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Facing a wave of retirements, they predict 1,000 job openings in the next year, according to Brett Vassey, business services manager for the Virginia Department of Business Assistance.

And the region acutely needs health-care industry workers.

So Vassey and other business leaders welcomed a project on June 19, 2002 that was started by Workforce One, a function of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Richmond Partnership.

Officials expect the “Workforce Wizard” to serve as an Internet hub for regional job-seekers, employers, educators and job-training programs.

Features of the Web site, www.workforcewizard.com, are comparable to job sites such as Monster.com and RichmondCareers.com. But developers announcing the new project at the Richmond Omni on June 19th said they believe their wizard has a few extra tricks.

All the sites allow companies and job-seekers to post and search resumes, search for openings and exchange anonymous job and employee information.

Workforce Wizard claims about a dozen other features. Among them:

• Employers can search resumes for applicants with strengths in specific skills.
• Employers can post job fairs and intern program information.
• Applicants and firms can see information about testing and job-training services.

Chamber President Jim Dunn traced the new site’s origin back several years to talks between the chamber and the Greater Richmond Partnership, a regional economic development group.

Both agreed they should strive to develop a highly skilled employee base as a way to make Richmond more attractive to companies. Dunn said local businesses also told the two groups that they want a single place to satisfy employment needs.

Community colleges and companies including Kraft Foods Inc., Philip Morris USA, Infineon Technologies Richmond and Verizon Communications Inc. helped create the site.

The wizard cost about $200,000 to develop. Workforce One expects subscription fees from companies that use the site to pay for operations and additional development.

Greater Richmond was ranked No. 5 among the “Best Places to Live and Work in America” by Employment Review magazine and BestJobsUSA.com for 2002.

The city came in at No. 12 in 2001 and No. 16 in 2000. In all, 300 communities were assessed by the magazine for the eighth annual ranking.

Greater Richmond’s “close ties to the past and keen eye on the future have helped the city gain recognition as a great place to live and work,” reads the commentary on the Web site.

“Individuals would be hard-pressed to find a place as inviting as this friendly, progressive metropolis,” the commentary says.

The city has depended upon a manufacturing base, the commentary says. It has embraced new ventures, such as semiconductors, biotechnology, high-tech fibers, energy and pharmaceuticals. Insurance, finance and research and development also make a strong showing.

The Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors has established a Blue Ribbon Committee to evaluate the business environment of Chesterfield County, with a goal of reviewing business issues that may affect companies considering expanding or locating here. The goal, according to Board of Supervisors chairman Kelly Miller, is to continue to find ways to attract qualified business and industry to the county now, while enhancing our competitive posture for the future.

In addition to identifying beneficial elements, the committee will identify
possible impediments that hinder business growth, and make recommendations for improvements. The committee also will examine ordinances, laws, regulatory policies, local processes and other relevant issues in order to recommend changes and enhancements that will foster more investment and the creation of employment opportunities in the county.

The committee is comprised of 15 Chesterfield business owners and managers from a wide range of businesses of all sizes. It includes representation from small, medium and large manufacturers and other types of businesses from all areas of the county. The committee will solicit additional input from other business people and organizations throughout the county over the next several months.

“I know of no better way to assess the business climate here in Chesterfield County than to ask those who are business owners and operators to make a study of this sort. I am confident their work will yield new and helpful insights,” Miller said.

A report to the Board of Supervisors will follow the committee’s analysis.

A new program designed to assist Virginia companies with international exporting was announced by the Virginia Economic Development (VEDP)Partnership. VALET – Virginia Leaders in Export Trade – will provide capital, expert guidance and concrete solutions for businesses committed to expanding into international markets.

Super Radiator Coils, located in Chesterfield, is one of nine companies selected in the inaugural VALET group. Each year, VEDP will accept 15 Virginia businesses into the VALET program.

Each participating VALET company must commit a minimum of $20,000 annually toward its international export strategy. In exchange, the company will obtain $10,000 in services from VALET Program partners. Program partners include attorneys, web designers, bankers, translators, and freight-forwarders. This team of experienced international service providers will contribute essential skills for expansion into international markets.

