Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, made an appearance at a Republican rally at DeHart Park in Stuart, VA as he came to support Sen. Bill Stanley (R) of Franklin County.

He spoke about the work of the current administration under Gov. Bob McDonnell to solve unemployment problems in Southern Virginia, highlighted by unemployment in Martinsville, VA that has gone as high as 22% and now stands at 17%. He says the Southern Virginia Alliance, involving Patrick, Henry, Pittsylvania, Franklin and Halifax Counties and cities of Martinsville & Danville, is up and running with a newly hired Director, Lee Cochran. He gave this quote: "Don't let our persuit of perfection, prevent accomplishing the good". He was speaking of the Commonwealth of Virginia investing $4 billion on new road construction projects, as outlined in 2011. He says this is the largest investment in road construction in 25 years. He says this is not the ultimate solution to our road problems in the Commonwealth. He spoke of "mega-sites" in the region for economic development that are about 1500 acres each. Near Martinsville is Commonwealth Crossing and in Danville-Pittsylvania County is Berry Hill. Others sites are being developed in Greensville and Wytheville, VA. These sites need to be ready to go, when the National economy turns around He says the Tobacco Commission funding in this region is an incredible ally when offering incentives to new company capital investment. Plus the Commonwealth and the local governments are contributing funding. There is hope for our region to get new industry of 1000 jobs or more. The reality is that small business with 25-50 jobs is the backbone of the economy. If we are lucky we may get a company with 300-400 jobs, like the recent Call Center in Martinsville. Concerning the four-laning of U. S. 58 from Stuart to Hillsville. It will be the most difficult and most expensive. Concerning Sen. Bill Stanley, he can be a voice of the future. The Governor and I are his friend and we can work together in Richmond. Story written by Tom Bishop, Executive Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce