Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Governor McAuliffe Launches Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship

~ Council is latest Administration initiative to catalyze entrepreneurism in Virginia ~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today signed Executive Order 47 establishing the Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship, which shall be responsible for coordinating and implementing youth entrepreneurship initiatives and fostering the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for young people in Virginia.

“The foundation of the new Virginia economy rests on the strength of Virginia’s young people,” said Governor McAuliffe.  “This Council will work to grow the Commonwealth’s innovation ecosystem and ensure that Virginia is the best state in the nation for young people to innovate, create, and start a business.”

The Council, which will be co-chaired by Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones, will include student entrepreneurs and leaders from education, business and startup communities. Working with higher education and other public and private sector resources, the Council will conduct a comprehensive assessment of current local, state and federal programs and services available to young entrepreneurs, connect local business leaders and job creators with young entrepreneurs to help grow ecosystems in their communities and provide recommendations to support the goals and priorities of the Council.

“Entrepreneurism is a vital strategy for job and economic growth in the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “In order to attract the best and brightest talent to Virginia, we need to create an ecosystem that fosters entrepreneurism and innovation.  This Council is another step in achieving that goal.”

The Council is the outgrowth of several roundtables and meetings Governor McAuliffe and his Administration held with student innovators and higher education faculty to learn about the challenges and opportunities facing young entrepreneurs in Virginia.  As a result of these discussions, Governor McAuliffe identified the following initial priorities for the Council:

  1. Expand students’ intellectual property (IP) rights – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, administrators and faculty at institutions of higher education to craft policies that give students more rights over their own research and IP. 
  2. Promote the formation of collaborative spaces for entrepreneurs and students to meet – Entrepreneurs consistently cite physical space as a priority in deciding where to start a business.  The Council shall work with partners in education and business to identify opportunities for expanded space for entrepreneurs and students to collaborate. 
  3. Encourage schools to offer courses in entrepreneurship that are easily accessible to all students and to integrate innovation into the curriculum – The Council shall evaluate strategies to further integrate entrepreneurship into classroom environments and curricula in higher education and work to ensure that entrepreneurship courses are accessible to all students regardless of their concentration of study. 
  4. Identify ways for colleges and universities to award academic credit to students for starting a business – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, administrators and faculty to determine criteria for awarding academic credit to students for starting a business, similar to existing policies awarding academic credit for an internship, independent study or co-op, to allow students to remain in school on a graduation track while still pursuing business ventures.   
  5. Remove unnecessary costs for students starting a business in Virginia – The Council shall consider ways to remove regulations and fees that create unnecessary burdens or obstacles for individuals who are starting a new business.

The Council will work closely with institutions of higher education and other state agencies to make progress toward achieving these priorities, while supporting opportunities to advance research, innovation and commercialization at Virginia’s colleges and universities.  

Expanding entrepreneurial enterprises in Virginia has been a top priority of Governor McAuliffe and his Administration.  Governor McAuliffe’s “New Virginia Economy” Strategic Economic Development Plan identified entrepreneurism as one of the five key pillars for growth in Virginia.  In June, Governor McAuliffe launched Virginia Velocity, a first-class business plan competition designed to encourage entrepreneurs in key sectors to bring their ideas and grow their businesses in Virginia.  The Council is the next step to further catalyze Virginia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The initial report of the Council’s assessments and recommendations is due to the Governor no later than December 1, 2015.

The full text of Executive Order 47 is below:

