~ Carolina Profile Design Corp. to invest $3 million in expansion ~

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Carolina Profile Design Corp., a lithographic commercial printing company, will invest $3 million to expand in Grayson County, creating 55 jobs. The company will add a metal machining process to its existing operations. Virginia successfully competed with Illinois, North Carolina and Pennsylvania for the project.

            “Carolina Profile Design has been a corporate staple in Grayson County since 1990,” Governor Kaine said. “This expansion will enable the company to manufacture high-end metal parts for machinery and after-market products that are in demand around the world. In a region that has been hit by economic the downturn and offers an available workforce, 55 new jobs are significant.”

Carolina Profiles began in 1990 as a machine shop with considerable capability in designing plastic recycling equipment. The company now operates both a sophisticated machine design and production shop and some specialized commercial printing.

“We at Carolina Profiles appreciate the natural beauty, the lifestyle and the friendly attitude of Grayson County and Western Virginia,” said Helmar Nielsen, President, Carolina Profile Design Corp. “The state and county government have been very helpful, particularly with employee training, which is a major requirement of our machining operation.” 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Grayson County and Virginia’s aCorridor to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Kaine approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Grayson County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $150,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“Carolina Profile’s expansion, and creation of 55 advanced manufacturing jobs, is an outstanding example of the results of our strategy to support local businesses and entrepreneurs who are creating employment that is above average pay and benefits, and not easily sent overseas,” said Mike Maynard, Chairman, Grayson County Board of Supervisors. “We are aggressively working to develop additional opportunities for this type of secure employment for the citizens of Grayson County.”  

 “This expansion is wonderful news for Grayson County and southwestern Virginia,” said Senator Roscoe Reynolds, a Commissioner of the The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “I am grateful for Carolina Profile Design Corporation’s confidence in our community and I commend Governor Kaine, Chairman Maynard, the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Department of Business Assistance for their efforts in making this project a reality.”

“Carolina Profile Design Corporation’s decision to significantly expand operations in Grayson County, with Tobacco Commission , Governor’s Opportunity Fund and Department of Business Assistance support, clearly demonstrates that our rural communities are competitive even during this season of serious economic downturn,” said Senator William Wampler, a Commissioner of the The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “The Tobacco Commission welcomes opportunities such as this where we can help ensure business growth and prosperity.”

For a pleasant change, “Utility Trailer Manufacturing Company announced Tuesday that its Marion refrigerator trailer plant in Atkins will recall this summer about 145 employees laid off earlier this year because of reduced sales.”

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Recently, a textile company has become interested in moving into the Carroll and Grayson County area of Southwest Virginia. If they decide to do so it would create 300 new jobs in the area.

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Originally I had planned on writing my next blog about cover letters to follow my recent blog “The Resume: Your First Impression”, but after attending a couple of career fairs recently, I realized there is a much more pressing matter: dressing for success.

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When it comes to applying for a job, nothing will make you stand out more than your resume. Typically your resume is the first thing that employers see after you’ve applied for a job, and therefore it’s also your first impression. As they say, first impressions always last, so it is imperative that your resume sells what you have to offer.

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Searching for your next career online can be overwhelming – especially if you weren’t raised in the Internet generation. These days, career fairs and classifieds are being overshadowed by the plethora of job listings that can be found online, but sometimes finding them is not as easy as it sounds. If you’re reading this blog, you’re probably interested in finding a job in the great Southwest Virginia. So where do you go from here?

If you haven’t already, you should register today as a job seeker on the Return to Roots website. Even if you’re not positive you’re ready to commit to a new job or relocation in Southwest Virginia, it’s never too soon to look. In fact, I’ve often been told that the time to start looking for your next job was the day you started at your current job. This may be a bit of an exaggeration, but it doesn’t hurt to take a peek at what’s out there. 

By registering as a user, you have access to all the job listings posted on the Return to Roots career database. You may be surprised at what you see – jobs ranging from public school teachers to physical therapists, and companies ranging from The Smyth County Tourism Association to Northrop Grumman. Not only will you be able to search for jobs, but employers will be able to search for your resume if a job posting seeks your qualifications.

There are countless sites out there that allow you to register and search through job databases. It doesn’t hurt to register for a few, as all sites will have different employers with different opportunities. But don’t forget – Return to Roots is directed specifically at job seekers like you who are looking for that special opportunity to return home to Southwest Virginia.

