Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Governor McAuliffe Announces 349 New Jobs in Appomattox County

~Lindenburg Industry, LLC to invest $113 million in first U.S. manufacturing operation~
Project result of Governor’s meeting with company officials in Beijing, China during Asia Marketing Mission

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Lindenburg Industry, LLC, a subsidiary of a Chinese-owned corporation, will invest $113 million to establish an industrial honeycomb manufacturing operation in the Town of Appomattox in Appomattox County. This project, which represents the first new company announcement in Appomattox in 15 years and the largest since Thomasville Furniture began construction in 1972, is a direct result of the Governor’s meeting with company officials in Beijing, China during his Asia Marketing Mission last month.Virginia successfully competed against North Carolina for the project, which will create 349 new jobs.

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “An investment and project of this significance is transformational for Appomattox, and the Commonwealth is honored to add another international company to its roster. I had the great privilege of meeting with company officials in Beijing, China and close this significant win during my Asia marketing mission and I am thrilled that Lindenburg Industry is establishing their first U.S. manufacturing operation in Virginia. This project will revitalize a vacant facility, allowing quick start-up to production, and put approximately 350 people back to work in highly skilled manufacturing positions. These jobs are the stepping stones to building a new Virginia economy that will enable us to compete on a global scale, and the economic benefits that this project will bring to Appomattox and to the Commonwealth are tremendous.”

“We welcome Lindenburg Industry to Appomattox and to Virginia, and thank the company for this transformative investment and the creation of hundreds of new jobs,” said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “This project is a great example of Virginia’s international connectivity as we continue to enhance our strong business relationship with China, and we look forward to Lindenburg Industry benefitting from the Commonwealth’s outstanding business climate, world class workforce and access to global markets through our port system.”
           
Lindenburg’s parent company is one of the world-leading investment holdings companies in China that is focused on energy, energy conservation and environmental protection related technologies. Being a publicly-traded company in Hong Kong (Listing code: HK. 901), EagleRide Investment Holdings Ltd. adheres to the corporate philosophy of being “positive, sagacious, enterprising and innovative.” Faced with a myriad of investment opportunities available around the world, EagleRide’s investment in the United States was in part encouraged by benchmark indexes reaching all-time highs in 2013 and the fact that America is home to some of the most exceptional infrastructures in the world. For these reasons, EagleRide Investment Holdings Ltd. has appointed various technical advisors in the U.S. to help in identifying investment prospects in energy, and environmental protection sectors.

“The U.S is characterized by low political risk, as well as an advanced level of legal protections for doing business and making investments,” says Stella Li, CEO of Lindenburg Industry, LLC and Chief Technology Officer of EagleRide Investment Holdings Ltd. “After an extensive search by our site location consultants at Development Advisors, LLC, we found the right location for our initial U.S. manufacturing operations in Appomattox, Virginia. This location provides us with an excellent business environment and the workforce talent we require to be successful. We are greatly appreciative of the support that the Town of Appomattox, Appomattox County, the State of Virginia, and Dominion Virginia Power have provided in making this project come to fruition. We also want to thank the North America Chinese Chamber of Commerce for their part in assisting with our integration into the North American economy on this particular project.”

Lindenburg will be manufacturing industrial environmental control components used in clean air emissions. The introduction of progressive environmental legislation around the world is a key driver of Lindenburg’s business activities. The environmental management system is the cornerstone of the company’s effort to make responsible use of natural resources and systematically reduce its wastewater, solid waste streams, and atmospheric emissions.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Town of Appomattox and Appomattox County to secure the project for Virginia. Dominion Virginia Power also provided support. Governor McAuliffe approved a $1.4 million grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Appomattox with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $1.17 million in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds. The company will receive benefits from the Port of Virginia Economic and Infrastructure Development Grant Program. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Words cannot express the excitement and anticipation I have regarding the announcement that Lindenburg Industry is locating in the Town of Appomattox," said Appomattox Mayor Paul Harvey. "This has truly been a team effort by all of the parties involved, from the Governor's office to the local level.  The location of Lindenburg Industry in the Town of Appomattox will produce a huge economic boost, not only in the number of quality jobs being made available, but also to the local businesses and their ability to provide various support services. As Mayor of the Town of Appomattox, it is a privilege to welcome a company of the caliber of Lindenburg Industry to the Appomattox community."

