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IALR March 2019 newsletter
Dan River Region Community Health Worker Initiative Receives National Attention
Panel Discussion at SXSW Conference Positions Program as Model
At the SXSW (South by Southwest) Conference’s Energizing Health gathering, “The Community Health Worker of the Future” panel discussion featured (pictured, left to right): Molly K. McCarthy, the National Director of the U.S. Provider Market and the Chief Nursing Officer for Microsoft’s U.S. Health and Life Sciences sector; Venus Gines, the President and Founder of Día De La Mujer Latina™ Inc.; Dr. Tracey Green, the head of Aetna Medicaid’s Personalized Health; and Dr. Julie Brown, Director of Advanced Learning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research.
The Community Health Worker (CHW) project of the Dan River Region received national attention during a March 11 panel discussion at the annual SXSW (South by Southwest) Conference, held in Austin, Texas. The panel, “The Community Health Worker of the Future,” discussed how data projects, public/private partnerships and digital health tools have shaped the way that communities provide essential outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy.
Dr. Julie Brown, Director of Advanced Learning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), spoke as a panelist at the SXSW Energizing Health event and shared how the Dan River Region program has benefitted the health and well-being of citizens and how it can serve as a model to other areas seeking enhanced healthcare access. IALR serves as the fiscal agent and CHW project lead and works with many partners, including The Health Collaborative, PATHS Community Medical Center, Gateway Health, the Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority, Caswell Family Medical Center, Danville Life Saving Crew, Sovah Health and Centra.
“As we continue to drive economic transformation in Southern Virginia, fostering and sustaining a healthy workforce and community remains a top priority,” said Mark Gignac, Executive Director of IALR. “We are fortunate to enjoy strong partnerships that help the Community Health Worker initiative thrive and grow, and I’m excited about IALR’s role in helping elevate it as a model to other regions.”
Other panelists included Molly K. McCarthy, the National Director of the U.S. Provider Market and the Chief Nursing Officer for Microsoft’s U.S. Health and Life Sciences sector; Venus Gines, the President and Founder of Día De La Mujer Latina™ Inc.; and Dr. Tracey Green, the head of Aetna Medicaid’s Personalized Health.
The SXSW Energizing Health gathering aims to help the underserved population and marginalized groups by working together to eliminate systemic barriers to health and create healing communities. It focuses on creating opportunities for entrepreneurs, community advocates, venture capital, philanthropy, health organizations and industry.
CHWs are public health workers who serve as a link between healthcare, social services and community members to increase access to services and improve health management. CHWs improve clients’ ability to manage their health through a series of activities including outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. The CHWs will provide clients personalized assistance to develop a health management plan, assist with acquisition of treatment, and educate and inform on health maintenance. They also educate providers about clients’ health needs. The Community Health Worker Initiative is a project under The Health Collaborative’s Access to Healthcare Action Team.
“The Community Health Worker Initiative is a critical component of The Health Collaborative’s community health improvement work,” said Elyse Jardine, Project Manager for The Health Collaborative. “Designed to improve individual health, community well-being and create a healthcare career pipeline, the CHW initiative strengthens the community’s ability to manage its chronic conditions while advocating for a healthier, more resilient Dan River Region.”
Dr. Julie Brown, Director of Advanced Learning at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, spoke as a panelist at the SXSW Energizing Health event and shared how the Community Health Worker initiative of the Dan River Region has benefitted the health and well-being of citizens and how it can serve as a model to other areas seeking enhanced healthcare access.
Second Annual Industrial Hemp Summit Sells Out to More Than 350 Attendees
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Halifax County (Va.), co-hosts of the 2019 Industrial Hemp Summit, announce that tickets for this year’s event sold out at more than 350 attendees. Held at IALR Feb.25-26, the multi-stakeholder collaboration focused on building the U.S. industrial hemp market, highlighting innovations and exploring necessary resources and infrastructure for industry development.
“Last year’s event attracted attendees from 10 states, the District of Columbia, Canada, Mexico and China,” said IALR Executive Director Mark Gignac. “We are pleased with this year’s sell-out event, which has drawn an even wider audience from 18 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and the U.K. With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill and the increasing interest in this emerging market, we expect the size of the event to grow even more next year.”
Summit attendees included investors, economic developers, tobacco companies, entrepreneurs, medical companies and others interested in advancing the U.S. industrial hemp market. Industrial hemp is used to make a variety of commercial and industrial products, including health and natural food products, supplements, skin products, clothing, bioplastics, insulation, biofuel and more. Thanks to December’s federal legislation, U.S. growers, processors and others may now consider entering this versatile market as an opportunity for diversification.
“We are excited about the continued interest and growth of the U.S. industrial hemp market and are already planning for another successful summit in 2020 to continue this high-level conversation of hemp’s benefit to the entire supply chain,” said Blanks. “Information about the 2020 summit will be posted at www.industrialhempsummit.info when available.”
Panelists included a multitude of bioscience experts like Dr. Michael Timko, Professor and Lewis & Clark Chair of Biology at the University of Virginia, and Dr. Volker Bornemann, CEO of Avazyme (a Durham, N.C.-based laboratory offering field and laboratory testing, product development and consulting services to agricultural and food industries). They discussed genetics, hybridization and tissue culture cloning as well as cultivation, extraction and testing. Just some of the industry panelists included Erin Williams, program manager of the Virginia Industrial Hemp Research Program for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; Dr. Chad Ulven, Professor at North Dakota State University and CEO of c2renew (a bio-composite material designer and custom compounder); Kristin Adams, Founder and CEO of Afterglow Cosmetics; and John Rouklac, CEO and Founder of RE Botanicals and Chief Visionary Officer of Nutiva. Their discussion topics ranged from the state of the industry to market making technical fibers, consumer goods and textiles. Panelists rounded out the day with discussions of how to build and scale a hemp business as well as the future of the hemp industry.
For questions or more information on next year’s Industrial Hemp Summit, please contact (434) 766-6605 or info@industrialhempsummit.info.
New and Advanced Grape Grower Workshop to be Held in March
Part of cost-share program to address grape shortage, encourage growth of Virginia wine industry
In its ongoing efforts to support economic revitalization efforts, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce a free workshop for agricultural entrepreneurs interested in starting or expanding their own vineyard. Both new and advanced grape growers can attend the workshop on best practices. The workshops will be taught by Virginia Tech experts, and information will be shared on how to apply for the cost-share program of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC). Vineyard growers across the 34-county footprint of the TRRC are encouraged to attend.
“We are excited to offer another workshop to help promote vineyard growth and to expose growers to funding opportunities thanks to the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission,” said Mark Gignac, Executive Director of IALR. “This workshop, appropriate for both new growers as well as advanced growers, is open to anyone interested in viticulture, an agricultural resource critical to Virginia’s agritourism and wine industry.”
The New and Advanced Grower Workshop will be held on March 15 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Abingdon Vineyards, located at 20530 Alvarado Road in Abingdon, Va. Tony Wolf, Director of the Alson H. Smith Agricultural Research and Extension Center at Virginia Tech, as well as Tremain Hatch, Viticulture Specialist for the Virginia Tech/Virginia Cooperative Extension, will both lead the discussion and activities. Participants will learn about market opportunities, business planning and predicted cash flows, site evaluation and environmental challenges, design considerations and more. A complimentary lunch will be provided. Attendees should dress appropriately for an outdoor component, including a visit to the vineyard.
Amy Turner of IALR and Program Manager of the TRRC Vineyard Development and Expansion Cost-Share Program, will provide details on cost-share funding. Although the workshop is free, advance registration is required by March 13, 2019, and can be secured by visiting http://bit.ly/grapeworkshop.
Attendance to the New Grower Workshop or a previously offered workshop is required for new growers in order to be eligible for the TRRC’s Vineyard Development and Expansion Cost-Share Program. IALR was recently named by TRRC as the new program manager of this program, first launched in 2016. New applications for grant awards are currently being accepted. Through the cost-share program, IALR works with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, TRRC and the Virginia Vineyards Association to increase vineyard acreage and address the shortage of Virginia-grown grapes.
The TRRC’s cost-share program, in place through Jan. 12, 2020, is designed to support Virginia’s wine industry and agritourism by providing growers incentive to expand vineyard acreage. A cost-share award of up to $3,000 per acre is available for qualified vineyard growers—reimbursing 33 percent of eligible expenditures. Vineyards with up to nine acres may receive a maximum award of up to $15,000, and those with 10 or more acres may receive a maximum award of up to $20,000. Funding is awarded through a competitive process and may be sought by qualified existing growers who wish to expand their current acreage and by new growers developing their first vineyard. To be considered for the program, new growers must establish at least three acres of new vines, and existing growers must be willing to plant a minimum of one new acre. Eligible cost-share items include, but are not limited to, grapevines, hardware for trellis systems, fencing and irrigation systems.
To learn more about the New Grower Workshop or funding eligibility requirements, including a detailed map of the 34 eligible counties across Southern and Southwest Virginia, growers may visit TRRCgrape.com or contact Turner at amy.turner@ialr.org or 434-766-6788. Turner also will assist growers with the application process.
The SOVA Vineyard Development and Expansion Program was developed with an overall goal of increasing production of wine grapes in Southern and Southwest Virginia. In order for wines to be marketed as Virginia wines, they must contain at least 75 percent of Virginia-grown grapes. While the number of wineries in Virginia has been increasing, the pace of vineyard expansion has lagged, resulting in acute grape shortages and the slowing of Virginia wine production. In 2015, the Virginia Wineries Association, Virginia Wine, Virginia Vineyards Association and Virginia Wine Council partnered on a strategic plan to address the issue.
IALR February 2019 newsletter
IALR Announces Internship Opportunities
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce and accept applications for the 2019 Summer Internship Program. The program will place nine interns in meaningful, on-the-job training experiences at IALR in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and data analysis/research.
