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!!

December brings many Roanoke families together for the holidays.  Native young people return home to visit family and friends.  Stuart Mease and the City of Roanoke, along with MyHometownJobs, will capitalize on the young professionals returning to the area by hosting the second annual Roanoke Holiday Career and Lifestyle Fair on December 28 at the Roanoke Civic Center Exhibit Hall.

Last years event was a huge success with over 800 people attending the event, most of whom were young professionals. It was promoted with 15 unique media exposures including traditional marketing as well as social media. 

What a great opportunity for businesses in southwest Virginia to exhibit!   The companies participating this year should see results exceeding last years.  In addition to the job fair there is also a special video gaming event being planned to attract more attendees. 

For more information about the event and to become an exhibitor, contact Stuart Mease at stuart.mease@roanokeva.gov.

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.

This is a followup to my post on the Downtown Roanoke Wi-Fi project.   I was recently invited to attend a meeting with Roanoke City regarding the Downtown WIFI Hotzone.  Clearly Roanoke has been identified nationally as a technology leader and as a model for cities considering a downtown Wi-Fi hotspot.  Seattle, WA modeled their system after Roanoke. 

It was clearly recognized by those attending the meeting that the level and consistency of the service has deteriorated over the years and more attention needs to be placed on making the Wi-Fi service readily available in the designated areas.  It was also agreed that there was very little marketing done to promote the downtown Wi-Fi service.

Suggestions included:

1. Help Downtown Roanoke to understand the importance of Wi-Fi as a marketing tool.
2. Getting local downtown businesses involved in promoting the free Wi-Fi hotzone.
3. Work with the technical service provider (Cox) to offer local downtown businesses a hotspot using less expensive hardware to amplify the signal to their business.

These points were aimed to locally heighten the interest in the Downtown Wi-Fi project.  There have also been two recent articles in the Roanoke Times by Duncan Adams.  Roanoke Wi-Fi lingers on fritz and Downtown wireless may finally be fixed.

Based on this second article that the service MAY be fixed, I was delighted and scheduled a business meeting at the Roanoke City Market Building's International Food Court.  I started using the Wi-Fi connection but within 10 minutes it had slowed to a crawl and then it quit.  I was totally embarrassed without my technical tool.

If I were a business person or impressionable young professional visiting the area this would have definitely tarnished my image of Roanoke as a digital or technology leader.

What's the City of Roanoke's next step to monitor and maintain the Wi-Fi consistency?  Brian Brown, from Roanoke City's Office of Economic Development, told me that the City does have a plan.  He said within the next 3-6 months they will be doing a series of improvements, including upgrading the Wi-Fi technology at the City Market Building.  They intend to improve the consistency of the W-Fi connection.  Local users and vistors will greet this improvement with welcome arms! 

Let us know if you have any additions we can add to our Wi-Fi list at www.RoanokeBiz2Biz.com.

Did you feel the enthusiasm from the area's young professionals? Did you share in the willingness of the leaders to help and guide them to a brighter future?  If you experienced these emotions then you must have been one of the seven hundred plus participants at Valley Forward's Forum for the Future at the Roanoke Civic Center on Thursday night.

John Lugar, Chairman of Valley Forward, opened the event by thanking those participating and explaining the format for the forum.  He encouraged the leaders and participants to listen to our young professionals and find out what is important to them.  He suggested the younger generation become energized by getting involved in the community.

Lugar stressed that we must showcase our community assets.  For a successful change we must consider what is GOOD for the Roanoke Valley, think differently, be solution-oriented, debate, discuss, decide and move on.  If we don't dream and think big our young people will move elsewhere.

Valley Forward takes an integrated approach to progress by focusing on Economic Development, Cultural Enhancement, and Community Involvement.  Platforms they have adopted include:

• Rebuilding of the Rockledge Inn
• Funding and awareness of Greenways in the Valley
• Building an Outdoor Amphitheater
• Carvins Cove conservation easement

The interactive forum then set off with attendees choosing informal roundtable sessions and panel discussions.  Speakers included various political and government officials along with local business experts.  Topics covered included business building tools, health and fitness resources, employment and jobs, sports, arts, museums and young professional organizations.  Ira Kaufman, President of Roanoke Biz2Biz, hosted a round table where he discussed blogs and websites and the marketing benefits from both. 

The night concluded with Tiki Barber, former NFL running back and NBC broadcaster.  He reminded the young professionals they can make a difference and encouraged them to get more involved in local government and push forward their agenda's and ideas of what they want the valley to become.  As Barber returned to his roots, he recounted how the Roanoke Valley has impacted his life as an NFL football star, author and TV broadcaster. 

