Three Virginia Schools Recognized for Outstanding Innovation in Physical Fitness

Official seal of City of Newport News (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Winners awarded brand new Live Positively^TM Fitness Centers by

the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils

(Richmond, VA) - Governor Terry McAuliffe and Chairman of the National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils Jake Steinfeld announced today the three winning schools that will each receive a state-of-the-art Live Positively^TM Fitness Center as part of the National Champion Schools campaign. This multi-million dollar physical fitness campaign has named Chesterfield Academy in Norfolk, Fairfield Middle School in Henrico and Huntington Middle School in Newport News as the winning schools for demonstrating new and innovative ways for promoting student physical activity and wellness. This fall, the new fitness centers will be dedicated at ribbon cuttings ceremonies.

“As governor, my top priority is to build a new Virginia economy, where every Virginia child has the opportunity to succeed. Promoting healthy lifestyles and providing our schools and students with the resources they need to achieve positive health goals is critical towards building this new Virginia economy and strengthening our communities,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Dorothy and I want to thank Jake Steinfeld for partnering with Virginia as part of the National Champion Schools campaign and for providing three Virginia schools with new fitness centers.”

"Childhood obesity is not a democrat or republican issue, it’s a children’s issue and Governor McAuliffe has stepped up big time to help combat this growing problem, said Jake "Body by Jake" Steinfeld.

“We are thrilled to award these three Virginia schools with new fitness centers because they have demonstrated a passion for fitness and in living healthy a lifestyle. I know that academics and fitness go hand in hand and when you provide the schools with the tools, students will excel beyond their wildest dreams.  Not only will these students be healthier, but they'll also have increased confidence, improved self-esteem and will achieve greater academic success."

The National Foundation's goal is to build a nation of the fittest, healthiest kids in the world. Physical activity and exercise are shown to help prevent and treat more than 40 chronic diseases, enhance individual health and quality of life and reduce health care costs. In schools, studies show that physical activity improves academic achievement, increases confidence and self-esteem, reduces discipline problems, cuts absenteeism and fosters better interpersonal relationships.

The National Foundation for Governors' Fitness Councils program plans to bring its challenge to all 50 states in the coming years. An attractive and unique feature of this campaign is that the Live Positively Fitness Centers are fully funded through public/private partnerships with companies like Coca-Cola and AOL and does not rely on taxpayer dollars or state funding. Live Positively is part of Coca-Cola's commitment to bring people together to make a positive difference, which includes supporting physical activity programs.

For more information about the National Foundation, visit www.natgovfit.org. 

About the National Foundation for Governors’ Fitness Councils

The National Foundation seeks to encourage and reward innovation in the field of youth fitness by awarding fitness centers to schools that use new and unique methods to promote student physical activity and wellness.  The National Foundation envisions a fitness center in every school in the U.S., helping to build a nation that—through innovation and a “Don’t Quit” attitude—boasts the fittest kids in the world.  Since 2012, we’ve delivered fitness centers in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Washington, DC, Georgia, New Jersey, Delaware, and West Virginia.  In 2014, NFGFC will deliver new fitness centers to California, New Mexico, Connecticut and Virginia.

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Virginia Leaders Tout Economic Benefits of Proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Virginia elected officials, business leaders and advocates from across the Commonwealth released the following statements today following an announcement by Governor Terry McAuliffe, Dominion Resources and AGL Resources about the economic benefits of the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline.

In an earlier press release, Dominion, AGL Resources, Duke Energy, and Piedmont Natural Resources announced a joint venture to build a major natural gas pipeline, an energy superhighway, through parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Construction of the pipeline will create 8,800 jobs, produce $1.42 billion in economic activity in the Commonwealth and generate $14.6 million.

After completion, the project will support 118 jobs per year, produce 37.8 million per year in ongoing economic activity and generate $233,000 in additional annual state tax revenue.

Senator John Cosgrove, Chesapeake:

“This project will bring clean, affordable and abundant energy to communities across Virginia, including Hampton Roads. I am eager to work with Governor McAuliffe, Dominion and AGL to see this project completed safely and responsibly, and to begin to realize the enormous jobs and economic growth potential that the Atlantic Coast Pipeline offers our great Commonwealth.”

Senator Louise Lucas, Portsmouth:

“Governor McAuliffe continues to deliver on his promise of bringing new, good jobs to communities across the Commonwealth. I am confident that this project can be completed in an environmentally safe manner that respects local concerns, and that all Virginians will benefit from the lasting jobs and economic impacts that it will bring to our Commonwealth.”

Delegate Mark Sickles, Fairfax:

“Good family-wage construction jobs in the short term will lead to lower heating bills, a reduced carbon footprint and permanent manufacturing jobs in the long term--another huge advance in Governor McAuliffe's mission to diversify the Commonwealth's economy.  Congratulations to all who worked so hard to win against four competing alternatives and good luck in the days and months ahead as decisions are made to make the underground natural gas pipeline a reality.”

