Header Image
The Virginia Manufacturer - Focusing on Manufacturing Issues of Today and Tomorrow

Virginia Manufacturer's Association

In This Issue


Save the Date

MMVA
VMA "MFG Makes VA" Weekly Legislative Webinar w/ Brett Vassey

12 pm - 12:30 pm
Fridays
(January 11 - March 1)


 
17th Annual Virginia Environmental Health and Safety Conference (VEHS)

September 18 -19
Hilton Hotel & Spa
12042 West Broad St.
Richmond VA


Virginia Competitiveness Forum 
2nd Annual VMA STEP Ahead Recognition Luncheon

November 19
Williamsburg Lodge Conference Center
310 S England St.
Williamsburg VA


Follow Us On Facebook
VOLUME 1 | Edition 9 | January 2019
Letter from the President & CEO

Dear Members:

The New Year is off like a shot!  The markets have been volatile, the Federal government had a partial shut-down, and the Virginia General Assembly began its 2019 session.  I am not making a correlation between these events, but Gideon Tucker may have said it best, " No man's life, liberty, or property are safe while the legislature is in session."

This 45-day legislative session (a.k.a., "short session") we are focusing on legislation pertaining to Workforce Development, Business Climate, Economic Strength and Infrastructure. Our 2019 Legislative Agenda is available by clicking here.  In fact, 2,287 bills have been introduced and the VMA is monitoring 536.To track these bills in real time, go to Virginia key legislation.  It's our free bill tracking service for members.

Some of the priority bills range from stopping Interstate 81 tolling while redirecting legislators to other forms of funding, to improving funding of industry credential attainment at the community colleges, assuring Virginia does not begin to tax foreign income, starting the process of limiting the taxation of machinery and tools, and ensuring that electricity rates are affordable and reliable.  To date, the VMA has identified over $10 billion in proposed legislative spending that has to be mitigated in order to improve Virginia's economic competitiveness.

To help members monitor our legislative progress, we have started a new MFG Makes Virginia Weekly Webinar to give members an "insider" view of the week.  Join me at 12 pm every Friday for an update on all our priority issues and legislative activities of the week.


Best Wishes,  
Brett  
Brett A. Vassey
President & CEO


2019 VMA Day on the Hill 

The VMA works to keep industry competitive through the effective management of legislation and regulation. Building relationships with our elected representatives is essential to our government affairs strategy. VMA's 2019 Day on the Hill was held on January 28 at the Library of Virginia. Over 100 members visited 24 legislators to encourage their support for VMA Priority Bills.
   
The keynote speaker was Stephen Moret, President and CEO, VEDP.  Mr. Moret presented VEDP's new Economic Impact of Virginia's Manufacturing Sector report as well as its new strategic plan for improving retention and expansion, foreign direct investment and international trade in the Commonwealth of Virginia. According to the VEDP report, Virginia's manufacturing sector now accounts for:
  • 5,875 establishments
  • 243,901 employees
  • $58,824 average annual wage
  • $112.3 Billion direct economic output
Delegate Todd Gilbert, Virginia House Majority Leader, joined the members and shared a few words about the challenges and opportunities ahead this legislative session.  Delegate Gilbert was the recipient of the VMAPAC 2018 Industrial Strength Leadership Award.

Stephen Moret,
President & CEO, VEDP


Delegate Todd Gilbert, House Majority Leader


This year members were treated to something entirely new.  Former Delegates Mike Watson and Jeff Frederick, now VMA and Virginia Craft Brewers Guild members respectively, gave members a "How to Speak to Legislators 101" before the trip to the General Assembly building.  Members also walked to the Capitol steps for the annual member photo and some attended the legislative session.


An outline of this year's program is available on the Day on the Hill webpage.  

 
Member Benefit: Discount Microsoft Products
Through an exclusive arrangement between Microsoft and the VIF, VMA members can now purchase Microsoft 365 products for their business or personal use at a significantly reduced cost.  It's easy to find the software that is right for you.  

Click here to view pricing and details or contact  Antonya Hurt at ahurt@vamanufacturers.com


VMA February Webinar: 
VIRGINIA CAREER EXPLORER (VACE)

Thursday, February 21, 2019 

Building a Workforce Pipeline with VIRGINIA CAREER EXPLORER (VACE) - a Powerful New Tool!

Join Melissa Lamont-Gordon, DIDIVA Coordinator, and Katherine DeRosear, VP of Partner Engagement at Headed2, for a tour of Virginia's PREMIERE career planning and exploration website.  Learn how being a part of the VACE community can benefit employers, educators, students and parents through a virtual visit to our "Employer's and Educator's Corner."


VMA Launches Two New Social Media Platforms




The VMA is proud to announce the launch of two new social media pages (LinkedIn and YouTube) to increase our outreach beyond Facebook and the VMA website.  

The VMA will be making regular weekly posts on our social media pages to keep members abreast of current news, events and webinars.   Please take a moment to "Like Us" on Facebook ,  connect with us on LinkedIn, and visit our new YouTube channel.