It is my opinion the night was a success for the Valley Forward Group.  There is certainly room for improvement but I feel with the continued effort the next event will be bigger and better. 

One thing for sure, Roanoke would like to retain its young professionals. Events such as this that broaden the awareness in our government officials and community will make a difference. 

Business Leaders, City Officials and Political Organizations - our young professionals challenge you to LISTEN, OFFER OPPORTUNITY and THINK BIG!

Young Professionals in Roanoke and New River Valley - you are challenged to CHARGE FORWARD, BECOME ACTIVE and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

September 13 Valley Forward's Forum for the Future

Young professionals will have a chance to voice their opinions and ideas about the future of the region. Football great and Roanoke native Tiki Barber will be the keynote speaker. The event will include the keynote address, intimate round-table discussions, and interactive question-and-answer panels.

• 5pm - 9pm
• Roanoke Civic Center, 710 Williamson Rd, Roanoke
• Cost: $20.75 or $10.25 for students with valid ID
• For information: Melissa Byrd 704-995-3232
• http://www.valleyforward.net/

As a continuation of Valley Forward's commitment to improving and energizing our community, they have organized the "Forum for the Future."  The goal of the September 13 event is to provide a voice for the Valley's young professionals, while also informing, inspiring, and encouraging action in the community.

"Forum for the Future" we will be holding a variety of engaging segments, including a powerful key-note address by Roanoke native Tiki Barber, intimate round-table discussions, and interactive question-and-answer panels, where attendees can have direct access to community leaders to communicate, ask questions, and offer suggestions.

For more information, including the Event Schedule and the participating Discussion Panalists and Round Table Hosts, click on the following link: virginiavarsity.com/valleyforward

For more information contact Melissa Byrd.

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.

When I learn of a restaurant or business in Roanoke that has WiFi, I get really excited.    I look to meet clients at a central location in Roanoke that has free wireless internet or a WiFi hotspot for business meetings.  If I am on the south side of town there are several nice restaurants and coffee shops I can use.  When I am downtown there are a few places I can go.  Trying to access the City of Roanoke's WiFi Hotzone can be rather frustrating.  You never know if it will work and for how long.  I don't have a dependable connection to conduct a business meeting! 

Roanoke City (recognized as the "Top Digital City" last year) installed the WiFi in 2003/2004.  What has been done since then?  What are the future plans for upgrades?  Who really cares if it works or not? 

There are lots of people that care and would use the service.  Roanoke is struggling to keep and attract young professionals (see article on Stuart Mease recently published in the Roanoke Times.

In fact this article brought an email on this subject to Stuart from Greg Hudgins, a former Roanoker, now a professional living in Northern Va.  Greg shared with Stuart…

"I find Roanoke to be a pretty hip small city and would think it is doing a better job of retaining younger folks than when I left.  One suggestion I have for Stuart as a visitor from a larger metropolitan area, DC, and as a measurement I use to gauge a cities "hip-ness" is its WIFI availability. As an OD consultant who travels a lot for my business, it is a plus for me when I visit a city and can find easy web and internet access. It is far more appealing when I find a city that supports their community by making WIFI free and easily accessible.

Roanoke promotes its free WIFI downtown in the market area but it doesn’t work. I think Roanoke is missing out on an opportunity in this regard and could use it to attract a younger demographic. When I ask Roanoker’s on the market for advice about it, they say it hasn’t worked well for years."

Obviously, it is important and people do care. So what plans does the city have to revamp it's WiFi hotzone? 

Roanoke Biz2Biz has always had an interest in WiFi hotspots in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.  We have compiled a list of WIFI Hotspots across Roanoke, Salem, New River Valley and Lynchburg.  We update the list as new locations are added.  If you can add to our list please comment here or email wifi@roanokebiz2biz.com.    

Attracting and retaining young professionals has been addressed by many in the Roanoke and New River Valleys.  I recently learned of a new organization for our area young professionals.   NewVA Connects is a young professional organization affiliated with the Roanoke Chamber of Commerce.  Their mission is "Through action, voice and interaction, NewVaConnects will make the region a more vibrant and welcoming community of opportunity for young professionals."  They have also recently started a new blog.

Roanoke City has also recognized the fact that we need to retain these young people in the Roanoke Valley.  Stuart Mease was hired by the City of Roanoke, to create programs and events, both social and professional, with existing regional entities to retain and attract young adults to the city and its surrounding region.

We posted on our blog an article asking businesses to step it up.  I would be interested to know what your business is doing to help retain these young professionals.  Post your comments here.