Sunday, November 9 through Tuesday, November 11 marked the 74th Annual Conference of the Virginia Association of Counties (VACo). Jon Bowerbank, a member of the Finance Committee and a County Supervisor, was in attendance, along with many other leaders from across the Commonwealth. Jon helped prepare the Legislative Agenda that VACo produces ever year to help enhance state and local governmental partnerships.

Among the issues discussed at the conference were education, the housing foreclosure crisis, alternative energy options, increasing access to broadband, and providing health care for the baby boomers. At the forefront of every discussion were the looming budget shortfalls that are being faced at the state and local levels. Jon talked with state delegates and senators, as well as county supervisors, administrators, and attorneys from every part of Virginia (and without regard for party affiliation) to discuss ways for counties to meet these challenges.

In addition to elected officials, more than 100 businesses attended the conference, demonstrating their commitment to help rebuild Virginia’s infrastructure and push the Commonwealth ahead in the areas of energy independence, energy efficiency, water conservation, and technological innovation. Companies like these, with progressive and cost-effective solutions, are going to be vital in moving Virginia forward through the coming years and the remainder of the 21st century.

The conference was a wonderful example of what can happen when leaders come together to develop real solutions that will work for Virginians. Congratulations to Donald L. Hart, from Accomack County, on being named president of the Virginia Association of Counties.

After the conference, Jon returned to Northern Virginia, stopping at Arlington National Cemetery to reflect on the sacrifices being made daily in order to secure our freedoms and liberties. Veteran’s Day is especially important to Jon, who has two relatives serving overseas. The safety and success of our troops continue to be in his thoughts and prayers. To all of those who have served, from all of us lucky enough to have you as fellow citizens, Jon says “Thank You!”
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On November 4, an historic Election Day if ever there was one, Jon Bowerbank spent most of the day at polling places around Northern Virginia. After having attended his own Board of Supervisors meeting in Russell County the evening before, Jon made the six-hour journey across the state in the early hours of the day and arrived in Northern Virgina about the same time as the rain that failed to dampen Democratic spirits in Northern Virginia.

Jon met with precinct captains, greeted volunteers, and spoke with voters on their way to the polls. Pimmitt, West Briar, Wolftrap, Thoreau, Spring Hill, Churchill, Kirby, Freedom Hill, Kilmer and Vienna #1 were amongst the precincts Jon visited in Fairfax County and in the 8th, 10th, and 11th Congressional districts. Everywhere Jon went, the commitment, vigor, dedication and cheerfulness of the volunteers - despite the nasty weather - were an inspiration. Without these volunteers’ efforts, the victories we achieved would not have been possible. Jon would like to thank everyone across the great Commonwealth of Virginia who donated even a little of their time to help create real change for America.

After spending the afternoon out in the rain with volunteers, Jon attended the Northern Virginia victory party in McLean. Jon was able to spend time with many of the activists and leaders of Northern Virginia. It was a wonderful way to wrap up a long and successful campaign season. Jon congratulates Barack Obama, Mark Warner, Jim Moran, Gerry Connolly, Bobby Scott, Rick Boucher, Glenn Nye, Tom Perriello and every single Virginian who helped turn Virginia blue! Let’s all make sure we keep it that way in 2009!
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On the weekend before Election Day 2008, Jon took part in Congressman Rick Boucher’s annual 9th Congressional District Swing, attending 10 rallies across the 9th CD. On Saturday, November Jon joined Governor Tim Kaine, former Governor Mark Warner, and Congressman Boucher for rallies in Christiansburg, Pulaski, Fort Chiswell, Marion, Abingdon, and Honaker. Members of the General Assembly and dozens of local elected officials also attended the day’s events. The rallies set records for attendance as Democrats from across the region turned out in force to prepare for Election Day.

On Sunday, Jon joined Congressman Boucher for four rallies in the Coalfields of Virginia. The second day of the Swing featured visits to Grundy, Richlands, Big Stone Gap, and Clintwood. Cecil Roberts, president of the United Mine Workers of America, joined the tour. President Roberts summed up the importance of the upcoming election, leading the crowd of 250 in Clintwood in a chant of “Fired up! Fed up!”
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On October 28, Jon stopped in Warrenton to greet, support, and thank volunteers for all of their efforts to help elect Barack Obama, Mark Warner, Bill Day, and Judy Feder.

That evening, Jon spoke to about 100 members of the Providence Magisterial District Democratic Committee about the importance of this election - and of continuing to work hard through Election Day.

On October 29, Jon brought pizza to two Coordinated Campaign offices in Arlington and another in Alexandria before attending an 8th Congressional district debate and showing his support for Congressman Jim Moran.

On October 30, Jon stopped at the Culpeper and Charlottesville Obama offices to thank volunteers for their efforts. Jon then recorded a radio show with Fred Hudson, 5th Congressional District and Albemarle County Democratic Committee Chair, before heading to Middleburg for a fundraiser benefiting Bill Day for Congress.

Finally, Jon attended the Arlington Golden Gala along with Jim Moran, Peter Rousselot, Margo Horner, Jay Fisette, Adam Ebbin, Alfonso Lopez, and Walter Tejada, as well as many other active Arlington Democrats.

