Greetings
from Return to Roots!
In this issue:
Exciting
Ways to Help Return to Roots Help You!
Our mission is to encourage people to join the Southwest
Virginia community through the processes of promoting communities, advertising
careers, and establishing businesses. We pursue our goal through the website,
direct mail, news media, and social networking to inform employers and
job seekers of the opportunities within Southwest Virginia.
Because Return to Roots is managed by a non-profit organization, we routinely
apply for various grant-funding to help cover all of our expense requirements.
Recently, we were awarded a matching grant of $50,000 as a result of our
efforts, which requires us to raise $50,000 on our own. Consequently,
we are looking to you to assist us with our fundraising labors. This allows
us to double the grant value and generate $100,000 for Return to Roots!
Matching grants can be interpreted in several different ways. Generally,
awarding matching grants shows that the organization believes in the cause,
but wants to see how others in the community feel about it. This is our
opportunity to show that our local communities support the mission and
efforts of Return to Roots.
How can you help Return to Roots help you? One of several ways.
1. We would appreciate donations
in the amounts of $25, $50, $75, or $100. Your donations will go towards
continuing to make the Return to Roots program operable, and because we
are a non-profit organization, your donation would be tax deductible.
We are accepting donations through both click-and-pledge
and personal checks sent through the mail. Please make checks payable
to Virginia Economic Bridge and include 'Return to Roots' in the memo
field.
2. Attendance at the 2009 Return to Roots Celebration to be held September
18,2009 at 5:30 at the Bristol Trainstation. With packages of $90/individual
and $175/couple, you can help Return to Roots and have a night on the
town! Click here for more details.
3. Your attendance at the First Annual Return to Roots Business Showcase
& Job Fair.
This event, to be held October 8, 2009 from 2:00pm-7:00pm at the Southwest
Virginia Higher Education Center in Abingdon will showcase the businesses
of Southwest Virginia as well as offer job opportunities from employers
across the region. Admission is just $2, so it's worth coming, registering
to win one of the many door prizes and it's your chance to see what businesses
in Southwest Virginia have to offer!
We thank you for your support and promise to continue to promote the region
as best as we possibly can.
Mailing Address:
Return to Roots
c/o Virginia Economic Bridge
P.O. Box 3768
Radford, VA 24143 |
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Return to Roots Hosts the First Annual
Southwest Virginia Business Showcase & Job Fair
Return
to Roots is hosting its first Business Showcase & Job Fair in the
Grand Hall of the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Saturday,
October 8, 2009 from 2:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. with set-up from 12:00 p.m.
to 2:00 p.m.
Over the past three years, Return to Roots has consistently worked to
promote both the economic development of and the lifestyle enjoyed in
Southwest Virginia. Hosting this event is an enormous way to highlight
both aspects at once. The Business Showcase & Job Fair will be targeting
approximately 24,000 students attending the colleges of Southwest Virginia
as well as the general public. That is a large number and large variety
of people looking to learn more about your organization!
We are inviting you
to participate in this event as either a sponsor or an exhibitor. Sponsorship
and Exhibition information can be found either on our Registration Form,
or on our website, www.ReturnToRoots.org.
As a proud business
of Southwest Virginia, you are encouraged to register for the event before
the scheduled registration deadline of Friday, September 25, 2009. If
you have any questions or need further assistance, you can contact Carl Mitchell, Program Manager, at (540) 731-6800, or via email at cmitchell@vebinc.org.
Click
here for the registration form
Governor Kaine
Announces
61st Virginia Conference on World Trade
Conference to focus on international strategies
during recession
RICHMOND
- Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that the Commonwealth will
host the 61st Virginia Conference on World Trade October 14-15 at the
Dulles Westfields Marriott in Chantilly. Virginia companies will have
the opportunity to learn more about global infrastructure business opportunities
at the annual conference, hosted by the Virginia Economic Development
Partnership and the Virginia Port Authority.
"Today, globalism
drives successful business strategy. It is important that we help our
companies align their businesses with the realities of the international
marketplace," Governor Kaine said. "I'm pleased that the Virginia
Economic Development Partnership and the Virginia Port Authority are providing
a forum for Virginia companies to gain expert advice and insight during
these critical economic times."
