Category: Special Sections

Enter the Young Professionals of Central Virginia Most jobs are secured through a relationship of one kind or another. Someone shares that his or her employer has an opening; another contact may slip in a quick recommendation to a supervisor. Each of these connections can go a long way in propelling a career forward. But what happens when one’s personal network is lacking, and there’s a real possibility of missing valuable professional opportunities? Enter the Young Professionals of Central Virginia (YPCV). A group designed to connect young professionals with each other and various development opportunities, YPCV’s mission is “dedicated to...

Innovative Programs Improve Physical and Mental Health When Robin Wilkes promoted wellness programs to her fellow employees, she also lost 24 pounds and 23 inches. As human resource director at BMS Direct, Wilkes realizes the importance of healthier workers. “Employees seem to be more engaged, more constructive and have more energy,” she said. “It is addictive, once you see the results in others.” One employee reported losing more than 40 pounds, while others quit smoking with help from smoking cessation classes. Only about 10 percent of their employees still smoke. More impressively, the company kept health care costs to...

CVCC DEVELOPS THE LOCAL SOLAR ENERGY WORKFORCE Central Virginia Community College (CVCC) now offers an Energy Technology program, designed for students who want to work in the electric and energy industries as an entry level technician or solar panel installer. Fitting naturally with other Central Virginia workforce initiatives, the program brings together educators and local businesses to train young people in this rapidly growing industry. Will Sandidge, Director of Strategic Initiatives at CVCC, explains the program’s inception saying, “The mission of CVCC is to offer the programs that the local community needs—what’s in demand. Whatever program we offer, we...