Shenandoah Valley Partnership Hosts Panel On Energy Steve Walz Keynote Speaker At Annual Meeting By Patte Wood Staff Reporter   Harrisonburg, VA (July 29, 2009) – Steve Walz, Director of the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy and Senior Advisor for Energy Policy to Governor Tim Kaine, was the keynote speaker at the recent Shenandoah Valley Partnership Annual meeting. The Shenandoah Valley Partnership is the regional economic development organization that serves Rockbridge County, Lexington and Buena Vista along with the counties of Augusta, Highland, Page, Rockingham and Shenandoah, and the cities of Harrisonburg and Waynesboro. At the meeting, Director Walz outlined the Commonwealth’s energy plan, a ten-year comprehensive Energy Plan geared to implement the Commonwealth's energy policy providing a clear path to protect the public health, safety, and welfare for all Virginians. The meeting also included a panel discussion on Shenandoah Valley energy initiatives and opportunities. Panelists included Dr. Krishna Kodukula, Executive Director for the Center of Advanced Drug Research (CADRE) for SRI International, and Dr. John Noftsinger, Vice Provost and Professor for Research and Public Service at James Madison University. Dr. Kodukula spoke about the nation’s need for innovation in energy research and potential for energy research and development in the Shenandoah Valley. Dr. Noftsinger provided details on Virginia 25x25, an initiative spearheaded by James Madison University to achieve 25% renewable energy by 2025. The Shenandoah Valley Partnership Annual Meeting for stakeholders was held at Blue Ridge Community College Plecker Workforce Center. The Partnership staff and board members provided information on marketing and investor relations activities, as well as reports on the 21st Century Workforce Transitions Project.

* * * * *