Press Release
Date: 5/8/2017
Contact: Andrea Short, Director of Marketing & Communications
Prince William Chamber of Commerce
ashort@pwchamber.org; 571-765-1876
Chamber Seeks Local Help in Developing Statewide Economic Development Plan
Manassas, VA- On Thursday, May 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the Prince William Chamber of Commerce will offer a unique opportunity for the people and businesses of Northern Virginia to come together and have their say in what should be included in the long-term statewide economic development plan for the Commonwealth of Virginia: Blueprint Virginia. The Blueprint Virginia luncheon is presented in partnership with the Flory Small Business Center and the Virginia, Arlington, Fauquier, Greater Springfield, Mount Vernon-Lee and Northern Virginia Chambers of Commerce. Northern Virginia Community College’s Regional Center for Workforce Education and Training will host (2645 College Drive; Woodbridge, VA 22191).
Dominion Virginia Power is the event sponsor. Dominion’s Director of State & Local Affairs, Deborah Tompkins Johnson says, “Blueprint Virginia is essentially a strategic plan for the Virginia economy. We all benefit from a more diverse, more vibrant economy and Blueprint Virginia will gather input from every corner of the Commonwealth to show us the way.” Dominion and other members of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce were heartily involved in the first Blueprint for Virginia, which was presented to Governor Terry McAuliffe in 2014. This time around, increased input from across the state is sought, with Chambers across the state hosting similar opportunities for their local interests to be represented.
During the luncheon, Virginia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barry DuVal will lead the audience in using interactive online tools to contribute to the development of Blueprint Virginia 2025 in real time. Participants will be able to watch as the results change to better reflect their interest as areas like Culpeper, Hampton Roads, Fredericksburg and Danville have already had their say.
Also speaking at the luncheon will be Stephen Moret, the newly appointed President and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP). Having been highly successful in his previous position leading economic development efforts for the state of Louisiana, Moret will present on What’s Next for the VEDP and Virginia’s Economy and answer questions from the audience as time allows.
Dr. Scott Ralls, President of Northern Virginia Community College stated, “NOVA is not just a college. We are part of an established and growing community. We are thrilled for the opportunity to partner together with our local chambers of commerce and the critical business partners that make this region one of the most robust economies in the nation. The conversations that develop through initiatives such as Blueprint Virginia help us to ensure that we are providing the most highly-skilled workforce to ensure Virginia continues to thrive.”
All are welcome to attend. Registration for the Blueprint Virginia luncheon is $50 per person and registrants can sign up on PWChamber.org. Members of the media may attend at no cost by contacting Andrea Short at ashort@pwchamber.org for passes.
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About the Prince William Chamber of Commerce:
The Prince William Chamber of Commerce is the strongest voice for the business community in the Washington, DC Metropolitan region. Together with our diverse membership, representing nearly 70,000 employees we work to create an environment where business and people thrive. To accomplish this, we focus our efforts in the key areas of business growth, economic development, advocacy, education and community outreach. In this way, we are building a solid foundation for the success of our business members and our community. For more information, visit our website at www.pwchamber.org or call the Prince William Chamber at 703-368-6600.
