'WORLD WILL ALWAYS BEAT A PATH' HERE

BY BILL FREEHLING

An abundance of Ph.D.s, several military bases and proximity to Washington all make the Fredericksburg region well-positioned for a strong recovery when the economy improves, Gov. Tim Kaine said in Spotsylvania County yesterday.

"The world will always beat a path to this region," Kaine said during a lunchtime address at Germanna Community College. "That positions this region in such a good place."

Kaine, who made several stops in the region yesterday with his cabinet for one of his "Cabinet Community Days," made his remarks after a business sales growth seminar at Germanna.

The seminar attracted small-business owners to learn about doing business with the state and federal governments, small-business loans, networking, social media, marketing and other topics. It was put on by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance.

In one session, attendees learned that the U.S. Small Business Administration was allocated $730 million from the federal economic stimulus package to help encourage loans to small-business owners.

The normal fees associated with SBA-backed loans have been waived through the end of 2009, and money is available to help owners make it through these difficult times, said Ronald Bew, district director for the SBA's Richmond office.

Kaine noted that these are the toughest economic times since the 1930s, and said small businesses have been among the hardest hit. He pointed out that Virginia's jobless rate--7.3 percent in June--has doubled in the past year but remains well below national figures.

Kaine said the state's strong work force, access to Hampton Roads ports and Dulles International Airport, and a successful education system will help in the economic recovery.

Kaine said much of the anxiety over the current situation is not knowing when it will improve. He said more cuts in state spending are likely. But he expressed optimism that the state, which has been named by many as the best for business in the U.S., can weather the storm.

"Virginians can get through anything," Kaine said.

Bill Freehling: 540/374-5405
Email: bfreehling@freelancestar.com

Gov. Tim Kaine was on hand to celebrate the opening of a new Germanna Community College center at Aquia Park in North Stafford yesterday. The four-classroom center will open Aug. 20. College officials hope to serve about 1,000 students this fall.

The new facility will be funded, in part, by a $300,000 grant from the Stafford Economic Development Authority.

"It is a really smart investment," Kaine said, "especially during a down economy."

After he explained that further state budget cuts are on the way, Kaine praised Virginia's community college system and the impact it has on the economy.

"Employers are increasingly interested in the quality of the work force," he said, referring to the resources provided by community colleges. "Those are the states landing deals these days."

--Jonas Beals

Date published: 7/30/2009

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