Economic Development News
a publication from the Charlottesville Office of Economic Development March 2013 |
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| TJPED REBRANDS | |
Congratulations to CVPED and The Ivy Group for the renaming and rebranding of this regional partner. Read more HERE. |
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| PB & J FUND PARTNERS WITH ALLOY WORKSHOP |
Alloy Workshop, a local Architecture/Construction firm, was recently selected by the PB&J Fund to design the non-profit's new after school kitchen space in downtown Charlottesville. Emily Wampler, PB& J Executive Director, approached Dan Zimmerman, Partner/Architect at Alloy, earlier this year as the organization began a search for space to house its burgeoning kid-centric nutritional and culinary-focused initiatives.
Working to address food insecurity and childhood obesity, The PB&J Fund connects Charlottesville youth with the resources and knowledge necessary to develop a healthy diet. In the last few years, PB&J forged partnerships with Children Youth and Family Services (CYFS), The Boys and Girls Club, Charlottesville City Schools, Big Brothers Big Sisters, and the Westhaven After School Program, among others, to create exciting, hands-on culinary and nutritional education programs for children and their families.
To continue with their excellent work and expand services within the community, PB&J collaborated with Alloy Workshop to design a playful, imaginative kid-friendly space which will include a commercially certified kitchen for cooking classes, a kids cafe, and office space. PB&J believes the expansion will strengthen existing partnerships while simultaneously enhancing and expanding programming. "Having partnered with Computers 4 Kids in the design of their after school space, and admiring the work of other non-profits with dynamic after school programming, such as the Music Resource Center and Light House Studio, we're thrilled to work with Emily and PB&J to create a vibrant gathering place for children and their families. We believe PB&J will lead the way in modeling sustainable food education for surrounding communities. And we're honored to play a small part," says Zimmerman.
PB&J hopes to have its doors open to the community for Fall 2013 programming.
For more information on programming, or to get involved, visit www.pbandjfund.org or contact Emily at [email protected].
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2013 CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE CATERING EXPO |
On March 28th, over 20 local catering companies participated in the first City of Charlottesville Catering Expo. The Office of Economic Development, Procurement and Risk Management, and Neighborhood Development Services partnered to host this event as a platform for local businesses to be recognized and expand business opportunities.
As part of the Catering Expo, these businesses provided samples of their cuisine, menus and business cards. Most importantly, these businesses were able to network face-to-face with over 50 City employees who purchase catering for community events. "This wa  s a great event that I really enjoyed. I learned about so many new businesses and also about exisiting businesses that I didn't realized offered catering services. I met some caterers that our department will definetly be using in the future", said one City buyer. Prior to this event, these same departments hosted an informational Catering Workshop for City-based Small, Women and Minority Owned (SWaM) businesses, as well as Section 3 qualified businesses, to provide an understanding of how to conduct business with the City of Charlottesville. The workshop sessions included a presentation by an advertising and marketing professional, discussions covering the City's procurement process, how to become a registered City vendor and the importance of becoming SWaM certified. |
| CEDA RECOGNIZES ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF OUTGOING BOARD MEMBERS |
At its March meeting, the Charlottesville Economic Development Authority (CEDA) recognized outgoing board members Bryan Wright and Bob Stroh for their contributions to Authority.
Mr. Wright served on the CEDA board for two terms and the unexpired portion of another term and Mr. Stroh served for two full terms. Mr. Wright served as chair in 2009 and as vice chair in 2008 and 2012.
Mr. Wright and Mr. Stroh were recognized for their service to the City on this board which in recent years has played a critical role in supporting important capital investments such as Phase One of the Hillsdale Drive/Whole Foods project, Waterhouse and the Jefferson School City Center.
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jean theory: TO OPEN NEW, ECO-FRIENDLY STORE IN BARRACKS ROAD
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jean theory: is excited to announce a new store opening in the North Wing of Barrack's Road Shopping Center. "Trade," an eco-friendly resale clothing store, will pay patrons up front in cash for their gently worn designer label clothing. An even higher offer will be made in store credit, which will be redeemable at both Trade and jean theory: (currently located on the Downtown Pedestrian Mall, facebook.com/jeantheory).
The positive impact on the environment: Because the items
for sale have been previously purchased from another source, no new materials, fuel, or energy were used to produce them. Trade will also focus on following green business practices, including the use of recycled shopping bags.
The positive impact on the economy: Not only is the concept locally owned and operated, the inventory is purchased from local residents, putting cash directly in their hands.
The positive impact on your wallet: Never before have shoppers received store credit for selling their clothing to one store, with the option of using it to purchase brand new items at another. By introducing Trade, jean theory: is giving shoppers a chance to truly put into practice "out with the old, in with the new."
Trade will carry forward jean theory:'s well-organized, friendly environment and high level of service. The two stores together will revolutionize the women's retail clothing industry by providing only the best in both resale clothing (at Trade), and 'new' essentials like jeans, tops, dresses, and accessories (at jean theory:), while having a positive impact on the environment, the economy, and your wallet.
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COMMUNITY JOB FAIR, MAY 1ST AT JOHN PAUL JONES ARENA
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It's that time of year again! Join us at the 2012 Charlottesville Community Spring Job Fair, which will be held on Wednesday, May 1st from 10:00am until 3:00pm at John Paul Jones Arena. As the largest job fair of its kind in Central Virginia, last year's Charlottesville Community Job Fair put nearly 1,200 job seekers in contact with over 80 organizations, and event organizers anticipate an even larger employer turnout this spring. The job fair is free and open to all job seekers, but pre-registration is strongly suggested. To view a list of participating employers, or pre-register for the event, please visit the job fair WEBSITE. If you are an employer looking for qualified candidates to fill your open positions, employer registration information is also available on the website. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Hollie Lee in the City of Charlottesville's Office of Economic Development, at [email protected] or 434-970-3117.
