"Another area ... Landes said he plans to fight for is economic development spending, which he said the House wants to fund with $46 million compared to the Senate's $6 million proposal." News Leader - Trevor Brown, 02/28/09Who knew?
According to the short mention in a recent News Leader article. State Delegate Steve Landes (R-25thHD) is stepping up his support of economic development in Virginia. We have to give Mr. Landes some recognition and credit, for making an effort to address our paltry Economic Development efforts in the Commonwealth, and in particular here in Rockingham and Augusta Counties. Funding the Virginia Economic Development Partnership with $46 million will enable a significant increase in their efforts.
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Virginia Economic Development Partnership
"To enhance the quality of life and raise the standard of living for all Virginians, in collaboration with Virginia communities, through aggressive business recruitment, expansion assistance, and trade development, thereby expanding the tax base and creating higher-income employment opportunities."
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"To enhance the quality of life and raise the standard of living for all Virginians, in collaboration with Virginia communities, through aggressive business recruitment, expansion assistance, and trade development, thereby expanding the tax base and creating higher-income employment opportunities."
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In the past we have criticized Mr. Landes and other local representatives for their less than stellar leadership in supporting an aggressive industrial development policy for our area.
Delegate Landes has been appointed to the legislative committee that will be charged with negotiating with their Senate counterparts to find a compromise between the two chambers' budget bills, in the 2010 GA session. This is an excellent opportunity for Landes to grow his influence and effectiveness in the General Assembly.
Let's hope he can run with the big boys from northern and eastern Virginia. We're hopefully that recent political pressure on this issue, has encouraged Mr. Landes to be more aggressive in supporting efforts to attract new manufacturing operations to the Shenandoah Valley. Maybe we'll see a little trickle down of the $46 million, to our home turf. Let's be optimistic.
Steve Landes, "Rain Maker"... that would be something new!
At BRD, we measure Results, not just Activity. Stay tuned...