Each participating company will also receive $10,000 toward the export transaction costs incured in the course of a successful international sales effort. Private investment in the VALET program totals more than $600,000. More information on the program and participating service providers can be found at www.exportvirginia.org Or you may contact Kim Weir, VALET Program Manager at kweir@yesvirginia.org or call (804) 371-0630.

As the bus pulls up at 6:00 a.m., Tyrine gets in for his 20 minute journey. He is not going to school though. He is going to work. Thanks to a program offered by Chesterfield County, Tyrine has been given the opportunity to work within the county despite his developmental disability.

For over 25 years Chesterfield Employment Services (CES) has been assisting workers with developmental disabilities find jobs throughout Central Virginia. Fiorucci Foods is an excellent example of the quality partnerships CES has gained with area industry and business. CES has approximately 150 participants with good jobs in factories doing production work, housekeeping in motels, working in laundries, grocery stores, pet stores, food service, stocking shelves, and more. Chesterfield Employment Services has a large, highly motivated pool of people with a variety of skills whose mission is bridging business needs with employment solutions.

Fiorucci Foods Inc., an Italian meat manufacturer located in the Walthall area of Chesterfield County, has successfully hired 3 CES workers in the past 4 years. Fiorucci has found these workers to be dependable and hard working. Finding dependable employees is always a challenge. When Chesterfield County presented this opportunity to the company four years ago, they were eager to try the program. Within days, they knew they had made the right decision.

Not only does the CES job coach assist in training the employees on the job, but they also regularly check on the employee’s progress to ensure that the employee is also benefiting from the job. Their developmental disabilities have not been an obstacle in getting the job accomplished. The CES employees occupy standard positions and produce quality work. Fiorucci encourages other businesses in the county to take advantage of this opportunity.

If you would like to speak to Fiorucci about their experience with the program, please contact Carey Tillett, Human Resource Manager – Fiorucci Foods, (804) 524-3461.

Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design, or CPTED, is a relatively new crime prevention strategy. Even though its concepts and principles have been used for hundreds of years, it was not until the early 1970s that urban planning and architecture experts, such as Jane Jacobs and Oscar Newman, studied the relationship between the built environment and criminal behavior. It was discovered that there is a direct correlation between the two. How the built environment is perceived does have an effect on one’s behavior, whether good or bad, which in turn affects the productivity of the environment, and that affects the amount of crime, potential loss and liability in that environment.

CPTED was born of the belief that the proper design and effective use of the built environment can lead to a reduction in the incidence and fear of crime and an improvement in the quality of life. While it took many years for crime-prevention practitioners and design professionals to buy into the idea, CPTED has been growing successfully across the nation and throughout the world at a surprising rate.

What Is CPTED?

Where many people envision crime prevention as installing additional locks, bars, moats, and other “fortress-building” devices, CPTED incorporates natural elements into the design phase of development. These elements can be applied easily and inexpensively early on, hence “prevention”, versus having to retrofit a structure after criminal activity has occurred, -“reaction”. CPTED principles integrate four interrelated design concepts. These concepts include Natural Surveillance, Natural Access Control, Territorial Reinforcement and Maintenance.

Natural Surveillance is a concept that utilizes increased visibility. The placement of physical features, (windows, entrances, parking areas), activities, (smoking and break areas), and people, (receptionists, cashiers or security personnel), in such a way enables the intended users of the space to see and be seen. The strategic placement of these items provides an opportunity to allow intruders, or inappropriate behaviors, to be observed and challenged, or reported to the police or property owner. Natural Surveillance is enhanced by providing adequate lighting and landscaping to allow for unobstructed views outside, as well as within.

Natural Access Control is a concept that focuses on physically guiding people, (subtly), to and from an environment. By strategically placing entrances, exits, fencing, landscaping and lighting, access will be controlled, while unauthorized access will be more noticeable. If ingress and egress is limited, a criminal may think twice, as the perception would be that there is too much risk in selecting that space as a target.

Territorial Reinforcement employs design elements, such as sidewalks, landscaping, fencing, pavement treatments and signage, to express ownership and define public and private areas. The concept suggests that physical design can create or extend a sphere of influence and ownership. Offenders will feel out of place and will look for an easier target.

Maintenance is a concept that allows for the continued use of a space. When an area becomes rundown, it tends to send a message to others that there is a lack of concern or control by the property owner, indicating a greater tolerance of disorder and crime. Proper maintenance protects the public health, safety and welfare in existing structures and surrounding premises, which increases the quality of life.

