Governor McAuliffe Accepts Tax Tribute from Virginia Indian Tribes

RICHMOND – Governor and Mrs. McAuliffe today welcomed Assistant Chief Mark Custalow of the Mattaponi Tribe, Chief Kevin Brown of the Pamunkey Tribe, and other tribal members to the Patrick Henry Building to observe the 337th tax tribute ceremony. The ceremony is the oldest continuing nation-to-nation ceremony in the United States.

“Virginia is home to the some of the richest historical beginnings of our nation, and the Mattaponi and Pamunkey Indian Tribes exemplify what it means to be Virginians,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I also would like to recognize the Hunters for the Hungry organization for their exceptional leadership in helping families around the Commonwealth receive quality meals.”

The traditional Indian taxpaying ceremony traces its legal antecedents to a treaty signed on May 29, 1677 between Governor Herbert Jeffreys, Esq., and several Indian leaders representing the Pamunkey, Nansemond, Nottoway, Appomattox and other tribes.

Today, Chiefs of the Pamunkey and Mattaponi tribes honor the spirit of Article 16, which required each Indian King and Queen to visit the Governor every March "at the place of his residence to pay the accustomed rent,” yearly by bringing wild game and hand-crafted gifts for the Governor and First Lady at their official place of residence on Capitol Square. Traditional Indian music and dancing are part of the tax ceremony, held each November on Capitol Square in honor of American Indian history month.

In the tribute ceremony, tribal members honor their ancestors who negotiated the Treaty of Middle Plantation to preserve Virginia Indian lands and the rich heritage they enjoy to this day.

In this year’s ceremony, Assistant Chief Mark Custalow presented the Governor and First Lady with a pair of handmade earrings, a traditional Indian dancing stick with a turkey claw at the tip and an eight point buck deer. Chief Kevin Brown presented them with a handmade necklace and a deer. Drumming and dancing followed the presentation of gifts, led by Assistant Chief Mark Custalow.

Related articles

• Governor McDonnell Signs Proclamation Designating November as Virginia Indian Heritage Month
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on Conflicting Federal Rulings on the Affordable Care Act
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on U.S. District Court's Redistricting Ruling
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on the President's Executive Actions on Immigration
• Governor McAuliffe and First Lady To Open Executive Mansion in Celebration of Virginia Historic Garden Week
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on Final Approval of $1.9 Billion Federal Loan for Rail to Dulles

Governor McAuliffe urges Virginians to get ready for winter weather

November 30 - December 6 is Winter Preparedness Week in Virginia

RICHMOND – Winters in Virginia often are cold, snowy and icy and bring extended power outages.  To highlight the importance of Virginia families and businesses being winter-ready, the National Weather Service and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management have set asideNovember 30 - December 6 as Winter Preparedness Week. 

“We’ve had several record breaking winter storms in the past few years and they serve as good reminders that it’s smart to be prepared,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “Everyone should take steps now to be sure families, homes and businesses are ready for whatever winter may bring us this season.”

Although the current National Weather Service winter outlook indicates Virginia could have a less severe winter than last season, people still need to be sure their emergency plans and supplies are in place.

Please click here to see the proclamation Governor McAuliffe issued.

“A significant winter storm is possible any winter in Virginia, even during those winters with overall temperatures near or above normal,” said Bill Sammler, NWS warning coordination meteorologist.  “If the El Nino weather pattern happens as expected, then Virginia residents should anticipate storminess and a wetter than normal winter overall.  El Nino winters are generally not snowier, but they can be, if atmospheric conditions are right.  A recent example of that is the 2009-10 winter.”   

An important part of winter weather planning is being prepared to stay where you are until conditions improve.  During Winter Preparedness Week, Virginians should take these steps: 

• Get a kit.  Basic emergency supplies include: 

ü  Three days’ food that doesn’t need refrigeration or electricity to prepare it

ü  Three days’ water (a gallon per person per day)

ü  A battery-powered and/or hand-crank radio with extra batteries

ü  Add a first aid kit, supply of prescription medications, blankets and warm clothing, supplies for special members of your household and pet items.

