GO Virginia board holds inaugural meeting

GO Virginia, an initiative to create more high-paying jobs in Virginia through business-led regional collaboration, held its inaugural meeting Wednesday and elected its leaders. John O. “Dubby” Wynne of Virginia Beach was chosen as chairman and Benjamin J. Davenport Jr. of Danville as vice chairman.

The Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board was created through bipartisan legislation passed during the 2016 General Assembly session with the GO Virginia coalition’s support.

“Today’s official launch marks the beginning of what will be a long-term effort to grow and diversify Virginia’s economy.  GO Virginia will provide incentives for greater regional collaboration among the business community, higher education institutions, state and local governments, and others to tackle the state’s economic challenges,” Wynne said in a statement.

GO Virginia said it seeks to leverage state, local, and private funds to encourage regional collaboration on economic and workforce development with the goal of creating more high-paying jobs.
The coalition also supports state investment in university-based research leading to commercially viable new products.

The board took the first steps today toward establishing a process for regional councils to apply for state matching funds.  It also received an update on the new Virginia Research Investment Committee (VRIC), which will approve newly funded research grants to universities.  Four members of the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board also serve on VRIC.

The board will meet again on Dec. 5.