Friend,

I wanted to take a quick moment to update you on some events I held near you earlier this week!

Since my time as governor, it’s been very important to me to spend as much time as I can hearing directly from folks in every region of Virginia. This week, I spent some time in Richmond and Stafford. First up, I spoke with business leaders from across central Virginia to hear their concerns and answer questions about the year ahead in Congress.

This area is also becoming a critical hub for the biotech industry. Last year, we secured a huge federal grant to turbocharge pharmaceutical manufacturing across the whole Richmond-Petersburg region. This week, I joined leaders from across the biotech industry at VCU to discuss some recent developments and hear ideas about how the federal government can continue to support innovation. I also got to nerd out on some exciting developments folks there were working on – including lifesaving technology that could make a huge difference for victims experiencing rapid blood loss in traumatic accidents or on battlefields.

After that, I linked up with my friend Tim Kaine and headed to Germanna Community College to celebrate the investment we secured to grow their cybersecurity program. My work on the Intelligence Committee has made it clear to me that the U.S. is already facing a shortage of cyber professionals, and that the need will only grow in the coming decade. This money will help grow Germanna’s degree and credential programs so we can train and retain those professionals right here in Virginia! Read more here about how this funding will enhance facilities and equip labs so students have the qualifications they need to fill critical security roles.

I’m very glad to see innovation across business, science, and education in central Virginia. I’m ready to keep visiting, hearing suggestions, and getting things done for the region.

Sincerely,