Committees, Councils and Networks
The Virginia Manufacturers Association (VMA) is only as strong as its members. Member committees drive the work of the VMA on critical manufacturing issues as well as create the foundation of our “grass roots” advocacy. Committees are central to the government affairs function of the VMA, but they also drive our professional development, networking, regulatory and outreach services. Involvement in VMA committees is the best avenue to directly affect change, get involved and stay informed. All Full and Associate Members are encouraged to participate in committees of interest. For more information about any of the following committees, please contact Alice Scott, Vice President, Member Services, at ascott@vamanufacturers.com or 804-643-7489 x 23.
| ENERGY RESOURCES COMMITTEE (ERC) | Chair: Keith Tonga, Honeywell Vice Chair: David Hudgins, ODEC Board Liaison: Ken Barker, Dominion VMA Staff: Brett VasseyThis committee reviews proposed legislation, regulation and administrative rulings related to energy conservation, distribution and the development of domestic resources.
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| ENVIRONMENTAL, HEALTH, SAFETY AND SECURITY (EHS&S) COMMITTEE | Chair: Jim Thornton, Newport News Shipbuilding Vice-Chair: Chuck Stiff, Altria Air Regulation Subcommittee Co-Chairs: Jim Taylor, MeadWestvaco and TBD Water/Waste Regulation Subcommittee co-chairs: John Petchul, Greif and Scott Wolff, Honeywell Board Liaison: Dirk Krouskop, MeadWestvaco VMA Staff: Alice Scott Legal Counsel: Dr. Tom Knauer, Brooks Smith and Andrea WorzelThis committee is concerned with state and federal policies and programs, including legislative proposals, regulations and administrative rulings on environmental as well as occupational health and safety matters. It reviews proposed programs and public policy changes and makes position recommendations as well as assists in drafting legislation. Technical expertise is required for the preparation of testimony and comments for state and federal legislative bodies and administrative agencies, which is completed within the Air and Water/Waste Regulation Subcommittees, as appropriate, under the leadership of legal counsel.
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| GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS COUNCIL (GAC) | Board Liaison: Joe Internicola, DuPont, VMA Chairman VMA Staff: Brett VasseyThe Government Affairs Council is made up of VMA members as well as lobbyists representing member companies advocating for pro-manufacturing public policies to local, state and federal elected officials to accomplish legislative and regulatory agenda items driven by the work of the other VMA committees.
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| RETIRED MANUFACTURERS COUNCIL (RMC) | Chair: Mike Laczynski (retired from INVISTA) Vice Chair: Dan Williams (retired from Richmond Corrugated) Board Liaison: Mike Laczynski VMA Staff: Brett VasseyThe mission of the Retired Manufacturers Council is to promote the general well-being of industrial organizations in Virginia by advocating for pro-manufacturing public policies to local, state and federal elected officials. Its purpose is to: 1) Organize retired manufacturers into a grass roots political action group for advocating for pro-manufacturing legislation, supporting select candidates for public office, and supporting other issues involving retiree pensions or their livelihood; 2) Expand messaging of Dream it. Do it. Virginia to students, transitioning military, dislocated workers, parents, educators and community leaders; and 3) Grow the VMAPAC and increase its effectiveness.
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| SALES AND MARKETING COMMITTEE | Chair: Ray Birk, Super Radiator Coils Vice Chair: Caryn Durham, Charles Ryan Associates Board Liaison: TBD VMA Staff: Alice ScottNewly formed, this committee is focused on supply chain opportunities and barriers for Virginia manufacturers and their suppliers, including any state, local or federal procurement regulations as well as exporting opportunities and barriers to global markets. The image of manufacturing as well as marketing locally manufactured goods may also be explored as well as professional development.
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| SUSTAINING VIRGINIA NETWORK | Co-Chairs: Open Board Liaison: TBD VMA Staff: Alice ScottSustaining VirginiaTM is program for manufacturers in support of their sustainable business practices in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Sustaining Virginia has a voluntary web-based assessment that member companies (and others) can use to self-assess their sustainability performance. This ten-category sustainability index is the first statewide recognition program of its kind designed to honor manufacturers for their commitment to sustainability and improving the environment, communities, and economic future of Virginia.
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| TAXATION COMMITTEE | Chair: Brad Gilks, RockTenn Vice Chair: Open Board Liaison: TBD VMA Staff: Brett VasseyThis committee is concerned with state, local and federal tax policies and programs, including legislative proposals and administrative rulings on subjects of taxation directly applicable to manufacturers. It reviews proposed changes and makes position recommendations. It assists in the preparation of testimony and comments for state, local, and federal legislative bodies and administrative agencies as well as assists in drafting legislation and regulations. It further initiates studies and surveys detailing the dynamic effects of tax policy on manufacturers.
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| TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE | Chair: Open Vice Chair: Open Board Liaison: TBD VMA Staff: Brett VasseyThis committee reviews major legislative and administrative proposals related to transportation systems, services, rates, and taxes, and makes position recommendations. It assists in the preparation of statements on transportation proposals under consideration by state and federal legislative bodies and administrative agencies.
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| VIRGINIA COUNCIL ON ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY SKILLS (VCATS) | Chair: Open Co-Vice Chairs: Simon Nance, STIHL and Nat Marshall, B&W Board Liaison: Tanya Cook, Philip Morris USA VMA Staff: Katherine DeRosearThe purpose of the Virginia Council on Advanced Technology Skills (VCATS) is to serve as the industry’s voice on issues impacting the recruitment, retention, development and advancement of a skilled workforce and competitive workplace. Its three areas of focus are: (1) education and workforce policy, (2) partnership development, and (3) workplace affairs. Each of these efforts is led by a sub-committee that examines existing and emerging strategies, policies and programs impacting business operations. VCATS also oversees the Dream it. Do it. Virginia (DIDIVA) Network working to 1) rebrand manufacturing as an advanced technology industry and (2) close the skills gaps in Virginia’s incumbent, emerging and transitioning workforce by expanding the skills pipeline of individuals by focusing on work readiness; customized pathways to advanced level training with specialized credentials that are competency-based, independently assessed and industry-endorsed; and articulating career credentials to degrees by (3) expanding the statewide partners network.
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| VIRGINIA CRAFT BREWERS GUILD (VCBG) | Chair: Mike Killelea, Center of the Universe Brewery Vice Chair: Brian McNelis, StarrHill Brewery Board Liaison: TBD VMA Staff: Brett VasseyThe intent of the Virginia Craft Brewers Guild is to organize craft brewers for purposes of economic development, business development, supply chain management, tourism and government affairs. Membership will be extended to craft brewers, and associate memberships will be extended to businesses and organizations that provide support services or products to the industry (e.g., equipment manufacturers, agricultural interests, economic development, etc.).
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| VIRGINIA LOCAL USERS COUNCIL (VALUC) | Chair: Matt Trahan, Honeywell Vice Chair: Denny McDermott, Alliance Engineering Board Liaison: TBD VMA Staff: Alice ScottThe Virginia Local Users Council (VALUC) was started by facility owners, i.e. manufacturers, interested in consistency in and verification of contractor safety training. The focus of the VALUC is to: (1) Reduce the frequency and severity of workplace injuries, (2) Develop and permeate a safety culture among all owners and contractors, (3) Standardize safety practices, business practices and best practices to improve all facets of the owner/contractor partnership and (4) Investigate the safest way to utilize advanced technology and new materials. |