WHEREAS, manufacturing is a cornerstone of Virginia’s economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs, strengthening families and communities, and generating billions of dollars in economic activity each year; and

 

WHEREAS, Manufacturing Month provides an opportunity to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Virginia’s manufacturers and manufacturing workforce and to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in this vital industry; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginia manufacturers of all sizes and across every region produce advanced goods, drive innovation, and strengthen the Commonwealth’s supply chains and defense industrial base; and

 

WHEREAS, Virginia’s skilled manufacturing workforce and its partners in education, workforce development, economic development, and industry help manufacturers innovate, compete, and grow while preparing Virginians for rewarding careers; and

 

WHEREAS, with the use of robotics in manufacturing and the convergence of technology increasing the speed from design to production, the need for highly skilled technicians will continue to increase; and

 

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes that technological advances in manufacturing require that companies have skilled workers who hold industry-recognized credentials, including certifications, professional licenses and journeyman cards, and have invested in building the talent pipeline;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize October 2026 as MANUFACTURING MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.