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VEDA Spring Conference
March 13-14, 2008
Williamsburg, VA
Registration coming soon! Keep checking the website at www.goveda.org
Virginia Industrial Development Authorities Institute (VIDA)
April 15-16, 2008
Suffolk, VA
Developing a positive business environment and supporting infrastructure is the primary responsibility of Industrial Development Authorities throughout Virginia. The Virginia Industrial Development Authorities (VIDA) Institute is a two-day seminar that focuses on these responsibilities and targets Industrial Development Authority directors and members, government administrators, and economic and community development professionals.
Coordinated by the Office of Economic Development of Virginia Tech. For more information visit www.cpe.vt.edu/vida/
Please join the Office of Economic Development in congratulating John Provo as the new associate director of OED. This position acknowledges John's contributions to our work and the future potential for even greater impact on those we serve.
| Alumni Spotlight: Hokies in economic development |
Elizabeth J. Moran
Director of Legislative and Community Affairs
Virginia Department of Business Assistance
With more than 20 years in the profession Elizabeth J. Moran has seen economic development in Virginia from every angle. The breadth of her experience, which includes time in the private sector and in local and state government, has made her both a leader in the profession and a valued mentor to economic developers around the state...Read more about Elizabeth here
Partner Profile
University-based Economic Developers (UBED) |
In 2003, economic development staff contacts at Virginia’s public colleges and universities began to meet to compare notes and share best practices regarding their economic development efforts. Today, under the name UBED, the group’s efforts have grown off-campus and statewide, and UBED has expanded its membership to include state agencies and other associated economic development organizations.
Colleges and universities are increasingly part of the agenda when prospects consider and visit the state. In fact, one of the factors cited in the recent decision by Rolls Royce to locate an advanced jet engine manufacturing facility in Prince George's County was the ability of Virginia Tech, UVA, and the VCCS to present a comprehensive package to help the firm meet its workforce and continuing education needs.
UBED has identified a point of contact for every public institution to provide businesses with easy access
to public university resources. Information about these universities can now be accessed on the website of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership . It's never too soon to get acquainted. Reach out and contact your nearest UBED member today!
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| Greetings from the Director |
It always feels strange to be starting the spring term when there is snow on the ground. When you think of spring, you think of sprouting tulips and daffodils. But looking out my window, all I see is falling snow! The students are  back in the groove after their winter break, and we at OED have rolled up our sleeves and put our noses to the grindstone in preparation for another productive year.
In this edition of our newsletter Dave Nutter reviews a new Tobacco Commission thrust on energy which is very important to economic development. Our partner, Kevin Creehan, from Virginia Tech's Center for High Performance Manufacturing, contributes a report on our collaboration on research into new product development for small manufacturers for the U.S. Small Business Administration. You’ll also find our regular departments including “news you can use” from the web, a new “how to” for a free on-line data tool, our partner and alumni spotlights, and more. |
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| Energy Initiatives Focus of Tobacco Commission |
Building on the work of the General Assembly and the Governor’s 2007 Virginia Energy Plan, the Virginia Tobacco Commission has made three $400,000 planning grants that will help foster more reliable, sufficient and cost-effective energy production across Virginia. Each of the three projects is being organized around key research and development (R&D) opportunities that will target emerging market trends while leveraging the comparative advantages of the respective regions of the state... Read Full Article |
| New Ideas for Virginia Manufacturers |
Virginia Tech has received a grant to help a few small manufacturers in the development of new products to assist them in long term growth or to maintain markets they currently serve. The definition of new product development in this effort includes assistance in creating either a totally new product or revisions to an existing product that is intended to generate new revenue streams. The lead organizations in this project at Virginia Tech are the Office of Economic Development and the Center for High Performance Manufacturing (CHPM). The purpose of the initiative is to reach the market of small, rural manufacturers to provide expert product development assistance to enhance competitiveness in Virginia's small manufacturing companies...Read Full Article
The Cooperative Leadership Institute (CLI) is a practical model for how technology transfer, intellectual property management, and common sense can lead to regional economic development. As a university program with three years of pilot program funding, CLI found itself in a common position of having created sound technology and intellectual property that could meet a market need. For CLI that was leadership development for managers and executives using a proprietary learning management system and curriculum that could be easily customized and made relevant for clients...Read Full Article
Don’t get left out of the economic census!
Have you ever found yourself frustrated by government statistics? Are you concerned your community’s business assets may be overlooked?
This month more than 4 million American businesses will receive 2007 Economic Census forms from the U.S. Census Bureau. This is the nation’s most comprehensive measure of business and industry, taken every five years. Many businesses in your communities will be good corporate citizens and return their forms promptly by the February 12, 2008 due date. Others may need a little nudge.
You can help! Please, promote census response among the businesses in your area – through your existing newsletters, emails, and websites. You can use material at http://business.census.gov/media to better understand how the economic census benefits all of us. The site includes significant facts and snapshots about selected industries.
Research and development trends, how do we stack up?
The headlines on recent reports indicate growth nationally in research spending by companies and the federal government, with a 4.8% increase in federal obligations to universities and a 5.4% increase in research investments by industry between 2004 and 2005 (most recent data available). The rest of the story suggests geographic concentration with traditional powerhouses like California and New York padding their leads. Virginia’s numbers were steady and firmly in the middle of the pack among states in both categories. See the numbers for yourself at these links:
Research by businesses http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/infbrief/nsf07335/
Federal research to higher education
http://www.ssti.org/Digest/Tables/110707t.htm
Put more information about higher education at your fingertips!
The US Department of Education website http://nces.ed.gov/globallocator/ provides a one-stop shop for economic developers to access detailed information about specific degrees issued by 2 and 4 year colleges and universities.
First, go to this http://nces.ed.gov/globallocator/ and select a state and city or zip code. Set a search radius (e.g., up to 50 miles). Check “Colleges,” and it will return all two and four year institutions within your search parameters.
Next, select an institution and you’ll get a window with a general summary of data.
Click on link for “more information” at the top to receive a more detailed profile. Click on “programs/majors” in the blue box on the center page. For detailed information on students graduating for the most recent year available (currently 2005-2006). This is provided not just by degree, i.e. BA, MS, Ph.D., and not just by general program, e.g. engineering, but detailed specializations where available such as chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, etc.
 We will continue to invent the future through our blood and tears and through
all our sadness.... We will prevail....
-- Nikki Giovanni, University Distinguished Professor, poet, activist |
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