RICHMOND - The Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Board of Directors today announced the establishment of a new Legislation and Policy Committee. The purpose of the committee is to advocate VEDP’s legislative and budgetary priorities with legislators, Administration officials, and other external stakeholders, with the goals of fully optimizing the organization to expand and grow Virginia’s economy. The first meeting was held prior to the quarterly VEDP board meeting on September 9, 2015. As a state authority, the Partnership is governed by a 24-member Board of Directors comprised of businesspersons from around Virginia, each of whom is appointed by the Governor or the General Assembly.

Legislation and Policy Committee members include: 

- C. Daniel Clemente, Chair
- Steve Adkins
- Ned Massee
- Vince Mastracco
- John Rocovich
- Don Seale
- Chris Lumsden (Ex-Officio)

“VEDP returns an average of $9 to the state General Fund for every $1 of state funding it receives,” said C. Daniel Clemente, Chair of the Legislation and Policy Committee. “That is a remarkable return-on-investment. As state leaders look to prioritize limited resources, and, at the same time, grow our economy, we should be looking to fully optimize VEDP. Our private-sector committee looks forward to sharing this success story with Virginia’s leadership and working to identify ways in which Virginia can build on this success.”

“VEDP is truly a revenue generator for the Commonwealth of Virginia,” said Chris Lumsden, VEDP Board Chair. “With the full effects of sequestration looming and the need to diversify Virginia’s economy more critical than ever, our Board feels it is imperative to highlight the work VEDP does to bring new jobs and capital investment to the state.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, a marketing organization, was created by the Virginia General Assembly in 1995 to encourage, stimulate, and support the development and expansion of the economy of the Commonwealth. To accomplish its objectives of promoting economic expansion within the Commonwealth, the Partnership focuses its efforts on business recruitment, expansion and international trade. VEDP has offices in Virginia, China, Germany, Japan, India and the United Kingdom.