Roanoke, VA—Bill Cleaveland, Republican candidate for the 17^th House of Delegates seat, and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling co-hosted a meeting today with local elected officials, business leaders, and economic development personnel.  The site for the meeting was ADMMicro in Roanoke.

ADMMicro is a local company that was founded in 2002 and is now staffed by 50 employees.  Its primary products include energy saving controllers, thermostats and load controllers.  The company’s principal markets are government, retail, fast food, industrial, education, and healthcare facilities.  ADMMicro was a 2009 winner of the NCTC Rising Star Award.  Cleaveland and Bolling showcased the company as a model of entrepreneurial success in the Roanoke Valley.

Cleaveland called jobs one of the most important issues facing the region, state, and nation today.  He said that “attracting and retaining jobs are both critical to providing for our families and for insuring economic development in our communities.”  Noting that Virginia has been identified as the most business-friendly state, Cleaveland called on government to “walk the talk” when it comes to promoting start up businesses and retaining businesses already here.  He stated, “Government must do its part to encourage and attract businesses and then, get out of the way and let the entrepreneurs do what they do best—create jobs!”

In a roundtable discussion, the candidates heard first-hand from local business leaders about the challenges they are facing in the current economic climate.  They also listened to the business leaders’ ideas about how state government might assist with jobs’ creation. 

A brief tour of the ADMMicro facility preceded the roundtable discussion.

Bill Cleaveland will continue to share his plans and strategies for economic development in the region as the campaign progresses.

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