How Does It Work?

The Chesterfield County Police Department is one of two law-enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth of Virginia that have hired a full-time civilian to focus on CPTED and related issues. This position involves attending Site Plan Review sessions to provide CPTED comments on proposed development within the county, review of rezoning cases and subdivision development review. The position also involves working directly with police on various crime-related issues.

A full CPTED Security Assessment includes a review of crime statistics, a review of adjacent property uses, a crime review of the property itself, a thorough review of proposed design plans, (including site plans, design elevations, building layouts, landscaping and lighting plans), with an evaluation of the proposed use of the site. There is no cost for a CPTED Security Assessment.

As there are currently no county codes requiring that CPTED be implemented in the design phases of development, any recommendations made are at the mercy of the company or property owner. No one is forced to adhere to the CPTED recommendations, however, it is the duty of property owners and design professionals to address any safety issues brought to their attention.

If nothing else, companies, property owners, developers and architects should be concerned with Premises Liability. Court cases have shown that crime victims increasingly seek compensation from the owners, managers and even professional property designers of properties where crime takes place. With the available tools developed through CPTED, owners, developers and design professionals, who utilize proactive design, will reduce the likelihood that crime will occur on their premises and, in the event that a crime does occur, will provide a strong defense of reasonable conduct in a court of law.

What Are The Benefits?

• A Safer Building/Environment
  
  Customers will frequent businesses that offer a safe environment in which to conduct business.
• A More Productive Work Environment
  
  Employees and customers will feel safer and will be able to concentrate on business rather than crime-related issues that may have occurred on the property or in the building.
• A More Profitable Business
  
  Customers will be more inclined to frequent a safe business and there will be less employee turnover.
• Less Liability
  
  Being able to show reasonable actions for anticipated criminal activities will be of great support should legal issues arise.

Summary

CPTED can go a long way in making a community safe. Chesterfield County and the Chesterfield County Police Department are committed to providing residents and businesses the safest environments possible. Although there is no guarantee that the implementation of CPTED principles will make a building or community crime free, the CPTED concepts should reduce the probability and fear of crime, when properly applied and maintained.

CPTED can eliminate problem areas: a poorly lit parking lot, blind alley, or a public telephone stuffed into a dark corner. Along with the feeling of safety and security that CPTED brings will come a stronger sense of social responsibility. What better type of prevention is there?

For more information about CPTED, please contact Jennifer Bryant, CPTED Planner and Crime Prevention Specialist, at the Chesterfield County Police Department, (804) 796-7153.

The Richmond-Petersburg Area ranked 21st in Expansion Management’s list of “America’s 50 Hottest Cities” for manufacturing Expansions and Relocations.

The magazine polled over 75 site selection consultants to find out their choice for the top cities for relocating and expanding manufacturing companies. The consultants used their broad-based knowledge and projects that they have worked on to narrow the list to 50 from 331 Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).

Chesterfield County is located in the middle of this MSA. The rankings took into consideration such things as business environment, work force quality, operating costs, incentive programs, work training programs and ease of working with local officials.

The Boulders and CB Richard Ellis, Inc. have been named Chesterfield County Developer of the Year for 2001. Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors established a Business Appreciation and Recognition Award to recognize existing businesses within Chesterfield County that contribute to the county’s economy and its citizens.

CB Richard Ellis, Incorporated is located in The Boulders at 1001 Boulders Parkway and employs 55 individuals. The company manages and leases 11 buildings encompassing over one million square feet. The Boulders has assisted the County in attracting several quality companies such as CIGNA, Tredegar Corporation, Sentry Insurance, HCA, AAA of Virginia and Swedish Match.

The Boulders has been a premiere corporate development in Chesterfield County since the early 1980’s. Also, The Boulders Concert Area has played host to hundreds of events over the years, many of a charitable and fundraising nature. The Boulders is a 220-acre development offering a quality working environment with a unique identity offering value, prime location, distinctive architecture, quality construction, exquisite landscaping and responsive onsite management.

Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology helps Virginia companies to acquire technology, turn technology into a product and take technology-based products to the market. CIT was instrumental in raising Virginia’s ranking among states from 18th to 6th in the number of patents issued to universities and nonprofit institutions from 1987-1993.

