THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, May 20, 1995 TAG: 9505200360
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY TARA TROWER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 65 lines
Virginia is open for business. At least that's what Gov. George F. Allen said Friday before about 1,200 business people attending this week's Inc. 500 conference at the Marriott Waterside Convention Center.
The governor used the forum to plug business opportunities in the state, as well as his personal agenda - from welfare reform to the removal of tolls on Route 44.
Allen drew rousing applause for the pro-business bent that has been the centerpiece of his administration's agenda.
``The job of government is to help, not hinder, enterprise in the private sector,'' he said. ``We need to set the right conditions, make sure everyone has the opportunity to succeed and then get the heck out of the way.''
The conference, honoring the nation's 500 fastest-growing, privately owned companies, has been billed as the state's biggest chance to entice businesses to relocate or set up offices in the state, especially in the Hampton Roads area.
The state, along with Inc. magazine and other corporate sponsors, has doted over the Inc. 500 honorees, with the governor serving as host.
Allen wined and dined on crab, lobster and shrimp with conventioneers Thursday night at the Nauticus Maritime Center, which is a short walk from the conference.
But Friday morning the governor was mostly business. Among the carrots dangled to draw companies to Virginia were the state's right-to-work law, the current downsizing of state government, and legislation aimed at reducing regulation of industries.
``We care about woodpeckers and rodents, but we must first determine the impact on people and their jobs,'' he said to applause from the audience.
In addition, Allen pointed to the state's Republican-engineered welfare reform program and ``truth in sentencing'' legislation as major selling points for the state.
``We are working on different fronts as a team to make sure Virginia is a good place to do business,'' he said.
Virginia has the third-highest number of Inc. 500 companies in the nation. Norfolk-based Whitlock Group of Hampton Roads was the one regional company represented at the convention, ranking at 222 on the list.
John Whitlock, president of the company, was impressed by the showing so far. He was honored at Inc. magazine's conference in Columbus, Ohio, last year for the success of another company in Glen Allen.
``Virginia is putting on a great show so far,'' Whitlock said. Ohio's governor didn't show up at last year's Inc. conference, he said. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
Gov. George Allen.
Color graphic
Source: Inc. Magazine, 1995 inc. 500 CEO survey.
Inc. magazine asked CEOs and top executive of the nation's 500
fastest-growing private companies their views on public policy and
economic issues.
For copy of graphic, see microfilm.
KEYWORDS: VIRGINIA BUSINESS by CNB