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Ken speaks to a group at Google's corporate offices at the Reston Town Center.
September 23, 2009 |
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Commentary
Top State for Business
Kenneth R. "Ken" Plum
In the most recent issue of "The Voice of Technology," the journal of the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC), Bobbie Kilberg, President and CEO of NVTC, joined the chorus of individuals and organizations proclaiming Virginia to be "America's Top State for Business" (www.nvtc.org).
During the past three years, Virginia has been recognized as the most business-friendly state in America by Forbes.com - 2006, 2007, and 2008; one of the best states for business by CNBC - 2007, 2008, and 2009. In addition, Pollina Corporate Real Estate Inc., a top U.S. corporate site relocation expert, ranked Virginia second in its annual study of pro-business states in 2006 and first in both 2007 and 20009. Virginia was recently recognized as one of the top 5 states to start a business by US News and World Report in July 2009; the top-performing state government in America by Governing Magazine in 2008; and the state where "a child is most likely to have a successful life," according to a 2007 Education Week report. In addition, "Virginia is for Lovers" was recognized by Forbes.com as one of the top marketing campaigns of all time. Announcements of these all of these recognitions can be found at www.commerce.virginia.gov.
No other state comes close to Virginia in its widespread recognition as the most friendly state for business. Kilberg lists many reasons for the Commonwealth to receive such broad acclaim from business leaders; among these are low taxes, reasonable regulations, competitive tax incentives for businesses to locate here and expand, and streamlined permitting processes. But, as she also points out, Virginia has a great quality of life where CEOs and their employees want to live.
Interviews with corporations that have located their headquarters or facilities to Virginia often cite the excellent educational programs available in the state as among the reasons for relocation here. Corporate employees can have confidence in sending their own children to the public schools and colleges in Virginia, and corporations can draw upon the excellent workforce that comes out of the educational institutions. Our colleges and universities offer excellent places for research and development. Virginia is third among the states in federal research and development funding.
Virginia was hard-hit by the recession but not nearly as hard as many other states because of its strong business base. Virginia is the top state for business, and the attributes that make it that way contribute to it being a great place to live and raise a family. |
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Along the Campaign Trail
Plum's Re-Election Endorsed by the Northern Virginia Technology Council and the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics
"Northern Virginia Technology Council's (NVTC) TechPAC, the Northern Virginia technology community's Political Action Committee, is pleased to endorse your re-election campaign for the House of Delegates. Throughout your legislative career, you have distinguished yourself as a champion of technology and technology business."
-- Dendy Young, Chairman, NVTC Tech/PAC
"The members of Local 2068 [Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics] work to support candidates for the Virginia House of Delegates who are committed to ensuring that the public policy needs of professional firefighters and emergency medical services personnel are addressed. You have demonstrated that commitment and we look forward to working with you in the future on the issues that face our Commonwealth's first responders."
-- John Niemiec, President, Local 2068
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Key Endorsements for Delegate Plum's 2009 Campaign for Re-election:
- Northern Virginia Technology Council
- Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics
- Northern Virginia/Realtors Political Action Committee
- Sierra Club
- NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia
- Virginia League of Conservation Voters
Watch this section for additional endorsements each week! |
"Virginia Report"
Reston Comcast Channel 28
Delegate Ken Plum's weekly television show, "Virginia Report," will return after the election. See you again in late November! |
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Climate Change Citizen Action
Tons of trash ends up in the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay every year from our watersheds. Litter is harmful and an eyesore in our neighborhoods and open spaces. Do your part and join the Reston Fall Stream Clean-up on Saturday, October 17, 9:00 to noon. Locations will be at upper and middle Snakeden Branch, the Nature Center, Colvin Run, and Stevenage Road. For sign-up and more details, contact Ha Brock, Reston Association Volunteer Specialist, at habrock@reston.org or 703.435.7986. Sign-up runs through October 9. Training and supplies are provided.
Site leaders are also needed for the Fall Stream Clean-up on October 17. If you are at least 21 years old and can supervise a large group of people, complete data sheets, and walk in wooded, floodplain areas, then you could be a great site leader. For more details about responsibilities, contact Ha Brock at habrock@reston.org or 703.435.7986. |
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This week is "Try Transit" Week as Farifax County joins other jurisdictions across the Commonwealth to support this second annual statewide week. Residents are encouraged to avoid driving solo and to improve their commutes by trying bus and rail service, carpools, and vanpools. Fairfax County has numerous transportation options to help reduce vehicles on the roads, improve air quality, and conserve energy -- not just during this week, but throughout the year. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2009/try-transit-week.htm for more information.
At the Thomas Jefferson-designed Virginia State Capitol is a brick pathway leading to the visitor center. The Pathway to Liberty is walked each year by hundreds of thousands of visitors. The Virginia Capitol Foundation is pleased to offer an opportunity for individuals, families, and schools to be represented at Virginia's Front Door with an inscribed brick on the pathway. Visit www.brickordervacapitol.com to make a donation and request an inscription. Funds raised are used for the ongoing preservation of historic Capitol Square. Visit www.virginiacapitol.gov to learn more.
Fairfax County residents will have an opportunity to provide their input on the fiscal Year 2011 Budget (which runs from July 1, 2010, through June 30, 2011) to county leaders in a variety of ways this year. The county, in conjunction with Fairfax County Public Schools, has scheduled 12 community dialogue sessions and established a budget hotline and an online budget feedback form. For complete information, visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/news/2009/community-dialogues-2011-begin-sept.htm.
