Weigh in: Include Oral Healthcare Priorities in the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Blueprint Virginia 2035
Starting this week, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce is holding regional meetings to seek stakeholder input from the business community for Blueprint Virginia 2035, the Chamber’s comprehensive strategic plan aimed at maintaining the Commonwealth’s 2024 CNBC ranking as the best state for business. The final document will be presented to Virginia’s next governor-elect later this year.
As an industry that employs 26,900 Virginians, it is important that our member dentist employers take this opportunity to weigh in on business issues as they relate to dentistry and oral healthcare. Those issues include workforce and allied dental educational bottlenecks, regulatory and legislative barriers to providing access to care, and the importance of prioritizing oral healthcare for a healthy workforce.
Cavities are the leading cause for kids to miss class. According to a 2023 report from CareQuest Institute, “Adults missed 183 million hours of productivity time due to their own oral pain or unplanned dental visits and 60 million hours due to oral pain or dental visits of children or other adults in their care.”
Dentists interested in participating in the Blueprint can both participate in the online Blueprint Survey and register to join in-person for the regional Blueprint meetings with other members of the business community. Information on both options from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce can be found here and below.
Statewide Survey:
The Virginia Chamber Foundation launched a statewide survey to gather input for Blueprint Virginia 2035. To ensure broad representation, the Foundation invites leaders from the business, economic development, workforce, education, housing, and other key sectors across the Commonwealth to participate in the statewide survey, which will help shape the future of Virginia’s business community.
This survey is a critical tool in shaping the future of Virginia’s economy. Input from the business community and stakeholders throughout the Commonwealth will help ensure that Blueprint Virginia 2035 reflects diverse perspectives and regional priorities. Click the above link to participate today.
Regional Tour:
Citizens in all corners of the Commonwealth are also encouraged to participate in the Blueprint Virginia 2035 Regional Tour, a key opportunity to engage in shaping Virginia’s economic future. These events provide participants with a unique opportunity to hear directly from Cathie J. Vick, the new President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce. She will deliver an exclusive economic update, offering valuable insights into statewide trends, as well as region-specific developments. Most importantly, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in open discussions and contribute policy recommendations for Blueprint Virginia 2035.
Please see below for the full schedule. To learn more about each Blueprint Virginia 2035 Regional Tour stop and how to register, click here.
