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Dear Virginia Business Leader:

My top priority as Governor is to create jobs and economic opportunities in the Commonwealth. My administration's Jobs and Opportunity Agenda is paying off as we have worked to close over 100 new deals and create almost 6,850 new jobs in Virginia generating approximately $980 million in new capital investment since I took office in January.

Virginia consistently ranks as a top state for business, and, during the past six months, I have traveled across Virginia meeting with business leaders and citizens to discuss what can be done to make Virginia an even better state for business and investment. Throughout my travels, many business leaders have asked, "What can I do as a corporate citizen to support Virginia's economic recovery?"

While government institutions can provide an environment that is conducive to increasing jobs and investment, sustained economic growth is achieved through actions of the private sector. That's why I believe that one of the most productive actions a business can make in support of my Jobs and Opportunity Agenda is to patronize other local enterprises and utilize the goods and services provided by fellow Virginia businesses.

Personally, I have made it a priority to promote and feature Virginia wines and other locally grown and produced food and beverage products at the Executive Mansion. Whether it is a family dinner or a reception for a foreign dignitary, I make it a point to serve Virginia food and beverages. Agriculture is Virginia's top industry, contributing $55 billion to our economy each year. By making the deliberate decision to buy locally produced food and beverage items for your own corporate and personal needs, you can help further support job growth and economic activity in the Commonwealth. In addition to being a corporate leader, you are also an opinion leader; your personal support for our high quality products will be reflected across the state in your social and business circles, leading to even more gains for our economy.

Virginia is known far and wide for our high quality food and beverage products, and Virginia's top-tier wines are gaining well-deserved recognition from wine connoisseurs around the globe. Plus, the "Virginia Finest" and "Virginia Grown" programs help consumers and retailers know that when they're buying Virginia agricultural products with those labels, they're buying the very best the state has to offer. That's why it is an honor for me to be able to showcase the abundance of Virginia's agricultural production while promoting economic development and investment in Virginia both here and abroad. During business events at the Executive Mansion, recruiting activities, and foreign trade missions, I am constantly incorporating Virginia's best known products, including ham, seafood, peanuts, and wine.

As a business leader in the Commonwealth, I encourage you to look for opportunities to incorporate Virginia food and beverage products into your day-to-day business operations and marketing activities, thereby supporting jobs and economic growth that will benefit all Virginians. Plus, you'll be serving some of the most wholesome and best tasting products in the world.

In the coming months, I'll be finding ways to recognize those businesses and trade associations that make public commitments to buy Virginia grown and produced food and beverage products. So, please let me and Todd know if you and your organization make that commitment. If you have any questions about how best to procure Virginia food and beverages for your next business event or for personal use, please contact my Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore. Todd can be reached at choosevafoodbev@governor.virginia.gov or (804) 692-2511.

Sincerely,