This week, on Memorial Day, Governor Glenn Youngkin thanked our Gold Star Families and reflected on the light of our extraordinary heroes who died in service to our country. Not a day goes by that we don’t feel the weight of the 12,000 Virginia heroes who we lost in conflicts throughout the world.
Earlier this month, Governor Youngkin announced job growth has brought unemployment levels down to 2.8%, 1.1 percentage points below the national rate. Virginians have seen job growth across the state from companies moving to Virginia and existing Virginia companies expanding. This week, Governor Youngkin announced that Boxer Gifts LLC, a specialty gifts manufacturing company, will invest $1.4 million to establish a new operation in the City of Harrisonburg.
“Virginia provides one of the best business environments in the country which provides the ecosystem for family-owned businesses like Boxer Gifts to thrive. In addition to the robust manufacturing sector and the accessibility to the U.S. market, Virginia is a strong partner for international businesses like Boxer to invest and grow. I am thrilled to welcome Boxer Gifts to the Commonwealth,” Governor Youngkin said in announcing the investment.
Governor Youngkin spoke at the Ronald Reagan Institute’s Summit on Education and discussed why education is the key to unleashing opportunity and fulfilling the American Dream. Governor Youngkin spoke about the key issues facing parents, students, and the education system at all levels in Virginia and America.
The First Lady visited Petersburg to recognize National Police Week this month and the placement of a Canine Companions facility dog supported by the fourth gubernatorial salary donation of 2023. “Neon” was placed with Officer Babukovic in the Petersburg Bureau of Police to facilitate bridge building within the community. Neon has been active in the Petersburg community since April visiting schools, participating in community events and providing support services to those in and around the criminal justice system. The decision to donate the fourth-quarter gubernatorial salary to support Canine Companions facility dogs in Petersburg reinforces the Governor and First Lady’s commitment to strengthening the community with wraparound services.
Last week, Governor Youngkin launched the “Accelerate Southwest Virginia” initiative, a shared mission to unleash the unbounded potential of Southwest Virginia, and equip this region with the tools it needs to race forward in this next decade of economic development.
This month, the Governor and First Lady joined all Virginians in proudly celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. We honor the essential contributions, sacrifices, and accomplishments that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders have made to our Commonwealth.
In the wake of Memorial Day, we honor the work of the #homehistory making, Virginia-bred nonprofit Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S.). T.A.P.S. offers around the clock comfort and hope to those whose loved ones paid the ultimate sacrifice for their country. This national peer support network and connection to grief resources comes at zero cost to surviving families. In partnership with T.A.P.S., the Executive Mansion boasted a tree adorned with ornaments honoring these special Virginians and welcomed many of their families into Virginia’s home this past Christmas. To learn more about T.A.P.S. visit https://www.taps.org/.