Governor McAuliffe Announces Administration Appointments (They Just Keep Leaving)

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

Secretariat of Agriculture

Carrie Hileman Chenery, Assistant Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry

Carrie Hileman Chenery most recently served as the Manager of Legislation & Policy for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership.  Prior to that, she was a director of government affairs on the government relations team at the law firm Williams Mullen.  Carrie grew up on a family farm in Lexington, Virginia, and received her B.S. in Environmental Policy & Planning and Agricultural & Applied Economics from Virginia Tech.  She also served as Governor’s Fellow in the natural resources secretariat under Governor Kaine and is a graduate of the 2013 Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership Political Leaders Program at the University of Virginia.

Secretariat of Public Safety

Travis Hill, Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Department of Alcholic Beverage Control

Travis Hill was previously reappointed as Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry by Governor McAuliffe in January 2014 after serving in the same capacity under Governor McDonnell since July 2011.  Acting in this role, Travis helped to advance the integration of agriculture and forestry into Virginia’s economic development agenda, including the development of the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industry Development Fund (AFID).  Travis worked with Virginia ABC and Virginia wineries, craft breweries and craft distilleries to promote growth in these industries and increase their use of Virginia grown products.  Prior to his appointment to the Administration, Travis worked eight years as an attorney in the Richmond office of Williams Mullen, representing a wide variety of clients before the Virginia General Assembly, the State Corporation Commission and other regulatory bodies, including Virginia ABC. Travis received both his BA and JD degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Secretariat of the Commonwealth

Board Appointments

Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission

• Sharon E. Davis of Arlington, Archivist, the Honorable John D. Dingell

Board for Contractors

• Vance T. Ayres of King George, National Coordinator, EIWPF
• Gene E. Magruder of Newport News, Tradesman, Newport News Shipbuilding
• Shawn Mitchell of Broadlands, CEO & President, Modern Mechanical
• Michael D. Redifer of Waynesboro, Building Official, City of Newport News

Board of Visitors of the School for the Deaf and Blind

• Michael P. Asip, Ed.D of Powhatan, Director of Exceptional Education, Chesterfield County Public Schools
• Alice B. Frick* of Staunton, retired teacher, VSDB (1965-1995)
• Ann Latham-Anderson of Crozet, Workforce Manager/Analyst, ChildFund International, Richmond
• John C. Pleasants* of Sandston, retired, Virginia Department of Corrections
• Judy S. Sorrell, M.Ed of Staunton, retired Director of the Shenandoah Valley Regional Program for Special Education; current Director, Community Development for Commonwealth Autism Service
• Paula Young-Johnson of Glen Allen, Sign Language Interpreter, Henrico County Public Schools

Board for Waste Management Facility Operators

• Christopher A. Chiodo of Richmond, Senior District Manager, Waste Management, Inc.
• Justin Williams of Richmond, Director, Office of Waste Permitting & Compliance, Virginia Department of Environmental Quality

Legislative Advisory Council to the Southern Regional Education Board

• The Honorable David L. Bulova of Fairfax, Member, Virginia House of Delegates
• The Honorable Janet Denison Howell of Reston, Member, Senate of Virginia
• The Honorable Mamie E. Locke of Hampton, Member, Senate of Virginia
• The Honorable Jennifer L. McClellan of Richmond, Member, Virginia House of Delegates

Virginia Offshore Wind Development Authority

• John R. Broderick of Norfolk, President, Old Dominion University

*Denotes reappointment

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Matching Tourism Grants

Program will generate more than $3 million in marketing initiatives

46 local tourism partners to receive public-private marketing dollars to bolster economy; grants will impact at least 195 statewide tourism entities

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that more than $852,000 in matching grant funds will be awarded to 46 local tourism initiatives as part of Virginia Tourism Corporation’s (VTC) Marketing Leverage Program. The grants are designed to help local and regional tourism entities attract more visitors by leveraging local marketing dollars, and will ultimately impact at least 195 other statewide tourism entities. The local organizations match the state grant funds by a minimum of 2:1 in order to support marketing projects. This funding cycle, the local partners will match the VTC grant dollars with more than $2.1 million, providing more than $3 million in new marketing to increase visitation to Virginia.

