Making a major move during a cold early January week might have seemed an unnecessary challenge for some organizations, but the Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board (SVWIB) knew that once they settled into their brand new administrative offices at the Ice House development in downtown Harrisonburg, the benefits would be well worth it.
The decision to make the move was strategic as well as practical according to Jeff Stapel, SVWIB Chairman “The collaborative space at the new Ice House development provides great opportunities for strengthening local and regional partnerships that contribute to a strong workforce development program. The SVWIB is thrilled to be a part of the project and looks forward to the future benefits it will bring to our region.”
The Ice House complex is a joint effort between James Madison University and partners that features a revitalized 80,000-square-foot building. Phase one of the project filled 30,000 square feet with university departments and community organizations such as Outreach and Engagement, the Office of Technology Innovation, Communications and Marketing, the JMU Small Business Development Center, the Center for Entrepreneurship and the Lifelong Learning Institute. Phase two brings more organizations and local businesses into the complex for a diverse mix of innovation, resources, new business and commercialized technology. The facility will serve as a center of collaboration and engagement for JMU students, entrepreneurs and citizens in the local community.
The SVWIB expects to leverage the increased visibility and access to community resources towards a well-trained, efficient and engaged workforce in the region. SVWIB Chief Executive Officer Sharon Johnson sums up the move: “By forging stronger relationships in an atmosphere of this type, we know that our programs and stakeholders will be well-served. Increased efficiency, maximized use of community resources and better connections create a win-win for the career seekers and businesses that use our services.”
The Shenandoah Valley Workforce Investment Board is an incorporated, non-profit organization serving 16 localities in Northwestern Virginia. The SVWIB operates five Valley Workforce Centers and directs numerous workforce initiatives. They partner with business, education, economic development, and other community and faith-based organizations to thoroughly understand the current labor market and develop innovative solutions to address broad regional workforce issues. For more information visit www.valleyworkforce.com or contact Sharon Johnson at [email protected], 540.442.7134.
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