By: Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance. Photos: Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance
As the Lynchburg Region continues to grow and diversify its economy, a unified approach to workforce development has never been more critical. With our largest employers actively hiring and our higher education institutions producing top-tier talent, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance has stepped up as the engine for a more connected, strategic workforce ecosystem. The Business Alliance—alongside workforce champions such as Virginia Career Works-Central Region, Central Virginia Community College (CVCC), business leaders, and educators—has created the region’s first Regional Workforce Roadmap. They have advanced three signature initiatives designed to strengthen the talent pipeline: the Educator Workforce Academy, the Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo, and the SayYestoLYHRegion workforce recruitment and retention campaign.
“The Workforce Roadmap is more than just a strategy—it’s a blueprint for collective action. By aligning our region’s educators, employers, and workforce partners, it ensures we’re all pulling in the same direction to strengthen our talent pipeline. It is helping us not only meet the demands of today’s economy but also build a foundation for the future,” said Paul Denham, Workforce-TAG Chair and CEO of Southern Air.
Together, these initiatives reflect a shared commitment to preparing students for the demands of tomorrow, inspiring them to see their future in the region, and supporting employers as they recruit and retain the workforce they need to thrive.
Bridging the Gap: Educator Workforce Academy- July 24th & 25th
Understanding that educators are among the most powerful influencers of career pathways, the Educator Workforce Academy is a two-day immersive experience designed specifically for K-12 teachers, counselors, and administrators. The goal: to better connect education to industry.
Participants in the Academy gain firsthand exposure to the regional economy, including site visits to major employers, panels with community leaders, and data-driven briefings on workforce trends and in-demand jobs available in our region. Through this experience, educators build a deeper understanding of what local industries need, from technical skills to soft competencies, and how to integrate that knowledge into the classroom by developing an action plan with their teams.
The goal of these action plans is to strengthen the alignment between curriculum and career, ensuring that students graduate not only with academic credentials, but with a clear vision for their place in the workforce. In doing so, it promotes a seamless transition from classroom to career and reinforces the idea that students do not need to look beyond the Lynchburg Region to find an opportunity.
Creating Career Awareness Early: Worlds of Opportunity Career Expo- October 20th & 21st
Career exploration starts early; and Worlds of Opportunity (WOO) is making sure it starts with impact. This regional hands-on career expo is designed to inspire thousands of seventh and eighth graders from across the Lynchburg area to imagine their future right here in the community.
Held in a large venue and divided into four interactive career zones, WOO introduces students to high-demand industries through live demonstrations, simulations, and guided hands-on activities so youth can see, touch, and feel jobs firsthand. Each zone corresponds to a career pathway or “world” relevant to the local economy—whether it is advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, or skilled trades. The goal is simply to create real-world awareness at a critical decision-making age and spark curiosity that leads to future coursework, credentials, and careers.
With enthusiastic participation from local employers and school systems, WOO provides students with an unforgettable introduction to the types of jobs that are not only possible but also plentiful in the Lynchburg Region. It also signals to employers that this community is serious about growing its own future workforce.
Showcasing Our Region: SayYestoLYHRegion
While growing talent from within is essential, attracting and retaining a workforce from outside the region is equally vital. That is where SayYestoLYHRegion comes in—a vibrant, multi-channel workforce recruitment and relocation initiative designed to communicate the unique lifestyle, career, and community advantages of living and working in the Lynchburg Region.
The initiative includes both a high-quality print guide already in production and, soon to come, a companion website. Both will offer a compelling, visual narrative of the region’s assets—from our top employers and high-demand sectors to our stunning natural beauty, affordable housing, vibrant downtowns, and quality of life. In addition to showcasing the region’s appeal, the website will also highlight key workforce resources and wraparound services that support talent at every stage from relocation to career advancement, it’s “the sizzle” that helps employers sell the region to prospective hires and helps new residents feel confident saying yes to a move.
More than a marketing tool, SayYestoLYHRegion is a shared resource for business, talent recruiters, HR leaders, realtors, and colleges. It represents a collaborative, regional effort, and a visible commitment to making the region competitive for top talent.
One Strategy, One Region, One Future
Each of these initiatives is a direct outcome of the Lynchburg Region’s first-ever Regional Workforce Roadmap—a strategic, data-informed plan that outlines how we align talent development with regional growth opportunities. Whether it is building awareness in middle school, equipping educators to better guide students, or giving companies the tools they need to attract talent, these initiatives represent the community’s shared investment in our future workforce. They also build upon our region’s strong foundation of our award-winning Leadership Lynchburg programs, such as Leading Off Campus, which connects college students with local industry to increase post-graduation retention; SHE Week, which supports high school and early-college women with mentorship and exposure to career possibilities; and the Flagship Program, a nine-month leadership experience for emerging leaders, managers, and first-time supervisors focused on practical application and community engagement.
No overview would be complete without recognizing the Young Professionals of Central Virginia—a vibrant community of emerging leaders ages 18 to 40—who are committed to making a positive impact on the region through engagement with local businesses, volunteerism, and connection with one another.
The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance is proud to serve as the assembler and advocate for this important work. With aligned partners in education, industry, and workforce, our region is not just reacting to labor market challenges, we are setting the pace with innovative, homegrown solutions that create real opportunities for both current and future young professionals.
It is time to say yes to the future. And the future is in the Lynchburg Region.