“These grants equip local tourism businesses with the tools they need to stay competitive,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The Marketing Leverage Program grants help support and grow a robust and diversified new Virginia economy and encourage strategic marketing of tourism products and businesses across the Commonwealth, generating revenue and jobs.”

Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia. In 2013, tourism generated $21.5 billion in revenue, supported 213,000 jobs and provided $1.42 billion in state and local taxes. Dollars invested in tourism are proven to provide a 5:1 return in tax revenue for Virginia, and the grant awards and matching funds provide a stimulus to localities seeking to increase tourism visitation and revenue.

VTC’s Marketing Leverage Program is designed to increase visitor spending by leveraging limited marketing dollars, stimulating new tourism marketing through partnerships, and extending the “Virginia is for Lovers” brand.  A minimum of three Virginia entities must partner financially to apply for a grant.  Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties, convention and visitors bureaus, chambers of commerce, other local or regional destination marketing organizations, private businesses, museums, attractions, cultural events, and other not-for-profit entities.  In total, VTC awards approximately $1.7 million annually - matched and leveraged on average 3:1 by partner dollars.

“The grants are supporting businesses across the Commonwealth, contributing to the overall economic health of our communities,” said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.“The state’s investment maximizes local marketing funds, allowing for localities to double and sometimes triple their marketing power to attract more visitors. This is a powerful tool for small businesses across the state.”

Details on the grant awards are below. The next round of VTC Marketing Leverage Program grants will open September 29, 2014. Localities interested in applying may visit www.vatc.org for more information.

Grant Program Name


Lead Partner


Award Amount



Capture the Clinch


Clinch River Adventures


$9,895.00



Bush Mill: Millstones, Mountains, Memories


Southwest Virginia Community Foundation


$2,500.00



Music, Milk & Marketing


Lee County


$5,125.00



Shenandoah Valley Kids Trail


Great Country Farms


$50,000.00



America's Historic Triangle Marketing Program


Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation Inc


$50,000.00



This is RVA Launch


Valentine Richmond History Center


$5,000.00



Virginia By Rail


VisitNorfolk


$7,500.00



Humpback Bridge - History Over the Water


Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism


$10,000.00



Claw of the Dragon Southwest Virginia Motorcycle Trail


Wytheville Convention & Visitors Bureau


$50,000.00



"Heart Rate" Campaign


Heart of Appalachia


$50,000.00



What's Your Bot-e-Type? Social Media Campaign


Botetourt County Office of Tourism


$30,500.00



Authentic Abingdon Overnight: Experience Culture, Make Memories


Barter Theatre


$25,000.00



Blue Ridge Standard Time Campaign


Roanoke Valley CVB


$50,000.00



Middlesex County Marketing Initiative


Middlesex County


$7,400.00



Historic Downtown Wytheville - Where the LOVE is!


