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Nicole Bunce
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Virginia Chamber Draws Attention to Sound Infrastructure and Reliable Energy Needs in Roanoke Conference
Earlier this afternoon, the Virginia Chamber concluded its two-day conference during which world-class panelists discussed statewide investments in workforce development and job growth, infrastructure’s role in economic development for rural Virginia, and the importance of affordable, reliable energy.
For the first time in conference history, the event was hosted in Roanoke to foster broader discussions with leaders from all areas of the state and create a renewed focus on the important role rural Virginia plays in energy and infrastructure improvements.
“We are thrilled that the Virginia Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual infrastructure and energy conference in the Roanoke Region and we were pleased to serve as a participating host,” said Roanoke Chamber President & CEO Joyce Waugh. “A reliable transportation system is critical to our region’s economic well-being as well as connecting our residents and companies with the rest of the Commonwealth and customers. In addition, our region relies on affordable energy to fuel our cars, heat our homes, and power our businesses. Continued investments in these two key areas will drive business development and economic growth as we strengthen our business climate to encourage investment and well-paying jobs, boost our education systems, and expand cultural opportunities in Virginia’s Blue Ridge and southwest Virginia.”
The conference also included keynote remarks from leaders in both the business and higher education communities. Morning remarks on Thursday were provided by Nick Akins, Chairman, President & CEO, American Electric Power, and the conference was concluded with remarks from Dr. Tim Sands, President, Virginia Tech.
“Throughout this conference we heard from elected officials and industry experts about how a robust infrastructure network and access to affordable, reliable energy can kickstart economic growth and job creation. Infrastructure extends beyond just roads and bridges, and our panelists shared how sustainable investments in healthcare, education, and manufacturing can drive business development in southwest Virginia and other rural areas of the Commonwealth,” expressed Virginia Chamber President & CEO Barry DuVal. “As we strive to return Virginia to the best state in the nation for business, I urge policy makers and business leaders to take what we learned from our conference and advocate for commonsense, sustainable policies that will improve our infrastructure and energy networks for the foreseeable future,” DuVal concluded.
For more information visit: https://www.vachamber.com/event/2019-virginia-conference-on-energy-infrastructure/