Founder & Chief Executive Officer
(Michael) Keith Parnell, MSE has been the Chief Executive Officer of JASE Group LLC, an innovative Creative Advertising & Public Relations Agency, since 1997. JASE is based in Norfolk, VA. Keith currently serves on the Board of Directors of Hampton Roads Public Transportation Alliance and the Board of Managers of The Cosmopolitan Club of Norfolk Virginia. In the past, Keith served as Chief Information Officer for Stratum Marketing, Manager of Software & Data Services for FSAP, and Deputy Chief Technology Officer for The AUTOMARK Group.
Keith studied at Christopher Newport University and Kansas State University. He is a member of the Norfolk Cosmopolitan Club, Virginia Opera Guild, Hampton Roads Public Transportation Alliance, Entrepreneurs Forum of Hampton Roads, Chesapeake Economic Development Advisory Committee, Hampton Roads Internet Marketing & Technology Group, Williamsburg Internet Marketing Group, Charlotte SEO & Search Engine Marketing Group, Hampton Roads for Rail, and Virginians for High Speed Rail. Keith is married to Nicole, has two daughters, one son-in-law, and two granddaughters. He enjoys golf, baseball, and football. Keith lives in Norfolk, VA.
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Governor McAuliffe Announces 27th Annual October Virginia Wine Month Celebration
September 30, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
~ Recognition Follows another Record-breaking Year for Virginia Wine Sales, Almost 2% Increase in FY 2015 ~
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe today announced the 27th annual October Virginia Wine Month celebration, offering visitors a chance to discover that Virginia is a wine destination unlike any other, with well over 3,500 acres of winery and vineyard locations, seven American Viticultural Areas, and more than two dozen wine trails.
The theme for October Virginia Wine Month, “Discover Your Local Crush,” promotes Virginia wines at more than 250 wineries and more than 150 restaurants statewide. October is traditionally peak harvest time at wineries, and the cooling weather and stunning views of the Virginia countryside make a perfect backdrop for visitors to enjoy unique experiences and high quality wines in a picturesque setting.
“The Virginia wine industry has grown tremendously since the first October Virginia Wine Month proclamation was issued by Governor Gerald Baliles in 1988,” said Governor McAuliffe. “Yesterday, we announced that sales of Virginia wines reached another record high during the last fiscal year, and we expect increased sales in the future as demand for our outstanding wines continues to grow. The sustained expansion of Virginia’s wine industry, one of the faster growing sectors of Virginia agriculture, is a priority for my administration as we work to build a new Virginia economy.”
Earlier this week, Governor McAuliffe announced that sales of Virginia wine continued their pattern of growth during fiscal year 2015 and reached another record level, increasing by almost two percent from fiscal year 2014. Virginia wineries sold more than 524,000 cases of wine, or more than 6.5 million bottles, in fiscal year 2015 versus a little more than 515,000 the previous year (revised figure from final 2014 fiscal year data). Sales of Virginia wine have increased by 26 percent since fiscal year 2010.
“With wine sales at a new all-time high and more people visiting our wineries than ever before, Virginia is becoming the premiere East Coast destination for wine and wine tourism lovers,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd Haymore. “I applaud the efforts of the Virginia Wine Marketing Office and the Virginia Tourism Corporation to help showcase the many opportunities during this year’s October Virginia Wine Month that encourage Virginians and tourists from far and wide to celebrate our wine history and heritage, enjoy Virginia wines, and raise a glass to the future of Virginia winemaking.”
For many wine lovers, October Virginia Wine Month is the best time of year to visit Virginia wine country, when the vineyards and wineries are creating their next great vintage and celebrating with dozens of special events and activities. From the coastal serenity of the Eastern Shore to the majestic splendor of the Blue Ridge Mountains, each wine region provides travelers with a one-of-a-kind wine experience. Virginia is one of the only wine destinations in the country where visitors can kayak to a winery, enjoy bluegrass music while sipping local wines, sample regional wines at a National Park or enjoy wine at a National Historic Landmark.
Virginia currently ranks fifth in the number of wineries in the nation with more than 250. Virginia is also the nation’s fifth largest wine grape producer. According to a 2012 economic impact study, the Virginia wine industry employs more than 4,700 people and contributes almost $750 million to the Virginia economy on an annual basis. In addition, more than 1.6 million tourists visited Virginia wineries in 2014, according to the Virginia Tourism Corporation.
