GO Virginia Region 8 Funded for Advanced Manufacturing Training Program

Posted on February 16, 2018April 17, 2018 by host

GO Virginia Region 8 announced today that funding for the Rockbridge Area Advanced Manufacturing Program (RAAMP) submitted in the second round of project grants to the GO Virginia State Board has been approved. RAAMP is a 40-week training program for welders at Byers Technical Institute, a new technical training center in Rockbridge County. The program is designed to meet the critical shortage of skilled welders in the region. In January 2018 alone, four companies reported 36 open welding positions. The $200,000 needed to implement RAAMP will include a mix of GO Virginia funds and matching public/private investments from the Rockbridge County Economic Development Authority, the City of Buena Vista, and Byers, Inc.

The GO Virginia funding will allow Byers Technical Institute to hire additional instructors and equipment in order to serve more students. The project has received support from a wide range of partners including private industry, economic and workforce professionals, K-12 education, and three local governments, as an effective way to address industry needs and to create higher paying jobs within the region.

“Rockbridge County is so fortunate to have innovative thinkers like the Byers brothers. They saw a workforce need, and rather than wait for someone else to fix it, they decided to make the change they envisioned. We are happy that, through GO Virginia, Rockbridge County, along with Buena Vista, will be able to play a small part in helping grow this amazing, homegrown program which will benefit so many individuals, including our young workers, as well as local and regional businesses,” said Rockbridge County Board of Supervisor Chair David Hinty.

“RAAMP will provide a pipeline of skilled welders for manufacturing companies in Region 8. More welders will allow area industries to reduce the cost of outsourcing services and increase productivity. Additionally, expanding educational opportunities and the availability of a skilled workforce will help attract other industries to this rural area of Virginia,” said George Pace, chair of the Region 8 Council.

Light manufacturing was identified in the Region 8 GO Virginia Growth and Diversification Plan as one of five target industry sectors anticipating job growth over the next five years. Other job growth industries are financial and business services, healthcare, information technology/communications, and transportation and logistics, expected to show job growth in the next five years. These jobs are anticipated to have an average wage of $41,000 or higher.

RAAMP is a multi-partner example of how GO Virginia projects can strive to facilitate needed site development, workforce recruitment, and training opportunities in target industry sectors through joint economic development activities. Approximately $1M in implementation funding is available to the region for projects like RAAMP that align with Region 8 Council’s Economic Growth and Diversification Plan. Projects must be collaborative, involving two or more localities and private sector partners, and be focused on growing and diversifying the region’s economy to complement existing industry clusters as outlined in the Council’s plan.

GO Virginia Region 8 covers a large area from Winchester to Lexington and includes ten counties and six cities in the Shenandoah Valley, with a combined population of 525,000. The 28-member council that oversees the GO Virginia program is made up of representatives from small and large business, higher and k-12 education, elected officials, and economic and workforce development organizations.

For more information on GO Virginia, visit online at Shenandoah Valley Partnership or Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

About GO Virginia: The Virginia Initiative for Growth and Opportunity (GO Virginia) is a voluntary, business-led, bipartisan initiative that was formed to foster private-sector growth and diversification across nine economic development regions in the Commonwealth of Virginia. State financial incentives designated for regional projects that encourage collaboration between private sector companies, workforce, education, and government are administered by the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Board.

GO Virginia Region 8 Council Accepting Round 3 Proposals

Posted on January 25, 2018February 10, 2018 by host

The GO Virginia Region 8 Council is pleased to announce that it is accepting the third round of proposals for per capita projects to be funded through the State’s GO Virginia initiative. For a project to be considered by the Region 8 Council, complete the pre-application and submit to the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) to bonnie@cspdc.org no later than Wednesday, February 7, 2018.

A planning calendar with key regional and state deadlines and upcoming meetings is available here: GOVA Region 8 Important Dates 01.10.18 The next full meeting of the GO Virginia Region 8 Council will be on Monday, March 5th, from 10:00 am to Noon at Mary Baldwin University’s Murphy Deming College of Health Sciences in Augusta County, located at 100 Baldwin Blvd, Fishersville, VA 22939. In addition to the March 5th meeting, the Region 8 Council is also planning on convening on Friday, May 11th from 10 am to Noon at a location TBD in the Southern part of Region 8.

The Region 8 Council has approximately $928,000 in per capita GO Virginia funds to award to projects in the region for this round of applications. In addition, approximately $11.3 million in competitive statewide GO Virginia funds are still available for projects.

Successful projects will address one or more of the region’s five targeted industry sectors:

Financial and Business Services
Health Care
Information Technology/Communications
Light Manufacturing
Transportation and Logistics

Projects funded will address one or more of the region’s framework initiatives developed around the following broad areas:

Recruit and/or retain the talent needed in the region
Grow existing businesses, develop existing clusters, and scale-up small and mid-size companies
Establish start-ups from commercializing university-based research and supporting entrepreneurs
Support potential joint economic development activities such as site development and training initiatives

Projects supported by GO Virginia funding must:

Involve private sector employment that pays an annual wage greater than $41,000,
Include the collaboration of two or more localities,
Commit non-state sources of matching funds (50/50), and
Generate new spending to the Shenandoah Valley (not just recirculating local spending)

For further information about GO Virginia Region 8’s project priorities, please refer to the Region 8 Economic Growth and Diversification Plan. The entire plan with appendices is available at the Shenandoah Valley Partnership’s website at www.shenandoah-valley.biz/tools-resources/go-virginia/. Additional information about GO Virginia also is available at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) at https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/index.php/go-virginia.html.

Virginia Breeze Bus Line Launches

Posted on December 4, 2017January 11, 2018 by host

The Virginia Breeze, a new bus line along I-81 and I-66, launched December 1. The Virginia Breeze, the program’s pilot route, connects travelers from Blacksburg to Washington, D.C. with multiple destinations in-between, including Lexington, Staunton, and Harrisonburg.

The Virginia Breeze features a modern 56-passenger coach with free Wi-Fi, in-seat power outlets, and other amenities, and provides a critical transportation connection between rural Virginia communities and the national bus network. Customers can purchase Virginia Breeze tickets as well as access interline tickets for destinations beyond Washington, D.C. through Megabus. The program is funded through the Federal Transit Administration’s 5311 Intercity Bus Program and administered by the Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation.

Braiding the Way Celebrates Completion of Outdoor Recreation Plan

Posted on December 4, 2017January 15, 2018 by host

In October, the steering committee for Braiding the Way for Outdoor Recreation in the Rockbridge Area celebrated the completion and endorsement of the Rockbridge Area Outdoor Recreation and Trail Plan.

The project, underway since 2015, has been a collaborative effort composed of key partners including Rockbridge Area Tourism, Rockbridge County, City of Lexington, City of Buena Vista, and representatives from government, educational, and community-based organizations. The project was assisted by the National Park Service Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program and a Rural Community Development Initiative Grant through USDA-Rural Development. CPSDC provided grant management, mapping, and staff support.

Moving forward, the steering committee will transition to the Rockbridge Area Outdoors Partnership which will serve as a coordinating entity and forum for continued collaboration, networking, project development, and promotion. Twenty-eight organizations have committed to joining the Partnership.

Bath & Highland Join Forces to Create Network Authority

Posted on October 11, 2017September 26, 2024 by host

Bath County, Highland County, and the Town of Monterey will join together to form the Bath-Highland Network Authority. The group will facilitate the provision of affordable highspeed data, internet, and telecommunications services in the area. Broadband communications will foster economic development, improve educational opportunities, ensure public safety, and enhance the overall quality of life of residents.

The creation of this partnership was supported by a Virginia Telecommunication Initiative(VATI) grant through the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development. The CSPDC provided project management and grant administration services.

BRITE Transit Facility Officially Dedicated

Posted on July 27, 2017October 11, 2017 by host

STAUNTON (July 27, 2017) —State, regional, and local leaders and several BRITE transit riders gathered to officially open the BRITE Transit Facility and welcome new buses to the fleet this morning. Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) Executive Director Bonnie Riedesel and Board Chair Frank Friedman kicked off the event, then introduced remarks from key officials including Jennifer DeBruhl, Virginia Department of Rail & Public Transportation Chief of Public Transportation; Bruce Simms, Virginia Regional Transit CEO; and Wayne Martin, BRITE Transit Advisory Committee Chair.

Nancy Gourley, CSPDC Transit Manager, offered up rider perspectives to the proceedings, introducing BRITE transit riders Rebecca Messer and Paul Terry, as well as Wilson Workforce and Rehabilitation Center teacher Stephen Sweeney, who all shared how important reliable transit is to many Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro residents by providing access to training, services, health care, and employment.

The event was a celebration of reaching several milestones since the CSPDC took over the administration of the BRITE Bus Transit System several years ago. BRITE Bus provides fixed-route and on-demand transportation in the Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro (SAW) area. Services are administered by the CSPDC, with operational recommendations provided by the BRITE Transit Advisory Committee (BTAC).

In addition to taking ownership of the transit operations facility in Fishersville and placing a new fleet of nine silver buses and one new trolley into service, a contract was awarded for transit service provisions to Virginia Regional Transit. BRITE has also initiated a new social media presence in addition to the information available at www.BRITEbus.org. Transit users can visit @BRITEbus on Facebook and Twitter for updates on routes and real-time service announcements, or for general information or customer service inquiries.

These changes are the culmination of a multi-year effort to study, plan, and execute transit improvements in the SAW area. The process began with the development and adoption of the Transit Development Plan (TDP) in 2015. The TDP is a short-range plan that outlines the transit improvements intended during a six-year planning horizon; estimates what resources will be needed; and identifies potential funding options. The development of the CSPDC’s TDP was guided by a working group made up of representatives from Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County, along with public and private transit partners. Additionally, significant input to the TDP was sought through rider surveys and stakeholder interviews.

