Va. governor reaffirms telework support

Companies based in Virginia signed a pledge to promote telework among their employees and encourage the concept with other organizations. The pledge, which 32 firms signed, was announced today at an event co-sponsored by the Northern Virginia Technology Council and the Telework Coalition (TelCoa).

Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine and his technology secretary, Aneesh Chopra, reaffirmed Virginia's support for telework programs at the event, held at the Center for Innovative Technology in Herndon, Va.

The 32 signatories include 26 council members. They pledged to support efforts to “expand or implement telework within our organizations and to encourage our colleagues in other organizations, private and public, to implement or expand telework.” Kaine joined Bobbie Kilberg, the council’s president and chief executive officer; John Edwards, TelCoa’s chairman of the board; and Chuck Wilsker, TelCoa’s president and CEO, in signing the pledge at the event.

Kaine wants 20 percent of the eligible state workforce to telecommute by 2010.

"The commonwealth must play a role in leading by doing," Chopra said in expressing his support for the goal. The state government has active partnerships with the council, TelCoa and other organizations to help promote the concept.

The council “is a long-term proponent of telework because it benefits the public and makes good business sense,” Kilberg said. “Telework takes cars off our roads and thus reduces our terrible traffic congestion and helps our environment. It attracts a talented workforce in a competitive market because it provides flexibility, is family-friendly and promotes efficiency."