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Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

Driving Economic Transformation

2024 Legislative Update – Lunch with Our Legislators

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2024 Legislative Update – Lunch with Our Legislators

2024 Legislative Update – Lunch with Our Legislators

Join us for the Chamber’s 2024 Legislative Update: Lunch with Legislators event and learn about the recent legislative session from our elected officials. In addition to our elected officials you will hear from Matt Hall with the Office of the Attorney General. We are collecting questions in advance – if you would like to submit a question to any of our legislators, please do so during the registration process or email Crystal Hairston, Director of Operations, at Crystal@dpchamber.org. We will ask as many questions as time permits. This event is open to the public.

  • The Honorable Tammy Mulchi, Virginia State Senate 9th District
  • The Honorable Danny Marshall, Virginia House of Delegates 49th District
  • The Honorable Eric Phillips, Virginia House of Delegates 48th District
  • Matthew Hall, Community Liaison Office, Office of Attorney General

Admission:

  • Chamber members: $40
  • Future members: $50

EVENT AND REGISTRATION DETAILS 

IALR January 2024 Newsletter

IALR January 2024 Newsletter

READ THE FULL NEWSLETTER

The January 20224 edition of IALR at a Glance is jam-packed with exciting news and updates! Learn more about…

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Three-part Series on How to Use Artificial Intelligence for Business Coming to Dan River Region

Three-part Series on How to Use Artificial Intelligence for Business Coming to Dan River Region

SMART Seminars Designed Exclusively for Business Owners

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) are partnering through the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning to offer SMART Seminars. This three-part series is designed exclusively for business owners eager to revolutionize their marketing and social media strategies and tactics.

Participants can register for one, two, or three classes on February 21, 28, and March 6, 2024, to help unlock the limitless potential of ChatGPT and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and leverage these tools for dynamic social media strategies.

“The classes are a direct result from requests of Chamber members in our annual membership survey,“ said Anne Moore-Sparks, president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. “Listening to the needs of business and responding with high quality, in-demand programming is a top priority. We are fortunate to have IALR as a partner because of their expertise and reputation in providing exceptional training.”

Online Registration

Class Schedule

Part I – February 21, 2024

Topic: ‘AI Unveiled’: Delve into the fundamentals, demystify AI, and understand how ChatGPT operates. Gain foundational insights into integrating AI seamlessly into your social media repertoire. Embark on this transformative journey and revolutionize your small business’s social media prowess with the power of ChatGPT and AI.

Part II – February 28, 2024

Topic: ‘Crafting Connection’: Explore the art of crafting engaging content that resonates with your audience. Uncover techniques to create compelling and authentic interactions using ChatGPT, transforming your social media presence.

Part III – March 6, 2024

Topic: ‘Mastery & Innovation’: Elevate your expertise as we explore advanced AI strategies. Learn to innovate and adapt, utilizing ChatGPT to stay ahead in the ever-evolving social media landscape.

Brian Stanley, advanced learning program coordinator with IALR, will lead all classes. He serves as a program coordinator for the Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning and the Dan River Year AmeriCorps Program. Stanley brings over seven years of experience in youth development and enrichment-based learning programs.

“This collaboration showcases the importance of lifelong learning and why businesses must continue their education to support long-term success,” stated Stanley.

Classes will be held at IALR located at 150 Slayton Avenue from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. Space is limited to 30 participants per class. The cost to attend is $10 per class for Chamber members and $15 per class for non-members. Registration and payment are required to attend. Register for one, two, or all three classes at https://bit.ly/2024AIClasses.

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce accelerates business growth by connecting its 560+ members organizations and 22,000 employee members to dynamic resources and networks. The Chamber’s number one goal is to help area businesses of all sizes to grow and prosper.

About the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation through applied research, advanced learning, manufacturing advancement, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Danville and Martinsville. 

About IALR

Two IALR Employees Participating in Leadership Southside

Two IALR Employees Participating in Leadership Southside

Two employees of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research are participating in this year’s cohort of Leadership Southside – a professional development program offered through the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce. Apprenticeship Coordinator II Natori Neal and Justin Owen, CNC Machining Instructor with the ATDM program, are two of the 35 local leaders in this year’s cohort.