A primary focus of the projects included in the TDP has been the development of a combined urban-rural system that ties together services operating in the region. To lay the foundation for future growth, the program has accomplished several projects leading up to the facility transfer and new fleet. Between 2015 and 2017, a unified brand called BRITE was launched; the BTAC was formed; transit funding was consolidated under the CSPDC; route improvements were implemented; and transit system bus stops, shelters, and signage have been upgraded. Following a competitive bidding process, the CSPDC published notice in March 2017 to enter into contract with Virginia Regional Transit as the transit provider for the BRITE system. The resulting contract for an initial five-year period began July 1, 2017.

BRITE Acquires Transit Facility, Welcomes Provider and New Buses

Posted on July 5, 2017July 27, 2017 by host

STAUNTON (July 5, 2017) —The Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission (CSPDC) announced today the completion of several key milestones since assuming the administration of the BRITE Bus Transit System several years ago. BRITE Bus provides fixed-route and on-demand transportation in the Staunton, Augusta County, and Waynesboro (SAW) area. Services are administered by the CSPDC, with operational recommendations provided by the BRITE Transit Advisory Committee (BTAC).

The most recent accomplishments include accepting ownership of the transit operations facility in Fishersville, which is now named the BRITE Transit Facility; awarding a contract for transit service provision to Virginia Regional Transit, which includes placing a new fleet of nine silver buses and one trolley into service. BRITE has also initiated a social media presence in addition to the information available at www.BRITEbus.org. Transit users can visit @BRITEbus on Facebook and Twitter for updates on routes and real-time service announcements, or for general information or customer service inquiries.

A primary focus of the projects included in the TDP has been the development of a combined urban-rural system that ties together services operating in the region. To lay the foundation for future growth, the program has accomplished several projects leading up to the facility transfer and new fleet. Between 2015 and 2017, a unified brand called BRITE was launched; the BTAC was formed; transit funding was consolidated under the CSPDC; route improvements were implemented; and transit system bus stops, shelters, and signage have been upgraded. Following a competitive procurement process, the CSPDC published notice in March 2017 to enter into contract with Virginia Regional Transit as the transit provider for the BRITE system. The resulting contract for an initial five-year period began July 1, 2017.
A ribbon cutting will be held at the new facility in late July. For more information contact Nancy Gourley, nancy@cspdc.org (540)885-5174.

New Study Measures Economic Impact of Agritourism in Virginia

Posted on April 25, 2017September 13, 2017 by host

A new economic impact study, conducted by Dr. Vince Magnini with the Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business, shows that Virginia’s agritourism industry accounts for $2.2 billion in economic activity. The report also shows that the economic activity attributed to the Commonwealth’s 1,400 agritourism businesses supports 22,000 jobs, contributes $840 million in income, and injects $135 million in state and local taxes. The study is the first statewide benchmark report to measure the economic and fiscal impacts of Virginia’s agritourism sector.

The Shenandoah Valley has the third highest concentration of venues according to the study, bringing in nearly $363 million in revenue. Read the full report HERE.

Bike Month and Bike/Walk To Work Day Events

Posted on April 18, 2017June 2, 2017 by host

May is National Bike Month, an annual celebration that increases awareness and participation in bicycling as a healthy, economic, and sustainable transportation option. The CSPDC and its Rideshare Program are assisting the City of Staunton and Harrisonburg’s Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition with events and activities on Bike to Work Day, May 19^th. The Staunton Bike/Walk to Work Commuter Breakfast will be held downtown at the Wharf parking lot from 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Harrisonburg’s event will be at Court Square in downtown Harrisonburg from 7:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Both events are free!

Visit Bike the Valley and Shenandoah Valley Bicycle Coalition for updates on activities being held throughout May in addition to Bike to Work Day including: Confident City Cycling Class, Glowstick Ride on the Bluestone Trail, and the annual Bike, Run, Sweat and Beers ride.

Shenandoah Valley GO Virginia Regional Council Formed

Posted on April 18, 2017April 18, 2017 by host

The Shenandoah Valley GO Virginia Regional Council has been named and held its first meeting on April 3^rd. The 28-member Council represents large and small business, higher ed and k-12 education, elected officials, local government and economic workforce development entities. The majority of the Council is private sector as required by the state. At its organizational meeting, Mr. George Pace, Shenandoah Valley Angel Investors, was elected Chairman and Mr. Chris Kyle, Shentel, was elected Vice-chair. Mr. Frank Friedman, Chairman of the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission will serve on the Council representing local government in the CSPDC region. To see a full list of the Regional Council, please click here.

The Regional Council will be responsible for completing an economic growth and diversification plan, overseeing the GO Virginia program in the region, soliciting applications for projects within the region and recommending projects to the Go Virginia State Board for funding.