Governor Warner Honors Local Businesses
Governor Warner Honors Local Businesses
Governor designates May 15-21, 2005 as Business Appreciation Week
Governor Mark R. Warner today designated May 15-21, 2005 as Business Appreciation Week, which is set aside each year to acknowledge the hard work and accomplishments of existing businesses throughout the Commonwealth. Coordinated by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Business Appreciation Week will involve more than 3,000 business people throughout the Commonwealth celebrating with local chambers of commerce and economic development organizations at nearly 100 events.
"It is fitting that Business Appreciation Week begins just days after Forbes Magazine ranked three of the Commonwealth's metropolitan areas in the top 15 best places for business in the country, in addition to recognizing Virginia and Texas as nationwide leaders in fostering pro-business environments," Governor Warner said. "We devote so much attention to the new jobs we bring to Virginia that it's important we set aside time to acknowledge the strength of our existing business community, and recognize that they are the engine behind the Commonwealth's strong economy."
This marks the ninth year that Business Appreciation Week has been celebrated in the Commonwealth. According to the 2002 census, Virginia is home to 128,850 business establishments with paid employees. March 2005 data from the Virginia Employment Commission shows that there are 3,721,291 employed workers in the Commonwealth.
"It is important to recognize the development and impact of Virginia businesses," DBA Director Mike Eisenman said. "Creativity, entrepreneurship, capital investment and hard work propel our businesses forward, creating and sustaining our ever more prosperous Commonwealth."
This year's Business Appreciation Week theme is "Planting Opportunity - Harvesting Success." Secretary of Commerce and Trade Mike Schewel gave remarks today at the annual Business Appreciation Kick-off Breakfast in Richmond, which began the weeklong event with 300 business leaders from around the state in attendance.
The Virginia Department of Business Assistance (DBA) is devoted to the growth and success of the Commonwealth's business community. DBA provides access to capital, workforce training and recruiting, small business incubator assistance and business problem solving through the Virginia Business Information Center (VBIC). For more information on Business Appreciation Week, visit the DBA Web site; you may also contact VBIC at 804-371-0438 or 866-248-8814 (toll free) or by e-mailing vbic@dba.virginia.gov.
http://www.governor.virginia.gov/Press_Policy/Releases/2005/May05/0516b.htm