VOLUME 2.0 | EDITION 1 | DECEMBER 2008
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| VIRGINIA INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP FORUM | | |
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U.S. Senator-elect Mark Warner, Attorney General Bob McDonnell and Senator Creigh Deeds Speak to Members |
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This year's VILF was a tremendous success. Keynote speakers focused on timely political and industry issues ranging from the 2008 election to the importance of industrial talent development.
Thursday afternoon featured a discussion panel on climate change regulation, nuclear energy, renewable energy, and offshore energy resources. This session provided participants an overview of the technological, economic, regulatory and environmental issues of climate change and energy facing manufacturers and businesses of all sizes. The evening reception was an excellent opportunity for members to network and showcase their products and services.
The final day of the forum provided a wealth of information. The morning session highlighted the importance of industrial workforce development and introduced new work-readiness and industry skills certifications. Mr. Michael Petters, President of Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding, highlighted the role of manufacturing for Virginia's future. The day ended with a look back at the 2008 election for lessons to apply to the 2009 legislative session.
The VMA would like to thank this year's organizing committee leaders, sponsors and participants for the success of this year's VILF.
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| VMAPAC 2008 INDUSTRIAL STRENGTH LEADERSHIP AWARD | | |
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Delegate Kathy Byron Earns Top Honor |
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 The Virginia Manufacturers Association Political Action Committee (VMAPAC) and Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) awarded this year's Industrial Strength Leadership Award to Delegate Kathy Byron, 22nd district of the House of Delegates. The award is in recognition of her outstanding leadership on key manufacturing issues during the 2008 Virginia General Assembly session. Delegate Byron stated the award was "a real honor to receive." She also received top honors from the VMAPAC in 2004. This award represents the exemplary service that Delegate Byron provided to both the citizens of the Commonwealth and the manufacturing sector of Virginia.
The Industrial Strength Leadership Award was presented on December 4, 2008 at the Virginia Industry Leadership Forum at the Williamsburg Lodge.
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VMA Forms Virginia Climate Change Council
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Council Publishes Statement of Principles |
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VMA formed a multi-disciplinary group to provide clarity in public policy development regarding climate change regulation proposals. The Virginia Climate Change Council (VCCC) published its "Statement of Principles" and is seeking all business and civic organizations in the Commonwealth to adopt them.
The principles put forth by the VCCC affirm their support for "environmental policies that recognize the Commonwealth's responsibility in maintaining efficient, lean, cost-effective and responsive state environmental agencies and efforts that result in state administration of federally-delegated programs." The VCCC principles also acknowledge the inextricable link between economic prosperity and environmental protection.
VCCC will ask General Assembly members to sign the "VCCC Pledge" approving the principles. VCCC will publish a report in January 2009 proscribing a "no economic harm" set of proposals for policy-makers to consider when addressing climate change issues.
Virginia Climate Change Council Statement of Principles
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CLIMATE CHANGE REGULATIONS TO COST $ BILLIONS
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 A recent NAM/ACCF report on the impact of America's Climate Security Act (Lieberman-Warner) highlighted the costs associated with climate change regulations. The "Cap-and-Tax" system proposed in Lieberman-Warner could increase national annual energy expenditures by $354 billion by 2014 and $1.5 trillion by 2030. Additional costs associated with climate change regulation could lead to a loss of 54,000 jobs in Virginia by 2020.
Watch for a member Climate Change Regulation "toolkit" in Q1 2009 that will help you communicate with peers, employees and community leaders on this issue.
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