U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine said Wednesday at the Danville Economic Development Summit that communities must be aggressive in order to compete in today’s global economy.
“If you want to win, you must be out there battling," Kaine said during his dinner keynote address.
He also offered hope for renewed growth in the economy.
“Budget and fiscal certainty is a key for the economy,” Kaine said. “If we provide certainty, then from it, I believe we will see a lift.”
In order to provide the necessary certainty, Kaine said Congress must come to an agreement on the federal debt ceiling. Congress faces a February deadline on whether to extend the nation’s borrowing authority.
Kaine said he has always believed the degree of regional cooperation here was strong. In response to a question from the audience about working with Gov. Terry McAuliffe and his new administration, Kaine said, “The better regional cooperation you have, the more the governor is going to listen to you.”
He urged continued efforts in workforce training, calling for innovative technical training.
“Talent is a community's most important asset,” Kaine said.
He also said health and health care and infrastructure improvements are important. In his remarks on health and health care, Kaine said, “We have to move from managing illnesses to managing health.”
Kaine was one of two keynote speakers at the daylong economic development summit. Martin Briley, president and chief executive of Virginia Economic Development Partnership, delivered a keynote address earlier in the day.
The summit was held by the city of Danville and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce to develop strategies to achieve the goal of transforming Danville's economy into a new regional economy that is modern, forward-focused, diversified and entrepreneurial.