“To effectively prepare our future talent and meet the needs of area employers, we are excited to once again offer students and graduates this real-world leadership development opportunity in the form of an IALR summer internship,” said Dr. Julie Brown, IALR’s Director of Advanced Learning. “Thanks to the support of the IALR Foundation, we are able to cultivate a high-quality talent pipeline across multiple STEM disciplines vital to the economic transformation of our region.”
To be considered for the eight-week, paid project, candidates must be one of the following: (1) a high school graduate with plans to attend college in the fall of 2019, (2) an undergraduate or graduate level college student or (3) a recent college graduate who completed a college degree within the last 12 months. For the most part, the project will be completed June-July 2019.
Available internship opportunities include:
- Biotechnology to Develop Natural Plant Biostimulants with Dr. Chuansheng Mei
- Biotechnology to Develop Natural Plant Pesticides with Dr. Chuansheng Mei
- Precision Agriculture with Samantha Smith-Herndon
- Agricultural Technology Internship – SMART Table with Daniel Caccavelli (two positions)
- Research and Data Analysis for the Southern Virginia Region with Linda Green
- Marketing and Communications with Allison Moore
- Talent Development and Career Pathways in Manufacturing and Engineering with Dr. Julie Brown (two positions)
Interns will receive a stipend of $2,750 paid in two equal installments ($1,375) after four weeks of demonstrated success. The anticipated weekly time commitment is 28 hours, and the IALR mentor will set the work schedule during the intern orientation.
Applications are due by 4 p.m. (EST), March 15, 2019. The internship application, other information and detailed project descriptions are available at www.ialr.org/internships. For more information, please contact Brown at julie.brown@ialr.org or 434.766.6711, or Betty Wilcher, IALR’s Human Resources Manager, at betty.wilcher@ialr.org or 434.766.6747.
Berkley Toufas, a 2018 IALR summer intern (left), assisted IALR’s Samantha Smith-Herndon (center) with the precision agriculture drone project and shared the technology with children attending a STEM camp.
IALR Awarded Funding for ISO-Certified Analytical Testing Facility
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has been awarded $395,105 in funding from the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC) to establish an ISO-Certified Analytical Testing Facility. The lab will meet ISO 17025 certification requirements, serving and supporting the needs of the agricultural community in the TRRC footprint.
“As new agricultural markets are on the horizon for interested Virginia farmers, we are excited to work with the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission to one day offer a critical testing component to ease entry into these markets and encourage their growth,” said Mark Gignac, IALR’s Executive Director. “This is one aspect of how we constantly seek ways to support the growth and economic transformation of our region, and agriculture certainly remains a vital part of our economy.”
Organic vegetable, wine, hops, barley and industrial hemp are just some of the emerging markets requiring testing for safety and marketability. The lab will help new farmers entering these potentially profitable sectors by providing accessible, affordable testing for pesticides, heavy metals, biological contaminants and more. The program aims to diversify the region’s agricultural outputs, promote agribusiness growth and increase agribusiness profitability.
One emerging market, industrial hemp, was recently approved through the 2018 Farm Bill signed into legislation at the federal level in December. IALR is positioned to serve as a market catalyst for this industry by offering the highest quality testing services at an affordable rate thanks to the funding from TRRC. Both growers and processors may benefit from the ISO-certified testing. Industrial hemp is used to make a variety of commercial and industrial products, including health and natural food products, supplements, skin products, clothing, bioplastics, insulation, biofuel and more.
“The emerging industrial hemp market will provide increased opportunities for regional growers wishing to diversify,” said Dr. Scott Lowman, Director of Applied Research at IALR. “The Institute is poised to be a leader in the industrial hemp market by combining plant science expertise with analytical chemistry and market connections.”
Part of the funding will allow the purchase of an elite research equipment item. UPLC-MS/MS, or Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-tandem Mass Spectrometer, is a chemistry technique that combines the physical separation capabilities of liquid chromatography (separating a chemical mixture into its individual components) with the mass analysis capabilities of mass spectrometry (measuring the molecular masses of the chemical compounds within a sample). The Waters Xevo TQ-XS model will take this technology to a new level, expanding analysis accuracy, sensitivity and reproducibility with automated system optimization, status monitoring and reporting.
IALR Analytical Chemist Jack He provides analytical methodology development and chemical testing services to help speed decision making processes, and quantifies the efficacy of products under development.
IALR January 2019 newsletter
IALR to Build Center for Manufacturing Advancement
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce plans to build a 51,250-square-foot Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) on the IALR campus. The innovative CMA will offer a platform for leading-edge business success specifically targeted at manufacturing companies establishing or expanding their presence in Southern Virginia.
“The skill sets and demand for advanced manufacturing labor are continuously growing alongside the endless evolution of technology,” said Mark Gignac, Executive Director of IALR. “IALR has proudly championed the growth of this sector as one path toward regional economic transformation with the Gene Haas Center for Integrated Machining Technology; temporary, rapid-launch space for companies to use as they build, upgrade or occupy a permanent new facility; and economic development support to help attract new manufacturers to the area to benefit from the workforce pipeline and other regional assets of Southern Virginia. This new Center for Manufacturing Advancement will allow us to continue these activities on a larger scale and to promote business success in a collaborative, innovative setting.”
