles E. Smith

·       The Honorable Jody Wagner of Virginia Beach, President, Jody’s Inc.

Governor’s Task Force for Local Government Mandates

·       The Honorable Mimi Milner Elrod, PhD of Lexington, Mayor, City of Lexington

·       Gary Larrowe of Woodlawn, County Administrator, Carroll County

·       Marcus J. Newsome, EdD of Chesterfield, Superintendent, Chesterfield County Public Schools

·       Wyatt Shields of Falls Church, City Manager, City of Falls Church

·       The Honorable George E. Wallace of Hampton, Mayor, City of Hampton

University of Mary Washington Board of Visitors

·       Carlos Del Toro of Stafford, President and CEO of SBG Technology Solutions, Inc.

Virginia Cave Board

·       Michele Baird* of Virginia Beach, Astronomy Teacher, Granby High School

·       David Ek of Catlett, Environmental Planner, Fauquier County

·       Steve Lindeman* of Saltville, Land Protection Program Manager, The Nature Conservancy of Virginia

Virginia Port Authority

·       Deborah C. Waters of Suffolk, Attorney at Law and Proctor in Admiralty

Virginia Public School Authority Board of Commissioners

·       Walt Mika of Fairfax, Retired Teacher

*Denotes reappointment

Governor McAuliffe Launches Plan to Help Fix I-66

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

25-mile project would include new express lanes, rapid bus service, park and-ride network

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe  announced a plan to transform traffic-choked Interstate 66 into a multi-modal facility with express lanes, rapid bus service and a park-and-ride network from the Capital Beltway to Haymarket.

“Interstate 66 is broken. Commuters are stuck in traffic, limited in the travel choices they can make and unable to predict how long their trip will take on any given day,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Giving Virginians more choices and a better, safer travel experience on I-66 is one of my top priorities, and today I am proud to announce the beginning of that effort.”

Virginia Secretary of Transportation Aubrey Layne continued, “Over the last couple of months the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has worked closely with the Department of Rail and Public Transportation (DRPT), the Office of Transportation Public-Private Partnerships (OTP3) and Fairfax and Prince William counties to devise a plan that will reduce congestion on I-66 by increasing capacity and giving travelers more choices. Today we kick off 17 months of rigorous environmental study and robust community involvement. By the end of 2016 our plan is to complete environmental work, identify funding sources, receive federal approval, and move forward on a plan to turn I-66 into the efficient, multi-modal corridor that Virginia’s economy needs.”

Under the proposed plan I-66 would be improved to provide:

·       Three regular lanes in each direction;

·       Two express lanes in each direction (the existing high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane would be converted to an express lane and one new express lane would be constructed);

·       High-frequency bus service with predictable travel times; and,

·       Direct access between the express lanes and new or expanded commuter lots.

As on the 495 Express Lanes and soon-to-open 95 Express Lanes, tolls would be congestion-based and motorists would have the choice of driving free in the regular lanes or paying a toll to use the express lanes. Carpools of three or more persons and buses would ride free. The current HOV-2 requirement would be raised to HOV-3 to be consistent with the region’s Constrained Long Range Plan which calls for HOV-3 by 2020. HOV-3 on I-66 would also match the occupancy requirement on 495 and 95.

The full scope of improvements, which will be refined over the coming months, is estimated to cost between $2 and $3 billion.

The Tier 2 Environmental Assessment will evaluate site-specific conditions and potential effects the proposed improvements would have on air quality, noise, neighborhoods, parks, recreation areas, historic properties, wetlands and streams. The proposed improvements will not preclude the addition of Metro, light rail or bus rapid transit within the right of way on I-66 in the future.

In November 2013, the Federal Highway Administration approved the Tier 1 Environmental Impact Statement with a Record of Decision. Also last year, 19 private-sector firms offered recommendations for solutions to improve Interstate 66 in response to a Request for Information (RFI) issued by OTP3. The RFI sought innovative and creative solutions to ease the congested I-66 corridor from the Capital Beltway to Route 15 in Haymarket, with an emphasis on providing a multi-modal solution and minimizing right of way impacts.

More information on the I-66 Corridor Improvement Project is available here.

Governor McAuliffe Announces 70 New Jobs for Virginia Beach

~ Canada Metal (Pacific) Ltd. to establish first U.S. manufacturing 

Adapted from Wikipedia's VA county maps by Seth Ilys. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

operation~    

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Canada Metal (Pacific) Ltd., a Canada-based manufacturer of marine and industrial products, will invest $3 million to establish its first U.S. manufacturing operation in the City of Virginia Beach. The project will create 70 new jobs over three years.

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Having an international company like Canada Metal (Pacific) Ltd. select Virginia Beach for its first U.S. manufacturing operation is testament to the Commonwealth’s ability to compete on a global playing field. My administration is committed to growing advanced manufacturing jobs that will help boost Virginia’s economy. We welcome Canada Metal to Virginia Beach and the Commonwealth.”

