Bryan David, the former Amherst County Administrator, has been named the new Executive Director of Virginia's Region 2000 Economic Development Council, effective May 19. He will replace  Lee Cobb who is retiring next month. David comes to Region 2000 from King George County where he served as County Administrator, a region that has experienced a 27 percent growth rate in recent years.
 
"We're excited about Bryan's appointment and we look forward to his leadership," said Fred Armstrong, President of the EDC board, and CEO of Wiley & Wilson. "Throughout the interview process, Bryan best demonstrated the type of leadership and strategic approach to economic development that will most benefit this region."

The greater Lynchburg area was ranked 24^th out of 200 major metro areas by Forbes magazine on their list of Best Places for Business and Careers earlier this month. Lynchburg was compared to the nation's 200 largest metropolitan areas and ranked on nine factors including: cost of doing business, quality education, cost of living, and crime rates. See News and Advance article here.  

The CAER recently signed a five-year master research agreement with UVA. Under the terms established, UVA's School of Engineering and Applied Science agrees to provide personnel and expertise to the CAER for administrative and research support services that will benefit the region's high-tech companies. The CAER will provide funding through federal, state, and industry sources and assist in managing the research projects.

Virginia's Region 2000 Economic Development Council (EDC) collaborated with seven local companies to participate in the Military Job Fair of Virginia held Thursday, April 17, at the Hampton Roads Convention Center in Hampton, Va. (See News and Advance article here.)

The local recruiters met with hundreds of active-duty and recently separated military members and their families in an effort to attract potential talent to the area and help veterans find quality jobs. Region 2000 EDC coordinated the event in partnership with the Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Employment Commission, and the Region 2000 Career Center.   

Participating companies included: Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, AREVA, The Babcock & Wilcox Company, Centra, Hurt & Proffitt, Inc., Southern Air, Inc., and the Lynchburg Police Department.

The YPCV is co-hosting lunch for all volunteers at the 15th Annual United Way Day of Caring on May 14. Friendly faces are needed to help with the buffet line from 12:30 - 1:30 pm at the Hillcats Stadium.

The Region 2000 Partnership Annual Report for 2007-2008 is now available! The report highlights each of the six partners' milestones, as well as goals for this year. Contact Traci Blido for a copy.