“On behalf of Appomattox County and its citizens, I’d like to welcome Lindenburg Industry to our community,” said Ronnie Spiggle, Chairman of the Appomattox County Board of Supervisors. “This is a great day for Appomattox County. This will help our local economy, local businesses and will be a boost for our citizens by creating jobs for our people and to help them achieve the American dream. Appomattox is known for its history. I am delighted that Lindenburg Industry has chosen Appomattox to make some new history.”

“The Tobacco Commission is excited to welcome Lindenburg Industry to Appomattox County,”said Senator Frank Ruff, Vice Chairman of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “Having an available building was a major asset in attracting Lindenburg Industry.  The Commission awarded a significant TROF incentive for the company’s commitment to create 349 new jobs in Virginia’s tobacco region.”

“The Port of Virginia is happy to welcome another new company that is going to bring jobs and revenue to our state,” said John F. Reinhart, CEO and executive director of the Virginia Port Authority. “We look forward to establishing a strong relationship with Lindenburg Industry, LLC, as the company exports its finished product to China using the port. We are pleased that the competitive services to Asia, via The Port of Virginia, and the incentives offered by the port were factors in this company’s decision to locate its first US facility in Virginia.”

“Virginia continues to innovate and provide a fertile environment for attracting jobs and investment,”said Robert M. Blue, President of Dominion Virginia Power. “Reliable, low-cost energy is critical to the manufacturing renaissance in the United States and Dominion Virginia Power is pleased to be a partner in the equation.”

(Selling out Virginia and America for fun and profit.  Please ignore the other jobs lost and small businesses that are going out of business because they can no longer compete.)

Governor McAuliffe Announces 25 New Jobs in Madison County

Map of Virginia highlighting Madison County
Map of Virginia highlighting Madison County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~PH International, LLC to invest $4.5 million to expand headquarters operation~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that PH International, LLC, a manufacturer and distributor of home decor and garden products headquartered in Madison County, Virginia, will invest $4.5 million to consolidate operations of its subsidiary Plow and Hearth, LLC and sister company Viva Terra, LLC at its Madison County facility. The company will add 84,000 square feet and create 25 new jobs in the expansion, which will include adding warehouse storage for Plow and Hearth, as well as headquarters staff for Viva Terra.

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Bringing new businesses into the Commonwealth and expanding existing businesses like PH International play a critical role in building a new Virginia economy that will enable the Commonwealth to remain competitive on a global scale. We are proud to have PH International on the impressive roster of companies that call Virginia home, and by growing their existing job base in an area that has been economically hard-hit, this project will help to build a solid foundation for economic success in Madison County and the greater region for years to come.”

“Growing our existing business is a key economic development strategy for the Commonwealth,”said Maurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “We are excited about PH International’s growth in Madison County and the creation of new jobs paying above the average prevailing wage for the region.”

What began as a small retail store in Madison, Virginia in 1980, PH International, LLC has become one of the largest employers in Madison County. The PH International portfolio now includes the flagship brand Plow & Hearth®, plus five other brands, including Wind & Weather®, HearthSong®, Magic Cabin®, Problem Solvers®, and Reuseit®. The Plow & Hearth brand also has 24 retail locations located throughout the Mid-Atlantic, ranging from North Carolina up to New Jersey and Pennsylvania. PH International, LLC was purchased in 2010 by the owners of Evergreen Enterprises, based out of Richmond, Virginia. The company’s owners, Ting Xu and Frank Qiu, came to the U.S. from China when they were in college, made Virginia their home, and started Evergreen in 1993 when Ting and her mother began making and selling garden flags at the Virginia State Fair.  Combined, Plow and Hearth, Evergreen Enterprises, and recently acquired VivaTerra (eco-friendly home décor catalog and online brand) now represent a global wholesale and retail enterprise. 
           
 “Central Virginia is the perfect place to expand our business, accommodate our rapid growth from the past few years, and absorb recently acquired and future brands,” stated Ting Xu, CEO of PH International. “In Madison, we have access to a talented, dedicated workforce, beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and we have long-standing, strong ties to the community."

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Madison County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Madison County with the project. Additional funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“The Madison County Board of Supervisors is most pleased with Plow and Hearth’s decision to expand its facility in Madison County,” said Doris Lackey, Chair of the Madison County Board of Supervisors. “We have long enjoyed a beneficial and productive relationship with this firm, from its inception more than 34 years ago to its place in our community today.