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CHAMPION TUTORING LAUNCHES ADULT AND CONTINUING EDUCATION INITIATIVES
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 Champion Tutoring announces the launch of Champion Adult Learning Academy, or CALA. This initiative is part of Champion's major 2013 brand expansion, which also includes a series of college and career workshops for young adults. The first young adult workshop, "Life After High School: College, Career, & Beyond," will take place on Saturday, May 18th from 12:00-2:00pm at Champion's office in Ivy Square Shopping Center. This workshop will help students answer 'big picture' questions such as: What should I study in college, and which major should I choose? What is the best career path for me? Workshop leader and Career Facilitator Leslie Chisholm will use various interactive assessment tools designed to help students think more analytically about their interests and work values.
Ms. Chisholm explains that these assessment tools "will provide students with a piece of their career 'puzzle,' allowing them to make informed decisions during college, and giving direction to their career plans after college." Our objective, she adds, is "to give students and parents hope-hope that all their time, money, and hard work in college will better prepare them for the workforce." Ultimately, she explains, "our goal is your goal, and that of every working person: to find a fulfilling career path."
This workshop is just the first of many new offerings at Champion Tutoring. The launch of CALA signals the company's first major foray into Adult and Continuing Education. "Champion has always welcomed students of all ages, and throughout the years we've helped many adult learners," explains Owner and President, Anna C. Patchias, PhD. And in this challenging economic climate, Dr. Patchias affirms that "Champion can help adults in the midst of career transitions, or those who desire greater opportunities for professional growth and personal enrichment."
Champion Tutoring is Charlottesville's oldest locally owned and operated tutoring company, providing high-quality, one-on-one teaching since 1994. For more information about CALA: Champion Adult Learning Academy, please call (434) 984-2821, email [email protected], or CLICK HERE.
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C'VILLE CENTRAL HOSTS UPCOMING EVENT ON APRIL 8TH AT 5:30PM
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 Small businesses that provide home repair, cleaning, landscaping, and painting have a new way to reach a larger base of residential and commercial clients: C'ville Central. C'ville Central kicks off with a launch event Monday, April 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Albemarle County Office Building on McIntire Road. C'ville Central brings together small, women, and minority owned businesses with residential and commercial clients they may not otherwise reach. "Our mission is to harness the region's economic power and channel it to businesses in the Charlottesville region," says C'ville Central co-founders Toan Nguyen and Betsy Patrick, who together own C'ville Coffee. At the April 8 event, Toan Nguyen will discuss the opportunities C'ville Central offers to qualified businesses and how they can increase their revenue as a member of C'ville Central. To celebrate this jumpstart for local business, officials including, Charlottesville Mayor Satyendra Huja and Vice Mayor Kristin Szakos, Albemarle County Board of Supervisors Chair Ann Mallek, and Charlottesville Regional Chamber of Commerce President Timothy Hulbert. "The support from the City and County at all levels of government has been amazing," Nguyen says. Two Charlottesville Neighborhood Leadership Institute participants, Mary Alex and Amy Lemley, who lent expertise to the launch and related marketing and communications for C'ville Central, along with Director of Communications Caroline Harris and videographer, Stacia Harris, from the Allora Group Productions, will also be on hand.
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| UPCOMING EVENTS |
April 9, 2013 - Chamber: Business After Hours - 5:30-7:30PM
The Boar's Head hosts one of the Chamber's signature After Hours Events. This is your opportunity to network with other business professionals within the Chamber. For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.
April 19, 2013 - Chamber: 100th Anniversary Gala - 6:30-11:30PM
No speeches, talks, presentation - just plain fun to celebrate the Chamber's 100th year! For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.
May 1, 2013 - Chamber: Become 8(a) Certified & Secure Sought After Government Contracts - 9:00-12:00PM
The Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the Small Business Administration (SBA) and DIA to share with our members on how to become 8(a) certified. 8(a) certification is available to businesses that are owned or controlled by socially disadvantaged individuals. This includes people who belong to groups who have suffered from certain prejudices through no fault of their own. 8(a) certification makes it possible for women- and minority-owned businesses to fairly compete in the marketplace and bid on government contracts, ranging from landscaping to catering to IT and more. The Government has long tried to make it a point to do business with women- and minority-owned businesses. More and more they are seeking out such enterprises in the Greater Charlottesville Community. Register today to learn all about how becoming 8(a) certified can help your business secure more contracts and grow your bottom line. For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.
May 2, 2013 - SBDC: Keeping the Books - 1:00-5:00PM
Your business records allow you to monitor cash flow, track deductible expenses, prepare financial statements, and support your tax returns. In this workshop, you'll learn the fundamentals of basic bookkeeping tasks and how to use your chart of accounts. You'll learn to record and match revenues & expenses, record receipts & disbursements, handle end-of-period closings, and read financial reports. This seminar is not software-specific and will apply to any manual or computerized accounting system. It is an excellent foundation course for QuickBooks training. For more information or to register, CLICK HERE.
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The Office of Economic Development is the City's primary vehicle for economic development services. Our mission is to serve as a catalyst for public and private initiatives that promote the long-term economic vitality of Charlottesville.
The Economic Development staff works to expand the tax base and to provide quality job opportunities for citizens through new business development, retention/expansion initiatives, and workforce training. The Office also coordinates and administers the functions of the Charlottesville Economic Development Authority (CEDA). The Authority issues revenue bonds and assists with front end capital for projects.
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