CIT’s Mission & Strategic Plan

Virginia’s Center for Innovative Technology (CIT) is a state chartered, nonprofit organization dedicated to building Virginia’s future through technology. CIT’s mission is to enhance Virginia’s business competitiveness through technology innovation. With ten offices throughout the state, CIT provides access to technology expertise; expands Virginia’s R&D and technology infrastructure and creates collaborative environments to advance Virginia’s technology future.

CIT was created by the General Assembly of Virginia in 1984 as a nonprofit organization designed to enhance the research and development capability of the state’s major research universities. In its first decade, CIT implemented that original legislative intent by bringing Virginia businesses and institutions of higher education into relationships that promote a climate of cooperation and technological innovation.

In 1994, CIT adopted a new mission, one that measured CIT’s success in terms of jobs created/retained, companies created/retained/converted and competitiveness created for Virginia’s businesses. In the first three years of this new era, CIT assisted Virginia businesses in creating/retaining 9,854 jobs, creating/retaining/converting 222 companies and creating $278 million in competitiveness. In 1998, CIT assisted Virginia businesses in creating/retaining 10, 609 jobs, creating/retaining/converting 132 companies and creating $1.9 billion in competitiveness.

If you are interested in working with CIT, please contact the South Central Region offices at (804) 371-3433.

Rogar International Corporation has received the Chesterfield County 2001 Small Business of the Year award.

Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors established a Business Appreciation and Recognition Award to recognize existing businesses within the county that contribute to the county’s economy and its citizens. One such company is Rogar International Corporation.

Rogar International Corporation is located at 12738 Oak Lake Court in the Oak Lake Business Center. Robert Crist founded the company in 1975. The company’s mission has remained the same over the past twenty-five years, to design, manufacture and market top-quality consumer products. The company began producing a line of unique wine openers and added a full line of pot racks a few years later.

The company most recently has built 66,000 square feet of office, warehouse and factory space on 6 acres of land in Chesterfield County, with another 20,000 square feet to be built in the near future. Rogar has created 40-50 jobs to the county with the recent move to the facility on Oak Lake Court.

Congratulations to Robert and Carol Crist and all the Rogar employees!

John Tyler Community College, Jeffrey’s Manufacturing Solutions and Haas Automation, Inc. have teamed up to offer state-of-the-art machine tool job training. The Haas Technology Center for computer numerical control (CNC) machining was dedicated at at John Tyler’s Chester campus on Friday, September 28,2001.

The Center offers offers training on two Haas CNC machines, a VF-1 vertical machining center and the SL-20 turning center. “CNC machining is now an integral part of John Tyler’s precision machining technology program and our training of machinist apprentices,” said Bryce Jewett, president of Jewett Machine and chairman of JTCC’s machining advisory committee. “Thanks to the Haas Technology Center, beginning machinists and CNC operators may now learn to program, set up and operate these machines under the watchful eye of an instructor in the safety of a lab.”

For more information on the JTCC Precision Machining Technology program and training of machinist apprentices contact Kalie Kelch at (804) 706-5005 or kkelch@jt.cc.va.us

Mr. William F. Seymour, III, has seen a few projects come before the Authority in his time. He has served on the Industrial Development Authority’s (IDA) board for approximately thirty years now. He currently is the Chairman and represents the Midlothian district.

The IDA is composed of 7 directors; they serve 4-year terms; each director upon appointment or reappointment must take an oath of office; directors generally cannot be an officer or employee of the locality; directors must reside in the locality or an adjoining locality; the board must elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman from the directors, and a Secretary and Treasurer from within or out of the directors; and four members constitute a quorum, except that no facilities owned by the IDA may be leased or disposed of without a majority vote.

The Industrial Development and Revenue Bond Act sets forth specific purposes for which IDAs were created. In short, these items are:

1. Business Development
2. Pollution Control
3. Hospitals and Retirement Facilities
4. Facilities for Non-Profits
5. College and Collegiate Facilities
6. Governmental Facilities
7. Museums
8. Equine Facilities (other than racing)
9. Industrial Parks
10. Housing

Other members serving on the IDA are: James Spencer, Henry Moore, John Ruckart, John Hughes, James Briggs and Willie Lanier. Congratulations and a word of thanks to Mr. Seymour and all the members of the IDA!