As part of the 2024 Virginia Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade, the Virginia Chamber officially announced the launch of Blueprint Virginia 2035, the Chamber’s comprehensive strategic plan aimed at maintaining the Commonwealth’s 2024 CNBC ranking as the best state for business.
Over the next 12 months, the Virginia Chamber will host a regional tour across the Commonwealth, conduct statewide, regional, and industry-specific surveys, host over 20 executive committee meetings and signature events, and engage with over 7,000 stakeholders in economic development, education, workforce, housing, healthcare, innovation, and other industries to ensure that Blueprint Virginia 2035 reflects the voices of the Commonwealth’s business community and secures economic success for all Virginians.
As with previous iterations of Blueprint, the Chamber will present the final Blueprint Virginia 2035 to the Governor-elect at the 2025 Virginia Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade. Our team will work in collaboration with the incoming Administration, members of the General Assembly, and our stakeholders to implement the recommendations through public policy and stakeholder initiatives and programs.
Statewide Survey:
The Virginia Chamber Foundation launched a statewide survey to gather input for Blueprint Virginia 2035. To ensure broad representation, the Foundation invites leaders from the business, economic development, workforce, education, housing, and other key sectors across the Commonwealth to participate in the statewide survey, which will help shape the future of Virginia’s business community.
This survey is a critical tool in shaping the future of Virginia’s economy. Input from the business community and stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth will help ensure that Blueprint Virginia 2035 reflects diverse perspectives and regional priorities. Click the above link to participate today.
Regional Tour:
Citizens in all corners of the Commonwealth are also encouraged to participate in the Blueprint Virginia 2035 Regional Tour, a key opportunity to engage in shaping Virginia’s economic future. These events provide participants with a unique opportunity to hear directly from Cathie J. Vick, the new President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. She will deliver an exclusive economic update, offering valuable insights into statewide trends, as well as region-specific developments. Most importantly, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in open discussions and contribute policy recommendations for Blueprint Virginia 2035.
Please see below for the full schedule. To learn more about each Blueprint Virginia 2035 Regional Tour stop and how to register, click here.
Blueprint Virginia 2035 Co-Chairs:
Co-Chair: Edmond Hughes, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer, HII
Co-Chair: Monica Schmude, President, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Virginia
Blueprint Virginia Industry Councils and Chairs:
Business Climate Industry Council
Co-Chair: Todd Haymore, Managing Director, Global Economic Development, Commerce and Government Relations Group, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
Co-Chair: Chris Lloyd, Senior VP Infrastructure & Economic Development, McGuireWoods Consulting
Corporate Sustainability and Environmental Industry Council
Co-Chair: David Paylor, Vice President of Environmental, Potesta & Associates, Inc.
Co-Chair: Erik Rison, Senior Regional Manager of Government Relations, Smurfit WestRock
Healthcare and Life Sciences Industry Council
Co-Chair: Mark Lawrence, Vice President, Governmental and External Affairs, Carilion Clinic
Co-Chair: Karen Velkey, Corporate Vice President, Compensation and Benefits, HII
Housing Industry Council
Co-Chair: Martin Johnson, Interim CEO, Virginia REALTORS(R)
Co-Chair: Doug Smith, President and CEO, Hampton Roads Alliance
Infrastructure Industry Council
Chair: John Hewa, President and CEO, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
Vice Chair: Terry Ellis, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Comcast
Innovation and Technology Industry Council
Co-Chair: Joe Oyler, Senior Manager – State and Local Government Operations, Boeing
Co-Chair: Lindsay Winter, Head of Virginia Public Policy, Amazon
Legal Institute
Co-Chair: Charlie Meyer, Partner, O’Hagan Meyer
Co-Chair: Tammy Finley, Senior Executive Vice President and General Counsel, Advanced Auto Parts
Military and Veterans Affairs Industry Council
Co-Chair: Sultan Camp, Director, Hampton Roads Veteran Employment Centers
Co-Chair: Chris Doss, Senior Director of Operations, US Card, Enterprise Specialty Servicing, Capital One
Co-Chair: Drew Warren, Senior Policy Advisor, Dominion Energy
Supply Chain and International Trade Industry Council
Co-Chair: Eric Sisco, Chairman, Virginia International Gateway, Inc.
Co-Chair: Keller Watts, Chief Business Officer, Smithfield Foods
Workforce and Education Industry Council
Co-Chair: Tina Pfalzgraf, Chief Human Resources Officer, The Branch Group
To view Blueprint Virginia 2030, click here.
To view the Blueprint Virginia 2025, click here.
To view the original Blueprint Virginia, click here.
