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Shenandoah Valley Partnership Receives Virginia Torchbearer Award

Shenandoah Valley Partnership and Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board, Inc recognized for innovative efforts to spur economic regional growth.

December 17, 2010

Harrisonburg, VA – The Shenandoah Valley Partnership and Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board, Inc. were presented the Virginia Torchbearer Award for the Sixth Congressional District on December 2, 2010. The purpose of the award is to honor organizations whose innovative ideas, products or services have propelled Virginia’s progress and prosperity in the 21st century. In 2010, the Torchbearer Awards recognized Virginia’s leading economic development organizations and highlighted their crucial role in the state’s economic success. The awards showcase the accomplishments and outstanding contributions that best exemplify the excellence that has made the Commonwealth the number one state in the nation for business. Finalists were recognized and awardees announced at the Virginia Economic Summit held at the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg and attended by more than 450 people.

The Shenandoah Valley Energy Partnership (SVEP) initiative was awarded based on community impact through workforce preparation and regional collaboration. The initiative addresses green skill development for dislocated, unemployed and incumbent workers in an emerging industry. The implementation region serves 20 localities, and program initiatives include renewable energy, weatherization, industrial energy efficiency, green and sustainable construction, and registered apprenticeships.

Primary program initiatives include a Wind Turbine Technician Technology certificate program, a Sustainability and Green Building Career Studies Certificate program, training and credentialing for industrial, residential and commercial energy efficiency assessment, Green Industrial Technician training and credentialing, apprenticeships for construction and manufacturing green increased demand occupations, and solar credentialing programs.

Conservatively, this initiative will serve 1,010 participants and work with over 7,000 employers, community members, K-12 students, teachers, counselors, career coaches, administrators and parents through a virtual Green Awareness and Sustainability Center. This effort is supported with $7,519,406 in partner and regional leveraged resources and $4,951,991 in federal funding through the U.S. Department of Labor.

CONTACT: Sharon Johnson
Director, Regional Workforce Development
Director, Shenandoah Valley Energy Partnership
Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board, Inc.
(540) 649-4322 • [email protected]