Biz Talk - Business Blog Roanoke and Beyond

Join the Talent Revolution 

Jobzcafe.com turns the recruitment process upside down as it revolutionizes the career search.  This new recruitment model doesn’t start with posting a job; it focuses on showcasing a company and the region as an attractive work environment to attract career minded job seekers. The local region includes Roanoke, Salem, New River Valley, Lynchburg, Martinsville, Danville and Smith Mountain Lake businesses.

Ira Kaufman, Developer and Marketing Strategist says,

“We designed jobzcafe to revolutionize the recruitment process and dispel the myth that there are no inspiring jobs in the region.  Jobzcafe attracts a richer talent pool of job seekers and fosters regional economic growth.”

Online it offers companies the ability to showcase their work environment as a career destination using videos, employee testimonials and social media.  Job seekers can showcase their talent by posting resumes and applying online.  Offline, jobzcafe provides regional events for job seekers to interact with seeker resources to improve their skills as well as networking events with area employers. Companies benefit from various recruitment marketing strategies utilizing Jobzcafe and their partners.

David Ferraro, Senior Recruiter, Virginia Tech University comments,

“Jobzcafe is a talented group of thoughtful, knowledgeable professionals who are truly dedicated to improving your overall recruiting function through innovative and masterful strategy. They excel at expertly demonstrating their knowledge of social media and advanced recruiting techniques, utilizing a customer service and dedicated-partner approach which exceeded our expectations.”

Virginia Tech, City of Roanoke, HSMM, Express Employment Professionals, Delta Dental and CCS-Inc are among companies being showcased on the site.  The talent pool contains over 2600 resumes, including many young professionals wanting to stay or re-locate to the Roanoke and New River Valleys.

Kathy Tisinger, Career Center Manager, Roanoke Higher Education Center says,

“I think jobzcafe.com is an innovative, progressive concept for the Roanoke Valley.  To my knowledge, nothing like this has been tried before.  It gives job seekers a comprehensive platform to search for careers, while at the same time obtaining information on job searching skills and education available that can help them meet their career goals.”

Jobzcafe builds awareness of career opportunities and assists job seekers to improve their skill sets. The result - jobzcafe generates a consistent pool of qualified active and passive candidates. 

Stuart Mease has been working as Special Projects Coordinator for the City of Roanoke.  His main goal is to attract and retain young professionals to the region.  He comments,

“The jobzcafe model will completely alter how local companies position themselves to attract talent, and how resources are made available to job seekers.  Jobzcafe has the potential to be very successful and integral to the economic growth in the region.”

Jobzcafe uses an Integrated Marketing Strategy combining advertising on television, radio, and billboards with social media including their blog, Jobz Talk and a presence on Facebook and MySpace.  Check out our Facebook page.

For more information and to find out how your company can be showcased as a career destination contact Adrienne Barnett, HR Strategist, at 540-563-2249 or visit them on the web at www.jobzcafe.com.

Come celebrate with Cameron Johnson, Roanoke native entrepreneur and self made millionaire, as he competes in the final three for "Oprah's Big Give".  The celebration will be held on Sunday evening, April 13, at the Roanoke Civic Center's Exhibit Hall.  It's free and open to the public.  Doors will open at 7pm and the shows "Going Home" episode begins at 8pm.

The City of Roanoke released a press release in which Roanoke City Manager Darlene Burcham says, "We are pleased with Cameron's success on the 'Big Give' and celebrate that he is now one of the final three contestants".

The show is about Giving and the contestants are challenged to give away thousands of dollars to complete strangers and dramatically change their lives.  They apply creative strategies to give away the weeks loot and then are judged on how well they did.  At the end of each week someone is eliminated.  Our man Cameron is still in the hunt to be winner of the first "Oprah's Big Give".

For more information contact Stuart Mease at 853-2384.  Good Luck Cameron!!

January 19 - February 28, 2008

 

Pamela Jean Gallery is located in Downtown Roanoke at 115 Salem Ave., across from the new Art Museum of Western Virginia.   For more information contact Pamela Jean or Susan at 540-904-7797 or email pamelajgallery@aol.com.

ROANOKE COUNTY & HOLLINS UNIVERSITY
RECEIVE PRESTIGIOUS VML PRESIDENT’S AWARD

Roanoke County and Hollins University took home the Virginia Municipal League (VML)  President’s Award this year for their work with an annual summer camp for youth offered in cooperation with area businesses. 