“The advanced manufacturing industry is thriving in Virginia, and we are pleased that Canada Metal (Pacific) Ltd. will establish its first U.S. manufacturing operation in the Commonwealth,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Virginia Beach is a leader in the U.S. manufacturing revival, and offers a skilled workforce, strategic location and the necessary infrastructure for Canada Metal to succeed and expands its market reach.”

Headquartered in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Canada Metal (Pacific) manufactures and markets marine and industrial products and is the world’s largest producer of diecast marine anodes, some of which are used for offshore oil pipelines. The company also manufactures and markets the Octopus line of marine autopilot drive systems.

“CMP conducted a very comprehensive investigation as to where to establish its U.S. operation,” said Jim Stuart, Vice President of Business Development, Canada Metal (Pacific). “Virginia Beach came out ‘head and shoulders’ above all other locations due to its highly skilled labor force, excellent logistics, and, most importantly, having a culture that personifies our desire to be fully integrated within the community in which we conduct our business.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Virginia Beach Department of Economic Development to secure the project for Virginia. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. The company will also be eligible for Sales and Use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment.

“Virginia Beach has added another international manufacturer to our expanding global business community,” said Warren D. Harris, Director of Virginia Beach Economic Development. “This company aligns perfectly with our aggressive growth in advanced manufacturing. We are increasingly finding that international companies understand the benefits of locating here with an abundance of highly skilled workers and easy access to international markets through the Ports of Virginia.” 

Are Police Becoming The Enemy of The People?

On July 1st, a CHP officer was caught on camera beating a woman off the 10 freeway. The officer had already pinned the woman to the ground, and then proceeded to viciouly punch her more than 11 times in the head.

The violence was unjustified. If this had beeen an incident between civilians, the assailant would have been charged with assault. Peace officers should be held to higher standards, not less, so the officer should be held criminally accountable.

The CHP claims to be conducting an internal investigation. However, from the get go, their official stance is "the video doesn't show everything". Nothing the video didn't show could justfiy the officer's violence, and the fact that CHP wants to find extenuating circumstances is worrisome. Moreover, the victim of this assault is locked up in psychiatric hold, while the perpetrator is only on paid leave, not suspended.

The police should put protecting public above protecting one of their own. But the citizens have reason to doubt whether CHP is truly committed to doing the right thing. We request the district attorney to step in because:

1. The public deserve a fair investigation.

2. Regardless of the CHP investigation's outcome, the officer still committed a crime.

3. When police inspire fear instead of trust, then the system no longer works. The community needs to see proof that the law officers are not above the law.

Update: I spoke with the woman's attorney Caree Harper on twitter. She said they also want to file a complaint to the DOJ because the victim's civil rights were also violated.

Our Notes:  The stories of police brutality have always been out there, but it seems like the issue is growing and not shrinking.  If you watch this second video, you are told exactly how to avoid becoming the next victim.  Simply Comply with what you are told.  You may be told that your rights are about to be highly violated, but as long as you comply, you will not get beaten?  That statement to simply comply was not at all sound advice based on the number of people who are having their rights violated by police throughout the country.  Those sworn to serve and protect are earning a very bad reputation throughout the nation these days thanks to post 9/11 fear mongering which seems to stem from the Fed's.

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

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.

Governor McAuliffe Announces 596 New Jobs at Fort Monroe in the City of Hampton

Fort Monroe, Virginia (also known as Fortress Monroe) is a military installation located at Old Point Comfort on the tip of the Virginia Peninsula at the mouth of Hampton Roads on the Chesapeake Bay in eastern Virginia in the United States. For more info, please see talkpage. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Liberty-Source PBC to invest $1.56 million in customer service operation~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Liberty-Source PBC, a flexible onshore business process outsourcing model that uniquely harnesses the talent of military spouses, will invest $1.56 million to establish an operation at Fort Monroe in the City of Hampton.  The company will provide finance, accounting, human resources, customer care and additional support services for its clients, creating 596 new jobs.

               Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Liberty-Source PBC is a tremendous addition to the Hampton Roads region.  The company’s delivery model is centered on employing staff from the U.S. military community, and Fort Monroe and the City of Hampton have a long and storied military history.  In addition to active duty men and women in Virginia, thousands exit the military each year in the Commonwealth, and Liberty-Source will make a great social and economic impact providing opportunities to valuable government assets.”

            “The addition of nearly 600 new jobs is significant news for Fort Monroe and the City of Hampton,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  “An operation at a former U.S. Army post is a perfect fit for Liberty-Source PBC’s business model.  The companywill add economic vitality to a location with a centuries-old military tradition while drawing on the prevalent talents of the strong workforce in the region.”

