More job creation: Virginia invests in OpSail 2012
By JR Hoeft | Wednesday, December 8th, 2010 | PolicyThe McDonnell administration announced today a significant investment by the state, offered as a budget amendment, in OpSail 2012 (a tall ship exposition that is geared towards tourism and, for this particular event, will commemorate the War of 1812).
$1 million in state revenue (taxpayer dollars) will be invested in the plan that is expected to reap millions more in tourism.
From Governor Bob McDonnell:
“In these tough times we must invest limited state dollars wisely in programs that lead to job creation and spur economic activity. This state support for OpSail 2012 is exactly that kind of targeted investment and will leverage significant private sector dollars. State funds will be invested specifically in activities that generate revenue and jobs for our localities and citizens. Ten years ago OpSail came to Hampton Roads, and the results were remarkable. Visitors and participating ships poured $58 million into the local economy and packed our hotels. The international visibility gained through participation in the event further benefited the Commonwealth and our economy. Tourism is big business in Virginia, and it means good jobs for Virginians. This targeted budget amendment will ensure that OpSail 2012 is a successful event with a positive impact on our economy. I look forward to the world docking at the Port of Virginia in June 2012.”
In an exclusive interview with Bearing Drift, the state’s chief jobs creation officer, Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling, had this to say about the investment today:
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About the author
Conservative to the core; liberal with his opinion! J.R. has been involved in politics for over a decade and has worked on several campaigns in Hampton Roads. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Chesapeake and the Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia. He is also the director of “Blogs United” in Virginia. E-mail J.R.. Follow J.R. on Twitter.
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13 Responses to "More job creation: Virginia invests in OpSail 2012"
Great news. My family and I camped at First Landing State Park and watched the ships come in for OpSail 2000. Looking forward to seeing them again.
I’d like to see Bob McD’s list of “good jobs” created by OpSail. Right now, all I can see is more tourists stuck at the bridge/tunnels in traffic in 2012…
Maybe this will spur them to do something about the interstate highways AND create “real good jobs” but I doubt it.
I don’t mind debate, but why the bitterness, William?
Is it too much to say, “good investment” or does every post and comment require a contrarian and negative opinion?
Bitterness? I am not bitter at all. JR: you can’t read tone into comments. If you do, then you are making an error.
To clarify: I just do not see the highway/bridge tunnel getting any better for local traffic and tourists. And I asked what his view of a “good job” was. Hotel/motel staff and associated service jobs do not strike me as “good jobs.” I ask: What other type of jobs will be created by a weekend sail event with a state investment of 1 million plus the local city costs for security and other related services? Do you know?
I don’t see that as negative just a reality…
Whatever else can be said about Gov. McDonnell, he “gets it” as far as tourism promotion goes.
William – I don’t know what the governor thinks is a “good job” either. But you know what, if you’re trying to put food on the table or pay the rent, I would imagine any job that pays is a “good job.”
As for my reading into your comments – I just find it annoying that you never have anything positive or constructive to say.
JR: “Any job that pays is a good job?” Are you kidding? Honestly I think you should relook at your standards for a “good job.”. I’m sure you wouldn’t want your children or other family members working one of the low level service “good jobs” McD was refering to creating. And I find it positively annoying that you read into my comments and find I never have anything positive to say. LOL
I wasn’t against the 1 million dollar OpSail investment or I would have said so…
See, JR. When you’re a Union guy, you have to bitch about “jobs” – after all, pay is never enough, benefits are never enough, and retirement is never enough.
If they were, no one would join the Union.
JR: I hope Kirwin has one of those “good jobs” that started this thread. I’d coment further but I am going to wait for your comments on his “contrarian and negative opinion” and comments….
He does it everyday while you permit and support him. But you call me out about a post? Double standard?
All,
I have a good job–but I looked long & hard for it and convinced them to hire me in 1999 as a person from a Temp agency. I worked as a temp for 3 months and proved that I would be an asset. Now, 11 years later I have a very marketable skillset on some IT Health Informatics applications , all of whch I learned and figured out on the job.
This small business who hired me at the time…AMERIGROUP CORP. Now, it’s a Fortune 500 company.
Anyone who wants to work, there is work. It might not be your dream job…but it will pay some bills and put food on the table. I paid my bills waiting on tables at several points in my life.
I have a self employed husband who would not be working if he does not sell work. (Any wife of a contractor knows about this).
I don’t really consider the argument about “real jobs” just because they may be service oriented. Anytime I spend my hard earned money going out to eat, or traveling and staying in a hotel–these service folks are very important to me and my enjoyment. I also reward (tip) them accordingly. I know what it takes to do these important jobs. And…it is important. People do not spend their hard earned money where they don’t enjoy themselves and get great service.
Just my thoughts.
It seems Bob McD heard my plea: http://hamptonroads.com/2010/12/mcdonnell-proposes-4-billion-road-projects-virginia
4 billion for roads AND real good jobs! JR: I support him and his plan as it is just like Obama’s in that it borrows the money to pay for it and it creates or saves jobs… To me: R or D it matters not as long as we move forward!
Yes, Bill. McDonnell was just waiting to hear from you.
Instead, I’d guess he was watching Obama and the Dems when he came up with this plan…
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