For more information on October Virginia Wine Month, wine travel in Virginia and a full list of activities around the state, go to virginia.org/winemonth or virginiawine.org/October-wine-month. Virginia has been listed as one of the best wine travel destinations in numerous media outlets including Wine Enthusiast, Bloomberg News, USA Today, Food & Wine Magazine and the Washington Post.
For more information about the Virginia wine industry, please visit the Virginia Wine Marketing Office’s website at www.virginiawine.org or call 804‐344‐8200.
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AB|asifbhavnagri
Office of Governor Terence R. McAuliffe
Press Special Assistant
804.971.8513
asif.bhavnagri@governor.virginia.gov
Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 30, 2015
Office of the Governor
Contact: Brian Coy
Email: Brian.Coy@governor.virginia.gov
Virginia Tourism Corporation
Contact: Caroline Logan
Phone: 804-545-5572
Email: clogan@virginia.org
Virginia Wine Marketing Office
Contact: Annette Ringwood Boyd
Phone: 804.344-8200
Email: Annette.Boyd@virginiawine.org
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09
Construction Begins for Widening I-64 on the Peninsula in Hampton Roads
September 9, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
NEWPORT NEWS ─ Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today construction has started on the first of three segments to widen Interstate 64. The first segment is a $122 million project that will add a lane and shoulder in each direction for 5.6 miles between Jefferson Avenue and Yorktown Road. About 100,000 vehicles travel this section every day.
“As we break ground on the first segment of an expanded I-64, we are on our way to reducing congestion and delays, improving traffic safety, and providing better access for emergency evacuation on I-64 in the Hampton Roads region,” said Governor McAuliffe. “This important project is also a critical step forward in our efforts to build the transportation system businesses and families need to thrive in a new Virginia economy. This project is a perfect example of making decisions at the local and regional level so that transportation funds get spent in a way that truly makes peoples’ lives better.”
Transportation Secretary Aubrey Layne added, “For years, the public has been asking for improvements to this corridor. And now, we can begin the work to deliver this long sought-after project. This would not be possible without the Hampton Roads Transportation Planning Organization (HRTPO), who identified it as one of the region’s top transportation projects, and the Hampton Roads Transportation Accountability Commission (HRTAC), whose support of the first two segments of the project provide approximately 250 million dollars from the Hampton Roads Transportation Fund revenues.
“These revenues supporting sound, responsible transportation initiatives will help build reliable transportation projects for our citizens,” said HRTAC Chairman Will Sessoms. “Segment I is HRTAC’s first investment. It is also an insurance policy for long-awaited congestion relief and emergency evacuation improvements.”
The Virginia Department of Transportation will deliver the first segment as a design-build project by Shirley Contracting Company, LLC. This is a more streamlined process that helps to expedite construction. The design-build team constructs the project while design is still underway, which greatly reduces the overall time necessary to complete the project. The project is estimated to be completed by winter 2017.
Work will occur in the median of the existing interstate. This limits the amount of right of way required to construct the project and avoids impacts to existing interchanges. In addition to roadway improvements, existing bridges will be widened to the inside.
The second section of I-64 improvements stretches to Route 199 in Williamsburg. That contract is scheduled to be awarded this December.
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Governor McAuliffe Signs Executive Directive to Strengthen Cybersecurity Protocol
August 31, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
Executive Directive would expand cyber-related risk management activities
RICHMOND – Today Governor McAuliffe signed Executive Directive 6 to strengthen the Commonwealth’s cybersecurity measures in order to protect personal information and sensitive data through the expansion of cyber-related risk management activities.
“A key ingredient to building a new Virginia economy is a solid cyber infrastructure,” said Governor McAuliffe. “That is why it’s vital that the Commonwealth take the proper precautions to protect and safeguard the information entrusted to our care. I am proud to sign this Directive, which initiates enhanced risk management processes that will increase our ability to mitigate the ever increasing flow of cyber threats.”
The Directive requires the Virginia Information Technologies Agency to provide an updated inventory of all data and computer systems while recommending strategies to strengthen and modernize agencies’ cyber security profiles.
“Cybersecurity is a responsibility shared by every level of government,” said Secretary of Technology Karen Jackson. “These risk mitigation steps will allow the Commonwealth to take a more strategic approach to securing our systems and data.”
The full Executive Directive is below:
Executive Directive 6 (2015)
EXPANDING CYBER-RELATED RISK MANAGEMENT ACTIVITIES
Importance of the Initiative
One of the primary responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth of Virginia is to protect and safeguard citizen data. In light of ever-increasing cybersecurity attacks on personal information, sensitive data, and systems, I am committed to expanding our cyber-related risk management activities and strengthening our ability to protect the information entrusted to our care.
