Mayor Jones will be honored during the National Action Network’s 11th Annual “Keepers of the Dream” Awards tonight in New York, New York. The Mayor will receive the award from the National Action Network, which annually honors those who share the same vision and ideals of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. “To receive this award and be mentioned in the same breath as Dr. King is very humbling,” said the Mayor. “I am truly honored and I hope my efforts continue to inspire and make a positive difference in the lives of others as we strive as a nation to achieve Dr. King’s dream.” Other 2009 Keepers of the Dream honorees are Andre Harrell, Harrell Music; Larry King, Larry King Live; Esther Silver-Parker, Senior Vice President of Diversity Relations for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.; Alfred Liggins, Chairman and CEO of Radio & TV One, Inc.; Andy Stern, President of Service Employees International Union; Robin Roberts, Good Morning America; Maurice Cox, VP Diversity &...

Richmond, VA – In this year’s first assessment by a major rating agency, Standard & Poor’s has upgraded the City’s already high utility revenue bond rating from AA- to AA. Bonds rated in this category are judged to be of high quality by all standards. “The raised utility revenue bond rating is welcomed news in this difficult economy,” said Mayor Dwight C. Jones. “This achievement provides us with the added momentum we need as we pursue our goal of ‘Building a Better Richmond,’ by striving for a Triple-A bond rating for the City.” The City’s improved standing is in part due to the interactions of Standard & Poor’s with the Mayor and president of City Council along with the impressive leadership in managing the City’s utility and their belief that financial planning will position the City for positive results in the years to come. CONTACT: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110

Mayor Dwight C. Jones today issued the following statement: "I am very pleased Union First Market Bankshares Corporation will headquarter in downtown Richmond. Today’s announcement is encouraging news during a time of national economic distress and uncertainty. I see this merger as a positive step forward in rebuilding Richmond as a financial center. "The banks of Union Bankshares have a long history of local banking and a strong commitment to the communities they serve, including a healthy presence here in greater Richmond. Jim and Bobby Ukrop have built First Market Bank with the same commitment to customer and community service that Ukrop’s customers have enjoyed for decades. I know Union First Market will be a responsible corporate citizen and community leader, and I look forward to working with them to build a better Richmond." Contact: Tammy Hawley, (804) 646-3110