Governor Kaine Announces Public Workforce and Economic Development Strategic Planning Meetings
Governor Kaine Announces Public Workforce and Economic Development Strategic Planning Meetings
- Secretary Gottschalk and Senior Advisor LeBlanc will attend -
RICHMOND - Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced six regional public meetings as part of an effort to develop the Governor's Economic Development and Workforce Development Strategic Plans. Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Patrick O. Gottschalk and Senior Advisor for Workforce Daniel G. LeBlanc will host these special sessions with business leaders, educators, economic developers, community activists, and concerned citizens across the Commonwealth.
"A skilled and educated workforce forms the foundation of our economy," said Governor Kaine. "These meetings will consider how we can better invest in our workforce to maintain Virginia's competitive edge, while examining and building upon the growing strengths of our regional economies. The economic development strategies that will move Virginia forward must build on the strengths of our people and our regions, reflecting the benefits of Virginia's strong and diverse economy."
Each of the meetings will be held from 9 a.m. until 12:30 p.m., and will feature special sessions devoted to workforce and economic development topics. Locations include Annandale, Weyers Cave, Abingdon, Danville, Chester, and Norfolk.
"Our economic and workforce development systems must work well, and work well together," said Secretary Gottschalk. "The upcoming meetings will explore how we can continue to improve these systems and will better develop the Governor's Strategic Plans to better meet our goals."
"I look forward to the knowledge and expertise that all attendees will contribute to these meetings and to the future of our commonwealth," said Senior Advisor LeBlanc. "It is critical that the governor's economic and workforce development plans include the voice of all Virginia's people and regions."
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