Read
More...
Governor Kaine
Announces
Nearly $700,000 in Community Funding
Grants will fund local development projects in Lee
County, Pearisburg and Onancock
RICHMOND
- Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced the award of nearly $700,000
in community development block grant funding for Lee County and the towns
of Pearisburg and Onancock. The grant money will go towards funding projects
that include building renovations, water service and fiber optic telecommunications.
These projects are expected to create 25 new jobs.
"These community
improvement projects will help address critical issues in localities that
span across the Commonwealth," Governor Kaine said. "These grants
will not only provide funds for water, fiber optic telecommunications
and economic redevelopment projects, they will also help create jobs and
improve the quality of life in communities that have been hit hard by
the economic recession."
Read
More...
Send
Us Your Success Stories!
We are continuously looking for success stories
to feature on our website. We would love to hear from you if
you have been interviewed or hired by anyone using the Return
to Roots program since registering with us.If you have a success
story, please email Carl Mitchell, Program Manager, cmitchell@vebinc.org.
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Two
Excellent Computer Training Opportunities Available!
Microsoft has donated over 10,000 vouchers to Virginians for online
technology training in Microsoft programs.
What is being given away?
There are three types of vouchers:
1) Business Worker Voucher. This voucher provides basic skills training
in Windows XP and Office 2007 or Windows Vista and Office 2007.
2) Business Certification Exam Voucher. This voucher tests and certifies
an individual in Microsoft Office 2007 skills.
3) Technical Professional Voucher. This voucher is intended for customers
who are IT Professionals and wish to acquire skills beyond the general
e-learning.
These vouchers are available to ANYONE in Virginia! Therefore, they do
not need to be screened or apply.
You have until October 15, 2009 to redeem vouchers. Only one voucher
can be issued at a time.
Computer Literacy Program
In the current economic environment of high unemployment rates, especially
in rural areas, Virginia's workforce programs' service providers are experiencing
an increased volume of job seekers who lack basic computer literacy skills.
The Virginia Community College System is providing funds to support the
provision of basic computer literacy skill courses. The courses supported
by this funding program will introduce participants to Windows, the Internet,
graphics and other application software. Upon completion of the course,
the participants will receive a certificate or transcript.
To find out more information about these programs and offers, contact
Ronnie Martin, Executive Director
New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Investment Board
(540) 633-6764
rmartin@nrvdc.org
Interesting Jobs Available!
Position:
Social Worker- Therapeutic Foster Care
Target: Mid Career (2+ years of experience)
Employer: Commonwealth Catholic Charities
Location: Norton - Virginia
Description: Commonwealth Catholic Charities is seeking
a candidate for the full time position in the Therapeutic Foster Care
Program at our Norton, Virginia office. This position is responsible for
assisting social workers and foster parents by providing support services.
These duties include providing transportation to clients; assisting with
program activities; providing supervision for visitation between parent
and child; mentoring youth; coordinating Independent Living classes; and
recording case notes. Must possess a good understanding of adolescence
and behavior management. Bachelor's degree in social work or related field
with one year experience or associate degree in related field with two
or more years of experience required. Send resumes to human resources,
1024 Park Avenue, NW, Norton, VA 24273, fax to 276-679-2719 or email human.resources@cccofva.org.
CCC is an equal opportunity employer.
Position: Human Resources Representative
Target: Mid Career (2+ years of experience)
Employer: Dish Network
Location: Christiansburg
- Virginia
Description: Performs professional human resources tasks
in a variety of human resources programs. Primary responsibilities are
to support Dish Network business partners with their HR needs such as
recruitment, employee relations, compliance, training and general compensation
and benefits issues.
Position:
Hospitalist
Target: Mid Career (2+ years of experience)
Employer: Wythe County Community Hospital
Location: Wytheville, Virginia
Description:
Due to growth, Wythe County Community Hospital's existing
hospitalist program needs to add an additional physician. Currently,
two full-time doctors and a nurse practitioner perform the duties of caring
for inpatients. We prefer med/peds, family medicine, or internal
medicine with critical care background. Hospitalist experience would
be ideal. Physicians will provide care to patients of all age groups
in a full-service acute care facility. This position is a one-week-on
and one-week-off schedule with 8 am - 5pm and 5 pm - 8 am shifts available.
