RICHMOND, VIRGINIA – This afternoon, the 15th Annual Virginia Economic Summit & Forum on International Trade, hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, concluded with more than 500 business and economic development leaders from across the Commonwealth in attendance.   

This signature conference featured speakers and a series of panel discussions on the key components necessary to keep Virginia competitive in business climate, talent development, and international trade.   

“The Virginia Economic Summit is a vital platform for discussing our state’s economic future,” said Robert Duvall, President & CEO, Virginia Natural Gas and Chair, Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. “The dialogue shared here today is a critical step in shaping policies that will benefit the business community of the Commonwealth for years to come.”  

The Honorable Abigail Spanberger, Democratic Candidate for Governor, and The Honorable Winsome Earle-Sears, Republican Candidate for Governor, were also in attendance and delivered remarks to the attendees.  

During the conference, President & CEO, Barry DuVal formally launched the process for developing the Commonwealth’s next comprehensive strategic plan, Blueprint Virginia 2035. The next iteration will continue to build on the policy recommendations outlined in Blueprint Virginia 2030 and serve as an action plan for strengthening Virginia’s economic competitiveness.   

Edmond Hughes, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at HII, and Monica Schmude, President of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia, were named Co-Chairs of the Blueprint Virginia 2035 Steering Committee.  

“As we begin the development of Blueprint Virginia 2035, I am proud to announce these two leaders as Co-Chairs of the Blueprint Virginia 2035 Steering Committee,” said Barry DuVal, President & CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. “Throughout 2025, we will work together to develop recommendations to continue the Commonwealth’s success as America’s Top State for Business.”  

Attendees also received an overview of the Virginia Chamber Foundation study, The Economic Impact of Virginia Exports. Produced by Mangum Economics and the Raymond A. Mason School of Business at William & Mary, this study builds on previous work commissioned by the Chamber in 2015 as well as other reports commissioned by the Port of Virginia and the Virginia Maritime Association.  

“We know from our work with over 500 Virginia companies each year how important international trade is to individual businesses in reaching their revenue goals, keeping employees on their payrolls, and diversifying their customer bases,” said Stephanie Agee, Senior Vice President, International Trade & Chief Administrative Officer, Virginia Economic Development Partnership. “This study further demonstrates via rigorous analysis and robust data the important statewide and regional impacts of international trade on Virginia’s economy.” 

“Between 2012 and 2022, the growth in Virginia’s exports (55.0 percent) significantly outpaced the national average (39.4 percent),” said Scott Swan, PhD, David Peebles Professor of Business, William & Mary. “This was accomplished through Virginia’s strong support clearly evident in VEDP assistance and buttressed by Virginia Chamber of Commerce initiatives. These exports resulted in 316,000 jobs, $88B. in economic output, and $3.5B. in state and local revenue. Businesses, employees, and taxpayers alike can be thankful for these outcomes.” 

Before the conference adjourned, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine joined Virginia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Barry DuVal on stage to recognize his accomplishments in supporting Virginia’s business community during his tenure at the Chamber. 

“Barry embodies the bipartisan spirit that helps ensure Virginia’s economic development strategy progress forward regardless of the political composition of Richmond or Washington,” said U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA). “I’m thankful for Barry’s partnership over the years and look forward to continuing to work with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce to grow Virginia’s economy and bring new economic opportunities to all Virginians.” 

Additional highlights from the program include: 

WELCOME & OPENING REMARKS

Barry DuVal, President & CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce  

 Robert Duvall, President & CEO, Virginia Natural Gas  & Chair, Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors 

SPECIAL REMARKS 

The Honorable Winsome Earle-Sears, Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, Republican Candidate for Governor 

SPEAKER INTRODUCTIONS 

David White, Executive Director, Virginia Maritime Association 

THE ECONOMIC IMPACT OF VIRGINIA EXPORTS 

• Stephanie Agee, Senior Vice President, International Trade & Chief Administrative Officer, Virginia Economic Development Partnership 

• Scott Swan, PhD, David Peebles Professor of Business, William & Mary 

MORNING KEYNOTE REMARKS 

Jason El Koubi, President & CEO, Virginia Economic Development Partnership 

 A CONVERSATION WITH ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS

Moderator: Jennifer Wold, Managing Partner-Virginia, Forvis Mazars 

• Victor Hoskins, President & CEO, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority 

• Doug Smith, President & CEO, Hampton Roads Alliance  

• Jennifer Wakefield, President & CEO, Greater Richmond Partnership 

BLUEPRINT VIRGINIA 2035 

Barry DuVal 

WHY Virginia? 

Moderator: Woody Fowler, President & CEO, Williams Mullen 

Panelists 

• Anthony Robinson, President & CEO, Framatome Inc. 

• Pallabi Saboo, Founder, Strategic Advisor, and Board Member, Harmonia Holdings Group 

The Future of Commerce is Underway: How strategic investments are meeting the needs of what’s to come in the supply chain 

Stephen Edwards, CEO & Executive Director, The Port of Virginia 

Special Presentation  

The Honorable Tim Kaine, U.S. Senate  

The Honorable Abigail Spanberger, U.S. House of Representatives, Democratic Candidate for Governor 

About the Virginia Chamber Foundation:     

The Virginia Chamber Foundation tracks Virginia’s economic competitiveness, conducts research and analysis, and hosts programs, connected to the priorities of Blueprint Virginia. In December 2021, the Chamber released its new statewide strategic economic development plan, Blueprint Virginia 2030, which engaged over 7,000 business, economic development, workforce, education, housing, and other community leaders to lay out a plan to ensure Virginia remains at the top of national business climate rankings. Learn more at  www.blueprintvirginia.org.    

About the Virginia Chamber of Commerce:    

The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is the largest business advocacy organization in the Commonwealth, with more than 33,000 members. The Chamber is a non-partisan, business advocacy organization that works in the legislative, regulatory, and political arenas to act as the catalyst for positive change in all areas of economic development and competitiveness for Virginia. Learn more at https://vachamber.com/.