Delegate Lionell Spruill, Chesapeake:

“I applaud Governor McAuliffe’s goal of making Virginia the manufacturing hub of the Mid-Atlantic, and for pledging to leverage the Atlantic Coast Pipeline to achieve it. Growing our economy in the face of federal cuts will require bringing new industries here, and this pipeline will be an outstanding asset as we work to bring manufacturers here who need access to clean and abundant natural gas.”

Delegate Roslyn Tyler, Sussex:

“The Atlantic Coast pipeline has the potential to create thousands of good jobs across the Commonwealth, including in Southside rural communities that need them. I am thrilled that this project will help all of us work together to build a new Virginia economy, while expanding our use of natural gas, which has half the carbon emissions of coal.  I look forward to working with Governor McAuliffe and these companies to realize the promise this project has to offer for our region.”

Doris Crouse-Mays, President, Virginia AFL-CIO:

“This new project and the real long and short-term economic benefits it will bring fit perfectly with Governor McAuliffe’s plan to build a new Virginia economy. We look forward to working with him and these companies to help get the Atlantic Pipeline built safely and responsibly, and attract the next generation of Virginia job creators who will benefit from its operation here in Virginia.”

Barry DuVal, President and CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce:

“Today’s announcement will improve Virginia’s economic competitiveness in the global marketplace and help diversify our economy. The new abundance of natural gas will empower Virginia businesses to expand as well as help recruit new businesses and manufacturers to the Commonwealth.”

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

“The Atlantic Coast Pipeline will create thousands of jobs, bring new businesses to communities across the Commonwealth, and expand our economy’s use of clean, abundant natural gas. I applaud Governor McAuliffe, Dominion Resources, and AGL Resources for working to bring this transformational project to Virginia.”

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

"The VMA supports Dominion Resources and AGL's pursuit of environmental excellence and public safety with this new pipeline. This fuel and critical infrastructure will help rebuild US manufacturing competitiveness and spark the development of Virginia's Port Zone." 

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Governor McAuliffe, Dominion Resources and AGL Resources Announce Economic Benefits of Atlantic Coast Pipeline to Virginia

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

RICHMOND -  At a press conference in Richmond, Governor Terry McAuliffe, Dominion Resources CEO Tom Farrell and Hank Linginfelter, EVP Distribution Operations, AGL Resources and Chairman, Virginia Natural Gas, announced the considerable economic benefits that the proposed Atlantic Coast natural gas pipeline will bring to the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In an earlier press release today, Dominion, AGL Resources, Duke Energy, and Piedmont Natural Resources announced a joint venture to build a major natural gas pipeline, an energy superhighway, through parts of Virginia, West Virginia, and North Carolina.

A study by the independent firm Chmura Economics and Analytics found that the pipeline’s construction would:

·       Produce approximately $1.42 billion in economic activity in the Commonwealth.

·       Support more than 8,800 new Virginia jobs, including nearly 5,000 directly supported by spending on construction activities.

·       Generate more than $14.6 million in additional tax revenues for the Commonwealth, including individual income and corporate tax revenues.

·       Once construction is complete, the pipeline would generate a total of 37.8 million per year in ongoing economic activity, support a total of 188 jobs annually and produce more than $233,000 in additional state tax revenue.

“This project is a game changer for Virginia’s economy, and the benefits will be both immediate and long-lasting,” said Governor McAuliffe. “In addition to the thousands of jobs and billions in economic activity that the construction of this project will create, the Atlantic Coast pipeline will lower energy costs for Virginia residents and businesses and help reduce carbon emissions in our state and region.

“This project will also help make Virginia the manufacturing hub of the Mid-Atlantic by enabling us to recruit job creating companies that rely on natural gas. I am proud to have been a part of the team helping Dominion and AGL win this competitive project and I look forward to working with them to leverage this enormous asset as we build a new Virginia economy.”

Joining Governor McAuliffe at today’s press conference were representatives from Dominion Resources and AGL Resources, who will oversee the pipeline’s construction and operation in Virginia.

Dominion Chairman, President and CEO Thomas Farrell II said, “Dominion welcomes the opportunity to partner with three other leading energy companies to improve energy reliability and promote economic development throughout Virginia and the entire three-state region."

Hank Linginfelter, EVP Distribution Operations, AGL Resources and Chairman, Virginia Natural Gas added, "This project brings American, abundant, and affordable natural gas to the US460 corridor and Hampton Roads, and will serve as a backbone for economic expansion."

The proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline will be a huge asset to Governor McAuliffe and his team as they work to create jobs and build a new Virginia economy.

Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones said, “One of the primary pillars of economic development for the New Virginia Economy is best in class energy infrastructure, sustaining access to diverse sources of energy at the most competitive prices. Today's announcement is exactly what's needed to keep Virginia's economy healthy and growing."

For more information on the proposed Atlantic Coast Pipeline view the Dominion Resources news release available here.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments, (They keep leaving to fast).

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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 build a new Virginia economy and create more jobs across the Commonwealth.

Secretariat of the Commonwealth

Board Appointments

Board of Accountancy

·       Matthew P. Bosher of Richmond, Partner, Hunton & Williams LLP

Board of Dentistry

·       Sharon W. Barnes of Mount Vernon, served as Communications/Legislative Assistant to Virginia State Senator Linda T. “Toddy” Puller; Associate Legislative Director, Editor and Director of Public Affairs for the National Association for Uniformed Services/Society of Military Widows

Board of Pharmacy

·       Sheila Kay Wilson Elliott, PharmD, MBA of Portsmouth, Clinical Pharmacist, Hampton Veterans Affairs Medical Center

Board of the Virginia Public Building Authority

·       Carolyn L. Bishop of Powhatan, Director of Finance and Administrative Services, Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Community Integration Advisory Commission

·       Tameka F. Burroughs of Harrisonburg, Special Educational Consultant, Broadening Horizons Educational Support Services

·       Sandra A. Cook of Petersburg, Transportation Program Assistant, Senior Connections of Richmond

·       Susan A. Elmore, TRS, MBA/HCM, QIDP, CBIS of Colonial Heights, an employee of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, and entrepreneur with her own health care operations consulting business, SAElmore Consulting, LLC

·       Stephen P. Grammer of Salem, disability advocate and recipient of the Certificate of Achievement, Partners in Policymaking

·       Danny L. Hodges of Hampton, foster parent and advocate for children with special needs

·       Lynnie McCrobie, LCSW, of Irvington Director of Community Options, Middle Peninsula Northern Neck Community Services Board

·       E. Ayn Welleford, MSG, PhD, AGHEF, of Richmond, Gerontologist Chair & Associate Professor Department of Gerontology, School of Allied Health Professions, Virginia Commonwealth University

·       Monica Wiley of Richmond, Office Manager, Democratic Party of Virginia and disability advocate

·       Shareen Young-Chavez of Chesterfield,  Line Unit Supervisor, Social Security Disability Determination Services with 17 years experience in the disability sector

Manufacturing Development Commission

·       Dennis Burnett of Staunton, Executive Director, Shenandoah Valley Partnership

·       Angeline Godwin, Ph.D., J.D. of Stanleytown, President, Patrick Henry Community College

·       B. Scott Tilley* of Virginia Beach, General Counsel, STIHL Incorporated

·       Brett A. Vassey* of Richmond, President & CEO, Virginia Manufacturers Association

New College Institute

·       Gracie Agnew of Fieldale, Adjunct Professor, Patrick Henry Community College

State Board for Community Colleges

·       Carolyn S. Berkowitz of Burke, Managing Vice President, Community Affairs, Capital One Financial Corporation; and President, Capital One Foundation

Virginia Cave Board

·       Janet Tinkham* of Fort Valley, Education Outreach Coordinator, AIDS Response Effort of Winchester

Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority

·       Eleanor Cantrell, MD* of Wise, Director,  Lenowisco Health District, Virginia Department of Health

·       Ralph R. Clark, III, MD* of Richmond, Chief Medical Officer of the VCU Health System and Associate Dean for Clinical Activities in the VCU School of Medicine

·       Nancy E. Dunlap, MD, PHD, MBA of Charlottesville, Dean, School of Medicine, University of Virginia

·       Shirley Rogers Gibson, DNP, MSHA, RN, FACHE* of Richmond, Associate Vice President of Nursing, VCU Health System

·       R. Neal Graham of Richmond, Chief Executive Officer, Virginia Community Healthcare Association

·       Deborah J. Johnston, RN of Richmond, Owner and President, Care Advantage, Inc.

·       Lori A. Rutherford, RN, LNP of Roanoke, Nurse Practitioner, Veterans Health Administration

Virginia Water Resources Research Center Statewide Advisory Board

·       The Honorable David L. Bulova of Fairfax, Member, Virginia House of Delegates and Senior Planner, AMEC Environment & Infrastructure, Inc.  

·        J. Michael Foreman of Palmyra, Director, Virginia Office of Environmental Education of the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation; a veteran of both the corporate and academic sectors,  currently serves as faculty of the Virginia Natural Resources Leadership Institute

·       Joseph H. Maroon of Midlothian, Executive Director, Virginia Environmental Endowment; former  Director, Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation

*Denotes reappointment

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