Culpeper Chamber leadership visits Capitol

The 2012 General Assembly is in session in Richmond. The Culpeper Chamber leadership was invited to the Capitol last week to meet with some of our elected officials and attend Chamber Day programs. We took full advantage of the opportunities and came away with an appreciation for the direction of Virginia and why we continue to place as one of the best states in the U.S. to do business.

I was most impressed with Governor McDonnell’s clarity on the economy. His approach reaches from the importance of education and transportation, to opening new offices in India and China.

The support for a clear and progressive economic policy in Virginia was supported by the leaders of the Chamber Day program. Lt. Governor Bolling “Chief Jobs Creator” in Virginia cited several examples of success in Virginia. Speaker of the House, Howell, along with Senate Majority Leader Norment’s comments were supportive of the economic focus in Virginia described by the Governor and lieutenant governor. They are dedicated and focused in securing our future with the best environment for job creation.

It is apparent that we are on a positive course in Virginia. However, one of the largest concerns was for resolving the unemployment conditions. Though the unemployment rate in Virginia is better than that of many other states, the need for jobs is vitally important. The unemployment equation is complex as we face changes in skill requirements for new jobs today. The focus on education through the community college system is equally vital to our jobs and employment conditions. Education is a primary road to bridge the gap from unemployed underskilled workers and the job skill requirements of employment today.

Culpeper is well supported in the General Assembly this year, with five representatives due to redistricting. Our representatives have been appointed to the following committees for the 2012 session:

House of Delegates committees 1. Agriculture Chesapeake, and Natural Resources: Delegate Ed Scott (vice chair) and Delegate Webert. 2.) Appropriations: Delegate Ed Scott (Congratulations Delegate Scott). 3. Militia, Police, and Public Safety: Delegate Webert. 4. Science & Technology: Delegate Ed Scott. 5. Transportation: Delegate Ed Scott.

Senate committees: 1. Rules: Senator Hanger. 2. Courts of Justice: Senator Vogel and Senator Reeves. 3. General Laws and Technology: Senator Vogel and Senator Reeves. 4. Finance: Senator Hanger and Senator Vogel. 5. Rehabilitation and Social Services; Senator Hanger and Senator Reeves. 6. Privileges and Elections, Senator Vogel and Senator Reeves. 7. Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources: Senator Hanger (chair).

Chamber Day at the Capitol is an annual program developed by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. The Culpeper Chamber continues to support the Virginia Chamber’s Small Business Membership Alliance. The program offers free membership in the Virginia Chamber of Commerce through the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce membership for Small Businesses of 10 employees or less (full details at the CulpeperChamber.com).

Jim Charapich is the President/CEO of the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached at jcharapich@culpepervachamber.com.