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Virginia Jobs Investment Program Cited by Forbes.com in ranking Virginia Number One
Six Fairfax County Companies Announce Expansions With Virginia Job Investment Program Assistance
334 Jobs, $2.8 million investment!
Read about our Press Services for media
News from the Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Notable Press Releases:
Governor
Kaine to attend VDBA's Business Sales Growth Seminar on July 29, part of
Fredericksburg Cabinet Community Day
Virginia
Recognized Among 'Five Best States to Start a Business'
What They're Saying
Text of an email sent to Lynda Sharp Anderson, VDBA Director:
I am writing today specifically to thank your deparment for its efforts in assisting business creation and development opportunities.
Earlier this year I was pleased to be able to attend the Entrepreneurs Express workshop at my Alma Mater, Radford University. The program is excellent not only for the caliber of the individuals and information provided, but specifically because of the follow up and contuined access to tools and counseling by the department. Id like to specifically mention the comfort and acceleration that has been provided by my contact with Sandy Ratliff.
Representing an emerging product to meet emerging demands requires an ability to successfully navigate to decision points and procurement departments for success. Sandy has not only been able to grasp that need for knowledge and protocol, but very effectively considered the type of knowledge needed at each step of the process.
She has effectively directed me to an understanding of the three key departments within state procurement:
Natural Resources
Mines, Minerals and Energy
General Services This direction has made me more comfortable with approach into procurement and offered key insight into the need for presence in Richmond to assist the already growing Renew Virginia programs efforts towards energy efficiency.
With Gratitude,
Corey Waltz
John Cason of Dark Hollow Coffee said this about the Entrepreneur Express workshops in Southwest Virginia:
I highly recommend this workshop. These guys are pros and provide a real assist to area entrepreneurs. From marketing to website development, this seminar touches on all that’s important to anyone interested in starting or surviving in business in SW Virginia. This is good government at work!
The Virginia Jobs Investment Program (VJIP) completed its
annual customer survey in December, 2008. See the overall rating here.
Sample comments:
We have worked with our project managers a TON! They have been very helpful and flexible to provide us with quality training as well as working with us through the Jobs Investment Program. Keep up the good work!
I have been associated in the HR Function for over 30 years and have never seen a more user-friendly approach when it comes to programs like this. Truly focused on the goal (Jobs) and ease of use for the Customer. Thank you.
The Virginia Jobs Investment Program has enabled our company to expand our internal training program which is critical in the attraction of new employees as well as a valuable retention tool in maintaining our workforce. The program is a key ingredient to our overall strategy of providing our staff the ability to increase their skill sets in the IT business space which is so vital to the Northern Virginia economy.
Testimonial from Olivia Denton-Barrett, a participant in the SWVA one-on-one counseling program:
Thanks so much for your time and valuable insight. My family and I have discussed all the items you went over with me, and we plan to pursue the avenues you mentioned. I think what you are doing is an important, and needed, service to small business.
VDBA recognized National Entrepeneurship Week, February 21-27, 2009, at Entrepreneur Express events in Clarke County, Galax, and Radford.
VDBA People and Programs Recognized
Both VDBA's Virginia Jobs Investment Program Team and Business Information Services Team were nominated for the Metropolitan Business League's "Pursuit of Excellence Award."
VDBA's statewide Entrepreneur Express program was nominated for an "Innovations in American Government" Award presented by the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the Harvard Kennedy School.
The Southwest Virginia Entrepreneur Express program was nominated for the Jerry W. Davis Award for Entrepreneurial Excellence. This award is sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) at the University of North Alabama. There are 25 Virginia counties and 8 Virginia cities in the ARC region. VDBA's partner, the Blue Ridge Crossroads Development Authority (BRCEDA) in Galax won the award. Congratulations!
VDBA's Entrepreneur Express Program, in partnership with Virginia's Community College system, received national attention at the 2009 Conference of the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).
Sandy Ratliff, Business Services Manager for VDBA's Abingdon office shared the stage with Trenton Hightower, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Workforce Development Services, Virginia Community College System, to present A Winning Combination: Partnerships that Produce.
Ms. Ratliff also presented Entrepreneurship Plus (ePlus) at Virginia Western Community College with Dr. Chuck Terrell, Vice President Workforce Development, Virginia Western Community College,
