I'm going to be a little bit more of a man. I'm going to be a little bit more of a man. I'm going to be a little bit more of a man. I'm going to be a little bit more of a man. I'm going to be a little bit more of a man. I'm going to be a little bit more of a man. I'm going to be a little bit more of a man. I'm going to be a little bit more of a man. I'm not gonna do it. Whoa, I'm not gonna do it. I'm not gonna do it. We're all wearing a... And never letting anybody say... Well, you can't make it. Cousel. We're over here now and never let anybody say you can't make it Cause a people mind is in the other way No more tears can we grab and we have finally tried our lives And we're moving on up, moving on up Lower their backs and we're moving on, moving on up, moving on up, moving on up, moving on up, moving on up, moving on up, moving on up, moving on up, moving on up, moving on up, moving on up, moving on up, moving on up, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh I don't mind leaving here to show the world we have no fear of swim with and everybody knows the truth but you can't hear a person like your leader's talent. And last and last of years come. And I don't care where you come from. You're just going to move on with us. Move on with us. Longer than ever. Move on with us. Move on with us. Just can't push it. Well, no way. I'm gonna go on a run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run-on run I No matter where you are, no matter how far No wonder, baby Just call my name, I'll live there in a hurry You don't have to worry Oh, baby, there ain't no mountain high enough Ain't no valley low enough Ain't no river wide enough To keep me from getting to you baby Remember the day I said you sweet I told you you could always count on me girl And from that day on I paid a vow I'll be there when you won't meet some ways somehow Oh baby, no, man, no mountain high and enough Ain't no valley low enough Ain't no river wide enough To keep me from getting to you baby Oh no darling, no way, no way Oh when way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no I'm gonna die Down in my heart I'll throw me a knife apart If you ever need a help with your hand I'll be there on the door I'll have a man's life And don't you know that there Ain't no mountain high and low Ain't no mountain low and low Ain't no people wide and low Even if I'm getting to you they don't just know that they Ain't no doubt behind them Ain't no doubt alone in them Ain't no doubt alone in them Ain't no doubt in them Ain't no doubt alone in them No mountain high enough, no mountain low I'm not a fan of the music. I'm not a fan of the music. I'm not a fan of the music. I'm not a fan of the music. I'm not a fan of the music. I'm not a fan of the music. I'm not a fan of the music. I'm not a fan of the music. I'm not a fan of the music. I'm not a fan of the music. I'm not a no sheets revolving And the rose buds know the bloom in her lame Just to hate no slums secure You can rest your mind assured But I'll be loving you always Now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow But in passing we'll promote it every day Just as all this fun is new Do know what I say is true And I'll be loving you always Until the rainbow bright The star on the sky Always Until the ocean bright The sky bright Always Until the darkness brightens that's in my hands. Always. I feel the darkness that's in my hands. Always. I feel the darkness that's in my hands. Always. I feel the darkness that's in my hands. Always. I feel the darkness that's in my hands. Always. I feel the darkness that's in my hands. Always. I feel the darkness that's in my hands. Always. I feel the darkness that's in my hands. Her acceptance is a way to pay You didn't know that life is giving love I guarantee to last forever Another day Just as time knew to move all hearts It's the beginning And the seasons know exactly when to change Just as kindness knows no shame No football, no joy and pain But I'll be loving you always As a day I'm living by tomorrow It would make me the past But that I must be here Or I'll know we've been my minds I'm in love But we are tough behind Cause I've been loving you forever I'm just saying to what you should do Always I hate you I hate you I'm leaving I hate you Always I hate you I hate you I hate you I hate you I hate you I hate you I hate you I hate you I hate you I hate you Always and I'm going to be a little bit more more more to be a man. I'm going to be a man. I'm going to be a man. I'm going to be a man. I'm going to be a man. I'm going to be a man. I'm going to be a man. I'm going to be a man. I'm going to be a man. I'm going to be a man. We're all we're not. And never let anybody say you can make it Cause some people might as well wait no more tears can we grab And we have finally tried our lives and we're moving on up We're moving on up, lower down faster we're moving on up We're moving on're moving through the nose and look That we're too from the good black gear And we're a winner. And everybody knows the truth We just keep on pushing! Like your leaders carry the truth At last that discipline has come And I don't care where you come from. We're all new now and all. New now and all. New now and all. New now and all. New now and all. New now and all. New now and all. New now and all. of where we're going And everybody knows it too, but you can't push it Like your leaders tell you to I'm gonna be a gosh, well, winner. And everybody knows it too, but they can't push it. Like you'll need a straight. And last the next day is cold. And I don't care where you come from. We're just gonna move on with our move on up. Longer man, move on with our move on up. Come on in. Woo, just can't wait. I'm gonna play it. Well, no. No, I'm gonna play it. Everybody, hey, no. No, no, no. Oh, no. I No matter where you are, no matter how far No worry, baby Just call my name I'll be there in a hurry You don't have to worry Oh, baby, there ain't no mountain high enough Ain't no valley low enough Ain't no river wide enough To keep me from getting to you, baby Remember the day I said you Oh baby, no, hey, no mountain high enough Ain't no valley low enough Ain't no river wide enough To keep me from getting to you baby Oh, no darling, no wind, no rain Oh, when the cold gets stuck if they say No, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no way, no I'm getting to you They don't ya know that they Hey, no, why I love Hey, no, why I love Hey, no people, why I love Hey, no, why I love Hey, no, why I love I'm out behind the window It goes down and me just as hate no sloths the cure you can rest your mind just you that I'll be loving you always now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow but in passing we'll grow older grown everyday just as all this fun is new to know what I say is true and I'll be loving you always until the rainbow bright the star on the sky always until the ocean brothers and brothers always until the darkness I love this power, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel the darkness, I feel Her acceptance is the way we paint Did you know that life is giving love or guarantee To last forever and another day Just as time knew two more hearts at the beginning And the seasons know exactly when to change Just as kindness knows no No fear for all your joy and pain But I'll be loving you always As a Dan I'm living by tomorrow But make me the pastor that I must fear Well, I'll know deep in my mind that I won't be I step behind Cause I've been loving you for the I just said to watch the truth always I hate you, I hate you, I hate you Always I hate you, I hate you I hate you, I hate you I hate you, I hate you and I'm going to be a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more I'm going to be a real man. I'm going to be a real man. I'm going to be a real man. I'm going to be a real man. I'm going to be a part of it. I'm going to be a part of it. I'm going to be a part of it. I'm going to be a part of it. I'm going to be a part of it. I'm going to be a part of it. I'm going to be a part of it. I'm going to be a part of it. I'm going to be a part of it. I'm going to be a part of it. I We're over and over and never letting them buy the same All you can make it Cause some people might as well away No more tears, go with crap And we have finally tried our lives And we're moving on up We're moving on up No more than less than we're moving on up We're moving on up We're moving on up We're moving on as a moving on up, moving on up We're living through the laws of life That we're too proud to get back in and we're a winner And everybody knows the truth, we just keep on pushing Like your leaders carry the truth At last that discipline has come And I don't care where you come from We're all moving on We're moving on The winner is a removal That's that discipline is called And I don't care where you come from I'm moving on no fear of cause we're winner Everybody knows it too much I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. I'm gonna go home. Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, no mountain high, ain't no valley low, ain't no river wide enough, baby. If you need me, call me no matter where you are, no matter how far. No worry, baby. Just call my name, I I'll live there in a hurry You don't have to worry A baby that ain't no longer high enough Ain't no better No, enough Ain't no ever wide enough To keep me from getting to you baby Remember the day I said you see I told you You can always count on me I've been there when you won't be so I know mountain high and low Ain't no mountain low and low Ain't no mountain high enough Ain't no valley low enough Ain't no river wide enough To keep me from getting to you baby Oh no darling, no wind, no rain Oh when the cold gets activated I'm defeated No, no, baby Cause you're the lover of the trouble I'll be there on the double Just the sins from the heart Baby I'll be there on the line I'll be there in my heart Oh, for we are miles apart If you ever need a helping hand I'll be there on the double I'm not in my heart, all for me, I'm eyes apart. If you ever need a helping hand, I'll be there on the other side. As I stand, don't you know that there ain't no mountain high enough? Ain't no valley low enough, ain't no people wide enough? Even if I'm getting to you, they don't ya know that girl Ain't no mountain high enough Ain't no mountain low enough Ain't no people are wild and love Ain't no mountain high enough Ain't no mountain low enough I know what I say is true And I'll be loving you the whole way Until the rainbow runs to start Runnin' to the sky All the way I do the ocean, but I'm never my friend All the way I do the dolphin, but the crab the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the darkness, the last forever and another day? Just as time knew two more hearts at the beginning. And the season's no exactly when to change. Just as kindness knows no shame. No support, you're no joy and hate But I'll be loving you always As a Dan I'm living by tomorrow It would make me the past, but that I must be here Or I'll know we've been my minds and love on me, I'll of behalf Cause I've been loving you forever I'm going to be in the middle of the night. I'm going to be in the middle of the night. I'm going to be in the middle of the night. I'm going to be in the middle of the night. I'm going to be in the middle of the night. I'm going to be in the middle of the night. I'm going to be in the middle of the night. I'm gonna have to run, I'm gonna run you I'm going to be a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more I'm going to be a winner. I'm going to be a winner. I'm going to be a winner. I'm going to be a winner. I'm going to be a winner. I'm going to be a winner. I'm going to be a winner. I'm going to be a winner. I'm going to be a winner. I'm going to be a winner. I'm going to be a winner. I'm going to be a winner. I can can make it Cause some people minds in the other way No more tears can we grab and we have finally tried our lives And we're moving on up Move on up Lower their backs and we're moving on up Move on up We're moving on as a light that we're too pretty good black gear and we're a winner. And everybody knows the truth. We just keep on pushing. Like your leaders can't even do it. At last that blessed day has come. And I don't care where you come from. We're all moving on to the good. We're new to all of us. Love is a move of all of us. We're new to all of us. We're new to all of us. We're new to all of us. And last and last again, but they kill him, pushing Like your little skeleton, at last the lesson day is called And I don't care where you come from, you're just gonna move on with us Move on up, lower them up, move on up Move on up, move on up, move on up Just kill him, pushing I'm gonna play the game. No, I'm gonna play the game. Yeah. Oh, no, no, no. Whoa, just can't replace it. Well, no. No, no, no. Everybody, hey, no, no, no, no. Whoa, no, no, no. Whoa, no, no. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. No matter how far No worry, baby Just call my name I'll be there in a hurry You don't have to worry Well, baby, there ain't no mountain high enough Ain't no valley low enough Ain't no river wide enough To keep me from getting to you baby remember the day I said you was free I told you you could always count on me from that day on I made a vow I'll be there when you won't be somewhere somehow hope baby nothing no mountain high enough Ain't nobody wrong low enough Ain't no river wide enough To keep me baby No, no baby Cause you're the lover of the trouble I'll be there on the double Just the sins from the heart baby I love you I love you I'll be down in my heart I'll go be a liar part If you ever need a company in the hand I'll be there on the double I'm gonna going to be a part of it. I'm not going to be a part of it. I'm not going to be a part of it. I'm not going to be a part of it. I'm not going to be a part of it. I'm not going to be a part of it. I'm not going to be a part of it. I'm not going to be a part of it. I'm not going to be a part of it. Hey, no people I love You've been my getting to you You've been my no that I You know I'm behind them I know It's no time to lose I'm gonna go to the bathroom. And the Rose Box, another bloom in her life made Just as you hate no slums are cured You can rest your mind assured But I'll be loving you always As now can't reveal the mystery of tomorrow But in passing we'll grow older every day Just as all this fun is new To know what I say is true And I'll be loving you away Until the rainbow runs the start I'll be the star Always Until the ocean runs ever Always Until the darkness rises I'm paradise is my dream Oh, I think I'm talking to you Giving all the true love after nothing Her acceptance is the way you paint Giving all the life that's giving love I guarantee? To last you forever and another day? Just as time knew to move on since the beginning And the seasons no exactly went to change Just as kindness knows from shame No fear for your joy and pain But I'll be loving you always As a Dan I'm living by tomorrow It makes me the pastor that I must fear Or I'll know he's been my part of the one we are, step behind Cause I've been loving you all the way I feel the day inside and I become touching Always I feel the reason since you're from this fire away Always I feel the day that you've come to me, got me this fool Always I feel the day that you've come to me, got me this fool You can know we love for the I'm just saying don't want you to do it all the way I hate you today, thank you for being nice I'm just saying don't want you to do it all the way I hate you today, time. I hate you all the time. I hate you all the time. I hate you all the time. I hate you all the time. I hate you all the time. I hate you all the time. I hate you all the time. you I'm going to be a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more of a little bit more you We're over and on and never letting anybody say you can't make it Cause a people mind is in your way No more tears can we grab And we have finally tried our lives And we're moving on up We're moving on up Lower the rest of the movement on up We're moving on up We're moving on as a light That we're too good to get black hair and we're a winner And everybody knows the truth, we just keep on pushing Like your leaders can't even do it At last that discipline has come And I don't care where you come from We're all moving on up We're all the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, on the moon, straight lead too. And last and last days come. And I'm going to be the straight lead. And I move on up Move on up Long enough, move on up Move on up Just can't push it! Oh, well, no! No, I'm not playing the game. After all, body, hey! You know what, I'm not. Whoo! Oh, well, hey! I'm not a well-earner. Good evening. Oh, come on. Good evening. My name is Lauren, a Campbell Clark and I'd like to welcome you to Chair Randall's 2025 State of the County Address. The State of the County is live. Year in the boardroom, it is televised and webcast for all of Lowne County This fulfills a campaign promise made by VanCandidit Randall, who run when she was running for the county chair in 2015. This year's theme, Loudon, our interwoven community reminds us that the story