Virginia's Region 2000 Partnership
Phone: 434-845-2000
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Nearly 2,500 jobs added in Region 2000 since last year
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Total employment in the City of Lynchburg and surrounding counties increased by 2,489 jobs, or just over two percent, from April 2007 - April 2008, according to the Virginia Employment Commission's report released this week. This puts the Lynchburg MSA (or Region 2000 geographic area) ahead of all other areas in the state where data is tracked. Statewide, jobs grew by .05 percent.
The Civilian Labor force (the total of all who are "able" to work) increased by 2,112 people or 1.7 percent. The region's unemployment rate for April, 2008 was 3.4 percent, down from March, but still slightly higher than this time last year.
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Economic Development Council Director begins new post
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 Bryan David has joined Virginia's Region 2000 Partnership as Executive Director of the Economic Development Council, where he will focus on growing the existing employer base and attracting high tech companies to the region. Bryan, a former County Administrator in Amherst County, returns to the region from King George County where he has served as Administrator since 2005 and helped manage a 27 percent growth rate there. Bryan holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Hampden-Sydney College and a master's degree in urban and regional planning from Virginia Commonwealth University. He replaces long-time economic developer Lee Cobb who retired earlier this month.
Bryan can be reached at 434-847-1447 or via email at: bdavid@region2000.org.
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Technology Council presents annual awards
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 The Technology Council held its Sixth Annual Technology Awards Banquet on May 20 at the Kirkley Hotel in Lynchburg. More than 160 technology entrepreneurs enjoyed a reception and dinner that featured keynote speaker Dr. Robert Lindberg, President and Executive Director of the National Institute of Aerospace.
This year's technology winners are, left to right:
Robert Hartman of Weldex Sales Corporation - Innovator of the Year; award sponsored by AREVA. Advanced Manufacturing Technology, Inc. represented by Ben Roderique - Technology Company of the Year; award sponsored by Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology. Kim Hansen, a technical education teacher at E.C. Glass High School - Educator of the Year; award sponsored by nTelos. Lee Cobb, a long-time proponent of tech-based economic development - Technology Champion of the Year; award sponsored by Virginia's Region 2000 Technology Council Board of Directors. |
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CAER announces summer class sessions beginning June 6
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 The Center for Advanced Engineering and Research and CVCC are working with five universities including UVA, Virginia Tech, ODU, VCU, and George Mason, to offer graduate engineering classes in Region 2000. Through the Commonwealth Graduate Engineering Program (CGEP), students have the opportunity to earn a degree part time via off-site interactive videoconferencing. Courses are streamed live from campus classrooms throughout the Commonwealth, directly to CVCC campus classrooms.
Summer CGEP sessions are already underway. The last session begins on June 6. Courses range from Crisis Project management to Engineering Law. See the list here. To register, please contact Nick Soukhanov at (434) 832-7830.
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John Wallace named interim YPCV director
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 John Wallace, Council Vice-Chairman of the Young Professionals of Central Virginia, has assumed the role of interim executive director of the YPCV, effective April 28 after Jamie Quetglez left her position. While a search begins for a new executive director, he will work closely with the YPCV board to develop a strategic plan that will better support the region's local businesses and young professionals. To learn about upcoming YPCV networking or professional development events, please contact John at jwallace@ypcentralva.org.
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Fifth Annual Region 2000 Career Fair draws nearly 500 job seekers
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 Nearly 500 job seekers attended the Region 2000 Career Center's 5th Annual Career Fair held on May 8 in the former Rose's building in Lynchburg. With 69 companies and organizations available to take resumes and offer advice to those seeking employment or considering career changes, the event was a huge success, according to organizer Deborah Alfers.
The Region 2000 Career Center receives its operational funding from the Workforce Investment Board and serves more than 2,300 residents and more than 300 companies each year with labor market services.
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Local Government Council welcomes new employees
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 Felicia West (left) has joined the Region 2000 Services Authority as Business Manager where she is responsible for overall financial data and operations at the regional landfill. She reports to Solid Waste Director Clarke Gibson an d can be reached at 434-455-6081.
Emmie G. Boley (right) joins the Council as Financial Services Professional where she
assists with the accounting functions for the Services Authority, the
Local Government Council, Economic Development Council, and Workforce
Investment Board. She reports to Rosalie Majerus and can be reached at 434-845-5678 ext. 231.
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| Young Professionals 'unite' for annual Day of Caring |
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 More than a dozen volunteers from the Young Professionals of Central Virginia (YPCV) served barbeque and all the fixins as they co-hosted lunch for more than 1,600 volunteers who took part in the 15th Annual United Way Day of Caring on May 14. Pictured here, YPCV Board Chairman Becca Larson prepares a plate for hungry workers.
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Technology Council sponsors First VEX Robotics competition
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 Dozens of students representing four area high schools competed against each other at the First VEX Robotics competition held recently at CVCC. According to Jonathan Whitt, executive director of the Council, "We provided funding to help launch this program which is between First Lego and First Robotics. The competition involves the students racing the robots they design and build as part of a tech-focused program at their schools."
Pictured: Technology Council Board Chairman Dan Overstreet (second from right) presents the Appomattox High School robotics team with their championship cash prize following their win.
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Virginia's Region 2000 Partnership serves 10 localities and is made up of the Economic Development Council, Technology Council, Center for Advanced Engineering and Research, Local Government Council, The Workforce Investment Board, and the Young Professionals of Central Virginia. We welcome your comments or story ideas.
Traci Blido, Communications Officer
Virginia's Region 2000 Partnership | | |
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