The CMA, projected to open in 2021, will be built adjacent to the recently completed Kyocera SGS Tech Hub facility. It will feature two floors, offices, meeting rooms, areas to house support services and the following amenities for manufacturer tenants:
- rapid-launch facilities that will enable new businesses to begin limited operations off site during what is traditionally the initial down time as new businesses wait for their factory to be constructed and equipped to support full operations;
- an ISO-certified inspection lab that will provide integrated inspection capabilities required to validate product quality. This service will reduce the start-up phase for a new company by 8 to 10 months, the time required to certify an inspection lab;
- process improvement labs that will enable new and existing businesses to improve their processes in a more expeditious manner, thereby ensuring global competitiveness;
- a platform for collaborative innovation that allows manufacturing companies, technology companies and engineering students to work together to discover, integrate and showcase emerging technology; and
- concierge service that provides the wrap-around support needed by companies new to the U.S. during their critical start-up phase.
With few other regions currently offering a similar complement of services, the CMA is expected to serve as an important economic development tool and provide Virginia with a competitive edge in 21st century manufacturing.
The CMA’s location on the campus of IALR will allow it to leverage resources by drawing its governance, leadership and administrative support from IALR. The total cost is expected to be $25.5 million, which will be funded by the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as the Danville Regional Foundation.
Foster Joins IALR Board of Trustees
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce that Dr. Betty Jo Foster, Interim President of Danville Community College (DCC), has joined IALR’s board of trustees. 
“We are delighted to welcome Dr. Betty Jo Foster back to our board of trustees and look forward to her direction and keen insight, especially as it relates to education, talent development and business initiatives,” said Mark Gignac, Executive Director at IALR. “Her valuable experience and deep knowledge of our area’s challenges and opportunities will positively impact our efforts to drive economic transformation throughout Southern Virginia.”
Foster began her career at DCC in 1971 as an Instructor and taught in the Office Systems Technology program for 19 years. She then became the Director of the Center for Business, Industry and Government and later served as Director of Continuing Education and as Vice President of Academic and Student Services. During her tenure at DCC, she also served as the Interim President of Central Virginia Community College in Lynchburg, Va.
After her retirement from DCC in 2006, Foster continued to work for DCC as an adjunct professor. She served as the Interim President and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce in 2017-2018.
Foster received her bachelor’s degree in Business Education from Radford University, her master’s degree in Vocational Technical Education from Virginia Tech and her doctorate in Educational Administration from NOVA University. In addition, she graduated from the Harvard Graduate School of Education (Institute for the Management of Lifelong Learning) and is certified as an Achieve Global Trainer and a Customer Service Trainer. Over the years, she has conducted numerous seminars and workshops for business and industry.
Foster has taken leadership roles in numerous organizations, including a board position for Smart Beginnings, the past chair of IALR’s board of trustees and the past chair of the Danville Regional Medical Center (now Sovah Health) board of directors. She also served on the Danville Regional Foundation’s board of directors, actively participated in Riverview Rotary and was a charter member of Leadership Pittsylvania County.
IALR is governed by a 15-member board of trustees consisting of the presidents or their designees of Averett University, Danville Community College and Virginia Tech; the chairman or his designee of the board of the Future of the Piedmont Foundation; one resident of the City of Danville to be appointed by the Danville City Council; one resident of Pittsylvania County to be appointed by the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors; and nine citizens representing business and industry and residing in Southside Virginia, three to be appointed by the governor, three to be appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules and three to be appointed by the speaker of the House of Delegates.
IALR Publishes 2017-2018 Annual Report
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has published its 2017-2018 Annual Report, which shares how each division has played a critical role in preserving and delivering IALR’s mission on a daily basis.
“Every decision, every goal, every metric centers on positively impacting and transforming our region’s economy,” said Mark Gignac, IALR’s Executive Director. “We feel so strongly about fulfilling this mission that we dedicated the theme of the Annual Report to ‘Driving Economic Transformation: Discovery. Opportunity. Progress. Greatness.’”
Select copies of the Annual Report are available in print format at IALR as well as online. The online version is accessible at https://www.flipsnack.com/theialr and includes interactive segments and videos. The content reveals: (1) how IALR’s Applied Research division has discovered scientific breakthroughs to fuel product development efforts of new and existing industry; (2) how the Advanced Learning division has created opportunity for students and the emerging and legacy workforce of the region; (3) how the Economic Development division has powered progress by attracting and retaining top industry to Southern Virginia; and (4) how the Institute Conference Center has hosted greatness with a state-of-the-art venue, on-site catering, professional staff and 21st century advanced technology. 