On his way home, on Halloween, Jon stopped in the Harrisonburg, Staunton, and Lexington Obama for President offices.
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On October 27, Jon was honored by the Virginia High School League with the 2008 Regional Award of Merit - Region D. The award was presented at the League’s banquet in Charlottesville.

The Virginia High School League conducts state championships and sponsors athletic and academic competitions for public high schools in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Jon received the award in recognition of his longstanding tradition of supporting Southwest Virginia’s public schools. Most recently, Jon’s company (EMATS, Inc.) donated two artificial turf athletic fields to Richlands High School and Honaker High School.

Jon’s commitment to Virginia’s public schools extends beyond athletics. Since 1998, his Mini-Grant program has directly donated $200,000 to schools within EMATS, Inc.’s service area. Jon’s Mini-Grants have supported computer labs, libraries and helped teachers purchase specialized equipment to further educational opportunities in the region.

Jon spent this past weekend (October 25-26) traveling with Rick Boucher throughout Southwest Virginia in support of the Democratic ticket. Jon began his Saturday at the Alleghany-Covington Democratic Committee’s annual fall breakfast. More than 100 people attended and it was both a larger and more enthusiastic crowd than in years past.

The next stop on the tour was in Radford, for a reception at the home of Radford Democratic Party chair Gail Montuori. More than 75 people attended the event to listen to Jon, Creigh Deeds, and Rick Boucher fire up the crowd to finish the home stretch of the 2008 election.

Before joining Congressman Boucher at his dinner in Drill, Jon detoured to visit the Belfast Elementary School Fall Festival, which is the school his children attend. Jon then rejoined the Democratic tour in Drill, located in the coal producing region of Russell County. As always, there was a packed crowd at the Drill Community Center.

On Sunday, Jon attended the Grayson County Democratic Committee’s (GCDC’s) fall BBQ. The overflow crowd of Democrats from the Twin Counties was much larger than organizers expected, although no one seemed to mind as they listened to Jon and Creigh Deeds speak about the importance of this fall’s election. Also, Jon joined the GCDC as a friend of the committee.

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On Tuesday, October 21, Jon began his morning at the Southwest Virginia Regional Jail Board meeting in Wise County. As a supervisor, Jon represents Russell County on the Board. Jon enjoyed seeing many old friends and elected officials from across Southwest Virginia at the meeting.

Jon then traveled to Richmond and attended the Richmond Crusade for Voters rally. Jon addressed the packed crowd at Paradise Lounge on 5th Street, reminding everyone that it is important that we finish the task of electing Barack Obama and Mark Warner on November 4th.

On Thursday, October 23, Jon joined the Wise County Democratic Committee for its annual pre-Election Day rally. Although the crowd on the courthouse steps was cold in the crisp fall air, speeches from Jon, Congressman Rick Boucher, and Governor Mark Warner helped fire them up. Jon left feeling that Wise County is poised for a strong Democratic victory on November 4. Before returning home, Jon attended the Russell County Democratic Committee meeting. Democrats in Russell County are gearing up for their final push and organizing their Get Out the Vote (GOTV) efforts leading up to Election Day.

On Friday, October 24, Jon attended Mark Warner’s town hall meetings in Buchanan and Tazewell Counties. In Buchanan County, a crowd of Democrats packed the Rainbow Restaurant in Vansant. In Tazewell County, Jon told the 100 people in attendance that voting for the straight Democratic ticket of Barack Obama, Mark Warner, and Rick Boucher would be an empowering experience. Jon also thanked Mark Warner and Rick Boucher for working to create the environment in Virginia that has allowed entrepreneurs such as himself to succeed and create opportunity for others.

Jon then traveled to the town of Paint Bank in Craig County for a dinner hosted by Rick Boucher. Over 75 people were in attendance, a record crowd for this annual event. Jon was pleased to note the excitement across the 9th Congressional District, from Buchanan and Tazewell Counties in the coalfields all the way to Craig County on the eastern end of the 9th District.
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On Saturday, October 18,  Jon joined Congressman Rick Boucher on the campaign trail in Virginia’s Fightin’ Ninth Congressional District.  Jon started his morning at the Washington County Democratic Committee’s annual breakfast, then traveled to Lee County for a lunch hosted by the Lee County Democratic Committee.  Jon concluded his Saturday at the Scott County Democratic Committee’s annual fall dinner in Gate City.  On the way home, Jon stopped by the Copper Creek Elementary School’s fall festival to visit with Russell County voters.

On Sunday, October 19, Jon continued his tour of Southwest Virginia with Congressman Boucher.  Jon started his day at the Tazewell County Democratic Committee’s annual lunch at the Tazewell County Fairgrounds.  Jon then traveled to Carroll County, where a packed house gathered at the Countryside Restaurant for the Carroll County Democratic Committee’s dinner.  Jon was glad to have the opportunity to join Congressman Boucher for his weekend tour of Southwest Virginia in support of the 2008 Democratic ticket of Barack Obama, Mark Warner, and Rick Boucher!