ü  For businesses and offices, some bottles of water and food bars and a radio to hear local information about whether or not it is safe to travel.  Officials may advise staying in place until it is safe to travel.

ü  A power pack for recharging cell phones and other mobile devices

• Make a plan.  Everyone needs an emergency plan:

ü  Decide who your out-of-town emergency contact will be.

ü  Where will you meet up with family members if you can’t return home?

ü  Get an emergency plan worksheet at www.ReadyVirginia.gov or on the new Ready Virginia app.

• Stay informed.  Before, during and after a winter storm, you should:

ü  Listen to local media for information and instructions from emergency officials.

ü  Be aware of winter storm watches and warnings and road conditions.

ü  Get where you need to go before the weather gets bad.

ü  Get road condition information 24/7 by calling 511 or checkingwww.511Virginia.org

• Download the Ready Virginia app. This helpful emergency planning tool for iPhone® and Android™ mobile devices features:

ü    Location-specific weather watches and warnings issued by the National Weather Service

ü    Disaster news from the Virginia Department of Emergency Management

ü    A customizable family emergency plan that can be easily shared

ü    A checklist for gathering emergency supplies

ü    Contact information for local emergency managers

ü    Links to register for local emergency alerts, and more

“One heavy snowstorm with power outages is enough to disrupt schedules and cause people to wish they had prepared better,” said Governor McAuliffe. “It’s much safer to take a little time now and get ready before a winter storm arrives.”

WINTER WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

• Keep space heaters at least three feet from other objects. Never leave space heaters unattended. Install a smoke detector in every bedroom and on each level of your home. Check the batteries monthly, and replace them once a year at the same time every year.
• In case of power outages, use flashlights instead of candles for light.
• Use generators only outdoors and only in well ventilated areas.
• Make sure outdoor pets have adequate shelter, unfrozen water and food.
• If your household includes someone with special needs (has a disability, requires electricity to operate home medical equipment, needs to go to dialysis, etc.) call your local emergency manager to let them know where you live and what you will need during an emergency.
• Driving is most dangerous when the temperature is at or under 32° F. If the road is wet, patches of ice are possible, especially on bridges and curves. Avoid using cruise control in winter weather conditions.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
• Don't pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency response vehicles.
• Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car.

Visit www.ReadyVirginia.gov for more on preparing for winter weather.

(Great tips from the nanny state.)

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe sets September as National Preparedness Month in Virginia
• Governor McAuliffe Urges Citizens to Prepare for Hurricane Season
• Ready Virginia app presented to President Obama during hurricane season briefing
• Virginia Residents Should Be Ready for Winter Storms
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on U.S. District Court's Redistricting Ruling
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on 6th Senate District Election Results

Governor McAuliffe Announces SOL Innovation Committee’s Interim Recommendations

RICHMOND - Today, Secretary of Education Anne Holton announced that the Standards of Learning (SOL) Innovation Committee has completed their first round of interim recommendations.

The Committee, composed of educators, advocates, legislators of both parties and business leaders from across the Commonwealth, has been working since July to craft a series of recommendations aimed at reforming the current assessment system.

The resulting twelve recommendations will now be sent to the Board of Education and the General Assembly, detailing ways to reform the SOL assessments, recognize and promote student growth, and encourage creativity in the classroom.

“Innovation is essential in building the kind of education system we need to meet the demands of the New Virginia Economy,” Governor McAuliffe said. “I am proud of the work these dedicated Virginians have done in just a few short months, and their twelve recommendations are an inspiring start to a years-long process. I look forward to working with them during the legislative session and beyond to make sure our accountability system is fair, effective, and beneficial to the students of the Commonwealth.”

“The SOL Innovation Committee represents the best and brightest of what Virginia has to offer,”said Secretary of Education Anne Holton. “These first twelve interim recommendations are proof that we assembled the right team to tackle a very complicated and contentious subject. With these proposals, we are one step closer to making our state-wide accountability system even better.”

