RICHMOND, Va. (AP) – A trade mission to Europe involving Gov. Terry McAuliffe cost the state of Virginia more than $186,000. Citing state records, The Daily Press reports that the governor and state economic development officials made expenses on travel arrangements, hotels, restaurants and professional photography. The governor met with officials across Europe to discuss potential business deals. He spent time in Belgium, England and Germany, and attended the Hannover Messe, an industrial technology trade show. The trade team dined in restaurants as they tried to woo potential importers of Virginia products in Europe. During a trip to Brussels, Netherlands beer importers met with officials about potentially bringing in beer from Virginia. McAuliffe says international trips are crucial for making deals between Virginia and other parts of the world.