I am directing the Secretaries of Technology and Finance and the Commonwealth’s Chief Information Officer to take the necessary steps to complete a review of all Commonwealth of Virginia systems and associated data in the following manner:
1. The Virginia Information Technologies Agency (VITA) shall provide an updated inventory of all data and computer systems to the Governor’s Office by October 15, 2015. The inventory shall include but not be limited to:
a. Determination of sensitivity and criticality of systems and data
b. Risk prioritization and scope of systems and data, and
c. Development of a risk-based approach to enhance protection of systems and data
2. The Secretary of Technology and VITA shall recommend strategies to strengthen and modernize agencies’ cyber-security profiles by October 15, 2015, including:
a. Completion of security audits,
b. Development of risk mitigation and resilience plans, and
c. Plans for remediation with completion dates.
3. VITA shall provide a status report on the execution of the strategies, along with associated plans and actions, to the Governor and the Secretaries of Technology and Finance by October 1, 2016.
These risk-mitigation steps to strengthen our sensitive systems and data cannot be effectively and accurately completed without the cooperation of each executive branch agency. For this reason, I am directing each executive branch agency to assist VITA by providing all requested information required to complete this inventory in a timely manner.
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AB|asifbhavnagri
Office of Governor Terence R. McAuliffe
Press Special Assistant
804.971.8513
asif.bhavnagri@governor.virginia.gov
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30
Microsoft Surface Phone Rumors: Too Little, Too Late
August 30, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
Microsoft, you’re killing me. Yes, the Surface Phone looks awesome. The specs are nice. And yes, we loved our Lumia 925s. But why would you expect me to wait 3 years for a new phone?
Here are the rumor details from businessinsider.com:
The phone could be unveiled in October but will likely be unveiled in early 2016.
The phone will have a 5.5-inch AMOLED screen with 1440×2560 pixels, more than the iPhone 6 Plus.
In terms of RAM, the phone will have 4GB.
Storage options will start at 64GB and go up to 128GB.
Surface accessories, such as the Surface Pen, could be included.
The design could fit in with the Surface tablets: angular, metallic, solid.
The release date and price are as yet unknown.
photos credit: businessinsider.com
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More Rumors of A New BlackBerry Running Android
August 30, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
BlackBerry hardware + Google OS (Android) = Success? Could this be a good thing for BlackBerry? Will this satisfy that CrackBerry keyboard addiction?
Many thanks to our friends at CrackBerry for the images and leak information.
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25
Facial Recognition App
August 25, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
I need a facial recognition app for my phone. When I run into people and I can’t remember their name, I need to be able to snap them and have the app scan my LinkedIn and Facebook friends for a match.
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25
Madden NFL 16
August 25, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
I just got a peek at the Madden NFL 16 game, which was released today, on Bloomberg TV. Wow. The graphics are amazing.
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Amtrak announces later weekday morning departure time for Norfolk service
August 24, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
Passengers departing Norfolk, Va., can sleep a little longer as the weekday departure for Northeast Regional Train 84 from the city moves to 6:10 a.m. beginning on Aug. 31
Passengers departing Norfolk, Va., can sleep a little longer as the weekday departure for Northeast Regional Train 84 from the city moves to 6:10 a.m. beginning on Aug. 31. The train now leaves at 5 am. The departure time for Northeast Regional Train 88 will continue to depart at 6:15 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
The new 6:10 a.m. weekday departure is the latest development for the route between Washington, D.C., and Norfolk. The service provides a same-seat trip from Norfolk to Petersburg, Richmond, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia and cities as far north as New York City.
“Over 152,000 passengers traveled on Amtrak’s Norfolk inner-city service last year,” said Norfolk Mayor Paul D. Fraim. “I am pleased Amtrak and the Commonwealth have worked together to offer a later weekday departure time and I look forward to their continued partnership offering Amtrak services out of Norfolk.”
Passengers may purchase tickets using Amtrak eTicketing, at a staffed station or at a Quik-TrakSM kiosk. Passengers can also book online, call 800-USA-RAIL, or use a mobile device.
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Your Business Tip Of The Day: Stop using these phrases. Now.
August 14, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
There are certain phrases that should never be used in business. Not ever. Here is the short list from Inc.com: Rock Star, K, Bleeding Edge, Out Of Pocket, and Leverage. There are many reasons why you shouldn’t keep repeating these, but the top reason is, they are cheesy! Don’t be cheesy.
Read the full article from Inc.com here.
