The VAPDC Summer Conference in late July was a big success by all accounts. Though the outside weather was extremely hot, the Hilton Norfolk-The Main kept us cool and comfortable for informative sessions focused on funding opportunities, and two luncheon speakers who dazzled us with presentations on the Port of Virginia and Virginia Space Flight Authority. Thanks to all presenters, moderators, and everyone else who made the two days a hit. Of course, we could not do any of this without our great Virginia Partner and Summer Conference sponsors.

We were pleased to recognize the following VAPDC award winners during the conference as follows: Melody Foster, Executive Director of the Commonwealth Regional Council (CRC), and David Tarter, Mayor of Falls Church and member of the Northern Virginia Regional Commission (NVRC), with the Gordon N. Dixon Award; Michelle Edwards (Rappahannock-Rapidan Regional Commission) with the Robert W. Baker Award; and the Hampton Roads Planning District Commission’s Roadway Flooding Sensors project with the Best Practices Award. I also was happy to present the President’s Award to Kim Callis (Southside PDC), who served three years as VAPDC president.

At the annual business meeting, two new members were elected to serve on the Board of Directors: Mike Hankins (Commonwealth Regional Council) and Dr. Mark Moore (Crater Planning District Commission) We also appreciate the service of outgoing Board members Jennifer Bowles (West Piedmont PDC) and Jordan Miles (CRC). The Board of Directors also met following the conference and will be holding a special meeting this week to discuss funding opportunities for PDCs.

I remain honored to serve as your VAPDC President. Hope everyone has a great rest of the summer.