12. Southwest Virginia’s Shared Heritage with Ireland and Western Europe Promoting the Economy of Our Region Through Collaborations in Technology, Commerce, Education and Tourism Unleashing the Celtic Tiger
23. Return to Roots www.ReturntoRoots.org & www.RTRSoVA.org The information portals and networks for Career Seekers, Employers and Communities in Southwest & Southern Virginia
24. A Web Portal for Communities! Post your Resume, Find a Job! Post your Job, Find an employee Access Business Resources Seek Higher Education Opportunities View Community Attractions Read News & Find Information Find High School Reunions www.ReturntoRoots.org & www.RTRSoVA.org
Information integration Utilizes staff’s expertise in research, data collection, interpretation and presentation Provides vital information to elected, administrative and economic development officials Program sustained by municipal support and contractual services Provides “A Quick Look At…” & “A Snapshot of…” for Communities & Individuals Data that details: Population Education data, Housing stats, Employment data by sector, occupation, weekly wage, School data, Crime data, Household income data Sample contracted projects: Research Projects: VRHA, One Care US DOL Community Audits Economic and workforce analysis Cluster and sector analysis Community profiles Industrial and membership directories Target Audience: Not for Profits, Associations Local Governments Towns, Counties, Cities EDOs, IDAs Regional Economic Development Organizations Real Estate Agencies, Private Businesses
Target Audience: Private Sector Businesses Local Government Procurement Towns, Counties, Cities EDOs, IDAs Regional Economic Development Organizations Not for Profits, Associations State Agencies – DMBE, VDBA
Marketing Opportunities Online database of over 24,000 Virginia based businesses Marketing tool for goods and services. Tailored company profiles as businesses register their data & upload photos of products and describe their services Increased visibility Exposure to diverse markets Other businesses log onto the Pipeline and search for a business that provides a specific product or service they’re looking for. Cost effective promotion – Direct & Indirect Business Opportunities and Development Post and Review more than 1,000 Request for Proposals (RFPs), Request for Information (RFIs) Invitation for Bid (IFBs) annually. Research tools (SWOT analysis) Customized reports (SWaM, NAICs, SIC, Locality)
Initial purpose: To develop strategic business alliances between companies in Southwest Virginia and Northern Virginia. Participating regions now include other regions as well: Northern Va, Hampton Roads, Region 2000, Richmond, Southern VA and Southwest VA Connects companies for industry-sector roundtable discussions Creates strategic business relationships which can result in: Direct Procurement Subcontracting partnerships Mentor-protégé partnerships Keys to success: Targeted businesses with federal certifications in specific industry sectors One-on-one roundtable format with government and industry decision makers Positioning companies to maximize opportunities in fast-growing markets Identifying opportunities for partnership Companies we are looking for… Emerging industry sectors Well-qualified, technically sophisticated HUBZone, SBA 8(a), Minority, Service Disable Veteran, Woman, and/or Veteran owned certified Personnel with security clearances Target Audience: Private Sector Businesses Federal Agencies for Outreach Local IDA’s & Regional Economic Development Organizations
Target Audience: Individuals Private Sector Businesses Federal Agencies for Outreach Local IDA’s & Regional Economic Development Organizations
Markets “Virginia’s Great Southwest!” Virginia Tourism CGI as part of its recruiting Northrop Grumman for an economic summit & town hall meeting… Congressman Boucher’s “ Unleashing the Celtic Tiger in SWVA” Target Audience: Not for Profits, Associations Local & State Government Towns, Counties, Cities EDOs, IDAs, Va Tourism Corporation Regional Economic Development Organizations Real Estate Agencies, Private Businesses
Partnership with DBA, VA Tourism, Dept of Education Markets “Virginia’s Great Southwest!” Virginia Tourism CGI as part of its recruiting Northrop Grumman for an economic summit & town hall meeting… Congressman Boucher’s “ Unleashing the Celtic Tiger in SWVA” Target Audience: Not for Profits, Associations Local & State Government Towns, Counties, Cities EDOs, IDAs, Va Tourism Corporation Regional Economic Development Organizations Real Estate Agencies, Private Businesses
Funded by a Special Projects grant from the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Revitalization Commission. Reaches out to former SwVa and SoVA residents & others to inform them of jobs and business opportunities available in the regions. The website links potential employees to companies with jobs and employers to employees with skills and desire!
Target Audience: Private Sector Local, State & Federal Government Local EDO’s, IDA’s & Regional Economic Development Organizations Chambers of Commerce, Not for Profits and Associations