Greetings
from Return to Roots!
In this issue:
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, Thursday,
October 8, 2009 from 2:00 p.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. This event will allow you to not only see what businesses
are in Southwest Virginia, but it will allow you to make connections,
pass out resumes and look for that career you've always wanted.
We are inviting you
to attend this event free of charge. More information can be found on
our website, www.ReturnToRoots.org,
which we will be updating as companies come on board to participate!
So join Northrop Grumman,
Woodmen of the World, The Appalachian School of Pharmacy, First Community
Bank and more at our First Annual Return to Roots Business Showcase &
Job Fair. IIf 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 more information about the Business Showcase & Job
Fair.
Governor Kaine
Announces Partnership With Dominion Virginia Power To Promote Clean Fuel
Vehicles
Hybrid Electric Vehicle Charging Stations installed
at select state rest areas
RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today
announced as part of his Renew
Virginia initiative a partnership with Dominion Virginia Power to install
electric vehicle
charging stations at certain state rest areas. These charging stations,
installed at no cost to the state, are designed to accommodate most of
today’s hybrid electric vehicles and use of the stations will be
complimentary. Earlier this month the first electric vehicle
charging stations were installed at the westbound New Kent Safety Rest
Area on
Interstate 64 and can charge up to four vehicles at a time.
“I am pleased to work with Dominion to provide clean fuel alternatives
for the
citizens of Virginia and implement another recommendation of my Climate
Change
Commission,” Governor Kaine said. “The charging stations will
help promote hybrid
electric vehicles, meet the future needs of our vehicle fleet, and help
budget conscious
Virginians in a tough time.”
The stations charge vehicles at 120 volts and will eventually be upgraded
to 240
volts. During the fall, the Virginia Department of Transportation will
continue to work
with Dominion to identify other facilities for electric vehicle charging
stations
installations.
Read
More...
Is Your Body Betraying
You In Job Interviews?
NEW YORK -
On paper, the applicant looked like a strong candidate for chief financial
officer: graduate of a top business school, solid work history and top-notch
references. But at the initial interview with a major Midwestern headhunter,
the candidate offered a dead-fish handshake, slouched and fidgeted in
his chair, failed to make eye contact with the interviewer and mumbled
responses to basic questions.
Was he unprepared for the interview or just nervous because so much was
on the line? It made no difference--his weak body language killed his
chances despite strong credentials.
"It was a horrifying encounter," says Scott W. Simmons, vice
president at Crist Associates, an executive-placement agency in Chicago.
"He wasn't a presentable candidate and didn't make it to the next
round. He had a strong background, but after the interview, I'm not sure
how he made it as far up the corporate ladder as he did. I just couldn't
see him as a CFO, the position we were seeking to fill."
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.
Back to Top
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:
Marketing Manager
Target: Management (Manager/Director of Staff)
Employer: United Pet Group
Location: Blacksburg
- Virginia
Description: Will be resp. for the dev.
& implementation of mktg. strategies & tactics for products in
export markets of Latin America, Caribbean & Australia/New Zealand;
writes annual mkt. plans & monitors perform. against sales/profit
goals; customize ext. product lines; dev. & implement mkt. plans;
dev. & manage export advertising & promotion budget; dev. pricing;
resp. for maintaining profit margins, eval. ongoing business & new
products & promo. opportunities.
Position Requires:
Bachelor's degree in marketing 6 yrs. exp. in international marketing.
Experience must include marketing U.S. based brands to key markets in
Latin America & Caribbean.
Must be English/Spanish bilingual.
Must have strong analysis skills and strong computer skills.
M-F, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Position: Early Head Start Coordinator
Target: Management (Manager/Director of Staff)
Employer: Scott County Public Schools
Location: Weber City-
Virginia
Description: Bachelor's degree in early Childhood Education
requiredAt least two years experience working with infants and toddlers
preferred. Knowledge of the High/Scope Curriculum content for Infants
and Toddlers. Knowledge of Early Head Start philosophy and operation preferred.
Supervisory experience preferred. Excellent written and oral communication
skills required.This position is grant funded . Pending award of grant
would be hired during the month of October/November 2009.
Position:
Clubhouse Counselor
Target: Mid Career (2+ years of experience)
Employer: Mount Rogers Community Services Board
Location: Wytheville, Virginia
Description: Must have knowledge of mental disabilities, treatment planning,
decision-making, and needs assessment. Must have exceptional oral and
written communications skills and possess a Bachelor's Degree in human
service related field or the equivalent in education and clinical experience.
Individuals with lived experience as a mental health consumer are encouraged
to apply. Must possess a valid Virginia Driver's License and safe driving
record. Age/BFOQ.
Back to Top
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
Back To Top
"JobQuest" Offers
Tips and Advice to JobSeekers
The
September 8th episode of "JobQuest" featured expert advice on
how to prepare for a job fair and make the best of these opportunities,
face to face, with employer representatives. Program highlights include
a special segment on writing a resume, an essential document for making
the most of job fairs.
September was also
International Update Your Resume Month. So Susan Geary, the "JobQuest"
resume expert, highlighted dos and don'ts of resume writing, helping job
seekers make a good first impression with potential employers.
Additional "JobQuest"
highlights for the September episode included 60 new job listings from
across the region. Human resources experts were available at the phone
bank and at Twitter.com to answer questions.
Email JobQuest at
jobquest@blueridgepbs.org
Back To Top |
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
list you see above represents the top ten states that Return to Roots
has had visiting the website. You're not the only ones with an eye on
Southwest Virginia! Take a
look! You may be surprised!
Local Events of SWVA
Now
Playing at The Barter Theatre
Straight
from Shelley's beloved novel, Rose's adaptation tells the tale of the
experimental creature brought to life. Moving, frightening yet humorous,
this audience favorite is a haunting examination of what it means to be
human and what happens when we play God.
Now
Playing Through
November 10th
To
Purchase Tickets,
Call
(276) 628-3991
or
Visit
www.bartertheatre.com
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
http://www.radfordfiddle.com/
Song of the Mountains
at the Lincoln Theatre
Rhonda Vincent and the Rage
October 17, 2009
7:00pm
For Ticket information, please call (276) 783-6093
or
Visit www.thelincoln.org
State
Band Competition
George Wythe Band Festival
Saturday, October 10, 2009
George
Wythe High School
Wytheville,
VA
For more information, call
(276) 228-3981
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, October 6th at 7:00 PM.
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