Governor McAuliffe Announces VAWorks Job Search Mobile App

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

~ Available for both iPhone and Android, Virginia’s new mobile app provides job seekers with a convenient new way to search for jobs ~

App is an extension of the Virginia Workforce Connection website, the Commonwealth’s advanced workforce development tool.

RICHMOND – Governor McAuliffe announced the launch of Virginia’s new employment app, VAWorks.  Now, wherever Virginians may be in the Commonwealth, they can have thousands of jobs at their fingertips. 

“Job seekers in Virginia now have a more convenient way to find employment,” stated Governor McAuliffe.  “The VAWorks app is an advanced workforce development tool that matches employers with qualified candidates.” 

Available on iPhone and Android, Virginia’s new app provides job seekers with free access to jobs.  Using a mobile device, users can search for jobs by occupation, location, or keyword.  They can also share their job search activity and information via email or social media.  “This mobile app gives today’s job seekers an easier way to access thousands of job from more than 16,000 sources, including military, government and federal jobs while on-the-go,” Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice A. Jones said. 

The VAWorks app is one of many job seeker services available through the Virginia Employment Commission (VEC).  App users now have the option to receive notifications from the VEC when new job openings are available, filter their results by occupation and expand job listings to review details and locations.  For more information about the VEC or the new mobile app, please contact Joyce Fogg, VEC Director of Communications, at (804) 786-7592 orJoyce.Fogg@vec.virginia.gov.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Virginia’s Grant Award for Veterans’ Job Training

Injuries incurred by service members are covered by the Veteran Administration. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Virginia’s Community Colleges to Provide Education and Training Opportunities to Help Veterans Succeed

RICHMOND- Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today Virginia’s award of over $3.4 million from the United States Department of Labor.  The grant award will provide veterans with community college credits for their past military service and training, coursework to obtain additional skills and credentials, and mentors at the community colleges to help veterans navigate through higher education, including admissions and financial aid.

“Virginia’s Community Colleges are honored to have been selected by the United States Department of Labor to receive funds that will provide short and long-term benefits to Virginia’s veterans,” said Glenn DuBois, Chancellor of Virginia’s Community Colleges. “This grant will enable veterans to gain additional skills and credentials to position them for jobs and careers through which they can support a family.”

Funds will also focus on helping Virginia businesses connect with qualified, job-seeking veterans. A program will be established to maintain strategic relationships with employers in Virginia’s three fastest-growing sectors: healthcare, logistics, and advanced manufacturing.

The federal funding comes as Virginia’s veteran population is growing. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, the commonwealth will be home to nearly 850,000 veterans by the year 2017, ranking it 5^th in the nation in terms of veteran population.  Virginia ranks 7^th in that category today.

Assisting veterans with job training through Virginia’s Community Colleges is a well-suited match. In the 2012-13 academic year, a record-setting 40,827 students with military status enrolled in a Virginia community college, including active duty service members, reservists, retirees, and veteran spouses and dependents. 

 “As we commemorate Flag Day this month, I can think of no greater action than to assist those who have defended that flag to reestablish their lives at home and get back to work,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe.

Over the life of this funding, Virginia’s Community Colleges will work with state partners through a steering committee to ensure strong results. The Governor will call upon representatives from the Virginia Employment Commission, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade’s Office, and the Department of Veterans Services and the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, to assist with the initiative.

To learn more about career opportunities for veterans, please visit the Workforce Development Departments at Virginia’s 23 Community Colleges.

About Virginia’s Community Colleges: Created more than 40 years ago, the VCCS is comprised of 23 community colleges located on 40 campuses across the commonwealth. Together, Virginia’s Community Colleges serve more than a quarter-million credit students each year. For more information, please visit www.vccs.edu.

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Governor McAuliffe Announces Decrease in Homelessness

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– Overall homelessness decreases for another year in the Commonwealth -

RICHMOND – Governor McAuliffe announced today that overall homelessness in the Commonwealth has declined 7.9 percent in the last year, with a 10.8 percent decrease in family homelessness and 14 percent decrease in veterans homelessness, citing data collected by local Continuum of Care groups across Virginia and compiled by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.

“Virginia is continuing to make strides in preventing and ending homelessness,” said Governor McAuliffe. “The Commonwealth pledges to continue to collaborate with all partners in order to decrease homelessness and reduce the numbers of Virginia citizens who live without a home.”

The ongoing reduction in homelessness can be largely attributed to the shift in focusing resources to rapid re-housing, moving people into permanent housing more quickly while providing appropriate services through community resources. The collaborative efforts of many at the state and local levels, including those involved in the Homeless Outcomes Coordinating Council, and working through private and public agencies and organizations, have provided the structure for this successful effort.

The Homeless Outcomes Coordinating Council, co-chaired by Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel and Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones is comprised of state agencies, representatives from continua of care and nonprofit providers. The council is charged with implementing the five strategies identified in the Homeless Outcomes Advisory Committee Report and Recommendations. The council maintains the interagency leadership and governance structure that has helped to establish decreasing homelessness as a priority at all levels of state government. It also establishes formal points of contact within state agencies that are providing support or services to citizens who are homeless. Executive and cabinet-level leadership have been critical to the success of the plan so far, as has the willingness of localities to implement and advance best practices and innovative strategies. 

“The Homeless Outcomes Coordinating Council has been a leading force at combating homelessness in Virginia,” said Secretary of Health and Human Resources Dr. Bill Hazel. “We continue to evaluate our efforts and look for new strategies and resources to prevent and end homelessness in the commonwealth.”

