Gov.-elect Spanberger, community eager to get to work at Made in Virginia Market
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginia businesses and artists were celebrated Friday evening ahead of Democratic Gov.-elect Abigail Spanberger's inauguration as the Commonwealth's 75th governor.
On Friday, Jan. 16, artisans, culinarians, musicians and supporters of the incoming Democratic administration met at the Made in Virginia Market in Shockoe Bottom. This event comes just one night before Spanberger's inauguration on Saturday, Jan. 17.
Whether it's getting a bite to eat, grabbing some new clothes or holding onto a warm beverage in the cold, this event served as a precursor to Spanberger's term, as she becomes the first woman to hold Virginia's highest statewide office.
"This weekend is not about any one person or any one title," Spanberger said at the event. "It is about what we want here in Virginia ... working to lower the costs of living and housing, healthcare and energy. Working to ensure we have the best schools in the nation for our kids, strengthening our communities and doing right by our neighbors."
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Some attending the market said they're anxious to see how the new governor will tackle those issues over the next four years.
"I'm excited to see what kind of policy she'll implement, what kind of people she'll talk to make that happen," said market attendee Victoria Griffin."I'll definitely be watching to see her to see if she makes those things happen,"
Spanberger will get to work starting at noon on Saturday. Then, she takes over for the outgoing, term-limited Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, putting focus into economic growth and business investments into Virginia among other priorities as governor.
"The last four years ... it just seems like the environment or the energy has been a little bit heavy," said market attendee Tylisia Crews. "I'm hoping that it lightens. I feel a little reluctant to change, but I think it'll be okay in the end. It always is."
