Gov. Bob McDonnell today begins a whirlwind trip of official and political business, from an air show in Paris to a conservative political seminar in Vail, Colo., that keeps him away from Capitol Square for more than a week.
He arrives in Paris today to attend the Paris Air Show and promote the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing in Prince George County.
McDonnell, who is traveling with Secretary of Commerce and Trade James Cheng and three economic-development officials, will meet with business prospects today and visit Virginia companies exhibiting at the air show, including Defense Technology Equipment Inc. and Communications Group Inc.
He'll lunch with Rolls-Royce executives and then host a Rolls-Royce supplier and advanced manufacturing center reception and dinner. The trip will cost the state about $42,454, according to the governor's office.
McDonnell leaves Paris on Thursday for The Homestead, where his political action committee is hosting its annual retreat for donors who gave or raised $25,000 or more for its coffers.
Some bold names in the political world are expected to make an appearance at the posh Hot Springs resort to mingle and take in a series of panel discussions. The governor's Cabinet will attend — taking personal vacation days to do so — as will some candidates in targeted state House and Senate races.
The retreat ends on Saturday, but McDonnell will stay until he leaves on Sunday for Vail, where he'll attend the Koch brothers' summer seminar.
Koch Industries is a Kansas-based energy conglomerate owned by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch, the backers of conservative causes, including Americans for Prosperity. The Koch brothers hold conferences twice a year, keeping the guest lists and details largely under wraps.
The last one was held in Palm Springs, Calif., in January. McDonnell has attended at least seven of the seminars, the last in Aspen.
Tucker Martin, the governor's spokesman, described the seminar as a way for McDonnell to hear from job creators, entrepreneurs and business leaders on policies they believe would best facilitate and support private sector job creation in Virginia.
"He's looking forward to the meeting, and to bringing back innovative ideas and solutions that will help Virginians gain access to the good-paying jobs and opportunities they need and deserve," Martin said.
McDonnell leaves Colorado on Monday night for Northern Virginia, where he will hold events on Tuesday before returning to Richmond the following day.
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