Plow and Hearth has been a great partner and contributor to the community and has an excellent and successful business model. Madison County looks forward to many years of a mutually beneficial and productive relationship with Plow and Hearth.”

Governor McAuliffe announces new digital gateway to connect Chinese travelers to Virginia

English: Main Terminal of in Virginia, USA.
English: Main Terminal of in Virginia, USA. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Launch of new Chinese-language landing page will help travelers plan their next visit to Virginia~

(We need someway to provide Chinese investors a chance to visit their new purchases of Virginia and America)

RICHMOND –  Governor Terry McAuliffe announced yet another gateway connecting Chinese travelers to Virginia with the creation of a brand new landing page on the state’s tourism website, Virginia.org. The landing page, virginia.org/china, will provide Chinese travelers with unprecedented access to curated itineraries and resources, including information about the region’s rich history, diverse shopping opportunities, iconic cultural experiences, incredible outdoor activities, and award-winning culinary offerings. Additionally, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) has produced a 15-page brochure which provides the Chinese traveler with a suggested six-day itinerary. All resources are provided in Chinese.

The new landing page is the 16th of its kind. VTC’s international landing pages currently welcomes visitors from countries like France, Italy, Argentina, Mexico, and Japan, each in the respective country’s official language.

With China as one of Virginia’s top emerging markets, Governor McAuliffe has recognized the importance of launching new initiatives to build Virginia’s economic bridge to China. The creation of the landing page follows a successful collaboration earlier this year with Air China, and the establishment of new nonstop flights between Beijing and Dulles International Airport in Virginia. The new air route is expected to bring in an additional 16,000 tourists and business travelers to the capital region annually, which will result in 24,000 additional hotel room nights and $14 million in local spending annually.

As part of the memorandum of understanding with Air China, today Governor McAuliffe met with eight Chinese tour operators visiting Virginia as part of a familiarization tour in Virginia Beach. The purpose of this tour is to create awareness of the exceptional travel experiences and tourism products that are available around the Commonwealth for Chinese travelers.

“The Commonwealth of Virginia has a longstanding and productive relationship with China, and I am passionately committed to expanding that relationship,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “There is great opportunity to continue building strong partnerships and a powerful bridge to connect our two great countries. These new resources will help unite businesses, friends, families, and universities, and will help us to continually improve our communication to Chinese travelers.”

“International tourism is one of our strongest markets, and one that has incredible growth opportunity,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “The estimated economic impact of Air China alone is evidence of just how important these partnerships are to the new Virginia economy. It is our hope that these new resources will continue to create opportunities for Chinese travelers to experience all Virginia has to offer for many years to come.”

Tourism is an instant revenue generator in Virginia. In 2013, travelers spent $21.5 billion, supporting 213,000 jobs and provided more than $1.42 billion in state and local taxes.

To learn more about Virginia’s international marketing efforts, please visit: http://www.virginia.org/international/.

(Selling out our country for fun and profit.)

Governor McAuliffe Announces 50 New Jobs in City of Salem

Adapted from Wikipedia's VA county maps by Set...
Adapted from Wikipedia's VA county maps by Seth Ilys. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
~ Mersen USA to invest $5.7 million to expand operation ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Mersen USA, a subsidiary of Mersen SA, a global expert in electrical specialties and graphite-based materials headquartered in France, will invest $5.7 million to expand its operation in the City of Salem, creating 50 new jobs.The facility designs and manufactures graphite and silicon carbide heat for highly corrosive and high-temperature fluids and skid systems, encompassing entire process systems in a single unit. Customers include chemical companies, pharmaceutical companies, and other severe process industries. With this project, Mersen USA will expand its skid systems capacity, as well as relocate the company’s reactive metal equipment manufacturing business from California to Salem.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Creating good jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector is a central part of growing and diversifying Virginia’s economy. This announcement is significant for a locality that is aggressively trying to rebound economically and for Mersen USA as they continue to benefit from our Commonwealth’s world class workforce and business environment. The facility employs approximately 80 people working to optimize manufacturing processes in a variety of key industries, which is essential to the future of advanced manufacturing. We are thrilled to see the Salem operation grow and absorb the company’s relocated metal manufacturing business as part of this expansion.”