of Loudon is not written by a single hand. It is composed of thousands of voices, community members, leaders, educators, first responders, community partners, public servants, all working together to shape our interwoven community. begin by reflecting on a significant piece of American history that captures the spirit of our collective journey. In 1889, James Weldon Johnson, an educator writer and civil rights leader, wrote a poem to commemorate the birthday of Abraham Lincoln as a symbol of unity and emancipation. This poem was later adapted into a hymn that debuted the following year when 500 school-age children lifted their voices to honor Lincoln's legacy. As we reflect on our progress, we welcome Grace Monet Carper. Grace is a musical theater student who is just one dramatic key away from her Broadway debut. A proud junior at Rock Ridge High School in Ashburn, Grace spends her days building tunes in the hallways or rehearsing choreography on any reflective surface. Where they're taking the spotlight as a natural lead or harmonizing with an ensemble, Grace lives for the magic of the stage. She recently starred as a marium in the Prince of Egypt and served as an understudy for Elsa in Frozen. Known for her powerhouse vocals, expressive acting, and uncanny ability to cry on cue, Grace Monet is passionate about telling stories that move people. Year to perform, lift every voice and sing. I present Grace Monet Carper. Lift every voice and sing till earth and heaven ring. Ring with the harmonies of liberty, let our rejoicing rise high as the listening skies, let it resound Loud as the rolling sea Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us. Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us facing the rising sun of our new day begun. Let us march on till victory is one. Excellent as they say one hit from Broadway just one. Okay, now I have to recognize all of our special guests and all the elected officials that are in the room and That means you cannot clap. Well, you should not clap until after I call all the names Okay now let's see who listen See who. So good evening and welcome. OK, and if I pronounce your name, please excuse me. Matt just gave me a list this morning. Oh, there's an updated list. OK. Would you like to give me the updated list? Oh, oh. Delegate Al Tuzariza. Delegate Gary Higgins. Delegate Marty Martinez. Delegate JJ Singh. Delegate Josh Thomas. Prince William County Supervisor Andrea Bailey. Dumprice Town Council Member Russell Young. Mayor Vienna Linda James. Mayor of Hillsboro. Roger Vance. Mayor of Middleburg. Bridge Littleton. Vice Mayor of Leesburg Todd Todd Seminoe Johnson. Leesburg Town Council Member, Neal Steinberg. Oh, you guys listen so well. Leesburg Town Council Member, Zach Cummings. Leesburg Town Council Member, Nicholas Krokowski. Percival Town Council Member, Caleb Strout. Stout. Percival Town Council Member, Erin Rainer. Chair of the Loudoun County School Board Melinda Mansfield. At large school board member and Donahue. Algonquin District School Board Member April Chandler. Little River District School Board Member Samaria Rashad. Samaria Rashad. Leisberg District School Board Member, Lauren Schernoff, President of the Loudoun County Branch of the NAACP, Pastor Michelle Thomas. Former Blue Ridge District Supervisor, Tony Buffington. Former delegate, David Remedon. Former mayor of Percival, Stanley Milan, planning commissioner Dale Polman-Miers. Chair Randall put a note here she says she saved the best for last. That would be the members of the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors. Vice Chair and Ashburn District Supervisor Mike Turner, finance chair and Algonquin District Supervisor Julie Priskman, Tuluk, TLC, how you guys say that? Tuluk, Tuluk Chair and Little River District Supervisor Laura Takroni. All right. Joint School Board Chair and broad run district supervisor Sylvia Glass sterling district supervisor Karan Sains. We're also pleased to have joined us here tonight, members of service. OK. SEIU Local 512. And the El Malgameda Chos Transit Union or ATU Local 689. and the Internationalmau-Germated Chos Transit Union or ATU, local 689, and the International Association of Firefighters, local 3756. Fire Chief James Williams, Assistant Chief Travis Pro, Lieutenant Colonel Robert Moser, he came over and introduced himself. Lieutenant Colonel Gunley and County Attorney Leo Rogers. And although County Administrator Tim Hench treats since his regrets, County Administration is well represented by Senior Deputy County Administrator Aaron McLellan, Deputy County Administrator Monica Spells, Deputy County Administrator Joe Krobooth, Deputy County Administrator Vincent Jones, Director of Finance and Furecurement and Housing Director. We've got a lot of work. George Govin. Now we can give our guests a a rousing round of applause. Applause. Thank you. We have a special treat for you. Have you ever met a highly sought-after physician, active volunteer, and the development chair of the Master's Singers of Virginia? No? Well, when you leave here tonight, you can say that you have. Please welcome Dr. Damon Moore to sing our national anthem. Applause Please stand as one nation as we honor our flag and America with the singing of the National Anthem. Oh say can you see by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight? O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming. And the rocket's red glare, the bomb bursting in egg egg probe through the night that our flagclack was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave? with for the land of the free and the home of the brave. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I hope you appreciate the time and energy and attention that Chair Randall and her staff put into planning this evening. And I hope that tonight, in addition to the key takeaways and points and the valuable insight, that you also enjoy the phenomenal Tracy Hamlin. Tracy is a renowned singer and songwriter creator and the owner of the Sweet Jazz Concert Series. After serving for a time as a Lee Vocalist of the Smooth Jazz Group, pieces of a dream, Tracy now performs as an international solo artist. She has provided background vocals for artists such as Gloria Gainer, people Bryson, Will Downing and many others. She has even arranged vocals for Gloria Gainer's 2013 album, We Will Survive. Tracy was a form of ICE president for the Washington DC's Grammys chapter, and has served on the Grammys National Board of Trustees. Ladies and gentlemen, with a voice that soothes your soul with joy. I present Tracy Hamlin singing one moment in time. Thank you. I want to be a day to give the best of me. I'm only one, but not alone. My finest day is yet unknown. I broke my heart for every gain. To taste the sweet, oh I face the pain I rise and fall yet through it all there's so much pretty names I want more more than I thought I'd look at you When all the fire dreams are falling away In the end, so all of us will be here We will be more than we time When I'm racing with you Just something in me And in that one moment of time I will be your... I will be your... I be the best you can be I need to feel the very best I want to be on No time for this. I'll play the play. Not this. I want you all, no time for this, I'll lay the plate, now lay me the chair, here in my head, here in the warm moment in time, when I'm Lord, And I thought I could be In all the pain dreams I've had in a way And the answers are all out to me I really believe one moment in time When I'm racing with destiny And it's been one moment of time I will feel, I will feel I'm gonna sing a song I believe in the key of our young winner for that time. And you see that the world is in time Making sure that you're alive I'm going to be strong and I'm going to be gone I'm going to see you I'm going to be strong and I'm going to be gone And I'm so a queen, I fall, I'll give it to you And the stars are going to be revealed We'll be lost, we'll be trapped And we'll be lost, we'll be lost And we'll be lost, we will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be your guide, I will be I'm going to be a great player. I'm going to be a great player. I'm going to be a great player. I'm going to be a great player. I'm going to be a great player. I'm going to be a great player. I'm going to be a great player. I'm going to be a great player. I'm going to be a great player. but okay, phenomenal, Tracy Hamlin, thank you. When asked what she loves most about her position, Chair Randall will tell you it's spending time with young people. Earlier this year, when she heard Gavin Davis speak at an event at his school, John Champe