Bolling Wilson Hotel


$50,000.00



My Bristol Visit


Bristol Convention & Visitors Bureau


$27,340.00



More of What Matters Campaign


Mecklenburg County Tourism Office


$11,716.50



Thomas Jefferson Wine Festival


Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest


$5,000.00



New River Valley Trail Guide


New River Valley Planning District Commission


$3,000.00



Rappahannock River Community Branding


Town of Kilmarnock


$13,300.00



Bluegrass, Barbecue & Brew Festival at Patrick Henry's Red Hill


Red Hill, Patrick Henry National Memorial


$3,057.00



Hunter's Raid Civil War Trail


Lexington and Rockbridge Area Tourism


$3,500.00



Believe in Bristol Digital Marketing Platform


Believe in Bristol


$10,000.00



Find Your Sweet Spot In Highland County


Highland County Economic Development Authority


$6,500.00



Virginia Science Festival


Science Museum of Western Virginia


$24,707.50



Fall Oyster Fests on Virginia's Eastern Shore


Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism Commission


$4,750.00



Route 5 Tourism Website and Take 5! Marketing Campaign


The Route 5 Corridor Coalition


$3,124.50



Richmond Garden Trail


Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden


$2,900.00



Promoting the Shenandoah Valley as a Green Wedding Destination


Hermitage Hill Farm & Stables


$5,000.00



Virginia is for "Opera" Lovers


Virginia Opera


$50,000.00



Salvage Dawgs Weekend Getaway


Black Dog Salvage


$4,750.00



Smith Mountain Lake Online Marketing and Responsive Website


Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce


$9,878.00



Tom Tom Founders Festival


Tom Tom Foundation


$50,000.00



Explore the Depths…Newport News Museums Revealed!


The Mariners' Museum


$10,000.00



Declare Your Independence with a Northern Neck Getaway


Stratford Hall - the Robert E. Lee Memorial Association


$10,000.00



"Come Play Outdoors!" Shenandoah County Outdoor Recreation


Shenandoah County


$4,760.00



Big Stone Gap The Movie Regional Promotion Phase II


Town of Big Stone Gap


$12,580.50



It’s Always Playtime in Abingdon - TV and Digital Campaign


Abingdon Convention and Visitors Bureau


$50,000.00



Northern Virginia Canadian Marketing Campaign


Northern Virginia Visitors Consortium


$9,375.00



Engaging Visitors all Across Virginia's Artisan and Oyster Trails


Artisan Center of Virginia


$23,225.00



Bringing Castleton to the World


Castleton Festival


$50,000.00



Ukrop's Monument Avenue 10k Marketing Initiative


Metropolitan Richmond Sports Backers


$25,000.00



Choose Your Own (Staunton) Adventure


American Shakespeare Center


$3,627.00



Find Yourself in the Heart of Southwest Virginia


Russell County Board of Supervisors


$5,000.00



Virginia Fall Foliage Art Show


Fall Foliage Festival Art Show


$4,650.00



NoVa Loves the Blues


Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization


$2,750.00

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Eight 2015 Virginia Regional Teachers of the Year

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

State’s Top Teacher to be Named October 10

Eight educators today learned of their selection as 2015 Virginia Regional Teachers of the Year during surprise classroom visits and announcements made by their division superintendents — and in the case of a Chesterfield County chemistry teacher — Governor Terry McAuliffe and Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples.

“At the heart of Virginia’s national and international reputation for excellent and innovative public schools are thousands of smart and dedicated teachers who are epitomized by the eight recognized today as best of the best,” McAuliffe said after announcing the selection of James River High chemistry teacher Tara L. Brunyansky as the 2015 Region I Teacher of Year.

The other seven 2015 Regional Teachers of the Year announced are as follows:

• Bevin K. Reinen, a first-grade teacher at Three Oaks Elementary in Virginia Beach (Region 2)
• Jennifer H. Worrell, a fourth-grade language arts teacher at Petsworth Elementary in Gloucester County (Region 3)
• Jaclyn M. Roller, an agricultural education teacher at Signal Knob Middle in Shenandoah County (Region 4)
• Gerin E. Martin, an early childhood special education teacher at Hutcherson Early Learning Program in Lynchburg (Region 5)
• Matthew T. Newton, a grades 3-5 special education teacher at Fishburn Park Elementary in Roanoke (Region 6)
• Mark T. Merz, a pre-kindergarten teacher at Oak Point Elementaryin Smyth County (Region 7)
• Kelly S. Jones, a World History and Sociology teacher at Greensville County High in Greensville County (Region 8).

“These teachers represent a cross section of the educators you will find in a 21st-century Virginia school division,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Steven R. Staples. “All of these educators are dedicated to helping their students overcome challenges and achieve at their highest potential.”