The reductions in homelessness have resulted from shifting some state resources from traditional shelter services to rapid re-housing. Additional resources were provided in the FY2014 budget for rapid re-housing and permanent supportive housing. Funding through the Freddie Mac Foundation, a partnership between the National Alliance to End Homelessness, the Virginia Coalition to End Homelessness and the commonwealth, has also helped transform Virginia’s approach to more effectively address homelessness. This collaborative initiative, in its third year of funding, focuses on rapid re-housing for families and emphasizes the importance of local partnerships to achieve success.

“Virginia’s housing and homeless needs are a major focus for the state,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones. “By working together and utilizing all of our resources, we are making a difference and continuing to reduce the number of people in Virginia who are homeless.”

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Governor McDonnell Announces $45 Million Investment in Amherst County

English: The state seal of Virginia.(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Greif to upgrade packaging manufacturing operation

RICHMOND - Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that Greif (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B), a world leader in industrial packaging products and services, will invest $45 million in its operation in Amherst County. The plant upgrade includes technology improvements which will deliver significant reduction in energy consumed to produce paper products.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “This significant investment is a tremendous win for Amherst County and the Commonwealth. Greif’s plant has been in continuous operation since 1975 and employs nearly 300 Virginians. Investing $45 million in technology upgrades secures the mill’s competitiveness in the containerboard market, and thus secures the future of the operation and its employees for years to come.”

            “Greif has thrived in Amherst County for nearly 40 years,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “The proximity and abundance of Virginia’s raw material supply is an important factor, as is the trained workforce and convenient access to the company’s customer base. This investment is significant for the region, and the upgraded equipment will reduce the energy consumed in the manufacture of Greif’s products.”

            Headquartered in Delaware, Ohio, Greif (NYSE: GEF, GEF.B) produces steel, plastic, fiber, flexible and corrugated containers, packaging accessories and containerboard, and provides blending, filling and packaging services for a wide range of industries.  The company also manages acreage in the United States. With more than 200 operating locations in more than 50 countries, Greif is positioned to serve global as well as regional customers.

            “Investing in our Virginia mill operation is a sound business decision,” said Mitch Heishman, Technical Manager, Greif. “Our state and local officials have been a pleasure to work with.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the Amherst County Economic Development Authority to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $350,000 performance-based grant from the Virginia Investment Partnership program, an incentive available to existing Virginia companies.

            “This huge investment by Greif is wonderful news for Amherst County,” said Robert Curd, Chairman of the Amherst County Board of Supervisors, and Don Manley, Chairman of the Amherst County Economic Development Authority. “The upgraded facility will position one of our most important businesses for decades to come, helping to insure the strength of the local economy as well as the community leadership roles of the company and its employees.  Of course, the contribution to the local tax base is important to the delivery of County services.  Amherst County is pleased to have been able to support this corporate decision through the local business incentive program.”

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Governor McDonnell Announces 50 New Jobs in Scott County

English: The state seal of Virginia. . (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

VFP, Inc. to invest $3.5 million to expand manufacturing operation

RICHMOND – Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that that VFP, Inc., a producer of quality prefabricated structures to the telecommunications, power, and modular building industries, will invest $3.5 million to expand its manufacturing operation in Scott County. Virginia successfully competed against Tennessee for the project, which will create 50 new jobs.

            Speaking about today’s announcement, Governor McDonnell said, “VFP, Inc. is a strong Virginia company that has thrived here since its founding in 1965. Its shelters protect critical equipment in all 50 states and around the world on all seven continents and are produced in Scott County. VFP's manufacturing facilities on its campus in Duffield allow all construction and equipment integration to be performed under one roof, providing timely completion and consistent quality. With this expansion, the company will continue to grow its operation and create 50 new job opportunities. We commend VFP’s success in the Commonwealth over the last 48 years and look forward to the decades to come.”

            “VFP, Inc. has maintained a reputation for quality products and experienced phenomenal growth over nearly five decades,” said Jim Cheng, Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade. “Across the globe VFP buildings have withstood hurricanes, earthquakes and the full spectrum of environmental extremes, and we are proud that the company’s products are manufactured in Scott County. This expansion project is a great testament to the skilled workforce and opportunity for long-term success in the Commonwealth.”

            Headquartered in Salem, Virginia, VFP has provided quality prefabricated structures to the telecommunications, power, and modular building industries since 1965. Design flexibility, a diverse product line, unmatched quality, and superior customer service are trademarks of the company. A commitment to excellence in engineering, manufacturing, integration and on-site installation has earned VFP a worldwide reputation for quality workmanship and superior customer service.

            “VFP has over 48 years of excellence in shelter design and manufacturing, providing quality prefabricated structures to the telecommunications, power, and modular building industries,” said Jerry Arnold, CEO, VFP, Inc. “Since moving our manufacturing to Scott County in the 1990s, we have continued to grow. This is largely due to the support we have received from our valued employees. VFP is grateful to be located in Scott County with an available workforce and local talent that can meet our vast manufacturing needs. We also owe special thanks for the continued support and assistance we have received over the years from our local, regional, and state agencies. They have played an integral role in our ability to continue to grow in Scott County.” 

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Scott County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McDonnell approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Scott County with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved $160,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The Virginia Small Business Financing Authority and the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority also assisted with the project. Through its Virginia Jobs Investment Program, the Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide funding and services to support the company’s recruitment and training activities.

“On behalf of the county, we congratulate the company for their new investment and jobs for our residents and the region as a whole,” said Danny Mann, Chairman, Scott County Board of Supervisors. “We appreciate the coordinated efforts of the state and regional agencies for their work on the project.”

            “I am pleased that my colleagues on the Tobacco Commission and I were able to approve substantial Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds in support of such an important project for Scott County,” said Senator Charles W. Carrico, member, the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “In difficult economic times, when every job matters, adding 50 new jobs in our region with a company like VFP, Inc. is very exciting.”

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