Executive Order 24 (2006)

Governor's Economic Development Strategic Planning Stteering Committee

Virginia is graced with abundant natural and human resources, and has worked to build and maintain a favorable business climate.  With the emergence of robust international trade, changes in technology, and evolution in every business sector, the economic landscape is changing continually.  The Commonwealth, her localities and her regions must continually reevaluate and recalibrate its economic development strategic plan to reflect the changing economy.

By virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V, Section 1 of the Constitution of Virginia and Section 2.2-205 of the Code of Virginia, I hereby establish the Governor’s Economic Development Strategic Planning Steering Committee (Steering Committee).  The purpose of this Steering Committee is to create a four-year strategic plan for economic development, in collaboration with interested citizens and economic development and related professionals.

The Secretary of Commerce and Trade will chair the Governor’s Economic Development Strategic Planning Steering Committee on my behalf.  The Steering Committee shall include the Secretaries of Administration, Education, Health and Human Resources, Natural Resources, and Transportation, as specified in Section 2.2-205 B of the Code of Virginia.  In addition, the Senior Advisor for Workforce shall serve as a member.  The Steering Committee shall also include high-level representatives from local and regional economic development organizations from across Virginia, from sectors significant to Virginia’s economy, and from other groups interested in economic development, designated by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  All agencies deemed appropriate by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade shall participate and provide assistance as requested.  In addition, I may designate such citizens as I deem appropriate to sit on the Steering Committee.

Staff support for the Steering Committee shall be provided by the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the various secretariats and their agencies represented on the Steering Committee, and such other agencies as may be designated by the Secretary of Commerce and Trade.  All executive branch agencies shall cooperate fully with the Steering Committee and shall render such assistance as may be requested by the Chair.  The Secretary of Commerce and Trade shall ensure coordination between the development of the Economic Development Strategic Plan and the Workforce Development Strategic Plan.

The Steering Committee shall provide a report to the Governor on or before October 15, 2006, setting forth the Commonwealth’s proposed economic development strategic plan.  The council shall report annually to the Governor by October 15 on progress towards achieving the goals established in the strategic plan.

This Executive Order shall be effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until June 30, 2010, unless sooner amended or rescinded by further executive order.

Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 23rd day of June 2006.

/s/ Timothy M. Kaine, Governor

Attest:

/s/ Secretary of the Commonwealth