Earlier that week, Jon attended the Russell County Board of Supervisors’ monthly meeting on Tuesday.  The main topic on the agenda was a discussion of the Industrial Development Authority’s budget.  On Wednesday, Jon attended the Tazewell Area Business to Business Showcase at Southwest Virginia Community College.  The purpose of the Business to Business Showcase is for business professionals to have an opportunity to network and explore new opportunities.
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On Thursday, October 9, Jon returned to the campaign trail, traveling from Southwest Virginia to Northern Virginia.

On Friday, October 10, Jon began his morning by attending the Northern Virginia Democratic Business Council’s monthly breakfast in Falls Church. The purpose of the Northern Virginia Democratic Business Council is to create networking and educational opportunities for Democratic and like-minded Independent business professionals. This month’s breakfast featured Obama campaign surrogate Jason Bordorff, who spoke about Obama’s economic plan. Jon enjoyed the opportunity to meet members of the business community in Northern Virginia. As an entrepreneur, Jon was pleased to see more business professionals becoming involved in the Democratic Party. Jon also took the opportunity to become a member of the Northern Virginia Democratic Business Council.

From Falls Church, Jon traveled to Charlottesville for an event in support of Tom Perriello’s campaign featuring Senator Jim Webb and hosted by bestselling author John Grisham. Attendees at the lunch could feel the energy in the room. Jon is confident that Tom is running a first-class campaign and will be successful in returning Virginia’s 5th Congressional District to the Democratic column.

On Saturday, October 11, Jon started his day at the Stafford County Democratic Committee’s monthly meeting. At the meeting, Jon joined the Stafford County Democratic Committee as an auxiliary member. Stafford County is a swing region in Virginia and local Democrats are working hard to identify and persuade voters to help the Democratic ticket. In fact, Stafford County now has not one, but two Campaign for Change offices, a sign of the hard work Stafford County Democrats are investing in the 2008 elections!

From Stafford, Jon traveled to Richmond for the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus’ Fall Festival. Held at Richmond’s historic 17th Street Market, the Fall Festival featured food, music, and Democratic politics. Addressing the audience at the Festival, Jon highlighted the many reasons to support the 2008 Democratic ticket, noting that it has the best ideas for solving the energy crisis, investing in our infrastructure, and creating economic opportunity.

Jon enjoyed visiting with old and new friends at the Fall Festival. Returning home, Jon stopped in Blacksburg to visit his son, who is in his second year at Virginia Tech.

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On Tuesday, September 30, Jon began a 5-day tour of Virginia, traveling from Southwest Virginia to Waynesboro,  and actually “touching down” (so to speak) in all 11 Congressional District of Virginia!

On Wednesday, October 1, Jon attended the Eastern Shore Harvest Festival in Cape Charles, Virginia. Jon visited with local elected officials and community leaders while enjoying a bountiful harvest of crabs, clams, and shrimp from the Chesapeake Bay (no, he didn’t eat all of them!). Jon then traveled to Northern Virginia, where he attended the Arlington County Democratic Committee’s monthly meeting. Jon was encouraged to hear that efforts for Arlington’s “80/80 in ‘08″ program were well underway. Through this program, the Arlington County Democratic Committee intends to reach 80% voter turnout and secure 80% of the vote for the 2008 Democratic ticket of Barack Obama, Mark Warner, and Jim Moran!

On Thursday, October 2, Jon began the day by visiting with Judy Feder at her campaign office. Jon is highly encouraged by the progress that Feder’s campaign is making and is confident that with solid Democratic support on November 4, Democrats in the 10th Congressional district will be victorious and elect Judy Feder to Congress. Jon then stopped by the Stafford County Campaign for Change Office to greet staff and volunteers. Stafford County Democrats are making great progress and Jon was encouraged to see first hand the phone banking and canvassing that will turn Stafford County blue in November.

Arriving in Norfolk, Jon attended the Kiwanis Harbor Party and Seafood Festival at Town Point Park. Democrats, including 2nd Congressional District Democratic candidate Glenn Nye, were out in full force for the event. Jon then visited with Chesapeake area Barack Obama supporters at a Vice Presidential debate watching party at Paradocks East Coast Grill.

On Friday, October 3, Jon was in the Richmond area meeting with local Democratic and community leaders.

On Saturday, October 4, Jon concluded his tour of the Commonwealth, attending events in Hanover and Amelia Counties. In Hanover, Jon spoke at the monthly meeting of the Hanover County Democratic Committee, detailing his support for 2008 Democratic candidates and giving a preview of his plans for 2009. Afterwards, Jon attended the Hanover County Democratic Committee’s Fish Fry with 7th Congressional district candidate Anita Hartke. Jon then attended the Amelia County Democratic Committee’s Fish Fry with 4th Congressional District candidate Andrea Miller. Addressing the crowd, Jon reminded everyone of the importance of turning out Democratic votes in all areas of the Commonwealth for our 2008 candidates.

Returning to Southwest Virginia Jon stopped along U.S. 460 in Appomattox and Pembroke to visit with voters and hear their concerns.
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