High School, he left an indelible impression on Chair Randall that she immediately added him to tonight's roster. So during his freshman year, Gavin served as a class president. He's currently an active member of the School Student Council Association and the Student Advice and Representation Committee as well as a member of both John Champ and the Academies of Loudon Black Student Union. Gavin both now standing standing and we corrected it, 4.32 GPA. We had 4.28 and gentlemen said, it's incorrect. He is the president, chapter president elect. We don't want to offend anyone. Elect of the Loudoun County Chapter of Jack and Jill. He also attends the academies of Loud Loudoun and is a member, attends the Academies of Loudoun and is a member of the Science cohort. Chirandle described Gavin as one of the most impressive young people she's ever met. Ladies and gentlemen, help me welcome John Champs High School sophomore, William Gavin D. Thank you, everyone. Phyllis J. Randall was elected chair at large of the Garden County Board of Supervisors in November 2015, and re-elected in November 2019 and 2023. Her election was historic as she became the first person of color in Virginia's history to be elected chair of the county board. As loud as chair at large, she represents loud and at various regional, state, and national bodies, including chair of the full Northern Virginia Transportation Authority. In addition, chair Randall currently serves as a Chair of the National Association of Counties Health Policy Steering Committee and on the board of Metropolitan Washington's Board of Governments, also known as COG Board of Directors. A 2005 graduate of the Swordsons Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia's well-in-coupers Center for Public service. Chair Randall today serves on the Tourism Board of Directors. For 2009 to 2011, then committee advocate Phyllis Randall served as the Chair of Virginia's Fair Housing Board under former Governor Tim Cain in Bogdan, Donald. From 2014 to June of 2018, she served as Chair of Virginia State Board of Corrections under Governor Terry McCullough. In 2016, Chair Randall founded the Latin Commission of Women and Girls, a nonprofit, nonpartisan, non-political organization that promotes leadership development and imposters in inclusive community for Latin's women and girls through education, collaboration, and empowerment. In June of 2018, Chair Randall was selected as one of only 25 women in the country to be included in the 2019 class of governing magazines, women in government leadership program. In September of 2024, Chair Randall was selected by Northern Virginia's magazine as one of only 50 influential leaders in Northern Virginia. In December of 2024, Chair Rental received the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Elizabeth and David Skull Award. This award is presented to a local state or federal elected official serving in a COG member jurisdiction. It is presented in the memory of Elizabeth and David's school to Montgomery County Council members who are strong supporters of COG and regional cooperation. The recipient is selected based on one or more outstanding contributions to the well-being of the region. The award is for a demonstrated contribution and not merely for the length of service at COG or another regional organization. In just this year during Women's History Month, Chair Randall received the first Latin County Legacy Award from the Latin United Football Club for advocacy for initiatives supporting women and girls in Latin County. If he asked Chair Randall, was she enjoys the most of our position? She'll tell you that having the opportunity to speak and spend time with young people, who she calls our future leaders, is a blessing she didn't expect, but for once she is most grateful. In her rare spare time, Chair Randall enjoys reading, especially historical novels, and has recently taken a gardening. Actually, it's a tiny, raised vegetable garden which, today, has not produced any vegetables. But she keeps believing that one day she'll grow tomato. By profession, Chair Randall is a mental therapist with substance dependence as her emphasis area. She has worked with justice involved populations, both in and out in incarcerated settings. A career she has enjoyed for over 20 years. She and her husband, Thaddeus, have lived in Goddard since 1983 and are proud parents of two adult sons, Ashan and Aaron, both of whom were educated in the County Public School system. Ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, we welcome our Chair at Large, Thilis J. Randall. Applause Thank you. Well thank you everybody for being here this evening. I do. I have a seat. Please have a seat. Thank you, everyone. It is true when Gavin come back. When I heard Gavin speak at an event, I thought, my gosh, this kid is 14 years old. When I was 14 years old, I was like, I want to be a cheerleader. And look at this, young man, at age 14. I really am so proud of you, Gavin. Thank you for introducing me. Great job. Applause. I start every chair of the county saying, the first person I think, well, first person I think is God. And then I think my husband, who has been there with me through losing campaigns and all that I have done. Thank you for everything you've done. Thank you for everything you are. Thank you. I also want to thank my son who, hour ago, told me he wasn't coming. So, but he gets here anyway. So thank you, Aaron, for coming. With me tonight is my pastor. You guys have heard me talk about my pastor a lot. He has been my pastor for 28 years. He is the only pastor I've had. The only pastor I want to have pastor Mitchell. It's such an honor to have you with me tonight. Thank you very much. I also want to say that my godson, who is a teacher in Laudancan Public School, is your Tyler Brasier? I'm sorry, a system principal. OK, tell me Tyler. A dean. I can't raise your hand. And the person, everyone needs that 2-8-M phone call person. Tyler, a dean. Tyler raised your hand. And the person, you know, everyone needs that 2-8-M phone call person, they're going to get you no matter what and tell you what you got to be told and call your names and then love you up and all that. My person, his name is the hard gift for, and she has been my person for years. So my person is a hard, thank you for coming, Spotify. I love you. Some people I want to thank this evening. the evening. First, I want to thank my staff. I have an incredible, incredible staff. My chief of staff, Matt Rogers, Matt raise your hand. This, yeah, give him a hand. The state of the county is an incredibly heart thing to put on. And we start two months earlier. And by the time we we get to today none of us even like each other anymore or anything but Matt Hengsen there with me and the rest of my staff who are here this evening around the room thank you to my staff thank you to the county staff I think somebody said already Mr. Hemsdreet could not be here this evening his son is graduating from BMI and so he's I know it right she's at son graduation but the staff has been so phenomenal and incredible. So thank you to the staff to everyone who is on program tonight. Thank you so much for being part of this program, being part of this special night. This is a campaign promise but it's also something that I really join in doing, and I enjoy doing talking about the state of loud and county. So thank you to everyone who is on program tonight. I appreciate everyone and to all of you and to anybody who might be watching, I appreciate it. I appreciate you so much. This was the first time I've ever had in the room with me a three star general. I'm a little freaked out because I have a three star general in the room with me. But General Bruce Crawford is from South Carolina where he went to South Carolina State University, achieved an degree in electrical engineering before going on to receive a master's degree in business administration. He served 34 years in the military and was in almost every theater that you can imagine. His list of accomplishments is long and incredibly impressive, including being named Black Engineer of the Year in 2020. Please, if you have time, go read his incredible bio, but Lieutenant General Bruce Crawford is here today, and he is going to lead us in the Pledge of it stands, one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Thank you, and thank you for your service. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Jennifer. And thank you for the service. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I think it's fair to say that this year has been challenging, yes, for the entire nation, but most especially for Loudon County. On January 29th, American Airlines Flight 5342 crashed just seconds before landing at Reagan National Airport. Lost on that flight were nine beloved members of our loud and county community. They were ice skaters, coaches, and parents tragically including four young people. They belonged to the community of ice skaters, a close knit community of talented, active, the imaginative, productive members of our county and of the National Capital Region. The tragedy of flight 5342 serves as a painful reminder of how fleeting life can be. In the days after the accident through pictures, videos and stories, the county was introduced to Loudoun Residence. We met Brielle and Justina Byer of Audi, of Audi, and Peter, Donna, Eveline, and Alidia of A living stand of Ashburn. The victims of Flight 53-42 will never be forgotten, but they will always be missed. are are everyone this year that allowed and we sadly loved and lost. On a personal note, I'd like to acknowledge the passing of the First Lady of my church, Mary and Ann Mitchell. She was a light-edged community and will be sorely missed. Tonight, sitting in the front row, we are joined by friends and coaches of Patenters from Flight 5342. On behalf of the county, we continue to extend to you our condolences and prayers. Now please all join me in a moment of silence. Thank you. After the accident as a community, Loudoun rallied around the victims, families and friends. However, it was loud and nonprofit community that left into action doing what they do every day helping Standing in the gap and being a force multiplier for county government our Non-profit profit partners response to this tragedy was just one example of example of how these organizations helped to bind our loud and community. In March of 2025, the community foundation for loud and northern Farcure counties invited 30 loud and non-profits to participate in a survey to gauge potential changes in service levels and demands. The 25 nonprofits that chose to participate included organizations focused on health, food and nutrition, mental health and wellbeing, housing and shelter, legal and youth services, education, disability service, employment, and activities of daily living. The organizations that responded 64% reported that a significant number of individuals they serve receive federal funds such as Medicaid or the supplemental nutrition assistance program, also known as STEP, or the Women Infant and Children program, also known as WIC. In this moment of uncertainty regarding federal funding, that number, 64% is especially noteworthy. The survey also revealed that 50% of the nonprofits responding to the survey that received federal funding report their organizations have already seen a cut our delay in their funding. In addition, 65% of responding organizations reported an increase in service demand of 20%. 42% of responding nonprofits identified funding for direct assistance to individuals such as food or rent as a high priority funding need for their organization in the next 12 months. A particular concern. A particular concern. 25% of responding nonprofits identify funding to address staff wellness and burnout and retention as a high priority funding need. In other words, the people who take care of the people are getting overwhelmed and feel concerned they won't be able to offer their much needed services. Loud and while it is true, we are a county with a very high average income. It is also true we have valued important members of our community, many of whom are working more than one job to make ends meet, who are being burdened and in need of financial assistance. Many of these loud and theirs depend on our nonprofit community. Knowing this need during the fiscal year 2026 budget process, your Loudon County Board of Supervisors allocated an additional $5 million to assist Loudon based nonprofit to assist Loudon based nonprofits to continue their essential work of providing services to our residents. Loudon, our nonprofits are an indispensable part of our interwoven community. We can never take them for granted or assume that the county can ever meet the needs fulfilled by our nonprofits and faith-based organizations. At this time, I ask every member of a nonprofit or faith-based organizations. At this time, I ask every member of a nonprofit, our faith-based organization, and loud to stand so we can thank you for your services. Thank you. Our nonprofits and faith-based organizations would tell you that one of the more challenging populations to serve is our homeless and precariously housed. Loudoun County is among jurisdictions nationwide that conduct annual point in time counts each January of people experiencing and housing crisis are homelessness. And although the point in time counts are a limited snapshot of just one night, they do give us insight into the year over year trends. Loudens 2020 five homeless count was 252 individuals. individuals. All low down from the 24th count of 303, and Loudens, we will not stop seeking housing or shelter options into every person who wishes to be housed as a place to call home. Applause are incredible and dedicated employees in the Department of Family Services or DFS may not always know what letter person or family to become homeless but they do know that having an adequate or no shelter can only exacerbate the problem. Thus, in loud and we take a county-wide approach. DFS staff work to identify housing options and take measures to locate resources to help these individuals address the underlying issues that led to homelessness. These issues can, yes at times, be attributed to substance use or mental health conditions. However, homeless individuals experience homelessness for many reasons. From loss of a job or an inadequate radius to a health care crisis. To rent increases are because of a family emergency. In addition, homeless individuals are more likely to be the victims of crime than they are to be the perpetrators. The vulnerability of homelessness increases the risk of being victimized. Since 2018, Ina Fernandez has been an integral part of the Department of Family Services, becoming the DFS Director in 2021. During her tenure with the county, Miss Fernandez played a pivotal role in making recommendations to right size our social service functions while introducing data driven practices, policies and procedures to enhance organizational efficiencies and improve client outcomes. As a result, DFS is well positioned for continued success. During her professional career, Ms. Fernandez worked not only with Health and Human Services agencies and nonprofit partners, but across the judicial system with law enforcement and public safety partners. Her experience spent a dope protective services, child protective services, domestic violence, and sexual assault, emergency management with mass care, inequity initiatives, family engagement, foster care, kinship care, and of course, homeless services. After 36 years in the field of social work, Ina has now retired for a second and likely final time. If mispronandes and any employees in the field of social work, Ina has now retired for a second and likely final time. If Miss Fernandez and any employees in the Department of Family Service would stand, we would like to thank you for your service. In 2020... In 2021, the Board of Supervisors adopted an unmet housing needs strategic plan to examine how our county could address our housing needs for both attainable and market rate housing for rental or for purchase in a strategic systematic manner of the 130 for goals in the housing implementation plan. We have fully completed 38 and another 45 are in progress. However, even with those successes allowed and remains behind in meeting are attainable housing goals. To increase the number of attainable homes during this year's budget discussion, I made a motion to add another half-painty on the tax rate that we will commit to our attainable housing funds. your board of supervisors has now committed a full penny per 100 dollars of assessed value which amounts to more than $17 million for the coming year to meet our attainable housing goals. In addition, we have approved 15 attainable housing projects resulting in 1,366 units serving household from 30 to 60% of a 10-year-old house in the area of 16, a 10-year-old house in the area of 16, a 10-year-old house in the area of 16, a 10-year-old house in the area of 16, a 10-year-old house in the area of 16, a 10-year-old house in the area of 16, a 10-year-old house in the area of 16, a 10-year-old house in the and 130 are under construction. The most impactful steps we have taken to increase housing in Loudon have been to streamline our application process, completely administrative land review assessment, and update our housing needs strategic plan with a focus on creating and retaining attainable homes. Understanding that we cannot meet our attainable housing goals, simply building single family homes, and loud and we have also focused on building a diversity of housing types. In 2016, the number of permitted residential multi-family homes was 770. Today, that number has more than doubled with over 1, multi-family homes and because studies have shown that both young families and Americans looking to retire have similar housing goals. In loud and we continue to focus on mixed-use communities and plan for transit, oriented development, or TOD around our metro station. TOD concentrates housing around employment options, services, recreation, entertainment, and educational opportunities. This planned community model creates walkable, mixed-use communities around transit stations. When young families locate the TOD housing, it decreases their likelihood of out migration. And when retiring loud and there's relocated to TOD housing, they open up a single family housing opportunity. It must be noted that in loud and in the entire National Capital Region, the housing market we have today is different from what it was just at the beginning of this fiscal year. With federal government layoffs and executive orders, housing stability in the National Capital Region is expected to be impacted. However, of this, I am certain. If we do not continue to welcome new friends and neighbors to live in our county, we will not have the available workforce to fill future employment opportunities. In short, our ability to provide housing options at different income levels is required to keep our robust and strong workforce. Applause But government cannot address these complex housing needs alone. We need and appreciate our partners in these efforts. One of our partners, in fact, two of our partners are Loudon County Chamber of Commerce and the Loudon County chapter of the Northern Virginia Building Industry Association. However, we do welcome new voices to this conversation and look forward to providing housing options at all income levels. One partner to governments across the Commonwealth is Virginia Housing. Every day, Virginia Housing works to eliminate the attainable housing crisis. In fact, we recently worked with Virginia Housing on Avenue 2, a project that will yield 137 attainable homes. And joining us this evening, we are pleased to welcome the Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Housing, Tammy Niel, where are you Tammy? Will you stand up please? Thank you for being here this evening. Thank you. Applause. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. As we welcome new neighbors to Loudon, the Department of Economic Development, or the ED, led by its executive director, the incomparable buddy, riser, and the assistant director, Colleen Cardaz, helping sure they are met with employment opportunities in multiple business sectors. From manufacturing and construction, education, health services, and animal husbandry to a valuable and craftry industry, loud and continuous to grow are industrial base. In fact, over the past 10 years, the number of businesses in loud and increased by 40%. And currently, our county is home to over 14,300 businesses and 11 different industry sectors. In addition to the Loudoun County Public School System and Loudoun County Government, major employees and Loudoun include but are not limited to United Airlines, ANOVA Health Systems and. Our high standard of living and excellent public school system, and excellent public school system, and excellent public school system. Have made loud and attractive place for businesses to locate or relocate. And it's just 3.1% loud and county unemployment rate falls below that, of Virginia and the nation. Due to our strong personal property tax receipt and buddy and colleague strong successful recruitment and cultivation of new businesses to loud and During During art fiscal year 2026 budget cycle, your board of supervisors was able to lower your personal property tax rate to 80 cents, 80 and a half cents. That is 6 cents lower. 80 and a half cents per the assessed value. That amount is a full penny below the equalized real property tax rate, meaning the average real property tax bill will be reduced. In addition, we separated the tax on vehicles from the general personal property tax thereby enabling us to reduce your car tax rate from $5.14 to $3.9. And with the support of County Treasurer Henry Eichelberg, we even eliminated the pesky card decal fee of $25. Loud and currently we stand in a strong economic position and I'm happy to report that just three days ago, loud and triple, triple A bond rating was reaffirmed. to be sure, much of the reason we stand in a stronger financial posture than many other counties, not just in Virginia, but in the nation, is due to our data center industry. Data centers represent an astonishing 38% of our overall revenue picture, and the top 10 commercial taxpayers in Loudin are all data centers. Applause. Data centers are also increasingly becoming more active in Loudin contributing to the arts, sports, and education. However, it is also true that I and my colleagues receive more complaints from constituents and inquiry, inquiries about data centers than any other topic. On February 14, 2000, the then zoning administrator concluded that data center uses were most similar to office uses and thus were permitted by right where office uses were permitted. That single decision in 2000 meant that board to supervisors going back 25 years were not legally able to review many, if not most, data center applications. However, during my first term in office, the Board of Supervisors implemented architectural and environmental performance standards to improve both the appearance of and potential environmental impacts of data centers. So although in many cases, supervisors could not review data center applications, starting in 2016, we were able to minimize the visual and environmental harm, especially as it concerned water usage. On March 18, 2025, the Board of Supervisors took the most impactful vote to date to mitigate data center development near residential neighborhoods. A motion made by then supervisor, now vice chair Mike Turner pass, with a super majority vote. It mandated that going forward, data centers will require a special exception, meaning they need to go through the full application process to include a public hearing before being approved. Thus with the exception of a small limited number of data centers that will maintain their by-right status, all other data center applications going forward will receive a full vetting from the planning commissioners and board supervisors. Well, we are grateful for our data center industry and acknowledge their financial and social benefits to allow in. It is equally important that we manage data center growth to the extent we are legally allowed, most especially around residential communities and in environmentally sensitive areas. It is only through effective management of data center growth, welcoming new technologies, encouraging better design and materials, and appreciating our data center's contribution to loud and that we retain our data center community and maintain our status as the data center capital of the world. Even with our data center revenue, it is prudent for Loudon to prepare for a possible economic downturn. On the advice of County Administrator Tim Hempstreet, during the fiscal year 2026 budget process, your county board funded our fiscal reserves and revenue stabilization funds beyond, beyond the required 10% and we finished all of our contingency funds. Loudens financial future stands in good stead and our job forecasted growth is very impressive with almost 250,000 jobs expected to be located in Loudens over the next 10 years. Buddy, Colleen and their team continue the very impressive work of growing our professional and business services, trade and transportation, and warehousing industries. All this success has been recognized by the International Economic Development Council, which recently named Loudens DED as an accredited economic development organization, only one of just four in Virginia and only in one of just 86 worldwide. Working with Beth Erickson and her phenomenal team at Visit Loudon, we are also expanding our leisure and hospitality offerings. If you ask, visit Loudens Beth Erickson, what visit Loudens main mission is, I believe, and I have not asked her, but I believe that she would tell you, loud and visit Loudens seeks to introduce and welcome the world to Loudens County. Loudens, I submit to you that Beth and her team have given Termis a reason to visit Loudoun and spend their money here. They do this more effectively than any other destination or Termism Agency in Virginia or even the region and the stats prove it. At almost 72%, Loudoun has achieved the highest average hotel occupancy rate in the National Capital Region outpacing even Washington, DC by 4%. Visitors and tourists to Loudoun, uh, uh, uh, attractions such as art, music, food, craft beverages, and our breathtaking vistas and venues as reasons they we've allowed into friends and family. However, it continues to be loud and wine industry that is our number one attraction. Since the establishment of Visit Loud and Loud and Wine Industry wine industry has grown by a massive 700 percent, which is why Loudoun is now known across the globe as DC's wine country. Loudoun's wine industry has gained nationwide attention from such publications as Wine enthusiest and USA Today. Our loud and wineries, Limitabruerries and the stilleries have welcomed more than one million visitors and generated more than $48 million for Loudens' economy. In 2023, the Loudens Board of Supervisors unanimously voted to add two new sister cities to our International Sister City Business Development Program. After a great deal of research and data gathering, the Department of Economic Development Selected Catalonia's Uruguay is one of Loud and New International Sister cities. Visit Loud and CEO Beth Erickson, join Buddy Ryzerzer to provide the Julie Bricksman and myself as a Loudon delegation traveled to Catalonia, Sheregui to explore our business opportunities through this new sister city relationship. While it can often take several years to realize the cultural and financial benefits of a new sister city relationship, I am pleased to report that the sister city relationship with Catalonis is already bearing fruit. You see Catalonis is also known for their strong wine industry, especially a wine made from the hearty grape called the tonne. And as it turns out, loud and soil is also perfect for growing the tonne grape. Being in opposite hemisphere with similar climates allowed loud and county Virginia and Catalonia Sherrugway to form a partnership of a seasonal harvest exchange. Last year loud and in Catalonus conducted the first harvest internship program. In just the first year, the success of the TANOT program was so substantial that it received coverage and several tourism and wine publications to include wine enthusiasts and hemisphere travel magazine. Influencer content and multilingual paid ads on social media, invited visitors to discover to not in DC's wine country and features in television and key television demographic blocks introduced Loudon to an even greater audience. That combined exposure was up to 16 million readers. This kind of earned media is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars to Loudon and Catalonus. The possibilities for this new sister city international relationship are endless and I think we can all agree the investment is paying dividends as we raise awareness about Loudon's amazing line industry and strengthen. Strengthen our international sister city partnerships. We're here to help you. We're here to help you. We're here to help you. We're here to help you. We're here to help you. We're here to help you. We're here to help you. We're here to help you. We're here to help you. We're here to help you. We're here to help you. Loudance visitor spending has now topped $4.5 billion, making Loudoun the largest generator of tourism spending in the Commonwealth of Virginia. With the combination of buddy riders brilliant and steady business accumen, and Beth Erickson's vision and foresight, Buddy and Beth continue to be Loudon County's brain trust. Thank you. They bring billions to our economy, and make Loudon a premier county to live, work, learn, and play, Colleen and Beth. Would you and your staffs please stand and receive the appreciation of a grateful county? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. As we increase our national and international business footprint, we are fortunate to have Delas International Airport as a major hub as well as a key employer in Loutin. In 2023, a record breaking 9.3 million international passengers passed through Delas Airport. In addition, Delas has expanded its services and now includes five new airlines and 18 new routes. These improvements strengthen Delas Airport's position as a key driver of economic growth, supporting local businesses and tourism, and United Airlines just confirmed a $500 million investment to construct a new concourse. However, even with this positive news, Loudin is aware of the potential geopolitical impact to the US travel sector and art region due to market uncertainty. Turbism economics recently reported that in an expanded trade war scenario, 2025 inbound business to the United States would not increase by the projected 8.8%, but instead could decrease by 5.1%. Hotel room demand would not increase by the projected 1%, but instead could decline by 1%. international business to the US this year could likely be 12.7% lower than the projected baseline. by 1%. Overall, international visits to the US this year could likely be 12.7% lower than the projected baseline of the December 2024 forecast. These numbers will no doubt impact tourism revenue, in Loudon, and in the DC region. Despite those trends, our partnership with Delas Airport will remain strong. We know the success of our county's tourism industry largely depends on the stability of Delas Airport and Delas understands the success of the airport largely depends on our land use and zoning decisions. This relationship is standing the test of time and we are so appreciative that Delas Airport is part of our interwoven community. With us this evening is the Metropolitan Washington Airport's authorities new executive vice president and chief revenue officer, Chris Westeland. Miss Westeland, where are you? Will you please stand and be recognized? For those of us who live our work in the National Capital Region, we know the importance of interconnections. A person who lives in Loudoun County may work in Prince William County, go to school in Fairfax County, worship in Prince George's County. Our regional interconnections are a strength and our regional relationships are both mutually beneficial and genuine. Some of our regional organization partners include, but are not limited to, the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, which plans, prioritizes and funds, multi-motor transportation projects in Northern Virginia. I happen to serve as the chair of NVTA. The alternate NVTA member is Vice Chair Turner. The Northern Virginia Regional Commission focuses on providing information, performing professional and technical services for its member jurisdictions and serves as a mechanism for regional coordination. Loudness members on NVRC are supervisor Sains and Glass. The Northern Virginia Transportation Commission carries the mission of enhancing the quality of life in our region by improving our transportation infrastructure that allowed and supervisors to serve on NVTC, our supervisors, Bricksmann, and the Terno. The Washington area transit authority, often just called Metro, is critically important to connecting the entire region and is working to provide seamless transportation services across the region. And, of course, the most august regional body is the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Arcog. Cog brings leaders together to develop solutions to the region's major challenges. Supervisor Laura Tachroni joined me on the Cog Board of Directors. These regional bodies, along with others, provide the guidance and collaboration necessary to make the National Capital Region one of the strongest, most well-connected, monetized, and economically profitable regions in the United States. Tonight, we are honored to have the regional leaders of the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority, Monica Beckman, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, Robert Lazaro, the Northern Virginia Transportation Commission, Kate Matisse, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, Greg Potts, and of course, Clark Berzer, the Executive Director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, and I ask all our regional leaders to stand and be recognized. Applause If you talk to Tony Howard, the President and CEO of Loudness Chamber of Commerce, he will tell you his organization understands the importance of regional collaboration for both large and small businesses. In Loudens, we appreciate that our small businesses are an important part of the county's robust business ecosystem and are fundamental to continuing innovation and economic growth. In fact, approximately 77% of Loudoun County's businesses have fewer than 10 employees. 