The hospitalist can expect 20 shifts per month. The physician must
have experience as a hospitalist or have specific hospitalist training.
The board certified or eligible doctor must have a strong work ethic and
excellent communication skills.
Salary Range: $170,000 - $175,000
This is a hospital employed position with a range of full
benefits. Hospital offers sign-on bonus, relocation, student
loan repayment and stipend for last year residents. The area does not
qualify for J-1 Visa candidates. No H1B positions available.
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Upcoming
Career Fairs
Community College Career
Connection of Southwest Virginia
Participating Employers
are interested in hiring Community College graduates and alumni from the
region.
Co-sponsored by: SWCC, Virginia Highlands Community College, Wytheville
Community College
Date: October 28, 2009 9AM-1PM
Location: Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center, Abingdon, VA
To view registered
employers, click
here
6th Annual Volunteer
Visions Non-Profit Fair
Sponsored by: Radford
University Office of Internships & Community Engagement
Date: September 24, 2009 11AM-3PM
Location: Bonnie Student Center Plaza, Radford, VA
To view event save
the date, click
here
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"JobQuest" Offers
Tips and Advice to JobSeekers
The most recent episode
of "JobQuest," which aired Aug. 4, offered job hunting advice
for people over age 50, web-savvy social networkers, and everyone in between.
The show featured a special interview with Carl McDaniels, a retired Virginia
Tech professor who is familiar with job search strategies for older workers.
The "Blue Ridge PBS Tweety Birds" were also back in the studio
using Twitter.com to share the valuable jobhunting information on "JobQuest."
"The ongoing
recession is affecting people young and old, so we're trying to provide
information that is helpful to job seekers of all ages," said Julie
Newman, "JobQuest" executive producer and host. "We're
also utilizing a wide variety of communication tools, like the Internet
and a toll-free phone number, so we can connect with as many people as
possible."
McDaniels, who wrote
a careers column in USAToday online for over-50 workers, offered tips
for older job seekers. He said, for example, people over 50 often have
many more personal and professional contacts than younger job seekers.
Such contacts can be extremely helpful when networking for a new job.
Additional "JobQuest"
highlights included 60 new job listings from across the region. Susan
Geary, the "JobQuest" resume expert, continued her ongoing series
with helpful hints for how to effectively complete a job application online
or on paper. Human resources experts were once again available at the
phone bank to answer questions. "JobQuest" also concluded a
two-part series on how to decode common interview questions and develop
effective answers.
"JobQuest"
continues Tuesday, September 8th at 7 p.m. with another live, information-packed
broadcast.
Email JobQuest at
jobquest@blueridgepbs.org
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Virginia's Great Southwest
Are you or someone you know interested in returning
to or living inVirginia’s Great Southwest? Be sure to visit
www.swvaonline.org.
This website provides information for locals, tourists, visitors and for
newcomers relocating to Southwest Virginia.
Where's Your Competition?
The Image you see
above represents the number of viewers we have had and their respective
locations over the last 90 days. Take
a look! You may be surprised!
Local Events of SWVA
GrahamFest 2009!
September 5-6
Josiah's GrahamFest
2009 "Comin' Home" festival is like no other music festival.
GrahamFest is the PERFECT Labor Day weekend escape! You'll be dazzled
by the entertainment, melt into the scenic views, and gasp at the Graham
Mansion stories of life during the Civil War, an 18th century murder,
and of course, its ghosts.
EARLY BIRD TICKET:
Reserve your early bird ticket now for just $50! This ticket includes:Two
full days of Rock 'n Roll, Bluegrass, and Country music on 3 stages
Two nights of onsite camping with a midnight jam!
Guests are invited to tour our HAUNTED antebellum Major Graham's Mansion;
a cash donation of $10 is required at the door; children under 13 not
admittedEnjoy our beer and wine gardens and fabulous food vendors
Grab our roving "famous" entertainers for a photo op
Campers can hike our miles of nature trails, canoe the nearby New River
or shop the huge nearby Hillsville Labor Day Flea Market!