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Technology Can Be Your Friend With Those JASE Guys on Your Team
August 12, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
Jack Welch said, “If the rate of change on the outside exceeds the rate of change on the inside, then the end is near.” Don’t let the end of your business be near. Make sure you have a partner like JASE Group looking out for your best interests.
Want to know more? Let me know and I’ll get one of our team members to visit or Skype you today.
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12
Governor McAuliffe Announces 66 New Jobs in City of Hampton
August 12, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
TE Connectivity to invest $9 million to expand operation
RICHMOND – Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE: TEL), a global leader in connectivity, will invest $9 million to expand its sensor solutions operations (formerly known as Measurement Specialties, Inc.) in the City of Hampton. Virginia successfully competed against China and Mexico for the project, which will create 66 new jobs.
Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McAuliffe said, “Building the technology and advanced manufacturing sectors in the Commonwealth is critical to creating a new Virginia economy, and we are proud that corporate partners like TE Connectivity are an important part of our efforts. This expansion and the creation of 66 new jobs is tremendous for the City of Hampton and the surrounding region.”
“Every time an existing Virginia business chooses the Commonwealth for additional investment, it is a further testament to our preeminent business environment, world-class workforce and superior infrastructure,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “I congratulate TE Connectivity on its success and continued growth in the City of Hampton, and I thank it for its continued confidence in the Commonwealth of Virginia.”
TE purchased Measurement Specialties in 2014 to expand its leadership position in the sensors market. The company is a global technology leader that designs and manufactures connectivity and sensor solutions. TE’s sensor products measure environmental conditions such as pressure/force, position, vibration and temperature, and are used in today’s leading “Internet of Things” applications.
TE Connectivity is a $14 billion global technology leader. Its connectivity and sensor solutions are essential in today’s increasingly connected world. The company collaborates with engineers to transform their concepts into creations – redefining what’s possible using intelligent, efficient and high-performing TE products and solutions proven in harsh environments. Its 80,000 people, including 7,500 design engineers, partner with customers in 150 countries across a wide range of industries.
“TE’s leadership in the connectivity and sensor market provides our customers with the broadest range of solutions in the industry,” said John Mitchell, senior vice president and general manager, TE Sensor Solutions. “By building on our existing presence in Virginia, we can bring a uniquely broad set of highly engineered sensor solutions to our customers in the transportation, industrial, medical, and consumer and home appliance markets. We thank the Governor and the Commonwealth of Virginia for their continued partnership and collaboration.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Hampton to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe approved a $200,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist Hampton with the project. The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.
Hampton Mayor George Wallace said, “The City of Hampton continues to focus its efforts on the retention and attraction of high-wage and high-skilled jobs. TE Connectivity’s decision to add a new advanced manufacturing line in Hampton is a tremendous success for us. Hampton has the workforce, infrastructure, amenities, and favorable business climate that effectively position us to retain and attract more companies like TE Connectivity.”
“The creation of 66 new jobs and a $9 million investment in the City of Hampton is phenomenal,” said Senator Mamie Locke. “Kudos to Governor McAuliffe, Secretary Jones and TE Connectivity on a great partnership that is expanding technology and sensor solutions in the region.”
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AB|asifbhavnagri
Office of Governor Terence R. McAuliffe
Press Special Assistant
804.971.8513
asif.bhavnagri@governor.virginia.gov
Commonwealth of Virginia
Office of Governor Terry McAuliffe
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Office of the Governor
Contact: Christina Nuckols
Email: Christina.Nuckols@governor.virginia.gov
Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Contact: Suzanne Clark
Phone: (804) 545-5806
Email: sclark@yesvirginia.org
TE Connectivity Ltd.
Contact: Jane Crawford
Phone: 610-893-9689
E-mail: media@te.com
Governor McAuliffe Announces 66 New Jobs in City of Hampton
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Baby Maclin Comes to Visit Our World
August 10, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
We were so blessed this past weekend with Maclin Hope joining our family. I am so proud of Jennifer & Cameron in how they have become wonderful parents. Now we have another amazing granddaughter to spoil along with Jeri.
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04
A Windows 10 Review: Do It!
August 4, 2015 / By Keith Parnell in KP.com
We downloaded and installed Windows 10 on our home computer a few days ago and haven’t looked back. A 2-1/2 hour install resulted in zero issues, zero bugs, zero lost settings, zero lost documents/photos. All-in-all, a perfect install and now what seems to be an amazing Windows environment. Everything just works. I love it.
Windows 10 download: microsoft.com
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