Member participation in association committees is vital to the development of good public policy. The work of the VMA member committees has firmly established over the last 89 years the organization's position as Industry's Advocate at all levels of government and commerce throughout the Commonwealth.
As such, the VMA is continuously developing new committees and reforming existing ones to best serve the membership. All committees are professionally staffed by VMA employees as well. Therefore, this issue of The Virginia Manufacturer is dedicated to unveiling our recent changes, calling for expanded committee membership and highlighting leadership changes.
We are actively seeking to grow these committees and develop leadership opportunities. Additionally, committees are an excellent professional development resource. These committees have developed hundreds of pieces of legislation and regulations saving members millions of dollars in recent years. Please sign up for a committee(s) by clicking here for the registration tool.
Below you will find brief descriptions of each committee to help you make your decision about participation.
Energy Resources Committee - Co-chairs are Keith Togna, Honeywell, and David Hudgins, ODEC. The focus is on legislation and regulation, such as SCC decisions, that could impact the costs and availability of energy to members. The committee meets in the Spring, Fall and as needed.
*New* Environmental, Health, Safety & Security Committee - Co-chairs are Tom Botkins, MWV, and Jim Thornton, NNS. This committee also has two environmental attorneys, Brooks Smith and Dr. Tom Knauer, that provide legal counsel. The focus is on regulatory and legislative issues that impact the E, H, S & S of industry. This committee has two policy areas (environmental affairs and occupational, safety, health and security). There are also four sub-committees (Water, Air, Waste and Security). This committee meets in the Spring and Fall. The subcommittees meet quarterly.
Government Affairs Council - This committee is a resource for member company lobbyists and government affairs professionals. Members provide input on all government affairs issues year round, including but not limited to taxation, workforce education, workplace affairs, environmental regulation, energy, procurement, business law and more. The committee meets every Tuesday during the General Assembly session and as needed.
*New* Sales & Marketing Committee - The focus is on increasing sales for VA manufacturers through professional development around branding, supply chain and legislative issues such as government procurement and product labeling regulations. The committee will begin formation in Q42011.
Taxation Committee - Chair is Brad Gilks, RockTenn, and Vice Chair is Kris Peterson, Georgia-Pacific. The focus is on legislation, regulation and court decisions that affect the tax burden on industry. The committee meets in the Spring, Fall and as needed.
*New* Virginia Council on Advanced Technology Skills (VCATS) - Chair is Cathy Martin, BI Chemical and we are seeking Vice Chairs to lead each subcommittee. There are three subcommittees (education and workforce policy; partnership development; and workplace affairs). These sub-committees will address legislation, regulation and services ranging from workforce development to workers' compensation. VCATS is central to our leadership on issues impacting the recruitment, retention, development and advancement of a skilled workforce as well as issues pertaining to the workplace and partnerships to advance the interests of industry.
