In an historic event, Republican Ken Cuccinelli and Democrat Terry McAuliffe presented their ideas for Virginia’s future to an audience of business leaders from the commonwealth’s most important electoral “battleground” region
Manassas, VA – Last Friday the two major party candidates in the 2013 race for Governor of Virginia faced off in a “Battleground Forum” at the Hylton Performing Arts Center in Manassas, Virginia before an audience of more than 400 business and community leaders from the most important electoral region in the Commonwealth.
Demonstrating the growing significance of Virginia’s most important electoral battleground region, Republican Ken Cuccinelli and Democrat Terry McAuliffe participated in this crucial 2013 campaign event presented by the Fredericksburg Regional, Greater Reston, Loudoun County and Prince William chambers of commerce, moderated by Derek McGinty of WUSA9 News. A panel of participating business leaders asked questions of each candidate; panel participants included Mindy Williams Carlin of Access Point Public Affairs; Todd House of Micron Technology; Kathryn Wall of Mary Washington Healthcare; and Tim Sargeant of Dominion Virginia Power.
“From the perspective of our four hosting chambers the Virginia Gubernatorial Candidates Forum was a great success because it effectively shifted the focus of this campaign for Governor back where it belongs: on business and economic issues that are so critical to the quality of life of every citizen of the Commonwealth. Our four Chambers will continue to work to ensure that this race for Governor remains focused on the issues that matter most to all Virginians.” said Tony Howard, President of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce.
“With so much at stake for the future of Virginia, we know that the results of the 2013 governor’s race will dramatically impact businesses and the jobs that they maintain and create. This forum was an opportunity for the business community to understand first-hand where each candidate stands on important economic issues relating to jobs and the economy, taxes, healthcare, transportation, and education,” said Rob Clapper, President & CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
“Collectively our four chambers of commerce represent over 5,000 businesses—the largest business bloc in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Our organizations play a critical leadership role in advocating for the health and development of our regional business community. As the new governor is elected and we move into the 2014 General Assembly session, we will continue this important conversation on sustaining economic growth,” stated Mark S. Ingrao, President & CEO of the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce.
“Our Chambers share a combined vision to assure our regions are viable, prosperous economic centers within a strong business-friendly Commonwealth. We are proud to work together and look forward to continuing this solid partnership as other major elections occur in the future,” said Susan Spears, President of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce.
