Conference touts import of Port of VA

Published in the Culpeper Star Exponent 6/27/2011

 

I was able to attend the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives  (VACCE) conference last week in Norfolk. The conference was especially productive. The speakers and subject matter experts were excellent and very relevant to our local economy. It was no surprise that we stayed right on the Elizabeth River, an access point to the Port of Virginia. According to one of the speakers, a significant percentage of jobs in Virginia are directly and indirectly related to the Port of Virginia, including Culpeper.

The tour of the Port of Virginia is eye opening. Understanding the flow of products to and from the Port is important in understanding Virginia’s significance in global commerce. Virginia is positioned as one of the best ports in the world.

During the conference, we heard from Aubrey Lane, who serves as the Director - Hampton Roads District Commonwealth Transportation Board. Mr. Lane offered an insightful summary of transportation issues related to the Hampton Roads area as well as their relevance in the context of Virginia’s transportation needs. Culpeper, as well as most of the state, is affected by transportation issues in the Hampton Roads area due to their military and port presence. Virginia faces competition for jobs from other states and global port cities. The Governor’s transportation plan has made significant strides in solving some of the transportation issues that we face in attracting jobs. The cost of doing nothing would have been significant as well, considering that “75% of transportation dollars are directly related to the economy” according to Mr. Lane.

We heard from Alisa Bailey, President  & CEO of the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Her opening comment, “Tourism in Virginia has a $17.7 Billion impact with a 5:1 return on investment”. Wow!! However, what really caught my attention was that most of the tourism related businesses are small business. This is another example of the importance for supporting our small businesses,  as a powerhouse for local economies. I was interested to hear that the “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan is now 40 years old….. and still very well known. Virginia is for History Lovers, Wine Lovers, Horse Lovers, Beach Lovers, Mountain Lovers, Fishing Lovers….. so true!!! Perhaps a reason that we have such a global presence.

We heard from several other speakers. One was John Broderick, President, Old Dominion University who offered insights into leadership. When asked what the greatest opportunity faced for our higher educational institutions today? “We need to begin earlier in developing and supporting STEM programs in K-12”.

Jim Charapich, President/CEO Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce