Posted on 07/20/2009 12:15:53 PM PDT by ReagansRaiders
Sheila Crump Johnson Endorses Bob McDonnell for Governor
Middleburg Resident is Co-Founder of Black Entertainment Television, a Local Business Owner and Noted Philanthropist and Entrepreneur
RICHMOND- Sheila Crump Johnson, co- founder of Black Entertainment Television, local Middleburg business owner and noted philanthropist and entrepreneur, today endorsed Bob McDonnell in his campaign for governor. The announcement was made at a mid-afternoon press conference in downtown Richmond.
Speaking about the endorsement, Johnson said, “Make no mistake, these are tough economic times for all Virginians. Unemployment is on the rise and families are struggling to stay in their homes. We need bold and innovative leadership to move our state forward and that’s why I’ve chosen to support Bob McDonnell for Governor. He has shown me that he has the right vision and the executive leadership skills that will guide Virginia through these challenging times. He understands that we have to help businesses in our state - both big and small - thrive so that we put Virginians back to work. I’m proud to endorse Bob McDonnell to be our next governor.”
Bob McDonnell noted, “Sheila Johnson is known worldwide for her business acumen, artistic talent, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to helping others. Here in the Commonwealth she is one of our leading citizens as a businesswoman, employer, developer, charitable donor and passionate advocate for her many causes. I have gotten to know Sheila, and I know she takes her political endorsements very seriously. We share a mutual commitment to revitalizing Virginia’s economy, getting Virginians back to work and ensuring that the same opportunities that we have both been blessed by will still be there for future generations.”
McDonnell continued, “We are running a positive campaign dedicated to bringing people together to create new jobs and more opportunities in Virginia. Today’s announcement speaks to the growing support for our effort. I am tremendously honored to have received Sheila’s endorsement. I look forward to working with her in the years ahead as we get Virginia’s economy back on track and our citizens back to work.”
About Sheila C. Johnson
Sheila C. Johnson is the CEO of Salamander Hospitality, a company she founded in 2005. As CEO, Ms. Johnson oversees a growing portfolio of luxury properties including Woodlands Inn in Summerville, South Carolina and Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club (a 900 acre, 72-hole resort) in Innisbrook, Florida. In 2008, Salamander Hospitality began construction on Salamander Resort & Spa, located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Middleburg, Virginia. When the resort opens in spring 2011, it is poised to become one of the most unique and sought after retreats in the world. Ms. Johnson presently owns Market Salamander and Salamander Touch also located in Middleburg.
As a partner in Lincoln Holdings, Ms. Johnson is the only African-American woman to have ownership in three professional sports teams: the WNBA’s Washington Mystics, the NBA’s Washington Wizards and the NHL’s Washington Capitals. Ms. Johnson serves as President and Managing Partner of the Mystics. Ms. Johnson is also a partner in ProJet Aviation, a comprehensive aviation service company specializing in aviation consulting, aircraft acquisitions, management, and charter services based in Winchester, Virginia.
Ms. Johnson has long been a powerful influence in the entertainment industry as a founding partner of Black Entertainment Television (BET) and most recently as a film producer. In partnership with other investors, her first film, Kicking It, premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, UT. She served as sole executive producer on her second film, A Powerful Noise, which premiered at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival in New York. As a philanthropist, she has been a strong advocate of CARE, a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. An avid supporter of the arts and an accomplished violinist, Ms. Johnson serves as Chair of the Board of Governors of Parsons The New School for Design in New York, a board member of the Americans for the Arts, and a supporter of VH1 Save the Music Foundation. She sits on the boards of the Tiger Woods Foundation, The Curry School of Education at the University of Virginia, and the University of Illinois Foundation. Johnson is also a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
She received a Bachelor of Arts in music from the University of Illinois, as well as honorary degrees from numerous other institutions. Ms. Johnson lives in Middleburg, Virginia.
Bob McDonnell: Business Background, Experienced Leader
Bob has undergraduate and graduate degrees in business. He served 21 years in the U.S. Army, both active duty and reserves, retiring as a Lt. Colonel in 1997. He worked as a corporate manager for American Hospital Supply Company, a then Fortune 500 Company. Bob has a lifetime rating of 91% from the National Federation of Independent Businesses and his Virginia FREE lifetime business rating and effectiveness rating were consistently in the top 10% of the House of Delegates. As Attorney General he managed a large state agency with over 300 employees and a budget of $30 million. During his time in office he created the Government and Regulatory Reform Task Force with the purpose of reviewing Virginia’s regulatory framework to find those regulations that can be improved, updated or amended in order to (1) better involve the people in their government, (2) ensure that regulations do not unnecessarily hinder free enterprise and (3) ensure that regulations do not place undue costs on Virginia taxpayers. The Task Force reviewed over 8700 pages of regulations, passed 4 significant legislative initiatives and made approximately 350 recommendations for changes to sections of the Administrative Code.
WOW! I can’t believe this.
Wow, there are some sane people left.
is this a republican?
Bob McDonnell IS the Republican in the race.
I thought McDonnell was a Republican. If so, this is another leak in the sinking ship named Obozo.
party??? democrat i am sure
Hope Bob McDonnel is a conservative.
Watch out for the flying pigs!!!
No where in the article did I see this. Coincidence> I think not!
Wonder what Oprah would say!
Yes, Bob McDonnell is a reliable conservative and he has stated that he will NOT raise taxes as Governor.
Not only is he a Republican but from what I understand he's a Conservative Republican!
Why not? They’re out there - it’s just we don’t hear about the conservative Blacks.
CaptRon, that is because the press release came from the McDonnell campaign and everyone in VA knows he is the GOP nominee.
From his website:
Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob McDonnell last week challenged his competitor Democrat R. Creigh Deeds to a series of 10 debates around Virginia.
Still, if she did this over a true change of heart and not for political posturing (maybe her guy didn't win the Democrat primary), then it is a very very good thing.
Thanks for the info. Not from that state.
Well, yes she did. She’s also a friend of and contriutor to Tim Kaine.
THAT’s EXACTLY WHY this is a big deal.
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