Go Virginia advisors rehearse origin story and preview statewide video
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Summary
Consultants and foundation staff told the program—s origin story, emphasizing a business-led, regionally driven approach to grow high-paying jobs and previewed a two-minute video of regional successes to help onboard new members and retell Go Virginia—s impact.
Chris Lloyd, a foundation consultant, told attendees the Go Virginia initiative began after the 2008 recession as a business-led, bipartisan effort to boost Virginia—s competitiveness through regionally coordinated, high-paying-job strategies. "It was originally called Regions Work...we just figured that 'Go Virginia' sounded like a good ad," Lloyd said as he traced the program—s early policy goals and legislative steps.
Lloyd emphasized the initiative—s founding principles: regional leadership by local business, education and government; incentives to encourage cross-jurisdiction collaboration; and a focus on higher-wage jobs rather than transportation or quality-of-life projects. The presentation cited a George Mason study used during the program—s design to show the state—s slower post-recession recovery and long-term drag from lower-wage job growth.
The foundation previewed a short, two-minute video compiled from regional submissions to illustrate successful projects and local stories. Lloyd said the full video and supporting slides would be made available to members.
The presentation was delivered as part of a broader, half-day meeting intended to shift into facilitated discussion on how regional councils and the state board can improve communication, project approval processes, and recruitment of volunteer leaders. Staff and members stressed that retelling Go Virginia—s practical, impact-focused story can help bring new council members and legislators up to speed.