“The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research is fortunate to enjoy the support of a multitude of equally minded partners dedicated to transforming our region’s economy,” said Gignac. “To try to name each one would be a futile effort, but we truly appreciate their collaboration, which has helped produce the milestones achieved and outlined in the Annual Report.”
In addition to the recap of achievements, the report also reminds audiences of new developments. In March, IALR’s Board of Trustees voted for the first time since its inception to add a new, fifth division, Advanced Manufacturing, effective July 1. In his letter on page 7, IALR’s Board Chairman, The Honorable Donald Merricks, touches on the importance of the division to revitalization efforts and how it serves as an example of IALR’s commitment to grow this valuable industry sector. Because the timing of the new division fell outside the Annual Report’s concentrated time span, it will be detailed more fully in future publications.
“I hope people enjoy the content and design of the report,” said Gignac. “To emulate our organization’s forward-thinking approach, we integrated a smart balance of color, contemporary graphics and visual storytelling to portray the metrics and milestones significant to IALR’s revitalization mission.”
IALR’s Wilcher to Serve as SHRM State Council President-Elect
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research’s (IALR) Human Resources Manager, Betty Wilcher, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, will serve as 2019 State Council President-Elect for Virginia’s Membership of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).
“Betty’s positive energy, willingness to go the extra mile and commitment to her work position her for much continued success,” said Mark Gignac, Executive Director at IALR. “I am proud of her new role as President-Elect for the State Council of SHRM, and I have no doubt she will accomplish significant milestones.”
As a 12-year SHRM member, Wilcher has held various positions, including service on the Southside Virginia Chapter Board before stepping into the role of Chapter President-Elect and then Chapter President. She then became involved with the Virginia SHRM State Council and was introduced to a role within the annual Virginia SHRM State Conference. Most recently, she served as State Council Southern District Director.
Wilcher is a graduate of Virginia Tech and James Madison University. Most of her career has related to human resources and has spanned the fields of education, retail, behavioral health services, telecommunications, manufacturing and presently economic transformation. Wilcher takes pride in fulfilling IALR’s mission to serve as a catalyst for regional revitalization.
Betty Wilcher, SHRM-SCP, SPHR, Human Resources Manager for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and 2019 State Council President-Elect for Virginia’s Membership of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
IALR Sponsored Holiday Tree Program Raises $15,100 for Charities
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce that its 9th annual Decorating the Trees for a Cause program has raised $15,100 for nonprofit organizations this holiday season. Forty-one organizations participated in the program, and each selected a charity for which to collect votes in the form of donations.
“This is the second largest amount we have raised in the last nine years,” said Ellen Bass, Sales & Marketing Manager for the Institute Conference Center. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this a successful event and benefit those charities and organizations who support our region in such meaningful ways throughout the year.”
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company’s tree received the most votes and donations. The company’s charity of choice, the United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County, received donations totaling $7,294.52. Through an anonymous sponsorship, an $800 bonus will also be awarded to United Way in recognition of the first-place results.
URW Community Federal Credit Union’s tree received the second most votes, and their donations, which totaled $1,100.11, were selected to go to the Children’s Miracle Network. For their second-place results, thanks again to the anonymous sponsorship, this cause will also receive a $400 bonus donation.
The four-week voting and display period for the Decorating the Trees for a Cause program ended Dec. 20, and all participants will receive 100 percent of the donations contributed for their trees. Since the program’s beginning in 2010, $101,497.33 has been raised for charitable causes.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. The Institute’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company’s tree raised $7,294.52 for the company’s selected charity, United Way of Danville-Pittsylvania County. As the first-place winner of the most votes and donations, it also received a bonus of $800 made possible by an anonymous sponsor.
URW Community Federal Credit Union’s tree finished second for most votes and donations collected. It raised $1,100.11 for the Children’s Miracle Network and received a bonus of $400 made possible by an anonymous sponsor.
IALR December 2018 newsletter
IALR to Hold Open House for Decorating the Trees for a Cause
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) will hold an Open House on Tuesday, Dec. 4, 4:30-6:30 p.m., for the 9th annual Decorating the Trees for a Cause event, which raises funds for local charities. The event, free and open to the public, will feature more than 40 decorated trees, complimentary refreshments, musical performances and the opportunity to visit with Santa.
“The Open House for our Decorating the Trees for a Cause program is an opportunity for families and the community to gather and enjoy the festivities of the holiday season while also giving back to those nonprofit organizations who do so much to support our area throughout the year” said Ellen Bass, Marketing and Sales Manager at the Institute Conference Center. “We hope people will take advantage of this opportunity to view some spectacular and creatively decorated trees, hear some heartwarming and uplifting musical performances and experience the joy of the season.”
Each decorated tree represents a charitable organization for which the community is invited to vote in the form of a donation during the holiday display period. All participants receive 100 percent of their collected donations.
The following groups will share musical performances at the Open House: Park Avenue Elementary Chorus at 5 p.m., Forest Hills Elementary Chorus at 5:30 p.m. and Danville Area Choral Arts Society at 6 p.m.
