WHEREAS, Manufacturing Day highlights manufacturing careers and educates the public about the benefits of manufacturing careers to individuals and the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, for generations, manufacturing has played a critical role in Virginia’s diverse economy; driving economic growth and creating jobs; and
WHEREAS, manufacturing remains a vital part of Virginia’s private sector economy by contributing more than $42 billion to the Commonwealth’s gross domestic product annually; and
WHEREAS, Virginia is home to more than 6,250 manufacturing establishments employing approximately 231,231 workers; and
WHEREAS, opportunities for growth in manufacturing abound, including food and beverage, unmanned automated systems, chemicals, plastics, and transportation equipment; and
WHEREAS, manufacturers are supported in their research and development endeavors by Virginia public colleges and universities; and
WHEREAS, it is critical to the growth of the manufacturing sector in the Commonwealth that today’s students are exposed to the opportunities and benefits of a career in manufacturing through career and technical education and workplace experiences and learning; and
WHEREAS, with the use of robotics in manufacturing and the convergence of technology increasing the speed from design to production, the need for highly skilled technicians will continue to increase; and
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes that technological advances in manufacturing require that companies have skilled workers who hold industry-recognized credentials, including certifications, professional licenses and journeyman cards, and have invested in building the talent pipeline; and
WHEREAS, Dream It. Do It. Virginia Network Partners are educators and workforce development providers from high schools, higher education, career centers, vocational rehabilitation centers, military transition services and economic development across the Commonwealth who are committed to helping students, parents, and job seekers understand the career pathways that lead to opportunities in advanced manufacturing;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Terence R. McAuliffe, do hereby recognize October 6, 2017, as MANUFACTURING DAY in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.