Liberty-Source is a business process outsourcer (BPO) delivering finance and accounting, human resources, customer care and specialized industry solutions for clients seeking a flexible, onshore and cost-effective solution.  The company offers large multinational companies the first viable onshore alternative to a traditional offshore BPO model.  In addition, its compelling, socially conscious mission—providing career and training opportunities to the dedicated, under-employed pool of highly skilled military spouses—benefits both clients and, in this case, the broader Virginia community.

“Our unique operating model provides clients a solution unlike anything else on the market,” said Deborah Kops, Chairman, Liberty-Source.  “As an onshore BPO, Liberty-Source provides clients agile, tailored solutions which can deliver the spectrum of their business process needs.”

By harnessing the power of military spouses and creating strong alliances with leaders in the education, consulting and technology sectors, Liberty-Source is able to rapidly implement powerful solutions that meet the changing needs of its clients.  A Public Benefit Corporation (PBC), Liberty-Source is for-profit, yet designed as a responsible and sustainable enterprise, managed for the benefit of its clients, its shareholders and the broader public interest.

“Virginia is the ideal location to headquarter a BPO operation,” said Steve Hosley, president and CEO of Liberty-Source.  “With over 30,000 active military from all 5 branches in the greater Hampton Roads area, Fort Monroe provides us access to a highly skilled and dedicated workforce.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Hampton, the Fort Monroe Authority, and the Hampton Roads Economic Development Alliance to secure the project for Virginia.  Governor McAuliffe approved a $300,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Hampton with the project.  Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“In addition to its long and proud history, Hampton has a strong military tradition.  Hampton is a perfect fit for Liberty-Source’s mission to bring jobs back to the U.S. and employ hundreds of military spouses,” said Hampton Mayor George Wallace.  “With our supportive environment, friendly neighborhoods, excellent schools and quality of life, we believe that Liberty-Source is making a great investment in Hampton.”

"We're thrilled to welcome Liberty-Source to Fort Monroe,” said Glenn Oder, Executive Director of the Fort Monroe Authority.  “The company’s hiring of military veterans and family members of our active duty service men and women is admirable.  That makes it even more meaningful that they can call Fort Monroe home."

Governor McAuliffe Announces 69 New Jobs for Town of Pulaski

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~James Hardie Building Products to invest $25 million to expand 

manufacturing operation ~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that James Hardie Building Products Inc., an international manufacturer of fiber-cement siding for the construction industry, will invest $25 million to expand manufacturing capacity at its operation in the Town of Pulaski. Virginia successfully competed against Florida and Illinois for the project, which will create 69 new jobs.

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “James Hardie Building Products is an important employer and corporate partner to the Town of Pulaski and has thrived since the establishment of its manufacturing facility nearly 10 years ago. The company again chose Virginia due to our low cost of operations, robust workforce and strategic location with close proximity to suppliers and markets, and this project is a great testament to the Commonwealth’s competitiveness in the marketplace. This significant investment and expansion will enable James Hardie to add a new product line, increasing overall production and ensuring the operation’s future longevity in Pulaski.”

“Today we celebrate the continued growth and success of James Hardie Building Products’ manufacturing operation in the Town of Pulaski,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “A quality, stable employer like James Hardie is a valuable asset in any community, and the addition of 69 new jobs is significant news for the region.”

James Hardie is the global leader in fiber cement technology. It invented fiber cement siding products in the early 1980s as a durable, lower-maintenance alternative to wood and vinyl. James Hardie products combine innovation and versatility to offer a variety of design possibilities, matched with specific performance attributes relative to the climate where the product is being used. Currently installed on more than 5.5 million homes in North America, James Hardie products have earned a favorable reputation within the industry and have been specified in some of the country’s most prestigious projects. For more information about James Hardie visit http://www.jameshardie.com.

"James Hardie is excited to grow its Pulaski manufacturing capacity to not only bring jobs to the area, but also increase U.S. production,” said Bob Grove, Human Resources Manager for James Hardie. "This expansion is an example of James Hardie’s commitment to serving the communities in which it is located, and meeting the ever-growing demand for innovative fiber cement products.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Town of Pulaski, Pulaski County, and the New River Valley Economic Development Alliance to help secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $250,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Pulaski with the project. The Governor also approved a $200,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies. The company is also eligible to participate in 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.

“This announcement is wonderful news for our community,” noted Mayor Jeff Worrell. “We are very proud of the Pulaski facility, and it’s a tribute to its excellence that this significant investment is being made.”

"It is great to see the expansion of James Hardie, and we are pleased with the continued partnership with the Town of Pulaski in the initial location and the continued expansion of this plant,” said Joe Sheffey, Chair of the Pulaski County Board of Supervisors. “James Hardie has been a great corporate citizen, serving both the County and the Town with assistance on various projects, including substantial Hardie Board donation on community projects, and in rebuilding following the tornados. We commend James Hardie for their success in the market place and thank them for their decision to invest in their Pulaski, Virginia plant."