Business Leaders for Deeds

Senator Mark Warner joined Creigh Deeds today to announce the formation of “Business Leaders for Deeds,” a bipartisan group which will be lead by Ted Leonsis of McLean. Leonsis is the owner of the Washington Capitals.

The press release (below the fold) includes the names of members – so far – of this steering committee. The group consists of members from throughout the Commonwealth.

In a  telephone conference just after the press release, remarks were offered by Deeds, Warner, Leonsis and Richard S. “Major” Reynolds III of Richmond, Managing Director of Reynolds Trust.  The latter focused on Deeds’ rural background as well as knowledge of the issues of the urban areas, saying he brings “a unique perspective” to the governing that needs to take place in the next four years.

In a question from Bob Lewis, Deeds reiterated his support for the right to work law as well as the rights of people to organize. He said that card check, despite Republican Bob McDonald’s efforts to make it otherwise, is not a state isse. The focus of the next governor, according to Deeds, should be on rebuilding Virginia’s economy.

A second question related to the series of debates that McDonald put out yesterday. Deeds said that the campaigns will work out a debate schedule and that all of Virginia will have an opportunity to hear from the two guberatorial candidates.

DEEDS ANNOUNCES “BUSINESS LEADERS FOR DEEDS”
~ U.S. Senator Mark Warner helps launch bipartisan group ~
~ To be led by Caps owner, ex-AOL executive Ted Leonsis ~

ARLINGTON — Democratic candidate for governor Creigh Deeds today announced the formation and leadership of “Business Leaders for Deeds,” a broad-based group of bipartisan, statewide business leaders who have agreed to advise and promote Deeds’ candidacy. “Business Leaders for Deeds” will be led by Ted Leonsis of McLean, the majority owner of the Washington Capitals and Washington Mystics. Leonsis also is a former AOL vice chairman, a venture capitalist and philanthropist.

U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner joined Deeds and Leonsis at today’s announcement. Warner is a former telecom executive who’s pragmatic approach during his term as Virginia Governor (2002-06) resulted in Virginia’s designation as the nation’s “best managed state” and “best state for business.”

“I appreciate the support and the expertise these business executives will bring to our effort, because these men and women recognize that their businesses are only as strong as the people who power them,” Senator Deeds said. “Our administration will be working hard every day to create opportunity and jobs for Virginians, and these business leaders will be a key part of our bipartisan efforts to better position the Commonwealth to emerge stronger from our economic challenges.”

“I am impressed by Creigh’s focus on quality education, technology and innovation as the cornerstones of Virginia’s economic future,” Mr. Leonsis said. “’Business Leaders for Deeds’ will bring together leading executives from across the state to advise Creigh during the campaign – and, more importantly, after his election this fall.”

“I have known and worked closely with many of these community and business leaders, and I appreciate their willingness to step-up and support Creigh’s bipartisan focus on producing real results that move Virginia forward,” Senator Warner said. “We cannot leave any region of Virginia behind as we work together to strengthen our economy and position the Commonwealth to compete in this global economy.”

Other members of “Business Leaders for Deeds” so far include:

Douglas M. Adams of Maiden, Retired President of The Country Vintner, Inc.;

Jane Inskeep Barrell of Culpeper; Co-Owner of Culpeper Management, LLC;

Robert M. Blue of Richmond, Senior Vice President of Public Policy & Corporate Communications for Dominion Corporation;

The Honorable Sandra Bowen of Richmond, former Senior Vice President of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, former Virginia Secretary of Administration and Commonwealth;

William M. Camp, Jr. of Franklin, principal of Holliknoll Farm;

James K. Candler of Lynchburg, Chairman of Candler Oil Company, Inc.;

Judith P. Carter of Orange, Principal of Germanna Title Company;

Laurie C. Crigler of Madison, Vice President of L&D Associates, Inc.;

Edward C. Dalrymple of Mineral, Vice President of Chemung Contracting;

Charlotte B. Dammann of McLean, Associate Broker of Faulconer Realtors Inc.;

Joseph R. Daniel of Culpeper, President of Jefferson Homebuilders;

Joshua P. Darden, Jr., of Norfolk, President of Darden Properties Inc.;

Carlos Del Toro of Stafford, President & CEO of SBG Technology Solutions, Inc.;

Susan Y. “Syd” Dorsey of Mechanicsville, Director of Sales & Marketing at Astyra Corporation;

G.S. “Sandy” Fitz-Hugh, Jr., former President of the Bank of America – Virginia;

David Goode of Norfolk, former Chairman, President and CEO of Norfolk Southern Corporation;

Mark Goodwin of Richmond, former Senior Vice President of UPS Freight;

William C. Hall, Jr. of Richmond, Vice President of Corporate Communications & Community Affairs for Dominion Corporation;

Robert D. Hardie of Charlottesville, Managing Director of Level One Partners, LLC;

Cabell S. Harris of Richmond, President of WORK Labs;

Jimmy Hazel of Oakton, principal of Angler Environmental;

John T. “Til” Hazel, Jr. of Broad Run, founder and former chairman of the Virginia Business Higher Education Council;

William R. Hedrick of Bluefield, President of Fort Chiswell Construction Corporation;

Ted Hontz of Stafford, Vice President of Basic Commerce and Industries, Inc.;

Kenneth Jones of Richmond, Owner and President of Prestige Construction Company;

James L. Keen of Vansant, CEO of Keen H.R. Services, Inc.;

Austin Ligon of Richmond, co-founder and retired CEO of CarMax Inc.;

Mark C. Lowham of McLean, Senior Vice President of WEST*GROUP;

Charles H. Majors of Danville, President & CEO of American National Bank & Trust Company;

John F. Malbon of Virginia Beach, CEO of Papco, Inc.;

Mark R. Merhige of Richmond, President of Shockoe Properties;

Bittle Porterfield, III of Roanoke, President of Rice Management Company;

Richard S. “Major” Reynolds III of Richmond, Managing Director of Reynolds Trust;

Gilbert “Gil” Rosenthal of Richmond, retired owner of Standard Drug Company;

Tom Rosenthal of Richmond, CEO of Med Outcomes, Inc.;

Walter Rugaber of Meadows of Dan, former President and Publisher of The Roanoke Times;

The Honorable Elliot Schewel of Lynchburg, Former President of Schewel Furniture Company and former State Senator;

Ranjit K. Sen of Richmond, President & CEO of CXI;

R. Chris Walters of Abingdon, financial advisor;

Naomi Weathers of Chester, Owner and President of Weathers Engineering Inc.;

Blair K. Williamson of Charlottesville, President of S.L. Williamson Company, Inc.;

Alan S. Witt of Newport News, CEO of Witt Mares, PLC;

Linda Zecher of Charlottesville, Corporate Vice President, Worldwide Public Sector of Microsoft Corporation.