Bipartisan legislation passed by the 2013 General Assembly and signed into law in April by Governor McAuliffe directs the SOL Innovation Committee to take a comprehensive look at the SOL assessments and accountability and instructional issues in order to make recommendations to the Board of Education and General Assembly.

The Committee’s work is ongoing, with further recommendation expected next year.

To read the full executive summary click here.

To read the full report click here.

(Did we say education?  Sorry, that was supposed to be propaganda training and disinformation ensuring that our children never understand their rights so that we may enslave them.)

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Announces Next Steps in SOL Reform Process
• Governor McAuliffe Applauds House Passage of SOL Reform Legislation
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on Ruling in Opportunity Educational Institution Ruling
• McAuliffe Administration Announces SOL Innovation Committee Members
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on Virginia Opportunity Educational Institution Ruling
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on the Retirement of Virginia Superintendent of Public Instruction Patricia I. Wright

Governor McAuliffe’s Statement on Senator John Watkins Retirement

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe released the following statement following Senator John Watkins retirement:

“For more than 30 years, John Watkins has dedicated his life to serving the people of the Commonwealth. In both the House of Delegates and the Senate of Virginia, he has been a leader for legislation that has improved transportation, focused on business development, and fought to make Virginia a better place to live, work, and raise a family. I appreciate John’s willingness to work with me to try and find a way to provide health care for 400,000 Virginians. He has a strong record of putting policy above politics, and it has been an honor for me to work with him. John has been a champion for all Virginians.

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Statement on General Assembly Votes on Marketplace Virginia Amendment
• Governor McAuliffe and Virginia Legislators Celebrate Today's First Flight at the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on House and Senate Budget Proposals
• Governor McAuliffe Statement on 33rd Senate District Election Results
• Governor McAuliffe Statement Following Senate Passage of His Budget Bill
• Governor McAuliffe Applauds House Passage of SOL Reform Legislation

Loudoun County Selected to Host 2015 Wine Tourism Conference

LEESBURG - Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Loudoun County will host the 2015 Wine Tourism Conference.  Secured in coordination with the Virginia Tourism Corporation and Visit Loudoun and with assistance from the Virginia Wine Marketing Office, the conference will make its East Coast debut in 2015.  Wine tourism leaders from across the country and world will travel to Virginia November 18-20, 2015for the fifth annual Wine Tourism Conference at Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg.  Jackie Saunders, Vice President of Marketing with Visit Loudoun, was present for the announcement at the 2014 Wine Tourism Conference held earlier this month in Paso Robles, California.

“We are thrilled that the 2015 Wine Tourism Conference will be hosted by Virginia and held in Loudoun County, one of the most iconic wine destinations in Virginia,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “I congratulate Loudoun County and the Virginia team for securing this nationally recognized conference.  As the nation’s fifth largest wine producer, Virginia is quickly becoming the premier international destination for wine and culinary travelers.  The conference will offer an exciting opportunity to showcase our award-winning wines and world-class wine industry.”

The Wine Tourism conference is organized by Zephyr Adventures and is expected to attract more than 200 wine tourism professionals from across the world.  Open to winery owners, journalists, wine associations, wine destination marketing organizations and tour operators, the conference serves as a networking forum and provides extensive educational opportunities for this growing industry.  Previous conferences have been held on the West Coast in the premier wine destinations of Napa and Sonoma in California and Portland, Oregon. 

“Securing the Wine Tourism Conference is another win for Virginia’s efforts to become the premier East Coast destination for wine and wine tourism,” said Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore.  “With our wines garnering international acclaim, sales at a new all-time high – surpassing 521,000 cases in the last fiscal year – and more people visiting our wineries than ever before, Virginia is already recognized as a rising star in the global wine trade.  The 2015 Wine Tourism Conference will further that well-deserved attention and reinforce all that we have to offer as a wine destination.”