The program known as Technology Education for Kids or TEK Camp is focused on workforce development which is a significant concern for businesses in the Roanoke Valley and beyond.  Members of Roanoke County’s Economic Development Department, Director of Social Services and a representative from Hollins University traveled to Williamsburg last month to accept the award at VML’s Annual Conference.  And on Tuesday of this week, the program was highlighted during the Roanoke County Board of Supervisors meeting.

TEK Camp is a project that identifies students with technical potential at an early age for the purpose of enhancing their skills training in the secondary school system. The camp spans five days and is free of charge for the children, who are provided meals, transportation, and supplies.  Camp is held on the campus of Hollins University with fieldtrips to the business community throughout the week to meet local executives, human resource managers and employees.  The classes and interactive programs challenge young people to discover how technology impacts their lives and the many career and educational opportunities that are available to them.  Hollins University and Roanoke County could not make the camp the success it is without the help of the local business community and Roanoke County schools.  Some of the businesses that have opened their doors to the children include First Team Auto Mall, WDBJ Television, Q-99 and the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center.

One judge described the program as, “…a successful, innovative and collaborative effort of local government, educators and business leaders, resulting in the continuous development of a well-trained technical workforce for the Roanoke Valley Region.”

TEK Camp began in 2004, with 12 students enrolled in a pilot program. In 2006, Roanoke County received 57 applications and enrolled 38 participants.  Corporate sponsors and partners fund the program.

The President’s Award is the most prestigious award granted by the VML Achievement Awards program.  The award was established in 1996 for Virginia governments to submit projects which exemplify the jurisdiction’s efforts to improve the delivery of services to its citizens in an innovative and entrepreneurial manner.

Press Release

Best Mailing Service and Best Computer Services have merged together to form BMS Direct, Inc, a one stop marketing solution. BMS Direct, Inc. offers a complete direct mail marketing package from creative design and printing to mailing and fulfillment services targeting Virginia, Maryland, DC, and North Carolina markets and serving clients nationally.

Lynchburg, VA (PRWEB) September 5, 2007 - Best Mailing Service (BMS) and Best Computer Services will merge together to form BMS Direct, Inc. The merger will combine the services of both companies to form a progressive direct mail marketing solution targeting Virginia, Maryland, DC, and North Carolina markets and serving clients nationally. The merger will become effective September 1, 2007, at which time customers will continue to receive the same high quality and personal customer service they have been accustomed to for the past 34 years.

BMS Direct, Inc will provide a one stop solution for our customers, from creative design and printing to complete mailing and fulfillment services. James LaPrade will continue to serve as President and Leif Aagaard will be Vice President of the new company. LaPrade explains "By combining our businesses together we will be able to reduce costs and improve our operations without jeopardizing the valuable service and customer support we provide our clients."

BMS operates multiple facilities in Virginia. They are headquartered in Lynchburg, where they maintain an 80,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility that includes their corporate offices, production and warehouse space. The Roanoke location houses their Presort Division and serves as their disaster recovery site.

For additional information on the merger of Best Mailing Service and Best Computer Services contact James LaPrade at 434-455-7724 or visit http://www.best-mailing.com

About BMS Direct, Inc. - A full service direct mail marketing company providing data processing, printing, letter shop, fulfillment and warehouse services in Virginia, Maryland, DC and North Carolina.

BMS Direct Press Release - September 5, 2007

For Immediate Release

Dublin VA – On September 26, 2007, employers in the New River Valley will have a unique opportunity to meet potential employees including seasonal workers, technically trained entry level employees, recent college graduates, and experienced professionals.  Job seekers will have a chance to meet some of the region’s finest employers who have positions ready to be filled.  Job seekers do not have to register in advance, but should come dressed for success and bring copies of their resume.  Employers can register online and should register before September 12.  The $95 registration fee for employers includes an exhibit booth, shared interview room, and lunch for two company representatives.

September 26, 2007
10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
New River Valley Mall
782 New River Road
Christiansburg, Virginia

Visit New River Valley Job Fair Expo for more information, including a list of participating employers and the sponsoring organizations.  Media inquiries are welcome.

Contact: 
Marty Holliday
New River/Mount Rogers
Workforce Investment Board
540-633-6764
mholliday@nrvdc.org

David Moore
Institute for Policy and Governance
205 W. Roanoke Street
Blacksburg, VA 24061
540-231-8954 (office)
540-230-6914 (cell)
dmoore@vt.edu

This is a great opportunity for young professionals to meet potential employers.

For Immediate Release

RIDE Solutions Announces Expansion of Bike Rack Giveaway

Roanoke, VA., August 16, 2007–  Jeremy Holmes, Transportation Alternatives Coordinator with the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission and Program Director for RIDE Solutions, today announced the expansion of their Bike Rack Donation Program.  Originally launched as part of Clean Commute Day, interest in the effort prompted RIDE Solutions to make it an ongoing part of its alternative transportation program. 