Don't forget the upcoming Virginia ENERGY STAR Tax Holiday. During October 9-12, you can purchase an ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator, clothes washer, dishwasher, and other selected home appliances with a price tag of $2,500 or less for your personal use and the Virginia 5 percent sales tax will be waived. This tax holiday also applies to other energy-efficient items such as compact fluorescent bulbs, programmable thermostats, and more. for more details, check with any participating appliance retailer or go to www.tax.virginia.gov.
October is Virginia Archaeology Month. Join in the month of activities and events planned throughout Virginia. Details organized by region are available in the Calendar of Events on the Department of Historic Resources' website under "Calendar of Events" at www.dhr.virginia.gov/arch_NET/ArchMoCalendar_2009.htm. |
Calendar of Events
The Northern Virginia Conservation Trust will sponsor a fall bird walk this Sunday, September 27, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the Kust Property in Alexandria. Birding expert Paula Sullivan will be on hand to talk about fall migration and bird behaviors during this time of year. Visit www.nvct.org for details about the bird walk and other upcoming events. Equality Virginia will hold its State Conference on Saturday, October 3, at the Stafford campus of the University of Mary Washington. For more information and to register to go www.equalityvirginia.org.
Enjoy a memorable day with your family and friends at the Youth For Tomorrow Country Fair & Auctions on Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., hosted by Joe Gibbs, at the Youth For Tomorrow Campus 2 miles south of Manassas at Route 28 & Linton Hall Road. Details are at www.youthfortomorrow.org.
Lake Anne Village Center will host a free Jazz & Blues Festival on Saturday, October 3, noon until 6:00 p.m. Some of the DC region's favorite bands are scheduled to perform on the lakeside plaza, including Afro Bop Alliance, 2009 Grammy Winner for "Best Latin Jazz Group," plus three more headline bands: Sara Jones, The Dixie Power Trio, and the Mykle Lyons Quartet. Details and updates can be seen at www.lakeannearts.org.
The Virginia Autism Project will host a Northern Virginia Autism Summit on Monday, October 5, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hilton Alexandria Mark Center, 5000 Seminary Road. Hear about the current "Assessment of Autism Services in Virginia" from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, Virginia's oversight agency, along with a discussion on the need for an insurance mandate for autism. RSVP to Teresa Champion or Lynn Miller at info@vapnova.org or 703.440.8843.
The 4th Annual Commonwealth of Virginia Energy Symposium will be held on October 7 and 8 at the Center for Leadership & Ethics, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA. The Symposium will feature information about the latest energy opportunities in the Commonwealth. Thirty-eight exhibitors will feature energy technologies, services, and information. Plenary session speakers and seven tracks with concurrent sessions will be available. Visit www.vmi.edu/coves for more information.
The sights, sounds, and smells of a German Oktoberfest celebration will again fill Reston Town Center, 11900 Market Street, from Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11. Attendees can enjoy German food, berr, and wine along with live entertainment plus carnival rides, all presented by the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce. Oktoberfest Reston is open Friday from 3 to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m., and Sunday from noon until 7 p.m., with free admission and parking.
Come out for the Jeanie Schmidt Free Clinic 4th Annual Golf Tournament on Thursday, October 8, at the Herndon Centennial Golf Course, 909 Ferndale Drive, Herndon. Call 571.235.3577 for details.
Walk through five private homes during the Reston Home Tour on Saturday, October 17, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visitors can also stop by the Fairfax Hunt Club for a cooking demonstration and tasting. Tickets are $25 before October 10, $30 after and online. Visit www.restonmuseum.org for information.
Enjoy " Festival on the Square - Family Fun Day at Reston Heights" on Saturday, October 17, noon to 5:00 p.m. at 11750 Sunrise Valley Drive, just off Reston Parkway in the front lawn of the Westin and Sheraton.
Attend the first annual music festival at United Christian Parish of Reston on Saturday, October 24, featuring afternoon and evening performances of lcoal and nationally acclaimed vocalists singing in gospel, contemporary, spiritual, and praise styles. Proceeds will benefit two local charities. Tickets are $20 and $30. To purchase and for more information go to www.UCP-MusicExplosion.org.
Don't forget to VOTE on Tuesday, November 3. Call Delegate Ken Plum's office mornings at 703.758.9733 if you need assistance in locating your polling place.
The Fifth Annual Fairfax County History Conference, "Fairfax: This is YOUR County!" will be held on Saturday, November 7, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church. A $20 fee for the conference includes breakfast, lunch, and parking. Registration is limited to the first 200, and advance registration is required. Keynote speaker will be Dr. Robert A. Selig discussing "The American Revolution & the Washington-Rochambeau Route in Northern Virginia." The conference will also feature exhibits and book signings. For registration information contact Lynne Garvey-Hodge at 703.322.1811 or lghassoc@erols.com.
Support Devotion to Children's many programs and initiatives dedicated to helping families with children under the age of six obtain high-quality childcare and preschool services so that parents can seek and maintain gainful employment. Attend Devition to Children's annual "Red, Heart & Soul" Gala on Wednesday, November 18, 6:30 p.m. at the Waterford at Fair Oaks. Enjoy a reception, dinner, and live music. For sponsorshp and ticket information, go to www.devotiontochildren.org.
"Solar Energy Focus Conference: Fall 2009" will be held December 3-5 at the Hilton Hotel, 620 Perry Parkway, Gaithersburg, Maryland. This event will include an exhibit hall, morning plenary speakers, a state and local policy review, and breakout sessions. For more information, contact Marisa Applestein at marisaapplestein@360jmg.com or Peter Lowenthal at director@mdv-seia.org. Additional information may also be found at www.MDV-SEIA.org. |
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 Go Green - consider the environment! Please print this newsletter only if necessary. | |
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| Delegate Ken Plum's Virginia E-News.
Authorized by Kenneth R. Plum. Paid for by Friends of Delegate Ken Plum. |
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