“Virginia is a top destination for wine lovers across the country, with more than 1.6 million tourists visiting our wineries last year bringing instant revenue to the Commonwealth,” said Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “By hosting the 2015 Wine Tourism Conference, Virginia becomes the first East Coast destination for this annual event, once again showing the country and the world that we are a top location for wine tourism.”

“We are excited to be bringing the Wine Tourism Conference to Loudoun County and to Virginia,” said Allan Wright with Zephyr Adventures.  “We know both the county and the state have done a great job at promoting wine and tourism and think our attendees from other areas will be very impressed with the local hospitality.”

“Loudoun is thrilled to be hosting the 2015 conference and that organizers recognize Loudoun and Virginia’s important and growing role in the wine tourism industry,” said Visit Loudoun President & CEO Beth Erickson.

Recognized as one of the top wine destinations in the world by Wine Enthusiast Magazine, the Virginia wine industry continues to thrive in both Loudoun County and across the Commonwealth.  Currently, there are 3,100 acres of vineyards and 250 wineries in Virginia, more than 40 of which are in Loudoun.

Virginia currently ranks fifth in the number of wineries in the nation with more than 250.  Virginia is also the nation’s fifth largest wine grape producer.  According to a 2012 economic impact study, the Virginia wine industry employs more than 4,700 people and contributes almost $750 million to the Virginia economy on an annual basis.  In addition, more than 1.6 million tourists visited Virginia wineries in 2013 according the Virginia Tourism Corporation.

Virginia has been listed as one of the best wine travel destinations in numerous media outlets including Wine Enthusiast, USA Today, Food & Wine Magazine and the Washington Post, noting the state's picturesque landscapes and friendly winemakers set Virginia apart as an excellent wine destination.  Visit www.virginia.org/wine to learn more about wine travel in Virginia or call 1-800-VISITVA to request a free Virginia is for Lovers travel guide to start planning a trip to Virginia.  LOVE is at the heart of every Virginia vacation.  For more information, please visitwww.virginia.org.

About Visit Loudoun                                                          

Visit Loudoun is the destination management organization for Loudoun County, Va., known as DC’s Wine Country®, located 25 miles from Washington, DC.  This not-for-profit organization develops and implements programs that promote tourism and travel to Loudoun and its towns, to increase visitation and generate visitor spending.  The organization showcases Virginia’s culinary and heritage assets, including award-winning wineries, horse country, scenic byways, and towns and villages steeped in history.  Visitwww.VisitLoudoun.org for more information

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Announces Telos Corporation to Create 160 New Virginia Jobs
• Governor McDonnell Announces Agreement to Create New State Park in Loudoun County
• Governor McAuliffe Congratulates Nine Virginia Counties
• Governor McAuliffe Announces First Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Planning Grants of Administration
• Localities Across Commonwealth to get Approximately $180 Million
• Governor's Commission of Integrity and Public Confidence to Convene. (Not much left)

Governor McAuliffe Announces First Mid-Atlantic Commercial Hops Processing Operation

~ Loudoun County’s Black Hops Farm To Become Largest Hopsyard and Processing Facility in Commonwealth ~

Project Enhances Virginia’s Position in Fast Growing Craft Beer Industry

LEESBURG – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Black Hops Farm, LLC will initially convert 15 acres of former pasture land into a hops yard and build a new processing facility, thus becoming the largest hops yard in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic’s first commercial-scale hops production and processing facility.  The new Black Hops Farm facility will revolutionize the hops industry in Virginia, allowing hops growers to harvest and process efficiently their hops for market.  The new processing capacity will enable existing Virginia producers to move assuredly in expanding their production and will encourage new producers to enter the market by removing key barriers to the profitable production and marketing of local hops.  In addition to supporting current and prospective hops producers, the facility will benefit Virginia’s craft brewery industry as a whole by increasing the amount of hops produced in the state, as well as their quality and their ability to be used by a greater number of brewers. 