NUMBER FORTY SEVEN (2015)
ESTABLISHING THE GOVERNOR’S COUNCIL ON YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Importance of the Initiative
            Entrepreneurship and innovation are among the central pillars of Governor McAuliffe’s economic development platform.  The foundation for a new Virginia economy rests upon the strength of Virginia’s young people.  In order to stimulate future economic prosperity for all Virginians, young people must have the support and resources they need to become economically secure and successful.
In Virginia, the unemployment rate for young adults was 8.4 percent, double the unemployment rate for Virginians over age 35.  At the same time, the majority of new jobs come from startup firms (firms less than five years old), estimated at about 3 million jobs per year nationally.
Virginia is home to some of the best colleges, universities and community colleges in the world.  By investing in our young people, we can provide them the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century workforce.  We can ensure that they have the foundation to become creative and innovative leaders of the new Virginia economy.  In classrooms and businesses across the Commonwealth, our young people are already developing the ideas that will transform our future.  We have achieved great success in supporting young entrepreneurs, but we also have an outstanding opportunity for improvement and growth.  Virginia should work to strengthen the innovation infrastructure for young people by engaging with leaders in the public and private sectors, the education and business communities, and entrepreneurship ecosystems.   
Establishment of the Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship
            Accordingly, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia and under the laws of the Commonwealth, including, but not limited to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, and subject to my continuing and ultimate authority and responsibility to act in such matters, I hereby establish the Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship. 
Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship
            The Governor’s Council on Youth Entrepreneurship (Council) shall be responsible for coordinating and implementing youth entrepreneurship initiatives and fostering the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem for young people in Virginia.  Specifically, the Council is charged with:
  • Conducting a comprehensive, statewide assessment of current programs, services, and local, state, and federal resources that support Virginia’s young entrepreneurs and innovators;
  • Developing a website that aggregates these resources to provide a one-stop location for young entrepreneurs, businesses and educators to easily access information;
  • Connecting young entrepreneurs to assets in their communities through a series of roundtables, town halls or other collaborative events to bring together local business leaders and job creators with young entrepreneurs to help grow these ecosystems; and
  • Providing additional recommendations to achieve the goals of this Council and reporting regularly to the Governor. 
Additionally, the Council will address five significant priorities related to youth entrepreneurship: 
  1. Expand students’ intellectual property (IP) rights – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, presidents, administration, and faculty at institutions of higher education to craft policies that give students more rights over their own research and IP.  In considering possible alternatives, the Council shall consider model policies of institutions that have expanded student IP rights with the goal of strengthening innovation ecosystems and stimulating economic growth. 
  2. Promote the formation of collaborative spaces for entrepreneurs and students to meet – The Council shall work with partners in education and business to identify opportunities for expanded space for entrepreneurs and students to collaborate.  Entrepreneurs consistently cite physical space as a priority in deciding where to start a business.  The Council shall consider model collaborative spaces across Virginia and the nation.  
  3. Encourage schools to offer courses in entrepreneurship that are easily accessible to all students and to integrate innovation into curriculum – The Council shall research and evaluate strategies for integrating entrepreneurship into classroom environments and curricula in higher education.  It shall explore best practices, such as entrepreneurs-in-residence and out-of-classroom curricular programs.  It shall work to ensure that entrepreneurship courses are easily accessible and available to all students at institutions of higher education regardless of a student’s concentration of study. 
  4. Identify ways for colleges and universities to award academic credit to students for starting a business – The Council shall work with Boards of Visitors, presidents, administrators, and faculty at institutions of higher education to determine criteria for awarding academic credit to students for starting a business.  In the new Virginia economy, it is critical to recognize the important skills and training that students receive from launching a new business venture.  Similar to awarding academic credit for an internship or co-op, awarding academic credit to students for starting a business provides crucial workforce development opportunities that allow students to remain in school on a graduation track while still pursuing business ventures.  
  5. Remove unnecessary costs for students starting a business in Virginia – The Council shall consider ways to remove regulations and fees that create unnecessary burdens or obstacles for individuals who are starting a new business.

Composition of the Council
            The Council will be led by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade and include leaders in higher education and business, innovators and entrepreneurs, and others with appropriate expertise, as appointed by the Governor.  In coordination with relevant state agencies, the Council will serve as a central coordinating entity to identify opportunities and develop recommendations for improvement, including but not limited to: 1) entrepreneurship education, 2) support from the business community for young entrepreneurs, 3) strategies for keeping the ‘best and the brightest’ young innovators in Virginia, 4) opportunities for strengthening institutional support for student creativity and innovation, and 5) the growth of entrepreneurial ecosystems across Virginia.  The Council will also collaborate with other entities as appropriate and seek participation from relevant stakeholders, including the business and education communities, nonprofit groups, and advocacy organizations.
Staffing
            Staff support for the Council will be provided by the Office of the Governor, and any other Secretariats, agencies or offices as designated by the Governor, including staff from institutions of higher education if appropriate. The Council will serve in an advisory role to the Governor, in accordance with § 2.2-2100 of theCode of Virginia.  The initial report of the Council’s assessments and recommendations is due to the Governor no later than December 1, 2015.  Subsequent annual reports from the Council are due to the Governor on December 1st each year.  In coordination with the Council, each public institution of higher education will report annually to the Governor on its progress towards these goals.
Effective Date
            This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and, pursuant to §§ 2.2-134 and 2.2-135 of the Code of Virginia, shall remain in full force and effect from its signing until superseded or rescinded.
            Given under my hand and under the seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 24th day of August, 2015.    


Governor McAuliffe Announces 3rd Year of Virginia’s Going Global Defense Initiative

~ Commonwealth receiving $1.8 million for GGDI program to preserve jobs and replace declining state tax revenues for Virginia ~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia has received $1.8 million in grant funding for a third year of its Going Global Defense Initiative (GGDI), administered by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP).  The GGDI was created to mitigate the negative impact of defense spending cuts on Virginia’s economy. 

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “As federal budget cuts and sequestration continue to hamper Virginia’s economy, the Going Global Defense Initiative is a vital tool to help Virginia’s defense companies offset the loss of defense revenue. The GGDI, which is the first program of its kind in the U.S., helps Virginia defense companies diversify their revenue streams by identifying new business in international markets. This successful program is another example of Virginia’s innovative approach to strengthening its economy.”

