FY 19 was the start of a new era. We were able to hire our new Executive Director (Dov Hoch).

We have moved into our new Headquarters in the Pocahontas Building, Suite 325 in Richmond, and would like to thank Speaker Kirk Cox and his team for their support. Also, the team in the Department of Legislative Services (DLS), who have so smoothly facilitated the processes of getting us up and running this year.

Some of the highlights of this year include having United Airlines launch their inaugural flight between Virginia (Dulles) and Tel Aviv. We have been supporting this for more than 15 years.

We established an on-going defense and maritime program which leverages the strong synergies between Israel and Virginia in these segments.

We engaged Old Dominion University, Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy to conduct an analysis of the economic impact of the Virginia Israel Advisory Board for Virginia.

VIAB created 112 new jobs in FY19, many in established companies that will continue to add new jobs next year.

I am very grateful to the Board members who provide a balanced presence throughout the Commonwealth and have contributed their time, contacts and resources to advancing our mission.

/s/ Mel Chaskin
Chairman
Virginia Israel Advisory Board