After you’ve registered at Return to Roots and become familiar with some of the available career listings, check back to find out how to make yourself stand out via your resume and interview skills.  If you have any questions on how to make the most of the Return to Roots career site, feel free to post a comment below, or contact Return to Roots.

Below is a list of other helpful job search databases:

• Monster
• CareerBuilder
• Indeed
• JobFox

- Kristina Ticknor

Despite the hope of a new administration, we can’t ignore the downward-spiraling recession and glaring unemployment rates that splash the headlines each morning. For the currently employed, this evokes fear of layoffs and downsizing. But what does the economy mean for job seekers?

All hope is not lost. There are plenty of opportunities out there – it’s just a matter of where to look, and how to sell yourself to an employer. Throughout the next few weeks I will be providing advice to job seekers interested in opportunities in Southwest Virginia, including resume and interview tips, dressing for success, etc. 

To start off, let’s take a look at what industries are still hiring:

1. Education – According to the US Bureau of Statistics, teaching is generally “recession-proof”, but be mindful of demographics and where the teaching opportunities are located. In fact, 5 positions in education are currently available on the Return to Roots Career site.
2. Energy and Environmental sector – With the Obama administration, I think it’s safe to say that the government will start developing new technologies in alternative energy and “going green”. Look for companies that focus on sustainable business and are geared toward helping this movement.
3. Health Care – Health services such as medical assistants, physical therapists, physician’s assistants, home health aides, etc. are growing faster than ever, says the US Bureau of Statistics. There is even a position for Physical Therapist located on the Return to Roots Career site.
4. Government – Whether you’re working directly for a government owned agency or with a company doing contract work for the government, they never seem to be low on funds. Northrop Grumman’s Southwest Virginia office in Lebanon currently has 8 opportunities posted on their career website.

Regardless of industry, there are some general tips to consider in today’s economy. The two things that have been drilled into my mind by career advisors on college campuses are always start looking early, and remember the importance of networking. As a recent December 2008 graduate, I have first-hand experience looking for a job in this economy. Start looking months in advance, because some companies forward hire, while others only recruit for immediate hire. Lastly, don’t forget about that friend-of-a-friend who is the vice president at the company of your dreams. Networking goes a long way.

Stay tuned throughout the upcoming weeks for more job seeker advice. For more job search tips, see the links below:

• http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/SixTopTips.htm
• http://www.indeed.com/tools/jobseeker/
• http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-703-Job-Search-Top-10-Online-Job-Search-Tips/
• http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/jobsearchhelp/a/jobtips.htm

- Kristina Ticknor

And check this out—they will provide approximately 150 jobs. Yes indeed! Inorganic Ventures is moving its operations from New Jersey to Christiansburg’s Falling Branch Corporate Park. Virginia Governor Time Kaine’s office sent out a press release citing Montgomery County’s “trained workforce and proximity to research opportunities with Virginia Tech.” The company manufactures custom inorganic chemical blends—not being the most scientifically oriented person, I went to their website, and was rather impressed to see that they tout several “firsts” for their industry. The big news here folks, is that Inorganic Ventures move will create 46 new jobs in the science/chemistry industry. I know there are many Southwest Virginia job seekers out there who will find that refreshing.

Bastian in Bland County will be getting a new 4-wheeler and motorcycle shop if things continue to go well for Mark McKee. Mark’s been operating a small engine repair shop out of his home but just got his permit to move into the old Sky Outdoor location on North Scenic Highway. “We’re trying to target all the groups,” McKee said in an interview with Southwest Virginia Today, “We’ll also carry parts and do repairs.” Mark, Return to Roots wishes you luck, and applauds you for working the dream! Read more about Mark by clicking here.

And boy, I can’t wait for this place to open. New River Valley is getting a brand spanking new and newly built restaurant with a micro-brewery! Those of us living in Radford have been watching the building of The River Company up on the bluff across the New River for roughly the past year, measuring it’s progress with the changing seasons. Clearly visible from downtown Radford, it’s been a pleasure to see the visual progress—kind of like being able to watch the region grow. Mark Hall and his company Hall & Sons Developers will open the doors this spring. The business will cater to locals serving basic American favorites to top-notch cuisine. And don’t forget that micro-brewery. I’m pretty excited about this one folks—best news is that they will be hiring 60 to 100 full and part-time positions. They will be seeking highly trained restaurant personnel.

Chemistry, wheels, and beer. We’ve got it all in SWVA!