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Virginia Capitol C onnections, Winter 2017
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The Seventh Annual Virginia Chamber
of Commerce Economic Conference
sponsored by 80 organizations was held in
Williamsburg on December 2nd and over
700 attendees were welcomed by Mr. Barry
DuVal, President & CEO of the chamber.
At the annual Luncheon, The First Lady
of Virginia Dorothy McAuliffe gave brief
remarks about Virginia’s economy.
The focus of the conference was the introduction of the 2016
State of the Commonwealth Report. The Report, consisting of 172
pages, was presented by Old Dominion University’s Dr. James V.
Koch, Professor of Economics and President Emeritus; Dr. Larry
Filer, Senior Fellow, Center for Economic Analysis and Policy; and
Dr. Robert McNab, Deputy Director, Center for Economic Analysis
and Policy.
The contents of the Report included current topics and very
interesting trends - The Virginia Economy in Transition; NOVA:
Turning the Corner?; The Hotel Industry in the Commonwealth;
Will Robots Take Your Job? A Look At Virginia’s Opportunities
and Vulnerabilities; Broadband in Virginia: Vital for Economic
Development; Stock Car Racing in Virginia: The Sport and the
Business; The Rise of Single-Earner Households in Virginia: Why It
Matters and Liberty University: A Higher Education Phenomenon. A
copy of the report was available to all attendees.
Mr. KeithMartin, ExecutiveDirector,VirginiaChamber Foundation
and Executive Vice President,
Public policy and General Counsel,
Virginia Chamber of Commerce
presented the Chamber Foundation
Economic Dashboard which
focus on how Virginia compares
with other states on key economic
indicators in addition to how the
different geographical regions of the
Commonwealth are faring.
A Kickoff to Blueprint Virginia 2025 was presented by Mr.
Robert M. Blue, Senior Vice President-Law, Regulation and Policy
and President, Dominion Virginia Power and Chairman of the
Blueprint Virginia 2025 Steering Committee and Mr. Ryan Dunn,
Executive Vice President of Corporate and Government Affairs,
Virginia Chamber of Commerce. The attendees participated through
their smart phones in voting to identify priorities for long-term
economic growth in the Commonwealth. You can download a copy
of this Report from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce web page.
Another highlight of the summit was an expert analysis
presentation of the presidential election and next year’s political
climate in the Commonwealth by Dr. Bob Holsworth, Managing
Principal, DecideSmart.
According to Dr. Holsworth, Virginia is a divided
Commonwealth—Republicans are favored in the rural areas and
Democrats favored in the cities and metro areas. Voter turnout in
geographical areas, especially in NOVA, greater Richmond, and
Virginia Beach are critical to both parties to win statewide elections.
Democratic Candidate Lt. Governor Ralph Northam gave his
opening remarks on the need for better education and research
opportunities and stated that over the past three years Virginia had
Another Successful Virginia
Economic Summit and
a Visit from Gubernatorial
Hopefuls
By Michael E. Belefski
Parking available adjacent to building
Phone 804-644-1702
FAX: 804-644-1703
E-Mail:
Web Site:
hen it comes to events no one
throws a party like David Napier.
Known throughout Central Virginia for his
wonderful food and hospitality, David is
delighted to have opened his catering facility in
the heart of Shockoe Bottom. No event is too
small or large. Delicious Box Lunches delivered.
O ne of Richmond’s most elegant dining
rooms is now exclusively available for your
private parties and special events. Our award
winning chefs produce an array of dishes from
steaks and seafood to vegetarian and
international masterpieces that will satisfy the
most discriminating palate. The Old City Bar
is the perfect place to celebrate.
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