Santa will make an appearance at the Open House as well. For a $5 donation to a participating tree/charity of choice, visitors may visit with Santa and are welcome to take photos if desired.
The tree voting period is currently open and ends at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 20. Voting takes place Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. IALR will hold special extended hours for the public to view and vote for the trees on the following dates: Dec. 1 from 6-8 p.m.; Dec. 14, 17 and 19 from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Last year, the event raised $14,955.31 of funds for local charities. Over the past eight years, a total of $85,496.61 has been raised for nonprofits.
For more information, please contact Ellen Bass at (434) 766-6743 or ellen.bass@ialr.org.
IALR, Halifax County to Host 2nd Annual Industrial Hemp Summit Feb. 25-26
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) and Halifax County (Va.) are pleased to co-host the 2019 Industrial Hemp Summit at IALR Feb.25-26. Registration is now open at www.industrialhempsummit.info.
“This is the second year we have hosted this summit to explore a potentially robust industry for our nation’s agricultural economy,” said Mark Gignac, Executive Director of IALR. “In support of economic transformation endeavors, we are excited about this important opportunity for collaboration, discussion and networking to include top experts in the field.”
The Industrial Hemp Summit is a multi-stakeholder collaboration focused on building the industrial hemp industry in the U.S. A specific focus of the summit will center on building the supply chain and market making for industrial hemp food, fiber and flower. The summit will highlight innovation that is currently happening in the industry, as well as explore what resources and infrastructure are needed to move the industry forward.
“At this crucial juncture, it is important for everyone along the supply chain to come together to discuss how to build America’s hemp industry in order for all voices to be involved in the development,” said Kimley Blanks, Halifax County Special Projects Manager.
Panelists will include a multitude of bioscience experts like Dr. Michael Timko, Professor and Lewis & Clark Chair of Biology at the University of Virginia, and Dr. Volker Bornemann, CEO of Avazyme (a Durham, N.C.-based laboratory offering field and laboratory testing, product development and consulting services to agricultural and food industries). They will discuss genetics, hybridization and tissue culture cloning as well as cultivation, extraction and testing. Just some of the industry panelists include Erin Williams, program manager of the Virginia Industrial Hemp Research Program for the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; Dr. Chad Ulven, Professor at North Dakota State University and CEO of c2renew (a bio-composite material designer and custom compounder); Kristin Adams, Founder and CEO of Afterglow Cosmetics; and Dhruv Agarwal, Director of Materials Innovation at VF Global Innovation Center (the corporation responsible for such brands as The North Face and Vans). Their discussion topics will range from the state of the industry to market making technical fibers, consumer goods and textiles. Panelists will round out the day with discussions of how to build and scale a hemp business as well as the future of the hemp industry.
To register or view the full agenda and panelist line-up, visit www.industrialhempsummit.info. Tickets are $200 through Dec. 15, the early bird discount deadline. After Dec. 15, tickets are $250. Monday night reception admission is $50. For questions or more information, please contact (434) 766-6605 or info@industrialhempsummit.info.
IALR November 2018 Newsletter
Community Health Worker Project of the Dan River Region Wins Awards
The following Community Health Workers of the Dan River Region posed with their 2018 THRIVE! Award and Health Quality Innovators Rural Health award (left to right): Dawaun Carter, Vernel Salley, Martina Tatum, Alexia Waltington, Kenya Elliott, Jennifer Canada, Tameka Coles, Marlo Burton, Stephen Coles, Chaquita Chappell and LaKendra Lipscomb. Not pictured: Crystal Deshazor.
After only two years, the Community Health Worker (CHW) project of the Dan River Region has won two awards for its efforts and positive impact. The Health Collaborative presented the CHW project with the 2018 THRIVE! Award at its annual Health Summit on Oct. 25. Health Quality Innovators (HQI) selected the CHW project as the first runner-up for its Rural Health category of their annual Virginia Innovators Awards event on Oct. 24.
“The Community Health Worker Initiative is an innovative coalition model, promoting evidence-based practices and promising strategies in rural healthcare implementation. The relationships and commitment CHWs have with their patients, along with their ability to identify barriers to good health, enrich the work of a larger community health improvement effort,” said Elyse Jardine, Project Manager of The Health Collaborative. “The CHW Initiative plays a vital role in the successes of The Health Collaborative and our work towards building a healthier, more vibrant and resilient Dan River Region.”
CHWs are public health workers who serve as a link between healthcare, social services and community members to increase access to services and improve health management. CHWs improve clients’ ability to manage their health through a series of activities including outreach, community education, informal counseling, social support and advocacy. The CHWs will provide clients personalized assistance to develop a health management plan, assist with acquisition of treatment, and educate and inform on health maintenance. They also educate providers about clients’ health needs.
“Driving economic transformation is what the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research strives to achieve each day,” said Mark Gignac, Executive Director of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR), which serves as the fiscal agent and project lead for the CHW project. “Creating healthy communities is one aspect of our mission we must always keep top of mind, because it directly impacts our economic vitality.”
