THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, July 10, 1994 TAG: 9407090189
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: D3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MITCHELL MILLER ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: RICHMOND LENGTH: Medium: 96 lines
Robert T. Skunda, Virginia's secretary of commerce and trade, knows what a tough job creating jobs can be.
Skunda had no time to settle into his new job at the start of the year, and the pace of the past six months has been furious.
He had to learn fast because Gov. George Allen told him from the outset that Skunda's top priority would be battling for Walt Disney Co.'s proposed theme park in Northern Virginia and the jobs it would create.
Skunda, 47, had to be a quick study at the General Assembly, which he described as ``60 days of the most incredible learning curve that you could possibly put anyone through.''
During his first few months in state government, Skunda spent most of his time pressing for approval of the governor's $163 million Disney incentive plan, while trying to get acquainted with his administrative duties.
His work on Disney's America ensured that Skunda would work closely with Allen. He generally speaks with him several times a week, usually every day or two.
``I probably have more claim on his time than any of my colleagues,'' he said. ``And we're certainly using it.''
Skunda's access to the governor reflects Allen's chief goal of creating jobs. Skunda believes the administration is on track to attain its goal of creating 125,000 jobs over the next four years now that plans for Disney's America are moving forward. Various studies estimate the historic theme park near Haymarket would create 12,000 to 19,000 jobs over the next decade.
Skunda, however, remains concerned that federal interference could slow the development.
Skunda came to state government from the private sector, where he has extensive experience in marketing and strategic planning. He worked for Dewberry & Davis, one of the nation's largest architectural and engineering companies, with headquarters in Fairfax.
Sid Dewberry, managing partner of the company, said Skunda has the qualities needed to lead Virginia's economic growth effort.
Skunda, a sharp dresser with a disarming smile, seems to be able to remember everyone he meets, Dewberry said. He and others also noted Skunda is very efficient.
``Bob has an uncanny ability to fill so many things in the time available,'' Dewberry said.
That ability is necessary in Skunda's position. He is responsible for 14 agencies, including the Department of Economic Development, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Virginia Employment Commission and Virginia Racing Commission.
Allen recently appointed Wayne Sterling, formerly executive director of the South Carolina Department of Commerce, to head the Department of Economic Development.
That should help take some of the pressure off Skunda.
``He's got an excellent track record,'' Skunda said. ``We believe we have a guy who can hit the ground running.''
Just as Skunda did.
He meets often with business groups, giving an average of eight to 12 speeches a week.
``It's made for very long days, very long weeks,'' he said.
Skunda served as chairman of the state Chamber of Commerce for nearly two years beginning in May 1992. Before coming to the state chamber, he headed the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.
In the coming months, Skunda hopes to focus more on long-range planning. Among his goals: establishing guidelines for attracting new businesses to Virginia.
Critics of the governor's Disney incentive package say it gave away too much at the expense of taxpayers.
But Skunda said it would be unrealistic to expect Disney to pay for a large number of road improvements without state assistance.
We didn't give Disney a cash inducement,'' he said, noting most of the governor's funding package will go toward transportation improvements Northern Virginia has needed for years. ``Incentives have now become a way of life in economic development. It is expected.''
But Skunda said the state needs to more clearly spell out its incentive policy and to develop a strategy for what type of industries it wants to attract.
Skunda, who has a master's degree in urban planning, hopes to develop a strategy that endures after he leaves state government. The strategy should attempt to find a balance between business and environmental interests, he said.
While his job is demanding, Skunda likes the challenge. He just wishes government could act faster.
``I still find myself far more comfortable on the other side. I'm not a bureaucrat.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
ASSOCIATED PRESS
Robert T. Skunda, Virginia's secretary of commerce and trade, in his
Richmond office. His priority: creating jobs.
KEYWORDS: PROFILE BIOGRAPHY by CNB