Kids of all ages will love our fun playground area. Kids age 13 and under
are admitted FREE with a paying adult!
http://www.grahamfestusa.com
Now Playing at The Barter Theatre
"A funny feel-good musical for all ages!" It
is February 9, 1964, and four young male singers have landed their first
big gig at an airport bar, but on the way to pick up their tuxes, they
are slammed broadside by a busload of Catholic teenagers. That's where
our story begins, as the boys are given a second chance to fulfill their
dreams and perform the concert that never was. Singing in delicious '50s
four-part harmony, the boys will serenade you with "Three Coins in
the Fountain," "Sixteen Tons," "Chain Gang,"
"Heart and Soul" and "Love Is a Many Splendored Thing."
Bristol Rhythm and Roots Reunion!
9th Annual Bristol
Rhythm and Roots Reunion September 18-20, 2009 celebrating Bristol's musical
heritage
Performers to include:
Patty Loveless, The Dan Tyminski Band, Dr. Dog, Gene Watson, Tim O'Brien, Darrell Scott, Peter Rowan Bluegrass Band, Jason Isbell & The
400 Unit, Scythian, Dailey & Vincent, John Cowan and more…
For more information
and ticket information, please visit www.bristolrhythm.com
New Works Exhibit
Seventh Annual New Works Exhibit featuring work that has not been shown
at the Hayloft Gallery 10-5 until September 20 www.jacksonvillecenter.org The Jacksonville Center for the Arts 220 Parkway Lane South, Floyd, VA
Chilhowie Apple Festival
www.chilhowieapplefestival.com
Planting
Seeds of Hope
September 25-27, 2009
Each year
in the early golden days of autumn, folks from all over gather in Chilhowie,
Virginia, to celebrate. It is Apple Festival time once again. A time to
greet old friends and meet new ones, a time for the splendor of marching
bands, beauty queens, and spicy sweet apples. It is a time to enjoy the
goodness of life and to give thanks for the bounty of our families, friends,
homes, businesses, and farms.
The Williams Orchard
Our Fall Festival
is great for everyone in your family!
Every weekend in October,
we celebrate on Saturday from 10-5 and Sunday 1-5.
You can pick your
own pumpkins, visit the corn mazes, take a hayride, see the amazing pumpkin
chunker and shoot an apple launcher!
Hayride to Pumpkin Patch: ages 6 and up - $2; ages 5 and under - FREE.
Hayride to Pumpkin
Patch and Corn: ages 6 and up - $8; ages 5 and under - FREE.
"Mini Milo Maze"
: $1 per person for all ages.
Pumpkins, gourds,
etc in the Patch are .40 per pound.
Come and see what
produce and fall decorations we have to offer! Group rates available!
www.williamsorchard.com
Radford Fiddle and
Banjo Jam at The Coffee Mill
The Radford Fiddle and Banjo Jam is a bluegrass jam session
held every Monday in the intimate environment of The Coffee Mill. Bring
an instrument or just listen to the sounds of bluegrass and old-time mountain
music played by local musicians. The jam appeals to a cross-section of
folks, from old-school bluegrass fans to college students. A large crowd
gathers every Monday, so get your table early. The Coffee Mill offers
a selection of sandwiches, coffees, espresso drinks, pastries and desserts.
The cafe hosts other musical events on Friday evenings.
1144 East Main St.
Radford, VA
Admission is free www.radfordfiddle.com
Blue Ridge PBS JobQuest
Join Blue Ridge PBS in a community service partnership
addressing the employment challenges facing our citizens. JobQuest—a
monthly one-hour program broadcast live from the Blue Ridge PBS studio–
make job seekers aware of job openings in our region.
The program is a partnership with Virginia Economic Bridge, Inc., the
Return to Roots program and other organizations and area business resources.
Employment experts and local leaders are on hand to share their insights
on the local job market. Human resource experts from the area are in
the studio to take viewer calls and offer tips on the hiring process.
JobQuest is a high-definition production of Blue Ridge PBS.
To learn more click here.
The next hour-long program will be aired on
Tuesday, September 8th at 7:00 PM.
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