87% have fewer than 20. Tony, the leadership of the Chamber, and of course, the Chamber's Board of Directors continue to be partners to Loudon on the issues of business development, housing goals, and diversity initiatives. Few localities have the collaborative relationship that Loudon and the Loudon County Chamber enjoy. I am especially grateful that our Chamber supports Loudon's future business leaders with the young entrepreneur's academy on YA. According to the Chamber's page, YA is an innovative seven-month program that transforms Loudoun County Middle and High School students into real-life entrepreneurs and business owners. Well, Mr. Howard and Loudoun. This evening, I'm happy to introduce you to two remarkable kids who at the young age of nine started their own business. Sean Dickens partnered with his friend Maddie Richardson to develop products that inspire kids through positive messages and affirmations. Shawn and Maddie believe positive metrosis have the ability to instill positive self-worth, the gate negative self-talk, and promote self-love. Although kids' inspiration started putting positive messages on coffee mugs, today Shahn and Maddie print their positivity on journals, clothing, plush toys, and more, Shahn Maddie's stated mission is to give back and to serve others. And for every two muggy plushies sold, kids' inspiration donates one to a child in children's hospital. So Mr. Howard, I'd like you to meet a young entrepreneur from Loudon, Sean Dickens, and his partner, Maddie Richardson. They are, which is going to be sick. They are a perfect example of why I have hope for the future. Sean, please invite your parents, Keana, and your main Diggins and Maddie, with your mother, Tasha, Richardson, stand with you and be recognized. Mr. Howard, please meet Sean and Maddie. Thank you. So Shana Maddie before you leave this evening there are a few other people like you to meet. You see I believe it's essential we introduce our young people to the greatness and wisdom of their elders, while their elders are still here to tell us their stories. In February of 1920, have it been locked out of participating in America's National Pass time, baseball, a group of black men came together and founded the Negro National League. and loud in many black residents want to be part of this important movement. Out of that desire, black owned and run baseball teams brung up in loud and some of the teams names the Perseveral Athletics and the Blue Ridge Herald. One of the more successful Virginia Maryland teams were the Middle Bird Braves. The Braves started playing shortly after what were then called Negro teams were formed and played until shortly after Jackie Robinson made history by desegregating Major League Baseball. The Middleburg Braves played at Hall Field in Middleburg, which was the only baseball field or a public park that African Americans were allowed to use during segregation. Teams like the Braves often began by playing pickup games, but later evolved into full phlegged rosters with uniforms to match. The Braves uniforms were blue and white with two hip pockets modeled after the Boston Braves with whom they they shared a name. Mr. Asperger, Lloyd Jr. played baseball for 27 years and pitched for the Braves. His brother, Thierdor, played shortstop. They were just two of the many incredible players of Lowning County's own Negro League. I learned of the Middleburg Braves as a little bit of a supervisor, Lorde Tachronian, I attended meetings regarding Mickey Gordon Park. The more I learned, the more I was fascinated and a bit concerned that this part of Loudoun history is not well known. To provide context, House Park, on which the baseball field was located, changed hands several times, eventually becoming the property of Loudoun County Public Schools. LCPS considered it for a segregated school site, but later changed their minds. Since then, Loudoun County School boards going back decades have leased a land to Loudoun County government, which renamed it for Mickey Gordon, honoring the coach of Middleburg's Bay of Roof teams. With all of these changes, some of the history was lost, or at least not known to all. Loudoun, even as we plan for the future, we must take care to adequately preserve the past. In this season, there is an effort to erase our altar, some of Americans' history. It is important that in our interwoven community, we remember and tell the complete story of Loud and County. Asbury Lloyd gifted to his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, the stories of his life and his love for the game of baseball. The passing of stories from generation to generation is a powerful way to preserve our treasured history and protect the accidental or willful, or willful, a mission of history of certain groups of people in Loudon are the nation. Mr. Lloyd's family has kept his stories alive and I am humbled that his daughter and granddaughter shared them with me. At 97 years old Mr. Lloyd continues to educate us on this piece of Loudon history. Unfortunately, he was unable to join us this evening. However, we are pleased to have his daughter and nephews with us, Regina Lloyd Banks, William Lloyd and Larry Lloyd. As have acknowledged the strength of regionalism and of course the importance of the Delis airport to Loudens' economy. We have thanked our own brain trust buddy, Ryzer, of our economic development department and Beth Erickson of Visit Loudens. We have recognized the enormous contributions of our nonprofits and faith-based organizations and what they do for loud in every day. And hopefully we now better understand the hard emotional work of the dedicated employees and our department of family services. We have met Sean and Maddie, the future of businesses and loud and county, and we have been graced to appreciate Asbury Lord and the Middleburg Braves. If you ask my colleagues and especially ask the incredible staff in Louting County government, they would tell you and I will tell you that although these positions are enormously gratifying and to serve in this capacity is indeed a blessing. It's not always easy. But someone once said that in Loudoun County we do heart things. In an interwoven community, heart things can sometimes look like ensuring our kids have nutritious food to start their day. It could mean providing funds to our non-profit so the people who take care of the people continue serving. In an interwoven community doing hard things means responding to tragedy and supporting a family, our community both financially but more importantly emotionally. In an interwoven community doing hard things means providing substance abuse treatment for a person battling addiction, or going out at night on a frigid night to ensure that no person is left outdoors. For some people, for some people, this level of caring may be described as being woke. To the county that I love, I say this to you. If feeding our children and elderly is woke, if providing accommodations for our disabled community is woke. If welcoming new immigrant neighbors is woke, if respecting and protecting our LGBT plus community is woke, if providing housing to the best of our ability is woke. If believing in science and data is woke or if simply caring for the well-being of our residents, friends and neighbors and is woke, then loud and I choose to be fully awake. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Loudoun, I won't deny that as a county region or nation, we are facing challenges that are here to for for were unimaginable. However, as an interwoven community we still look optimistically towards the future and we know we know that our strength lies in treating our fellow fellow loudiners with respect with dignity and with compassion. Our county's sound financial strength is important, but it is not what makes loud and great. Loudin, I submit to you that as a county, we are great because the vast majority of our people are good. And because I believe in the value of our collective strength, I say to you now in full and complete competence that the state of loud and county Virginia is strong, our journey ahead is one that we are well prepared for and look forward to. Together, we will lift up one another with the hope that only lies in an interwoven community. Thank you and I'll see you next year. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for the five-year ride.