The members of the VALOR fellowship already know and understand the importance agriculture plays in the Virginia economy. However, as we sat around the table with Virginia’s Governor Bob McDonnell, his Chief of Staff Martin Kent, Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore and Deputy Secretary Travis Hill, it was refreshing to hear that they… Continue reading Agriculture’s Known Importance
The Virginian Creed “To be a Virginian either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one's Mother's side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign Country, and a Benediction from Above." ---Anonymous I’m sure… Continue reading Is it enough “To be a Virginian”?
Every morning I wake up, prepare my coffee, and grab a bottle international French vanilla creamer to add to it. Little did I know that there is a strong chance that that creamer was probably made just minutes up the road in Mt. Crawford Virginia at WhiteWave Foods. As we toured their facility I told… Continue reading Every Morning
I would like to thank Christopher Tate and the staff of WhiteWave Foods in Mt. Crawford VA for a behind the scenes tour of their facility. What makes WhiteWave so successful is their continual commitment to their consumers through a verity of practices. One of such practice that helps them with consumer popularity is that… Continue reading A New Kind of Food Company
Growing up in the western part of Virginia all you really see is beef cattle, poultry, some fruits and vegetables, and dairies with enough crop ground to support that dairy. I had always known that east of the Blue Ridge Mountains there were large amounts of row crops like corn, cotton, peanuts, and soy beans… Continue reading The size and scale will blow your mind
In 1952 the Commonwealth of Virginia created the Virginia Port Authority (VPA) for the main purpose of increasing commerce to the ports of Virginia. The Commonwealth realized that without improved promotion of shipped goods, improved navigable tidal waters, and sustainable relationships with established business; Virginia would fall behind in international trade. These supply chains play… Continue reading Shipping Done Right
Recently I had a meeting with a fellow lobbyist and a question came up that I hear a lot these days. “How’s VALOR going?” I lost track how many times I have been asked that since we started the program last September. Don’t get me wrong, I welcome the question, it’s an easy one. The… Continue reading “How’s VALOR going?”
During our Richmond Session, the VALOR Class fellows had the pleasure of performing a television interview simulation. (When I say pleasure, I really mean nerve-wracking experience.) This session of “Video Interview Strategies – Ideas & Practice” was facilitated by Virginia Farm Bureau media pros Norman Hyde and Sherri McKinney. While we were provided the topic… Continue reading …..Lights…..Camera…..Can You Repeat the Question???
I have been contemplating what to write for a while and decided to pull out my notes from the various seminars we have attended. I will share the quotes that really inspired me to stop, think, and ultimately to begin engaging. I hope you enjoy. “Agriculture will be the last job standing.” These six powerful words… Continue reading Stop! Think! Engage!
For their prior gathering, the VALOR fellows found themselves in Richmond while the General Assembly was in session. Oft described as sharing many traits with sausage making, the legislative process was in full swing and on display for the fellows to enjoy. But, the legislative process is only half of the story. (OK...yes, you're right... … Continue reading The amazing Universal #2 meat grinder
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