Business Development Caucus Earlier this year, I wrote to you about the Business Development Caucus (“BDC”), a new bi-partisan endeavor that I, along with three House colleagues, founded to promote the growth and success of Virginia businesses and to increase employment. Since May, we have held a series of business leader Town Hall type meetings across the Commonwealth to gain input directly from business owners and leaders about existing legislation that inhibits growth and new legislative ideas that would promote it. I am pleased to report that the BDC is on the road to great success. We have already met with over 100 companies in Roanoke, Hampton Roads, Northern Virginia, and Richmond and have two more events planned in Danville and Culpepper. By going directly to the source, we are learning about issues, some we did not know existed and others that we did not realize were a problem. We are hearing ideas that will help clear the path for these businesses to expand. We have already identified several potential legislative initiatives for the 2013 session. BDC Founders Delegates Head, Webert, Ramadan and I, as well as members of the Governor’s policy team, have attended. We’ve also been joined by many of the 23 charter members when in their region, including Hampton Roads Delegates Stolle and Yancey. Our most recent Town Hall also included Speaker of the House of Delegates, William Howell. By having so many participants present to learn first-hand the challenges these businesses are facing, we will have a strong team to promote any legislation that we put forth. As the recent Op-Ed in the Daily Press stated, ”in the past, small businesses have too often been left out of legislative conversations. It's time Virginia afforded them a stronger voice”. I’m grateful that the DP recognizes the importance of this new caucus and I look forward to seeing new jobs created through its success. If you would like to see the DP article search terms: "Daily Press Let's Do Business" Jefferson Lab You’ll remember that one of the initiatives I successfully carried this year was support for the Free Electron Lab (“FEL”) upgrade at Jefferson Lab in Newport News. In my presentation to the House Appropriations Committee and members of the Senate Finance Committee, I was able to give examples in which JLab promoted economic development in the Commonwealth and acted as a catalyst for new companies. So, I was pleased to read that another new company will be spawned from work at its FEL. The new Nanotube company will produce a high-tech structure to be used for defense, industrial, and medical applications, among others. This new manufacturer will initially create 20 high-tech jobs in Newport News and has great potential for growth. I’m looking forward to watching developments at JLab and the opportunities for jobs and innovation that will result from the FEL upgrade. You can see my speech on the House floor about Jefferson Labs and other topics at: https://www.youtube.com/blogs/vahousegop Election 2012 As this newsletter is published, there are only 53 days until Election Day. Undoubtedly, there are stark philosophical contrasts between the two presidential candidates as well as between the Congressional and even local candidates, one offering a promise of economic growth and opportunity, the other promoting a dependence on government. Most of us would expect the American people to overwhelmingly choose the former. However, with so many citizens now relying on government subsidies, and with the perceived diminished hope of ever getting back on their own feet, it’s not surprising that each will be a very close race. Because there is so much at stake and because many issues are complex, it is important that voters have as much information as possible prior to November 6th. Fortunately, there are many opportunities to learn. First, there are debates including: Oct. 3rd on Domestic Policy, Oct. 11 on Foreign and Domestic, Oct. 16th again on Foreign and Domestic, and Oct. 22nd on Foreign Policy. There is also a VP Debate on Oct. 11th that should prove to be informative, if not entertaining. Information is available at GOP Headquarters in York and James City Counties and at the Victory Center in Newport News. I encourage you to invite friends and family to join you as you learn. Also, tonight I will be speaking to citizens in one JCC neighborhood about the impact of the election specifically on the Commonwealth as there are huge implications on issues such as Medicaid, Defense Spending, Energy, and Jobs among others. If you are interested in hosting a similar event for your neighbors, whether decided or undecided, please let my office know and if available, I will come to your home or gathering place as well. As a small business owner and believer that we can regain our nation’s footing and once again offer a promise of opportunity and success for all citizens, I am a supporter of the Romney/Allen/Wittman (and Wright in JCC) tickets in the 93rd district. That said, I will be open and candid in these presentations recognizing that folks simply want to hear the facts. You can reach my office by calling (757) 345-6310 or via email at DelMWatson@House.Virginia.gov. Remember, the result of your efforts in the next 53 days may change your life and will certainly impact the opportunities and challenges that our children and grandchildren will face. Workforce Development and Job Opportunities Since 1989, my company has employed a variety of craftsmen and technicians. Among the employee trends that became apparent in the late 1990s was the increasing average age of qualified applicants. Young people were simply not pursuing the trades as a career. My company was forced to expand its recruiting reach, significantly increase its investment in training, and eventually merge with another company in 2006 due in part to the limited employee pool. Since then, working alongside the Virginia Community College System, I have strived to introduce young adults to the opportunities available to skilled craftsmen and women. In a recent meeting with Joe Johnson, Executive Director at New Horizons Regional Education Center, I learned that they have identified over 11,000 Hampton Roads jobs that will need to be filled in the next four years by workers skilled in electrical, mechanical, welding, and other trades, most with an emphasis on technology and high tech manufacturing. Helping to train future employees for these high-paying and available jobs has been a major initiative for me prior to my election and now as a member of the General Assembly. There are some state supported programs in place today to facilitate training for these jobs and I plan to introduce additional measures to further this effort. New Horizons is also working to expand its ability to train for these jobs and I hope to have a role in accomplishing this important goal. But, having the tools to train is only half the battle. It is important to get this information to students and their parents so that they understand the career opportunities that exist. If you are affiliated with the education system or are a parent, guardian, or grandparent of a middle or high school student, I urge you to encourage your school to introduce these “marketable skills” opportunities to students. As I often state in my speeches on education, I’ve not seen Philosophy, Inc. advertising in the help wanted section in quite some time. National Governor’s Association Back in July the Commonwealth of Virginia hosted the National Governor’s Association annual retreat conference right here in the 93rd district. This was a great event drawing Governor’s, staff and others from around the nation and offered a wonderful opportunity to showcase our region. I had the honor to join Governor McDonnell in welcoming our guests to the district at the Friday night Jamestown Settlement event. While there, I had the opportunity to meet Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker and his family and can attest that he is as down to earth and personable as you might imagine. After sharing with him that a couple outside the event waiving pro-Walker signs were neighbors and constituents, he offered to take time away from his busy Saturday schedule to meet them. He did and they were thrilled. Just this week Governor McDonnell announced that a $50,000 donation from private funds raised to support the NGA conference, was made to the Commonwealth Public Safety Memorial, a project honoring public safety personnel killed in the line of duty. Thank you Governor, on behalf of the 93rd district and the families of fallen heroes. |
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