“It’s a very simple message - by installing a bike rack in front of your business, you’re inviting people to use it,” said Holmes.  “RIDE Solutions wants to encourage cycling as one of the healthiest commute options.  Not only is it good for the region’s environmental quality, drastically reducing vehicle traffic and emitting no pollution, it also builds physical fitness and is a great way to enjoy the Valley’s natural beauty.” 

The program has been expanded to offer a rolling deadline and the option of requesting more than one rack.  Installation is still available for those who need it.  The program’s selection criteria includes proximity to existing bikeways, greenways, or other bicycle-safe corridors; usage and presence of existing facilities; projected usage; and the applicant’s willingness to implement a program to encourage the use of cycling, carpooling, and public transit as a commute option.  Applications can be downloaded from the RIDE Solutions website, www.ridesolutions.org. 

“It’s more than just being green,” added Holmes.  “It’s also about promoting a lifestyle and community that is increasingly attractive to the types of companies we want to see more of in the Roanoke region.  According to Best Workplaces for Commuters, some of the biggest Fortune 500 technology companies have very active bicycle commuting programs.  It reflects a quality of life their employees want, and they want to support.  This is a way to bring attention to that lifestyle.” 

RIDE Solutions is a carpool matching and alternative transportation service of the Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission and the New River Valley Planning District Commission.  The program’s goals are to reduce fuel consumption and limit air pollution generated from vehicle emissions through encouraging the use of carpools, public transit, biking and walking.  Call 1-866-424-3334 or visit www.ridesolutions.org to learn more.

Contact:
Jeremy Holmes, RIDE Solutions Program Director
Roanoke Valley-Alleghany Regional Commission
jholmes@rvarc.org, (540) 342-9393

Other Press Releases from Ride Solutions:

April 23, 2007 - Clean Commute Day May 18

April 29, 2007 - Ride Solutions Annouces Bike Giveaway

Press Release

ROANOKE ARTS FESTIVAL SCHEDULE RELEASED
JUDY COLLINS, RAMSEY LEWIS TRIO, LITTLE FEAT
AMONG PERFORMERS FOR OCT. 4-7 EVENT 
‘A Movable Feast’ of performing and visual arts planned 

ROANOKE, Va., (August 15, 2007) – The arts are taking over Roanoke!         

The city nestled in southwest Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains is hosting the first Roanoke Arts Festival Oct. 4-7. The four-day extravaganza will feature a “moveable feast” of performing and visual arts appealing to a wide range of regional audiences and visitors alike.         

“Roanoke is a beautiful place to visit, especially in the fall,” said Mayor Nelson Harris. “This October, the city will be transformed into the arts capital of Virginia with riveting performances, dazzling art – and a whole lot of fun.”          

The Roanoke Arts Festival schedule, released today, will feature more than 20 performances, events and exhibitions at multiple venues across the city. From world-renowned performers such as Judy Collins to jazz legend Ramsey Lewis and rock ‘n’ roll mainstays Little Feat, and from opera, theater and ballet to “ephemeral art” and photography exhibitions, the Festival will celebrate the world of arts and culture in Roanoke’s historic setting.          

Tickets are now on sale. For ticket information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.RoanokeArtsFest.org.         

The Festival opens Oct. 4 with a performance by the Ramsey Lewis Trio and a production of "Hank Williams: Lost Highway" at Mill Mountain Theatre. It picks up momentum Oct. 5 with concerts by Collins and the Audubon Quartet; poetry and fiction readings from Hollins University students, faculty and alumni; and the one-man play "The Neon Man and Me," by Richmond's Slash Coleman about his friend and Roanoke's late sign-making wizard, Mark Jamison.         

The Festival’s third day features the classical James Piano Quartet, the Southwest Virginia Ballet and an Americana-themed "Great American Concert" by the Roanoke Symphony Orchestra and Opera Roanoke. A highlight will be maestro David Wiley performing George Gershwin's classic "Rhapsody in Blue," while conducting the orchestra from the piano.         

The Festival’s final day, Oct. 7, is capped with a performance by Little Feat, a third performance of “Paper Cup Ocean,” an original full-length play at Mill Mountain Theatre's Waldron Stage written by Hollins alumna Rachel Nelson and directed by Ernie Zulia, a viewing of the Silent Film classic “The General” with Buster Keaton, and an original production by the Roanoke Ballet Theatre.          