The teachers were selected from among candidates nominated by school divisions in each of the state’s eight superintendents’ regions. The candidates submitted portfolios highlighting their accomplishments, educational philosophies and community activities.

A panel, including classroom teachers, representatives of professional and educational associations, the business community and 2014 Virginia Teacher of the Year and 2014 National Teacher of the Year finalist Melissa A. Porfirio of Fairfax reviewed the portfolios and selected the eight regional teachers of the year. The panel will interview each of the eight teachers next month to select the 2015 Virginia Teacher of the Year. The decision will be announced during an awards ceremony to be heldOctober 10 in Richmond.

The 2015 Virginia Teacher of the Year will be the Commonwealth’s nominee in the National Teacher of the Year Program. The recognition is given by the Council of Chief State School Officers, in partnership with the Voya Foundation and People to People Ambassador Programs. Two previous Virginia teachers — B. Philip Bigler, the 1998 Virginia Teacher of the Year, and Mary V. Bicouvaris, the 1989 Virginia Teacher of the Year — went on to be named as a National Teacher of the Year.

Record Cold Winter Predicted For Gloucester, VA And The Rest Of The US

Cold Weather (film) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

What if you could control the weather?  What if you could control it so well that you could even predict it and sell weather to the rest of the world?  What if you found out that this is not only true, but is actually happening right now?  You would probably say it's just science fiction.  You would probably also say that anyone who tells you that this is in fact going on is just nuts.  We would not blame you for one second for thinking so.  But what if?  Let's look at the video below.  Before you play it, when we first looked at it we thought this was nuts, but we watched it all the way through.  Maybe it's not so nuts after all.  You be the judge.

http://www.geoengineeringwatch.org/

This site has a great deal of information dealing with climate change and possible causes that many refuse to believe or just call plain old paranoia.  But the question must be asked, what if they are right?

The most recent video from Geoengineering Watch.  But this continues to get even more interesting.  Check out this next video.

Now read the latest headlines.

Virginia is the latest state to detect a respiratory illness caused by an uncommon virus similar to the germ that causes the common cold.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that Virginia is among 16 states where the infection enterovirus 68 has been confirmed.

http://www.wtop.com/267/3704026/CDC-confirms-respiratory-illness-in-Va

Now we can either connect the dots here or just call it all a strange coincidence.  We are seeing this cold in animals all across Gloucester.  How does that work?  Strange coincidence.  Nothing more right?

We are just showing you what is out there in various news that most people never see.  You be the judge of what you think is real and what isn't.  We can not do that for you.  Makes Agenda 21 stuff look like a joke.  But are they related?  Nah.  That's just conspiracy thinking now isn't it?

You have to have a sense of humor.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces 50,000th Birth Certificate Issued Through DMV/VDH Partnership

Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Milestone Shows Virginians Love Convenient New Service Option

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced a major milestone in the vital records partnership of the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the Virginia Department of Health’s (VDH) Division of Vital Records. As of this month, the number of birth certificates sold at DMV offices topped 50,000.

“Fifty thousand is a very impressive number, and we are barely six months into this exciting partnership,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Clearly, Virginians are embracing this model of responsive service and convenience. As we build a new Virginia economy, Virginia needs a government that can respond to the needs of its citizens and businesses, and this is just one way we’re getting it done.”

The DMV/VDH partnership was recognized with a Governor’s Technology Award presented at the annual Commonwealth of Virginia Innovative Technology Symposium (COVITS) in Richmond earlier this month.

The birth certificate service at DMV began on March 1, 2014. In April, Governor McAuliffe officially announced the launch of the service and touted the initial success of the partnership at a news conference at the Chesterfield DMV Customer Service Center in Chesterfield County.

DMV saw a surge in birth certificate transactions in August as parents sought the documents in order to enroll their children in schools.

