Volume 5, Issue 8; August, 2011
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Monthly Scorecard
Here's a snapshot of the most recent economic data for Region 2000 (Source: Virginia Employment Commission report, June 2011.) - Civilian Labor Force - 126,564 (Up from previous month - 125,977)
- Employed - 117,606 (Slightly down from previous month - 117,718)
- Unemployment Rate - 7.1% (Up from previous month - 6.6%)
Quarterly Home Sales Report - According to the Virginia Association of Realtors, Virginia home sales in the second quarter 2011 are down from the same time period in 2010. All but one region (Southwest Virginia) in the state saw decreases in sales. In the Roanoke/Lynchburg/Blacksburg region, year over year sales for Q2 were down 12.5 percent. Median sales prices, however, have only decreased 3.2 percent, the second best figure in the state. Foreclosure rates continue to decline in this region as well, even as other region see increases. Source: http://www.varealtor.com/
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Center for Advanced Engineering and Research is open for business
 More than 250 people came out to celebrate the grand opening of The Center for Advanced Engineering & Research (CAER) at a ribbon cutting event held Thursday, August 25, 2011 at the new regional research and education facility in Bedford County.
The CAER creates working relationships between high-tech industries, major R&D centers and university researchers, and delivers professional development opportunities for scientists and engineers. The 30,000 square-foot facility was made possible through a $7.6 million grant from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission and will serve as the region's source for industry innovation in nuclear and wireless technologies.
"Today's grand opening is no ordinary ribbon cutting," noted Delegate Kathy J. Byron (R-Campbell). "This ribbon cutting holds the promise of future jobs and opportunity for people throughout our region. The Tobacco Commission is proud to partner with CAER to provide Central and Southside Virginia with the foundation we need to attract firms in the most promising sector of the world economy."
Read the full press release here.
Read the News & Advance article here. |
CEDS document draft ready for public comment
 The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) document is now written in draft form and available for public review and comments through September 14, 2011.
The CEDS is a map to lead the region to a stronger economy. It includes an inventory of economic development activities and future projects that leaders believe will benefit the region. The completed document will be sent to the Federal Economic Development Administration and to Governor Bob McDonnell, a requirement for obtaining federal infrastructure and development grants in the future.
You may download and review the document here. Comments may be submitted to Grant Massie, Virginia's Region 2000, 828 Main Street, 12th Floor, Lynchburg, Va. 24504 or by calling him at 434-845-3493.
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Bryan David reappointed to serve on Governor's Broadband Advisory Council
 R. Bryan David, executive director of the Economic Development Council, was reappointedon August 12, 2011 to serve on the Governor's Broadband Advisory Council for another term. The Broadband Advisory Council was established to help determine the Commonwealth's goals for broadband and how best to achieve them. It is comprised of 11 members including four legislatures, two ex-officio members, five citizen members, the Secretary of Technology, and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade. See a list of members here.
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Register now for Tech@Breakfast on Sept. 13
 Virginia's Region 2000 Technology Council will host its next Tech@Breakfast on September 13 at the new Center for Advanced Engineering & Research (CAER) at 1173 Research Way, Forest, VA. The facility is located within the New London Business and Technology Center park located on Rt. 460, one mile west of Rt. 811 (Thomas Jefferson Road) in Bedford County. This networking opportunity for tech companies is fast paced and fun. Please register here.
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Need a copy of the Region 2000 Annual Report?
 Virginia's Region 2000 Partnership recently published its 2010-2011 Annual Report. Read about achievements over the past year including this region's resiliency during the downturn and see what local leaders are saying about the current economy. Download the pdf here or you may request a paper copy by contacting Kathy White, 434-847-1447. |
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Future Focus Foundation receives $9,000 grant from Verizon Foundation
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Steven Cronemeyer (right), Verizon area manager - external affairs, presents a check to Jonathan Whitt (left) at the Region 2000 Partnership offices. |
The Future Focus Foundation, the educational non-profit organization of the Region 2000 Technology Council, recently received a $9,000 grant from the Verizon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Verizon Communications.
The grant will be used for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) youth initiatives that reach out to area students through such programs as the Junior FIRST LEGO and First LEGO Leagues. These programs encourage critical thinking, teamwork, real world problem solving and other essential skills needed to thrive in science and technology careers. Read more here. |
| Harkins named to Virginia Technical Institute
 Keith Harkins has been appointed Executive Director of Virginia Technical Institute in Altavista. Keith most recently served as Coordinator of Continuing Education at Central Virginia Community College.
 VTI provides hands-on training in a variety of fields including electrical, plumbing, heating and air, welding, pipe-fitting, carpentry, masonry, multi-craft industrial maintenance, and project management. Students ranging from high school to adults have the opportunity to earn a journeyman's license in a field of their choosing by attending classes one night a week for four hours over four years (2 hours of class/2 hours of lab).
Learn more about VTI here. |
Two local companies finalists in Tayloe Murphy Resilience Competition
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Thomas Johnson of Thomas Johnson Furniture (left) receives a gift from Darden School of Business executive director Gregory Fairchild during last year's awards dinner. Johnson is once again a finalist in the statewide competion this year. |
Two Lynchburg based companies will be honored on September 7, 2011 as finalists in the Tayloe Murphy Resilience Awards competition at an awards dinner held at the historic University of Virginia Rotunda and hosted by the Darden School of Business. L & R Precision Tooling Inc. and Thomas Johnson Furniture Company, a two-time nominee, will be recognized in this statewide competition that targets strong, resilient businesses located in communities facing tough economic conditions. Beating the odds, these businesses and their leaders provide jobs and offer community support while facing challenges that would have made less enterprising leaders give up.
Read more about the competition here.
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YPCV to participate in first ever Commonwealth Summit
 The Young Professionals of Central Virginia will participate in U.S. Senator Mark Warner's Young Professional Summit Sept. 9-10 in Richmond. Through this first time event, summit organizers seek to connect young professionals from across the Commonwealth through a series of personal and professional development and networking opportunities. The event will feature a Friday evening Happy Hour, community service opportunities, various breakout sessions, and a networking lunch with keynote remarks from Nigel Morris, co-founder of Capital One Financial Services and managing partner of QED Investors. Read more and RSVP here. |
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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, Workforce Investment Board, and Young Professionals of Central Virginia. Please send comments and suggestions to bdavid@region2000.org.
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