October 26, 2020
Media articles written by Roanoke Times, Business Journal, News Advance, and Times News

’Northam turns to far Southwest Virginia during economic recovery tour’

Area business, government, education leaders share challenges of pandemic with Northam

On Oct 23, 2020, Governor Ralph Northam turned to one of the most economically challenged places in Virginia to hear how the pandemic has affected businesses and families and what they need to recovery.

“We want to do what we can to bring all of Virginia back, especially rural Virginia. We’re here to listen. We don’t have monopolies on ideas here in Richmond.” – Governor Northam

Governor Northam and state Chief Workforce Advisor Meaghan Healy’s virtual visit was hosted by the United Way of Southwest Virginia’s COVID Relief Council co-chair Mike Quillen.

This meeting came as the local health department issued a warning about the steady rise in COVID-19 cases. Influential leaders from SWVA including 1901 Group joined to share issues ranging from COVID-19 testing, broadband access to education, and public health impacts from the pandemic.

1901 Group CEO, Sonu Singh, participated as one of the panelists sharing his thoughts and experiences.

“We’ve been super fortunate because of the nature of our work. But the reality is, it’s a tough slog and mentally difficult for a lot of folks to wake up, trudge over to their home office and then have to deal with kids that are home, so anything the United Way is doing is just amazing. “We’re fortunate but there is a lot of work left to be done.” – Sonu Singh, CEO 1901 Group

Read more from influential leaders including Executive Director United Way Travis Stanton, Executive Director of the LENOWISCO Planning District Duane Miller, and Pulaski County Administrator Jonathan Sweet to name a few on the types of actions that would help with recovery.

 

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