“I am extremely proud of the hard work and passion demonstrated by each of our Community Health Workers and Project Manager Amanda Young,” said IALR’s Director of Advanced Learning Dr. Julie Brown, who oversees the CHW project. “They more than understand the importance of promoting healthy, sustainable lifestyles that enhance our region’s social, economic and physical well-being, and they are delivering impressive results.”
The THRIVE! Awards are given in honor of Laurie Moran, founding convener and former Coordinating Committee member of The Health Collaborative. The CHW project won one of seven awards, which were presented to “organizations and individuals who are going above and beyond to make the healthy choice the easy choice in the places where we live, learn, work, play, pray and age,” according to The Health Collaborative’s website. The award includes $500 in THRIVE! Funds to continue impacting health in the region, which includes Caswell County, N.C., and Danville and Pittsylvania County, Va.
The CHW project’s second award, presented as part of the 2018 Health Quality Innovator of the Year Awards, recognizes teams “for using evidence-based approaches to quality improvement that deliver better care, better population health and lower health care costs,” according to HQI’s website. The awards cover five categories: collaboration, data-driven care, patient-centered care, population health and rural health, which “recognizes rural health care facilities that have made outstanding contributions to rural health care.”
Partners of the CHW project include IALR, The Health Collaborative, PATHS Community Medical Center, Gateway Health and the Danville Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
IALR serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with applied research, advanced learning, conference center services and economic development efforts. The Institute’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
New Grape Grower Workshop to be Held November 13
In its ongoing efforts to support economic revitalization efforts, the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce a New Grower Workshop for agricultural entrepreneurs interested in starting their own vineyard. The workshop will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 13 at IALR, 150 Slayton Ave., Danville. Virginia Tech experts will present introductory best practices of vineyard operation in Virginia, and information will be shared on how to apply for the cost-share program of the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC). New growers across the 34-county footprint of the TRRC are encouraged to attend.
“Viticulture is a sorely needed agricultural resource to fuel the health and growth of Virginia’s agritourism and wine industry, which is currently suffering from grape shortages,” said Mark Gignac, Executive Director of IALR. “We are excited to continue to partner on a solution with the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Vineyards Association. Anyone interested in becoming a vineyard grower is encouraged to attend our New Grower Workshop, which we hope will provide helpful resources, networking and information, especially in regards to available funding.”
The New Grower Workshop will be led by Dr. Tony Wolf, Director of the Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center and Professor of Viticulture at Virginia Tech, and Tremain Hatch, Viticulture Extension/Research Associate at Virginia Tech. Amy Turner of IALR and Program Manager of the TRRC Vineyard Development and Expansion Cost-Share Program, will provide details on cost-share funding. Although the workshop is free, advance registration is required by November 11 and can be secured by visiting www.TRRCgrape.com/New-Grower-Workshop.pdf.
Topics of the workshop will include an introduction to viticulture, market opportunities, business planning and predicted cash flows, site evaluations and environmental challenges, design considerations, fundamentals of vineyard management, an overview of the Vineyard Development and Expansion Cost-Share Program, and a visit to The Homeplace Vineyards in Chatham. A complimentary lunch will be provided by IALR. Due to the outdoor component of the vineyard visit, attendees should dress appropriately.
Attendance to the New Grower Workshop or a previously offered workshop is required for new growers in order to be eligible for the TRRC’s Vineyard Development and Expansion Cost-Share Program. IALR was recently named by TRRC as the new program manager of this program, first launched in 2016. New applications for grant awards are currently being accepted. Through the cost-share program, IALR works with the Virginia Cooperative Extension, TRRC and the Virginia Vineyards Association to increase vineyard acreage and address the shortage of Virginia-grown grapes.
The TRRC’s cost-share program, in place through Jan. 12, 2020, is designed to support Virginia’s wine industry and agritourism by providing growers incentive to expand vineyard acreage. A cost-share award of up to $3,000 per acre is available for qualified vineyard growers—reimbursing 33 percent of eligible expenditures. Vineyards with up to nine acres may receive a maximum award of up to $15,000, and those with 10 or more acres may receive a maximum award of up to $20,000. Funding is awarded through a competitive process and may be sought by qualified existing growers who wish to expand their current acreage and by new growers developing their first vineyard. To be considered for the program, new growers must establish at least three acres of new vines, and existing growers must be willing to plant a minimum of one new acre. Eligible cost-share items include, but are not limited to, grapevines, hardware for trellis systems, fencing and irrigation systems.
To learn more about the New Grower Workshop or funding eligibility requirements, including a detailed map of the 34 eligible counties across Southern and Southwest Virginia, growers may visit TRRCgrape.com or contact Turner at amy.turner@ialr.org or (434) 766-6788. Turner also will assist growers with the application process.
The SOVA Vineyard Development and Expansion Program was developed with an overall goal of increasing production of wine grapes in Southern and Southwest Virginia. In order for wines to be marketed as Virginia wines, they must contain at least 75 percent of Virginia-grown grapes. While the number of wineries in Virginia has been increasing, the pace of vineyard expansion has lagged, resulting in acute grape shortages and the slowing of Virginia wine production. In 2015, the Virginia Wineries Association, Virginia Wine, Virginia Vineyards Association and Virginia Wine Council partnered on a strategic plan to address the issue.