“We share the Governor’s excitement at this milestone and what it means for our customers,”said DMV Commissioner Richard D. Holcomb. “Customers at our front counters have been pleasantly surprised that DMV offers this birth certificate service. The response has been tremendous, and the numbers speak for themselves.”

“We are also pleased that the VDH/DMV collaboration has enhanced easy access to these important documents frequently needed by Virginians,” said State Health Commissioner Dr. Marissa Levine. “Our partners at DMV understand and share our commitment to the security and accessibility of Virginia vital records, and we look forward to continuing that shared commitment.”

As of September 13, 2014, DMV has served 48,696 customers requesting birth certificates and issued 52,648 certificates. 

The process for obtaining vital records through DMV is the same as doing so directly through the Division of Vital Records. Customers complete an application, submit the required documentation, and pay a fee to the agency. The fee for a birth certificate at DMV is $14. 

The DMV/VDH partnership was authorized by legislation (SB 1039, Newman) passed by the General Assembly in 2013. In addition to birth certificates, the legislation provides that DMV will begin issuing copies of death, marriage and divorce records. DMV and VDH expect to be ready to begin this phase in summer 2015. All original records will continue to be stored securely at the Vital Records office.

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Governor McAuliffe Statement on Upcoming Special Session

Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement today on this week’s special session of the General Assembly to consider proposals to expand access to health care for Virginians:

“As legislators prepare to come back to Richmond to consider proposals to expand access to health care for Virginians who need it, I hope they will join me in moving past the partisan division that has characterized this debate so far. To that end, Delegate Tom Rust has introduced a conservative compromise proposal that will get Virginians the care that they are already paying for, without exposing our Commonwealth to undue fiscal risk. I hope the General Assembly will pass the Rust bill this week so that I can sign it right away.

“This special session is an opportunity to continue to prove to Virginians that Republicans and Democrats can work together on common sense solutions to make their lives better. I am ready to negotiate and sign any proposal that brings our taxpayer dollars home to expand access to care, and I invite my friends in both parties to join me at the table.

“Virginia families, businesses and hospitals will be watching the actions that we take here this week. We owe it to them to bring our tax dollars home to expand health care access, create jobs and bring savings to our budget. We cannot afford to fall short of that goal.”

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Governor McAuliffe Announces 75 New Jobs in the City of Richmond (Ignore the hundreds lost please)

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~Leading Online Grocer Relay Foods to Invest $710,000, Increase Sales of Virginia-Sourced Agricultural Products by $3 Million Over Next Three Years~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Relay Foods (www.relayfoods.com) will expand its Richmond fulfillment center to accommodate increased local demand for its products and to support the company’s entry into new markets, including those beyond Virginia.  The company, a leading online grocery store and farmers market, will invest more than $710,000, create 75 new jobs in the City, and increase its Mid-Atlantic sales of Virginia-sourced meats, produce, dairy products, and value-added foods by $3 million over the next three years.  The Commonwealth of Virginia is partnering with the City of Richmond and Relay Foods on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID). 

Speaking at the company’s warehouse facility in Richmond about today’s announcement,Governor McAuliffe said, “I am thrilled to announce the second expansion of Relay Foods, a company founded by entrepreneurs with unique and exciting business models.  Relay Foods’ announcement today not only creates quality new job opportunities for residents of Richmond, it strengthens the ties this innovative company has to the Commonwealth.  With this announcement we continue to realize the benefits of fully integrating agriculture and forestry, the state’s largest industries into our strategic economic development platform, helping to build a new Virginia economy.”

Relay Foods seamlessly integrates more than 200 local farmers and artisan, organic, and conventional producers to deliver high quality, local and gourmet foods and groceries directly to customers.  The company offers a unique and powerful resource for small food producers in Virginia trying to access the market by providing ready access to consumers in the Washington, D.C., Richmond and Charlottesville metro areas.  This second expansion will allow the company to further meet the growing demands of its consumers.  In June, the Governor awarded a $50,000 AFID grant to the City of Charlottesville to assist Relay Foods in the expansion of its corporate headquarters and fulfillment center in Charlottesville.