Throughout the Festival, there will be ongoing shows at four area museums, including the O. Winston Link Museum presenting “Civil War Photographs from the David L. Hack Collection” from the Chrysler Museum of Art, featuring rare and seldom-seen photographs made from the original glass-plate negatives, and the Science Museum of Western Virginia’s colorful and original “In the Glow: The Science Behind the Art of Neon.”         

“For our first year, we are delighted to feature so much variety and quality in the performing and visual arts,” Harris said. “With Roanoke’s spectacular setting, friendly people and year-round appreciation of the arts, we look forward to welcoming arts fans from throughout Virginia and the region.”  

FOR TICKET INFORMATION AND COMPLETE SCHEDULE 

See complete News Release including sponsorship details

Contact:

Thomas Becher, APR
tba: Thomas Becher Agency, Inc.
540-772-4404
tbecher@tbtheagency.com

For Immediate Release
August 7, 2007

GOVERNOR’S CABINET COMMUNITY DAY PUBLIC SHEDULE
Seventh Cabinet Community Day Session

Tuesday, August 14

Roanoke Cabinet Community Day

Governor Timothy M. Kaine and his Cabinet will be conducting their seventh Cabinet Community Day session. On Tuesday, top Administration officials will spend the day in the Roanoke Region. In 2006, Cabinet Community Days occurred in Hampton Roads (Wednesday, August 9), Abingdon (Monday, September 18), the Shenandoah Valley (Tuesday, October 17), and Northern Virginia (Monday, November 27). The most recent sessions took place in Southern Virginia (Thursday, June 7) and on the Eastern Shore (Monday, July 9). The Governor plans to hold four meetings a year, visiting eight regions of the state twice, over the course of the administration.  ** Suggested dress is business casual ** 

Nonprofit Presentations and Reception. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet will receive presentations from Total Action Against Poverty (TAP) and the Council of Community Services’ Nonprofit Resource Center of Western Virginia. A reception will follow. Open to the press and public.

When:         9:00 a.m. 

Where:       Dumas Center for Artistic & Cultural Development
                108 First Street NW
                Roanoke, Virginia

Virginia Veterans Care Center. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet will hear about the Veterans Care Center and receive a briefing on Executive Order 19 recommendations. Time to meet with the Governor and his Cabinet will follow. Open to the press and public.

When:         10:30 a.m. 

Where:       Virginia Veterans Care Center
                 4550 Shenandoah Avenue
                 Roanoke, Virginia 

Valhalla Vineyards. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet will tour The Cave and receive presentations from Valhalla and the Virginia Tourism Corporation. Time to meet with the Governor and his Cabinet will follow. Open to the press and public. 

When:         12:15 p.m.

Where:       Valhalla Vineyards
                 6500 Mount Chestnut Road
                 Roanoke, Virginia 

Franklin Center Opening. Governor Kaine and members of his Cabinet will hear presentations from The Franklin Center for Advanced Learning & Enterprise and the Council on Virginia’s Future. Time to meet with the Governor and his Cabinet will follow. Open to the press and public.  

When:           2:45 p.m.

Where:         The Franklin Center for Advanced Learning & Enterprise
                   50 Claiborne Avenue
                   Rocky Mount, Virginia

Tinker Mountain. Governor Kaine and his Cabinet will hear from a public-private partnership that placed a highly visible 250-acre area on Tinker Mountain under land conservation easement. A reception will follow. Open to the press and public.

When:         5:00 p.m.

Where:       Hollins University 
                7916 Williamson Road
                Roanoke, Virginia

Contact:               Jeff Tiller                
Phone:                  (804) 692-2599
Cell Phone:            (804) 432-6728
Internet:               www.governor.virginia.gov

(Roanoke, VA  June 18, 2007)  Roanoke Biz2Biz is proud to announce the addition of Susan Moore to our staff.  Susan will serve as Sales and Business Development Manager.  Susan brings with her more than 20 years of sales and marketing experience.

Susan will be working with our existing clients as well as introducing the new expansion of Roanoke Biz2Biz to “Fine Dining”, “Choice Shopping”, “Services” and “Health Linx”.  She will also be offering our clients an opportunity to expand their market beyond Roanoke with the addition of our new website www.vabiz2biz.com.

“We're excited to have Susan join us as she adds a new dimension to our team”, says Ira Kaufman, President of Roanoke Biz2Biz.  “Her experience and passion will deliver new sales opportunities to our clients.”

Roanoke Biz2Biz serves as a marketing arm for small to medium sized businesses providing tools and connections helping them generate results and revenue.

For more information:

Patsy Stewart
Operations Manager
PO Box 14094
Roanoke, VA 24038
540-563-2249
info@roanokebiz2biz.com