Valaryee Mitchell at our Living Wage Forum

NEWS RELEASE

Contact: Roberta Oster
Communications Director
roberta@virginiainterfaithcenter.org
804-615-4192

Richmond leaders to reveal why paying a living wage is good for business
Friday, May 31, 8-9:30 a.m., St. Mary’s Hospital

Thirty Virginia organizations have become “Living Wage Certified” employers, which means they pay a “living wage” (higher than Virginia’s minimum wage). Certified employers include the University of Richmond, Altria, Root Stock Provisions, and the Better Housing Coalition.  More employers across the metro area are joining the program, benefiting workers and creating sustainable businesses.

Business owners, managers, and the general public are invited to a breakfast panel on Friday, May 31, at 8:00 a.m. to hear from business leaders and learn more about the Richmond Living Wage Certification Program. The Program is a joint initiative of the Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy and the City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building.

“Why a Living Wage is Good for Business” – 8:00-9:30 a.m. – speakers include:
Andrew Burrichter, VP of Mission Services, Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital
Vicki Meath, Executive Director, JustEconomics in Asheville, NC
Valaryee Mitchell, Director, City of Richmond’s Office of Community Wealth Building
Bernard Robinson, Founder and President, Networking Technologies + Support

The event is free and open to the public but registration is required. A light breakfast will be served. RSVP: bit.ly/LivingWageForum

The Richmond Living Wage Certification Program is a free and voluntary process that:

  • Recognizes employers who are already paying their workers a living wage
  • Urges consumers to patronize businesses that provide living wages
  • Encourages employers not currently paying a living wage to adopt the program’s thresholds. To learn more visit: livingwagerichmond.org/richmond/

LOCATION: St. Mary’s Hospital Richmond (Auditorium, Rm. 164B)
508 Bremo Rd., Richmond VA, 8:00 – 9:30 a.m.

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The Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy advocates economic, social, and environmental justice
in Virginia’s policies and practices through education, prayer, and action.
VICPP is a non-partisan coalition of more than 700 faith communities working for a more just society.