WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) - The Virginia Chamber of Commerce is launching a statewide economic development initiative to focus on key areas of growth.
Officials say the group will launch the Blueprint Virginia initiative at its 3rd annual Virginia Economic Summit on Thursday in Williamsburg.
The initiative will bring together regional leaders and industry experts to look at state and local economies and establish economic development goals.
Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour is set to be the featured speaker at the Thursday meeting. Barbour, who recently completed his second 2-year term as governor, will speak on his state's efforts to implement a long-range economic development strategy.
Others scheduled to speak include U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, political analyst Larry Sabato and Wells Fargo economist Mark Vitner.