"Relay Foods is not only increasing access to healthful foods, but also strengthening the Virginia agricultural economy,” said First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe.  “I truly believe that innovative companies like these are what it will take to bridge the nutritional divide in Virginia."

“I am pleased to see the continued success of the AFID program working with rural and urban localities, such as Richmond, and businesses such as Relay Foods, a company that is so focused on promoting Virginia’s fresh, locally-sourced agricultural products, to create jobs at its fulfillment center and new revenue streams for our growers,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. “This project will allow Relay Foods to enjoy an even wider reach to markets where the exposure of Virginia-grown products will increase and Virginia’s agricultural producers will continue to benefit from new sales opportunities.”

The company, in partnership with Virginia and Richmond, will invest in updates to its primary warehouse, as well as a new warehouse it plans to build in 2016.   The Richmond fulfillment center is the main location for the aggregation, storage, packaging and distribution of all local Virginia meat, cheese and dairy products.   These improvements will strengthen the company’s competitive position in the fast-growing online grocery market.

“I am extremely pleased that Relay Foods has chosen to not only remain in Richmond, but expand their company's operations here,” said Dwight C. Jones, Mayor of Richmond.  “Not only does Relay Foods provide fresh, locally-sourced foods to our residents, it is creating full-time, full-benefit jobs, increasing our tax base, and is proving, by its future plans of action to stay and grow in our city, that Richmond is an excellent choice for a company that relies on a central location and a strong transportation network.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and the City of Richmond to secure this expansion for Virginia.   Governor McAuliffe approved a $50,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist the City of Richmond with the project.  Relay Foods is also committing to purchase at least $406,000 worth of meats, produce, dairy products and other foods from Virginia producers over the next three years.  Through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program, Relay Foods will receive additional funding and services to support its training and retraining activities.

"One key to Relay Foods' success across Virginia has been establishing a network of talented, dedicated local producers in every market we serve," said Arnie Katz, co-founder and President of Relay Foods.  "We look forward to investing this AFID grant in our ongoing efforts to build innovative approaches that connect local Richmond growers and food artisans with enthusiastic customers."

“With agriculture being Virginia’s largest industry, we need to do all we can to facilitate more growth opportunities in this increasingly important economic sector and that’s what we’re doing today, said Senator John Watkins, R-Midlothian.  “Relay Foods is a great example of the type of company my General Assembly colleagues and I envisioned supporting when we approved the creation of the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund.  Providing economic development opportunities for the City of Richmond and the Commonwealth through their innovative business model and their agricultural producer supply chain is a testament to the success of this tool.”

Delegate Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, added, “Today’s announcement with Relay Foods is an exciting win for the City of Richmond and the Commonwealth.  In addition to the positive economic impacts this project will bring, this company is a shining example that the entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well and can thrive in our region.  It’s also good to see agriculture, which is traditionally viewed as a rural industry, making such a positive impact in a urban setting.”

According to a 2013 economic impact study conducted by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, agriculture and forestry are two of Virginia’s largest industries with a combined economic impact of $70 billion annually.  Agriculture generates more than $52 billion per annum, while forestry induces over $17 billion.  The industries also provide more than 400,000 jobs in the Commonwealth.  More information about the Weldon Cooper Center’s study can be found at http://www.dof.virginia.gov/print/econ/2013/weldon-cooper-Economic-Impact-Of-Ag-Forestry-2013.pdf.

About the Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund

The AFID Fund was created during the 2012 session of the General Assembly and is being embraced by the McAuliffe Administration as an important tool in growing the Commonwealth’s agriculture and forestry sector and helping to make Virginia the leading exporter of agricultural and forest products on the East Coast.  More information about the AFID grant, which has the flexibility to assist projects large and small throughout Virginia, can be found at http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/agribusiness/afid.shtml.

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