Speaking at Black Hops Farm about the announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “I am pleased to announce that Virginia, thanks to this important investment by Black Hops Farm, will be home to the first commercial-scale hops processing operation in the Mid-Atlantic region.  This is a significant win for the Commonwealth as it fills a critical need for current and future craft brewers and builds on my administration’s efforts to increase Virginia’s position in the fast growing craft beer industry.  In addition, this entrepreneurial venture is an excellent example of the important role that our diverse agricultural industry can and will play in my economic development strategic plan to build a New Virginia Economy.”

The company, providing important hops processing services for the entire region, will invest about $1 million, create 11 new jobs in Loudoun County, and source more than 60 percent of their hops from Virginia over the next three years.  The Commonwealth of Virginia is partnering with Loudoun County and Black Hops Farm on this project through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund (AFID). 

“This one-of-a-kind facility in Loudoun County represents another step forward for Virginia as we become bigger players in the nation’s fast growing craft beer industry, which saw sales increase by more than 17 percent in 2013,” said Todd Haymore, Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry.  “This project enhances the Commonwealth’s position in the industry, which had an economic impact of just under $625 million last year, by promoting the research and production of hops, a huge potential cash crop for our agricultural producers.”

Black Hops Farms will invest in the site improvements, buildings, and equipment needed to convert the former residence and horse farm into a commercial hops production and processing facility.  A key role for the new processing facility will be to provide hops for Commonwealth Gin, as it is one of the important botanicals used in the production, so it can eventually be a 100 percent Virginia-sourced spirit.

“We’re so excited to be playing a part in the growth of the hops industry in Virginia here in partnership with Loudoun County,” said Jonathan Staples of Black Hops Farm. “Our collaboration with Solomon Rose and Organarchy Hops from Maryland has already made this a regional hops project with the benefit of their skills, expertise, and knowledge of the industry.  The Governor’s leading role in projects as large as Stone in Richmond, to our facility in Lucketts, makes clear to us that the state is committed to being a major player in the beer and spirits world and has allowed us to accelerate this project by several years. With so many farmers already growing hops across the state, we’re hoping that we can play a part in making Virginia the hops capital of the East Coast.”

In supporting the AFID grant to Black Hops Farm, LLC, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman Shawn Williams said, “This state-of-the-art hops processing facility will sustain the quality and function of Loudoun-grown hops past the harvest season and will set Loudoun as a premier grower of hops on the East Coast.  This type of agricultural business exactly fits the Board of Supervisors’ Rural Economy Business Development Strategy, and will contribute to the economic vibrancy of Loudoun County.”

Loudoun County Economic Development Director Buddy Rizer added, “The construction of this hops drying and pelletizing facility will support Loudoun’s emerging farm brewery sector, and strengthen the link between the county’s rural and urban economies. It will encourage more local entrepreneurs to grow hops, because having the ability to process them will expand the market for them. This is the catalyst that we need to increase agricultural production of hops in Loudoun County.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) worked with Loudoun County to secure this expansion for Virginia.  Governor McAuliffe approved a $40,000 grant from the AFID Fund to assist Loudoun County with the project.  Black Hops Farm is also committing to purchase at least 3,500 pounds of Virginia hops over the next three years, an average of 61% of their purchases.

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.coopercenter.org/node/2/publications/economic-impacts-agriculture-and-forestry-virginia-revised-2012.

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.

(Continuing the growth of corporate welfare against the wishes of the people.  Maybe it's time to stop funding the Governor's office.)

Related articles

• Governor McAuliffe Announces 70 New Jobs in City of Hopewell
• Governor McAuliffe Announces First Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund Planning Grants of Administration
• Governor McAuliffe Announces 75 New Jobs in the City of Richmond (Ignore the hundreds lost please)
• Governor McAuliffe Announces 25 New Jobs in the City of Charlottesville
• Governor McAuliffe Awards Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund
• Governor McAuliffe Announces First AFID Award to Promote Economic Development, Increase Agricultural Exports