Sunday, September 6, 2015

Governor McAuliffe Celebrates Success of Virginia Values Veterans Program

Over 11,000 Veterans Hired by V3-Certified Employers

RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today recognized Virginia businesses for their ongoing commitment to creating employment opportunities for Virginia’s veterans.  The 350 businesses certified under the state’s Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program have hired over 11,000 veterans.

Governor McAuliffe presented 15 awards to individuals and announced significant veteran hiring milestones made by V3-certified companies.  Since 2010, over 80,000 veterans have been added to Virginia’s labor force – more than all other states combined.

“The V3 program is a true example of what we can achieve when the public and private sectors work together for the good of our Commonwealth,” said Governor McAuliffe. “I am so proud to announce that we met my goal of hiring 11,000 veterans through the V3 program 900 days ahead of schedule, and that today we are raising the bar to hire 20,000 before the end of my term. It is an honor to work with these companies to leverage the unique training and talents of our veterans so that they can lead happy and productive lives in a new Virginia economy.”

Making veterans a part of the new Virginia economy is a top priority for Governor McAuliffe.  To ensure that veterans have the opportunity to find challenging, well-paying jobs that capitalize on their talent, skill, and drive, the Governor in 2014 (via Executive Order 23) charged the Virginia Department of Veterans Services to ensure that V3-certified companies had hired 11,000 veterans before the end of his term.

“More service members are leaving the military now than at any time in recent history,” Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs John C. Harvey, Jr. said.  “Businesses have a great opportunity to capitalize on these highly trained men and women leaving the military to help their businesses grow and succeed.  The V3 Program helps Virginia companies implement solutions for filling urgent work force demands with a very high-quality supply of talented veterans.”

To recognize the significant commitment of Virginia businesses to hiring veterans, Governor McAuliffe presented fifteen awards to companies in two categories:  the V3 Governor’s Award recognized companies for the total number of veterans hired in Virginia, while the V3 Perseverando award recognized companies for their perseverance in making Virginia the most veteran-friendly state in the nation in which to work.

The V3 Governor’s Award winners are:

Enterprise Employer Category (1,001+ employees)
·         Apex Systems, Inc.
·         CACI International, Inc.
Large Employer Category (301 – 1,000 employees)
·         C.R. England
·         Norfolk Sheriff’s Office
Medium Employer Category (51 – 300 employees)
·         PD Systems, Inc.
·         ITA International, LLC
Small Employer Category (1 – 50 employees)
·         Command Post Technologies
·         Veteran Reporters, Inc.
State Agency Category
·         Virginia Tech
·         Virginia Department of Transportation

The winners of the V3 Perseverando Award are:

·         Enterprise Category (1,001+ employees):  Newport News Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries
·         Large Category (301 – 1,000 employees):  Stratford University
·         Medium Business (51 – 300 employees):  PD Systems
·         Small Business (1 – 50 employees):  G2 Global Solutions
·         State Agency: Virginia Department of Transportation

“Veterans have the knowledge, skills, and ability to help Virginia businesses succeed,” said Virginia Department of Veterans Services Commissioner John L. Newby II.  “We are honored to recognize these 15 companies at today’s ceremony, and are excited to see even more great things from more great companies in the future.”

The Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Program is a Commonwealth of Virginia, Department of Veterans Services Program. V3 helps employers understand, design, and implement nationally recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining veterans.  For more information about the V3 Program, contact Andrew Schwartz at Andrew.Schwartz@dvs.virginia.gov or visit us athttps://www.dvsv3.com/.

Constitution Seminar for Youth Announced

On September 9, 1777, future Chief Justice of the U.S Supreme Court John Jay had the opportunity to address the Grand Jury of Ulster County, NY.  Among his remarks, he said: “Every member of the State ought diligently to read and to study the constitution of his country and teach the rising generation to be free. By knowing their rights, they will sooner perceive when they are violated, and be the better prepared to defend and assert them.” 

At the Constitution Leadership Initiative, we have taken John Jay's charge to heart.

Although I've had to cancel the previously announced seminar planned for 29 August due to low registrations, I have rescheduled it for 19 September (two days after Constitution Day) and moved to a new location.

The seminar is built around the book "Our Constitution Rocks" by Juliette Turner, and each participant age 14-18 will receive a free copy.  This is an explanation of the Constitution written by a teen for teens.  In addition, each child will receive a free box lunch and Pocket Constitution.  All this is made possible by generous donations to CLI's Young Patriot's Fund.
This will be a wonderful opportunity for students to study the entire U.S. Constitution in one sitting and learn of the events which led to it as well. 
There will be a special guest appearance (via Skype) by Constituting America President and Founder Janine Turner (mother of Juliette).
Parents who wish to audit the seminar with their children will be asked to pay $10 to cover the cost of their lunch.
All participants must be pre-registered to participate.  The seminar is limited to 30 participants.  Register via email to Gary@constitutionleadership.org or by calling 757-867-9120.
Request your assistance in publicizing this important and worthwhile event.

Thanks for your help in the cause of freedom.


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/.