I was honored to be the opening speaker on September 29th in Alexandria at the “VA-1: The Power of Travel” state-wide conference of the Virginia Tourism Corporation, addressing the conference before comments from Senator Warner and Governor Kaine.  During the 2009 Legislative Session, I founded the Tourism Caucus of House and Senate members to promote the benefits of supporting tourism in Virginia.  A vibrant tourism industry not only attracts out-of-state and international visitors to Virginia, and gives Virginia citizens recreation options, it also provides "quality of life" amenities that make Virginia attractive to new businesses and new employees.  This is one more way I am working to help bring job growth to Virginia and keep our economy strong.