“The past two years of solid performance with the GGDI program demonstrates how the federal government, Virginia government and its private sector can partner in ways that will benefit the economy of the Commonwealth,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “We are pleased to continue this effective partnership with our federal resources to provide assistance to even more of Virginia’s defense and security businesses. VEDP’s initiative will contribute to the companies’ future growth and health, thereby contributing to job growth in Virginia.”

Virginia is the top state in the nation for federal defense contracts. With approximately 5,000 defense companies in Virginia facing U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) spending reductions of more than $300 billion in the next five-plus years, Virginia stands to lose many high-paying jobs.  The GGDI is the Commonwealth’s only program that replaces DOD revenue streams for Virginia’s defense companies, which, in turn, preserves jobs and replaces declining state tax revenues for Virginia.

In its first two years, over 250 companies participated in VEDP’s GGDI program. More than 100 participants travelled to an international market in pursuit of new business.  In its third year, the DOD has granted $1.8 million for GGDI to assist Virginia’s defense-related companies that have been adversely affected by defense budget reductions. Virginia’s support of the GGDI is made possible by Governor McAuliffe’s funding of the Virginia International Trade Alliance (VITAL), announced last month.  VITAL’s goals are to increase Virginia’s exports by $1.6 billion and to create 14,000 trade-supported jobs over the next 5 years. 

The GGDI generates international sales for Virginia’s defense companies by providing the following:

·         Research on international markets
·         Export compliance
·         Digital localization
·         Technical translation and adaptation
·         Events with U.S. Combatant Commands and partner nations
·         Export training
·         Online portal of GGDI resources
·         Going Global training courses


Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia Receives $5.4 million in Community Planning Assistance Funds

~ Funds to support programs assisting Virginia’s defense-related businesses in diversifying to international and domestic non-defense-related markets ~

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that Virginia has been awarded $5.4 million in federal Community Planning Assistance Funds from the Department of Defense Office of Economic Adjustment.  This grant will be used to assist communities, businesses and employees in defense-related areas respond to the impacts of defense reductions.  Additionally, the grant will provide funding to expand entrepreneurship opportunities for defense-related employees and businesses, and to support displaced defense contractors seek other employment opportunities.

Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Virginia has taken the lead in identifying businesses potentially impacted by the recent defense reductions and worked with state, community, and business leaders to develop meaningful programs to address the issues.  In order to build a new Virginia economy, we must create an environment where businesses can thrive even in the face of federal cuts. With these funds, Virginia will provide direct support to companies as they transition to alternative markets.” 

“This is an excellent opportunity to help our communities that have been impacted by defense reductions,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “We are working directly with companies and individuals to generate new business opportunities to help them grow and prosper.” 

“This is the seventh consecutive year the Commonwealth has been awarded a grant from the Department of Defense’s Office of Economic Adjustment,” said Secretary of Veterans & Defense Affairs, John C. Harvey.  “These grants have supported the Commonwealth in planning and mitigating the impacts of the defense budget reductions over the past several years.” 

Virginia consistently ranks among the top states in defense spending.  According to an Office of Economic Adjustment report, Defense Spending by State Fiscal Year 2013, Virginia was ranked first at $58.8 billion.


Governor McAuliffe Announces Decrease in Virginia Unemployment Rate

RICHMOND – Governor McAuliffe announced today that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased 0.1 percentage point in July to 4.8 percent. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remains below the national rate, which was unchanged in July at 5.3 percent.

The average weekly wage for private employers was $905.58 in July, 4.6 percent above a year ago.

“We are seeing tangible results from our work to build a new Virginia economy in communities across the Commonwealth by attracting new, high-growth industries and fostering growth in the existing businesses that represent our employment base,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The new jobs numbers demonstrate enhanced income security for Virginia's workers while offering the opportunity of lower costs for employers doing business in Virginia. We still have much work to do, and I remain committed to providing pathways to prosperity for all Virginia families and businesses.”

“This is more good news for Virginia,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones.  “Year over year employment is up, wages are up, and unemployment is down.  When the public and private sectors work well together as a team, we can accomplish what is necessary to continue our economic growth.”

From July of 2014 to July of 2015, Virginia’s seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment was up 40,700 jobs. Over-the-year, employment grew 1.1 percent, the sixteenth consecutive month of positive over-the-year growth. Over-the-year July job gains were recorded by both the private sector, which grew by 38,500 jobs, and the public sector, which grew by 2,200 jobs. Compared to a year ago, on a seasonally adjusted basis, 10 of the 11 major industry divisions experienced employment gains.

