Happy Labor Day

Today we pause to celebrate the backbone of our nation and economy: the American worker. In these tough times, the opportunity of a good job means more than ever. My top priority is helping the private sector to create those good jobs, for Virginians in every city and county.

Working with Democrats and Republicans we are seeing some early successes in this effort.

• Microsoft just announced the largest economic investment in the history of Southern Virginia
• Fortune 100 Company Northrop Grumman is moving its headquarters from California to Fairfax  
• New job-creating projects are underway in Pulaski, Waynesboro, Fairfax, Danville, Martinsville, Caroline, Frederick, Shenandoah, Mecklenburg, Campbell, Newport News, Richmond, and Radford
• Since the beginning of the Administration, Virginia has added the second highest number of new jobs of any state (trailing only Texas)
• Virginia’s unemployment rate is the third-lowest east of the Mississippi
• Pollina Corporate named Virginia the “Most Pro-Business State in the Nation”
• CNBC ranked Virginia as one of the top two states for business for the fourth straight year

This is just a start, and we have a long way to go. We won’t rest until our economy is back on track, and every Virginian has the rewarding job they need and deserve. As I stated in my address to the General Assembly in January:

“The inherent dignity of a good day’s work in a worthwhile pursuit strengthens the soul, supports the family, and reduces dependence on government.”

I wish you a wonderful and relaxing Labor Day, and I look forward to continuing to work with you in the years ahead to build “A Commonwealth of Opportunity” for all Virginians.

Happy Labor Day,

Bob

Note: You can read our official Labor Day proclamation from the Office of the Governor by clicking here: http://www.governor.virginia.gov/OurCommonwealth/Proclamations/2010/LaborDay.cfm