IALR October 2018 newsletter
Connie Nyholm Appointed to the Institute Board of Trustees
The Virginia House of Delegates appointed Connie Nyholm to the Board of Trustees for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) for a three-year term.
“I am honored to serve on IALR’s Board of Trustees, especially during this exciting time when the focus is laser targeted on commercializing the important research and development occurring at the Institute,” said Nyholm.
Nyholm is Owner and CEO of VIRginia International Raceway (VIR). Leveraging her love of Virginia and business expertise, Nyholm currently serves on the board of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Roadracing Industry Council.
“We are pleased to welcome Connie Nyholm to the Institute board. She is one of the strongest voices calling for revitalization in the Dan River Region and is the first to step forward offering assistance and guidance where needed. Under her leadership, VIR has grown to be a premiere destination in southern Virginia and her experience and voice will be a welcome addition as the Institute works to transform our community for the future,” said Institute Board Chairman Donald Merricks.
“It is great that House of Delegates Speaker, Bill Howell, appointed Connie Nyholm to the Board of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research. As a very successful business person, she brings excellent judgment and insight to the table. Connie has a personal knowledge of our region, its strengths and its educational needs. Her entrepreneurial spirit will offer the enthusiasm that is characteristic of the IALR programs and she will hit the road running, as she always does at VIR,” said Delegate Danny Marshall.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia; however most applied research, advanced learning, and economic development efforts focus within Southern Virginia including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
Mark Gignac Named New Executive Director of the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research
The Board of Trustees at the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research (IALR) has named Mark Gignac as the new Executive Director following a three-month nationwide search.
“Mark has been serving as our interim director for the past three months and has done an excellent job,” said Don Merricks, chairman of the Board of Trustees at IALR. “As executive director, he will bring his entrepreneurial spirit, his distinct management style with an ability to run efficient organizations and his collaborative nature to IALR to keep us moving in a positive direction as we grow our economic, research, career and educational development resources within our footprint and beyond.”
Gignac lives in Danville and has founded, owned and operated businesses within the region over the past 30 years. These include Engineering Design & Sales, Inc., Chartwell Homes LLC, Dan River Plants LLC and mostly recently he served as the director of research at IALR.
He is a graduate of Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and is an active member of the community having previously served on Danville City Council and the Danville Development Council. He has also served on the boards of the Dan River Business Development Center, Southside Rising Venture Capital and the Southern Piedmont Technology Council.
“I am humbled to be chosen to lead the Institute during this exciting period of southern Virginia’s history,” said Mark Gignac. “Many exciting projects are underway in the community and the Institute is poised to continue our leadership role. I look forward to working with our team and our partners in moving the Institute to the next level to better serve the community and accomplish our core mission of economic development.”
Gignac will begin his new role on November 1.
“We are fortunate to have someone of Mark’s caliber ready to step in and lead right here in southern Virginia,” continued Merricks. “Mark is the kind of leader that offers the opportunity for all within the organization to lead and to grow in their respective fields while working collaboratively with our partners to make sure that the Institute is fulfilling our mission.”
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) serves as a regional catalyst for economic transformation. Their core focus areas include research that provides a clear path to commercialization, advanced learning opportunities where education meets experience, and economic development through conferencing and a partnership with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance.
The IALR footprint served includes the counties of Patrick, Franklin, Henry, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.
4th Career Expo a Success
Approximately 3,800 students were actively engaged in career exploration at the Career Choice SOVA Youth Expo. Middle and high school students from the counties of Patrick, Henry, Pittsylvania, and Halifax, and along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville participated.
“Virginia students are required to complete a career plan by the beginning of eighth grade and they revise the plan in ninth and eleventh grades. The Expo provides career exposure at critical points during a student’s academic pathway. Our hope is that students recognize that there are high-skill high-wage jobs available in their own backyard,” said IALR Director of Advanced Learning Julie Brown, PhD.
Prior to the Expo, IALR staff met with participating students to provide an overview of what to expect at the Career Expo and review the 16 Career Clusters representing more than 79 Career Pathways. Over 60 regional employers and almost 400 volunteers setup interactive displays for students to gain a better understanding of careers in Southern Virginia.
“There are unfilled jobs here in the Commonwealth of Virginia and across the country because companies are struggling to find employees with the necessary skills. The Career Expo is an opportunity for us to highlight the careers available in our region and inform students about the education, skills, & training necessary to be successful in these fields.” said Jessie Vernon, IALR Advanced Learning Program Coordinator.
To view more photos from the Career Choice Expo, visit our Flickr album.
Teacher Chris Castaldo demonstrates the power of static electricity when Bassett High School students touch him.
District conservationist Trenton Howell explains what to look for when Martinsville 7th grader, Ricky Ferguson, looks through the surveyor lens.