As employment grew faster than expected in the last year, unemployment insurance (UI) benefit payments decreased and UI revenues increased.   This produced an improved forecast solvency level for Virginia’s UI Trust Fund this year, which will likely eliminate the fund-building surtax in 2016, a year earlier than previously projected.  The fund-building surtax, which costs employers $16 per employee, has been in effect since 2010.

For a greater statistical break down visit the Virginia Employment Commission’s website at http://www.vec.virginia.gov/.


Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Herbs: Plantain

Broadleaf Plantain Deutsch: Breitwegerich
Broadleaf Plantain Deutsch: Breitwegerich (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


The plantain: a common broadleaf "weed" that we should eat, not kill. This perennial vegetable is free for the picking...
Posted by GMO Free USA on Tuesday, August 18, 2015

Rand Paul: "Audit The Federal Reserve".

Official portrait of United States Senator (R-KY).
Official portrait of United States Senator (R-KY). (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


Rand Paul wants to to "audit the Fed and restore transparency and fiscal sanity to our nation’s checkbook."
Posted by Rand Paul 2016 on Wednesday, August 19, 2015


Of course the GOP establishment backs Jeb.
Posted by Rand Paul 2016 on Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Printable List Of Monsanto Owned “Food” Producers

Printable List Of Monsanto Owned “Food” Producers


Rob Wittman: Weekly Update - How Can I Help You?

English:
English: (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

From Prince William County to Hampton Roads, I serve some of the strongest communities in the Commonwealth, and I am humbled every day to work for the people of Virginia’s First District. As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, I truly believe that my primary responsibility is to represent the interests of the men and women who’ve elected me, and I can only do that with your continued input and feedback.

Whether I’m advocating for our federal workers and service members—both during and after their service—or strengthening our economy by preserving the Chesapeake Bay and our other natural resources, I am committed to advancing commonsense policies that further Virginia’s legislative priorities. But that isn’t all that I do. My office is also here to help in more specific ways—by assisting with grant applications and federal agency issues, providing military service academy nominations, offering internships, and even scheduling tours of the Capitol and other landmarks and monuments here in Washington, D.C.

Below is a more comprehensive list of the constituent services I provide through my offices in Stafford, Tappahannock, Yorktown, and Washington. Please reach out to let me know how I can serve you better. I look forward to hearing from you.

Help With a Federal Agency
As a U.S. representative, one of the most important things that I do is help constituents who are having issues with federal agencies. While I cannot override final decisions made by federal agencies, my office can help with communication, information, status updates, and even requests for agency reconsideration.

Grants and Federal Domestic Assistance
My office provides information about grants as well as a list of resources that de-mystify the grant application process.


Student Financial Aid
I’ve teamed up with the Department of Education to provide high school and college students and parents in Virginia’s First District with information and financial aid options for higher education. See my website or contact my offices for more information.


Military Service Academy Nominations
I have the privilege each year of nominating a number of determined and hard-working young men and women to four of our nation’s five service academies. You can find a preliminary online application here or contact my Yorktown office for more information.

Congressional Internships
We offer a number of internships to First District students who are interested in policy, public service, and political communications. If you or someone you know is interested, contact any one of my offices to learn more.

Tour Requests
Not only do we offer tours of the Capitol through our Washington, D.C. office, but we can also help you schedule tours of the White House, the Library of Congress, and other national landmarks and monuments. Let us know how we can make your visit to D.C. even better!

American Flag Requests
Having a flag flown over the Capitol is a great way to honor an event or the memory of a loved one, and my office is happy to facilitate that. Click here or contact my Washington, D.C. office to purchase a flag and include a personal message.

The main streets of Virginia’s First District are full of ideas to get our economy back on track, and your feedback is critically important to me as I serve you. I can be reached by telephone at (202) 225-4261, through my website (www.wittman.house.gov), on Facebook (www.facebook.com/reprobwittman), and via Twitter (www.twitter.com/robwittman).

PEER REVIEWED SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE EXPOSES CHEMTRAIL AS CRIME AGAINST HUMANITY

English: Waking up to the Chemtrail onslaught
English: Waking up to the Chemtrail onslaught (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
A peer reviewed, court admissible scientific evidence of the deliberate annihilation of the global population has been released to the public by a very prominent scientist. This explosive revelation was made through the peer reviewed International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
This would mean that any interested party can file a class suit against government agencies and private entities authorizing and performing chemtrail operations around the globe, most especially in America and its allied countries.
The days of highly intoxicated pro-chemtrail trolls are officially over.
Peer-Reviewed, Court-Admissible, Scientific Research Paper Published Exposing Geoengineering
Scientific evidence now exists which indicates the presence of “toxic coal combustion fly ash” in the Earth’s atmosphere. The following abstract excerpt comes from a peer-reviewed paper recently published in the August 11th issue of the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health – State of the Nation
Read the rest of the story at the link below.