“Mersen USA’s decision to expand and relocate a business division to its Virginia operation speaks volumes about the company’s experience in our world-class business environment,” saidMaurice Jones, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Mersen is an important employer in the City of Salem, and this great project confirms the company’s long-term commitment to the region.”

Mersen USA designs innovative solutions to enable clients to optimize manufacturing processes in sectors such as energy, transportation, electronics, chemical, pharmaceutical, and process industries. Mersen USA has manufacturing facilities in 35 countries, employs over 6,000, and reports 2013 sales of Euro 739 million. Established in 1940, Mersen USA has nine production sites in seven states. 

“Mersen USA chose Salem for this expansion of our systems and relocation of our U.S. reactive metals equipment fabrication businesses because the City of Salem has always provided a business friendly environment and the community provides skilled and dedicated employees,” said Shawn Malone, President, Mersen USA, Chemical Equipment Div. “We have been operating in Salem since 1986 without regret, and are especially proud of recently achieving 2,000 days without a lost time accident and expect to pass our previous record of 3,000 days as we expand and grow. Mersen has not achieved this sort of safety record anywhere else in the world and it speaks volumes in regards to the Salem operation and especially its people.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Salem and the Roanoke Regional Partnership to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $140,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Salem with the project. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“The City of Salem is elated that Mersen USA has chosen to expand its operation in Salem and will be adding 50 new jobs,” said City Manager Kevin Boggess. “Mersen is one of those companies tucked away on the fringes of our city that goes about its daily business turning out million dollar equipment with very few people knowing what they actually do. The $140,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity fund is of utmost importance because without it, the City would not be able to meet the Company’s needs alone. With Salem’s unemployment rate at 5.8%, this project represents a wonderful boost to our economy, and we certainly do welcome the jobs it will create.”

Governor McAuliffe Announces November as Virginia Oyster Month

~ Virginia is the Leading East Coast Seafood Producer, Third Largest in the Nation ~ 

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that November is Virginia Oyster Month.  Visitors and Virginians alike are encouraged to experience the fresh wild-caught and farm-raised oysters from Virginia's seven different oyster regions throughout the month of November, as well as participate in the numerous oyster festivals and events around the Commonwealth.
Virginia oysters have diverse flavors from the saltiest in the waters of Chincoteague on Virginia’s Eastern Shore to the sweet taste of Rappahannock River oysters and the rebirth of Lynnhaven oysters in Virginia Beach.  This diversity gives visitors a lot to love about oyster travel in Virginia.

"Virginia oysters are the best in the world, and they play an increasingly important role in growing our economy and keeping the Chesapeake Bay clean,” said Governor McAuliffe. “My team and I are working hard to make Virginia the Oyster Capital of the East Coast, and I hope Virginians will join us by enjoying local, fresh and delicious Virginia oysters during the month of November.”

Virginia's oyster harvest increased by 25% from 2012 to 2013, with more than 500,000 bushels - the most in nearly a generation.  Over the past 12 years, the oyster harvest in Virginia has increased from approximately 23,000 bushels in 2001 to last year's level of just over 500,000 - the highest level since 1987.  The dockside value alone of the oyster harvest is 2013 was more than $22 million, up from approximately $16 million in 2012.

"Tourism is an instant revenue generator for Virginia, and the continued growth of the oyster industry, combined with private sector investment, positively impacts the tourism industry in the Chesapeake Bay region and the Commonwealth," said Maurice Jones, Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  "In 2013, visitors spent $21.5 billion, supporting 213,000 jobs and contributing $1.4 billion in state and local taxes. Marketing Virginia as an oyster destination will help us attract more of those visitors and continue to help our economy grow.”

"The oyster industry plays a significant role in Virginia’s recognized position of being the nation's third largest producer of marine products and, the leading seafood producer on the East Coast,"said Todd Haymore, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.  "In addition to the domestic impact of our marine products sector on the tourism and agricultural industries, we're proud of the successes we’ve had in promoting Virginia oysters on international trade missions, where we've generated new export sales to China, Hong Kong and Canada.  These deals and others we hope to help achieve will help generate business and attention for Virginia’s thriving oyster industry."

