Q3 2015 Newsletter

VIRGINIAforever Bridge Builder Celebration to Honor U.S. Senator Tim Kaine on October 15

Each year, VIRGINIAforever honors an individual with the Bridge Builder Award recognizing leadership in the protection of natural resources in the Commonwealth. On October 15, VIRGINIAforever will present the Bridge Builder Award to U.S. Senator Tim Kaine. The event will feature keynote remarks by Virginia Senator Emmett Hanger, chair of the Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, as well as a special musical performance. Political followers won’t want to miss the popular Virginia state song performed by the original band accompanied by a skilled harmonica player who may also happen to be our honoree. For ticket and sponsorship information, please click here.

 

Governor Signs Memorandum of Understanding Expanding Recreational Water Access in Virginia

Governor McAuliffe recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that solidifies Virginia’s commitment to enhancing recreational water access throughout the Commonwealth. The MOU enhances the partnership among three state agencies to work together to identify new potential public-access projects, particularly at bridge crossings and roads. The three agencies included in the MOU are the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT). Gov. McAuliffe stated:

“Expanding public access to state waters is a concrete step we can take to help Virginians and visitors enjoy outdoor recreation here in our great Commonwealth. Water-based recreation encourages physical activity and appreciation for Virginia’s natural resources and it is an important driver of our tourism sector and with it, the new Virginia economy.” Read the announcement here.

 

VIRGINIAforever Executive Board Member Dennis Treacy Featured on GreenBiz.com

Dennis Treacy, chief sustainability officer of Smithfield Foods and VIRGINIAforever executive board member, was recently featured on GreenBiz.com for his leadership in sustainability. The article, written by the former sustainability officer for McDonald’s, highlights Dennis’ career and his success in “orchestrating one of the biggest sustainability turnarounds.” Smithfield Foods, the world’s largest pork processor and hog producer, has implemented a number of significant sustainability practices thanks to Dennis. These include becoming the first in the industry to announce moving away for gestation stalls for sows; making a groundbreaking move in 2007 to report antibiotics usage; and making tangible progress in reductions of water, energy, greenhouse gas emissions and waste. To read the GreenBiz.com article, click here. Congratulations, Dennis, for this article recognizing your leadership in sustainability.

 

VIRGINIAforever General Board Member Nissa Dean Appointed to State Water Control Board

Governor Terry McAuliffe recently announced additional appointments to his administration, including Nissa Dean to serve as a member of the State Water Control Board. This regulatory board, composed of Virginia citizens all appointed by the Governor, is responsible for adopting many of Virginia’s environmental regulations as they relate to water, including a variety of permits, permit fees, ground water management areas, ground water withdrawals and petroleum storage tanks. Nissa is the Virginia Director for the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay and serves on the VIRGINIAforever general board. The State Water Control Board is currently chaired by Bob Dunn, chairman of VIRGINIAforever. Congratulations to Nissa on her appointment. Read Governor McAuliffe’s announcement here.

 

VIRGINIAforever Executive Board Member Ann Jennings Takes on New Role

Ann Jennings, a VIRGINIAforever executive board member who spent 18 years on staff at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, has begun a new role as Virginia Director at the Chesapeake Bay Commission. The Chesapeake Bay Commission is a tri-state legislative commission created in 1980 to advise the members of the General Assemblies of Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania on matters of Bay-wide concern. The commission serves as the legislative arm of the multi-jurisdictional Chesapeake Bay Program and acts in an advisory capacity to their respective General Assemblies. Twenty-one members from three states define the Commission’s identity and its work. Fifteen of the members are legislators, five each from Maryland, Virginia, and Pennsylvania. Completing the ranks are cabinet secretaries from each state who are directly responsible for managing their states’ natural resources, as well as three citizen representatives who bring with them a unique perspective and expertise. Learn more about the Chesapeake Bay Commission here. We are pleased that Ann will continue to serve on the executive board of VIRGINIAforever. Congratulations to Ann on this new role. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation will continue its participation with VIRGINIAforever by maintaining a position on our general board. Peggy Sanner, senior attorney for CBF, has been named to fill the general board position. We welcome Peggy to VIRGINIAforever.