Virginia Economic Development Partnership Receives $100,000 Contribution From GTE

Governor Allen Praises First Significant Private Sector Funding

Richmond - Governor George Allen and representatives from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership today announced that GTE Corporation will contribute $100,000 to the Commonwealth's public-private entity for economic development. The funds represent the Partnership's first major private sector contribution since it was created in 1995 to foster stable and continuous economic growth across administrations. The donation will be used to design, purchase and install a video and audio teleconferencing system at the Partnership's main office in Richmond. The system will serve a major communications function as part of the Partnership's new Prospect Decision Support System, a formal presentation and resource center complete with multimedia technology.

"GTE is one of our Commonwealth's outstanding partners in free enterprise and a great corporate citizen," said Governor Allen. "We created the Economic Development Partnership to insure continuity from one administration to another, so that economic development efforts remain a top priority regardless of the priorities of future administrations. Thus we will continue winning jobs for Virginians.

"This outstanding cooperation between GTE and the Partnership is the kind of teamwork that will help Virginia continue to successfully attract more jobs, opportunity and prosperity to our Commonwealth," stated Governor Allen.

The teleconferencing system will enable a faster and more effective response to companies seeking to relocate or expand in Virginia through virtual face-to-face meetings. The system will also enhance communications with the Partnership's international offices in Tokyo, Japan, and Frankfurt, Germany. The Partnership expects the new video and audio teleconferencing system to be on line in early 1998.

"Governor George Allen has given tremendous impetus and focus to economic development initiatives throughout the Commonwealth. And under the leadership of Wayne Sterling, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership has produced extraordinary results for the Commonwealth," said Jim Diaz, Virginia Region President for GTE. "The funds provided today by GTE will provide tools that will enable the Partnership to enhance its efforts in attracting further economic growth and development in Virginia."

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