In August 2014, Governor McAuliffe announced the development of the Virginia Oyster Trail, a major tourism development project connecting travelers to Virginia oyster purveyors, raw bars and restaurants, and the watermen culture throughout Coastal Virginia, the Northern Neck, Middle Peninsula and the Eastern Shore.  As a result of these exciting developments with the Virginia oyster, Governor McAuliffe officially declared November as Virginia Oyster Month and named Virginia the "Oyster Capital of the East Coast."
“By pairing Virginia oysters with other Virginia products including wine, craft beer, cider and spirits, travelers can experience the state with taste,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation.  "Oysters only add to the impressive list of things Virginia has to offer."
For a list of Oyster Month festivals and events around the state, go to http://www.virginia.org/OysterFestivals/

For more about Virginia oysters, go to http://virginia.org/oysters

Watch video on Virginia Oyster Month here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lENusPnc8A


Governor McAuliffe Accepts 127 Acres of Hallowed Ground from Civil War Trust

~ Successful partnership between Virginia and Civil War Trust increases amount of protected land at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic and High Bridge Trail State Parks ~

RICHMOND - Governor Terry McAuliffe presided over a ceremony at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield, formally announcing and accepting the transfer of 127 acres of hallowed ground to the Commonwealth at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park, located in Amelia and Prince Edward Counties, and High Bridge Trail State Park in Prince Edward County. 

Speaking about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Through concerted efforts to preserve the Commonwealth’s battlefields and other historic treasures, this administration and its partners are creating a lasting legacy for present and future Virginians.  We will continue to work with nonprofit groups like the Civil War Trust to proactively preserve these irreplaceable resources, as we have done at Sailor’s Creek and High Bridge.”

Molly Ward, Secretary of Natural Resources, and Mike Grainger, Chairman of the Board of the Civil War Trust joined McAuliffe at the new conference.  According to Grainger, “The Civil War Trust and Virginia have a long history of cooperation to ensure the state’s Civil War battlefields are protected, interpreted, and open for the public to enjoy.  We are pleased to transfer these acres to the care of the state park system.  It is our firm belief that Virginia is the best possible steward of these hallowed grounds.”

In her remarks, Secretary Ward called the Commonwealth’s participation in the project a fitting example of the Old Dominion’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding her plentiful historic and natural resources.  “Virginia is home to some of the most stirring places in America, including some of the nation’s significant Civil War battlefields.  The Virginia State Park System is honored to be entrusted with the care of these newly acquired properties at Sailor’s Creek and High Bridge.”

The Commonwealth of Virginia and the Civil War Trust have been working together to protect hallowed ground at Sailor’s Creek Battlefield since 1996.  Due to this collaborative effort, 885 acres at Sailor’s Creek Historic Battlefield and 175 acres at High Bridge Trail have been protected. 


Tuesday, November 11, 2014

Writ Quo Warranto; Judges Beware?




The Line in the Sand - Breaking News November 10, 2014 Unified Common Law Grand Jury in every State files writ_quo_warranto.pdf in every Federal District Court, United States Supreme Court and served upon every Federal Judge and all 9 US Supreme Court Justices. Information in the nature of a quo warranto. A proceeding against the usurper of a franchise or office. Jarman v. Mason, 102 Okl. 278, 229 P. 459, 460.; An extraordinary proceeding, prerogative in nature, addressed to preventing a continued exercise of authority unlawfully asserted. Johnson v. Manhattan Ry. Co., N.Y., 53 S.Ct. 721, 289 U.S. 479, 77 L.Ed. 1331. watch the Video.

The above video and information come from the National Liberty Alliance.  The pdf is available above as it is live linked here and it is covered in full detail in the above video.  Will this work?  Will judges just stop being thieves and sell outs?  Not likely.  There is way to much money and power in what they are doing now.  They are not going to give up that power and corruption without a fight.  

  What I will say is that I do like what these folks are doing and I have decided to join.  So I am a member of NLA and cover Gloucester, Virginia.  Now I have many hours of training to go through.  What kind of impact will all of this have?  Hope for the best, expect the worst.  It's the right stand no matter what.  Standing for the rights of the people is always the right decision.  I need two more people for Gloucester to have 4 people covering this county.  Each county should have 4 representatives.  I already have a second person.  May already have a third, but waiting on their answer.  Who will step up to be number four?

Please visit the NLA, National Liberty Alliance at the below link