The Virginia Retail Merchants Association today endorsed Republican gubernatorial nominee Ed Gillespie in the 2017 Virginia governor’s race. The announcement reflects Gillespie’s commitment to getting Virginia’s economy growing again by supporting small businesses and fostering an environment that allows them to expand and create new, good-paying jobs.
Speaking about the endorsement, Ed Gillespie said, “I grew up in a small business — our family grocery store. In my family, when you turned twelve years old, you got a birthday cake, a present and a four hour shift at the JC Market. I learned the value of hard work there and understand the challenges small businesses face. I am committed to making it easier to start and grow a small business in Virginia, and I have put forward policies to provide much-needed tax relief, reform Virginia’s regulatory climate, and spur economic growth. I am proud to accept the endorsement of the Virginia Retail Merchants Association and look forward to working with them as governor.”
“VRMA is pleased to endorse Ed Gillespie for Governor,” said VRMA’s Executive Director Laurie Aldrich. “Working at the family store, he could not help but learn about retailers’ daily concerns. A new administration led by Mr. Gillespie will make it easier to survive and thrive as a brick and mortar retailer. VRMA and the free enterprise system go hand in hand. Ed has outlined his vision to grow Virginia’s economy and protect Virginia’s free enterprise policies. While VRMA may not agree with his position on raising Virginia’s larceny threshold, we wholeheartedly support Ed’s tangible plans to reform Virginia’s regulatory climate, streamline business formation, and reform occupational licensing. We stand ready to help Mr. Gillespie in his efforts to remove barriers to job creation for all Virginians.”
Gillespie has also been endorsed by the National Federation of Independent Business and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s PAC. Find a full list of endorsements HERE.
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