Gov. Bob McDonnell (R) spoke on Jan. 27 to a group of over 470 technology business leaders at The Ritz-Carlton in Tysons Corner as part of the Northern Virginia Technology Council's (NVTC) Public Policy series. In his speech, McDonnell outlined his plans for job creation and economic development, highlighting the need to invest in Virginia’s future now in order to position the state for recovery. The NVTC’s Public Policy Series previously featured the first federal CIO Vivek Kundra and Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy.



Describing the technology industry as the “economic engine of the state,” McDonnell highlighted the need to create an environment where the private sector can thrive in order to promote entrepreneurship and attract new business to the state. Stating his goal of being a “jobs governor,” he listed several initiatives he has introduced, including several measures recommended by NVTC.



The governor’s recent actions include signing an executive order establishing a statewide commission dedicated to creating jobs and promoting entrepreneurialism and other opportunities, and doubling the money in the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to attract new companies to the state. Companies opting to relocate their corporate headquarters to Virginia will continue to be key to Virginia’s economic recovery, according to the Governor. Other proposed job creation and economic development investments mentioned by McDonnell include dedicating more resources to the bio-technology industry through research grants and wet labs; enhancing the business incubator program; more private/public partnerships; and the creation of a megasite that will attract industrial and manufacturing companies to the state.



Throughout his speech, McDonnell stressed his desire to work with both sides of the aisle in finding ways to tackle the state’s budget shortfall without tax increases.