Office of Economic Development Wins Three Awards

The Office of Economic Development recently received three awards for its innovative workforce development programs for youth.

The Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA) presented the City with its Population Category Four (40,001 - 100,000) Award for the City's 'One Programs'. The programs are a long-term approach to workforce development, facilitating the business community's involvement in interacting with students as early as the sixth grade and continuing through high school graduation and beyond." said Marjette Glass, Director of Economic Development.

VEDA nominated the 'One Programs' for a Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) award. Earlier this fall, representatives from The Office of Economic Development accepted SEDC'S Community Economic Development Award for the Population Category 40,001 - 100,000. Evaluation criteria for the award included innovativeness, transferability, community commitment and leverage, measured objectives, and secondary benefits.

SEDC is the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North American with members in 17 southern states.

The 'One Programs' include Grow One™ Summer Camp which was recognized with the "2008 Virginia Municipal League Achievement Award' in the 35,001 - 90,000 Population category. Grow One™ engages seventh grade students from Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell counties as well as the City of Lynchburg. The students reside on Lynchburg College campus for a week while learning entrepreneurial and leadership skills. The Center for Economic Education at Lynchburg College partners in the program.

The City accepted the award at a banquet on October 21, during VML's annual conference in Norfolk. The winning entry is featured in the September issue of Virginia Town & City magazine.

Director Glass stated, "These awards were made possible by collaborative partnerships. We are grateful to the Center for Economic Education at Lynchburg College, "Partners in Education" (a collaboration between Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce and Lynchburg City Schools), Region 2000 Economic Development Council, regional economic development entities, and the business community for their involvement."