Kaine Discusses Economic Development And Job Creation Along Route 58

WASHINGTON, D.C.  - Continuing his five-day swing through Virginia today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine made stops in Emporia and South Hill to meet with local leaders and discuss opportunities for economic development and job creation. In the morning, Kaine met with Emporia Mayor Mary Person and went on a retail walk through the town. Photos are available here.                                      

"I sat down with Mayor Person and other local leaders today to hear their advice for ways I can be helpful, from pushing for long-term infrastructure investments to improving K-12 education and workforce training,” Kaine said. “Emporia's strategic location at the intersection of Route 58 and I-95 and the work I saw today to renovate its historic downtown will be critical as they work to attract new business to the city."

Kaine also stopped in South Hill to tour the historic Colonial Theatre with Mayor Earl Horne, Town Manager Kim Callis and other local leaders. Photos are available here.

“I’ve been looking forward to revisiting the renovated historic Colonial Theatre,” Kaine said. “The performing arts play an integral role in community building and local economic development. It’s great that South Hill has such a historic attraction in its town.”

Later today, Kaine will visit the Microsoft Data Center in Boydton and ABB Halifax in South Boston to take tours of the facilities, meet with employees and discuss the importance of investments in career and technical education (CTE) to grow a workforce. Kaine, co-chair of the Senate Career and Technical Education Caucus, recently introduced the JOBS Act to expand federal Pell Grants to students who enroll in short-term job training programs, which would help workers afford high-quality training in advanced manufacturing and other industries.

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