“Through the Leadership Southside program, I hope to better understand my strengths and their influence on my leadership style. I am excited for the opportunity to become a better leader, grow personally and professionally, and network with other professionals and leaders across the region.” — Natori Neal, Apprenticeship Coordinator II, Participant in Leadership Southside Program

As Apprenticeship Coordinator, Neal is responsible for employer outreach and developing registered apprenticeship positions in partnership with regional employers and the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. Neal has several years of experience in workforce development, community and business engagement and human services. Neal holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a minor in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University, as well as certificates in crisis intervention and career development.

“I not only want to grow as an instructor, but I also want to grow in my professional career. I see tremendous value in the program as I continue to advance in my career and look forward to discovering what leadership means for me.” — Justin Owen, CNC Machining Instructor, Participant in Leadership Southside Program

Owen is a CNC Machining Instructor with the Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program. Before joining the ATDM program in 2020, Owen helped establish and provide instruction for the machining program at the Pittsylvania Career and Technical Center. Owen holds multiple industry certifications, an Associate of Applied Science in Integrated Machining Technology from Danville Community College, and a Bachelor of Applied Science from Averett University.

Now in its 31st year, Leadership Southside is a leadership development program for the business, education, public and nonprofit sectors that aims to connect and build leaders. The cohort will meet once a month, focusing on topics like the role of a leader, self-management and the management of others and inspiring others to action. Several IALR employees have participated in past cohorts.

IALR Shares Partnerships, Progress and Transformation in Annual Report

IALR Shares Partnerships, Progress and Transformation in Annual Report

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has published its 2021-2022 annual report, which highlights innovative and collaborative partnerships across departments that are transforming the economy of Southern Virginia.  

“Significant economic growth has resulted due to robust partnerships across the region. IALR stands ready to serve as Virginia’s go-to partner for education and workforce development, business and economic growth, and a globally competitive business ecosystem.” – IALR President Telly Tucker.

View the Full Report 

One of the pivotal moments of the report period is the creation and adoption of the new IALR Strategic Plan, which will guide IALR’s work and efforts for the next five years. With input from key stakeholders, the plan establishes strategic goals to outline how IALR can best capitalize on its unique strengths to impact the region. 

Just some of the new initiatives and programs launched, announced or expanded during FY 21 and FY 22:  

The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC™) framework is spreading into schools across the Commonwealth. The GO TEC program is just one component of the newly developed and proven EmPOWER system – an employer-driven model to systematically connect students to careers through career awareness, exposure, and engagement and experience. Future and current members of the workforce, as well as businesses, find joint benefits in problem-solving teamships, apprenticeships, externships and internships, mock interview days and more.  

While striving to promote a diversified economy by serving a variety of industries, much of IALR’s impact in 2021-2022 was in the manufacturing sector. Expanding the existing middle-school-through-college workforce development pipelines, the new Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program is a rapid adult-learner model that prepares talent for jobs in the defense industrial base. ATDM launched in 2020 and is already proving successful and showing what modern public-private partnerships should look like. In addition, IALR partnered with the Commonwealth of Virginia and Danville Regional Foundation to construct the Center for Manufacturing Advancement, a new destination for manufacturers ready to optimize and scale and home to the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.  

Through the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Innovation Center, a joint project with Virginia Tech, IALR has established itself as a global leader in the CEA industry. The presence of the innovative research and state-of-the-art equipment are already making an impact on Southern Virginia. Thanks to best-in-class resources, including lab spaces and staff, the Applied Research team provided 30 companies with applied research and testing services like analytical chemistry, polymer testing and more.  

In partnership with the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) and many other economic development organizations, IALR is proud to champion the area while working with local, regional and state partners. In FY 21 and 22, the Southern Virginia region saw $498 million in announced capital investment and 1,288 new jobs. IALR contributed to economic success by serving as a temporary home for growing businesses by providing critical testing services and lab space to innovative companies across industries. The Bridge to Recovery Program connected companies with suppliers and helped businesses become more resilient post-pandemic.  

The Institute Conference Center hosted a variety of events geared toward the growth of industry sectors and Southern Virginia, including trainings and economic development activities. Numerous companies, including anchor and growing employers held successful job fairs, connecting community members with quality employment. An extensive renovation of the main building and a relaunch of Megabytes, IALR’s on-site café, have allowed the Institute Conference Center to provide even better service for the 20,800 guests who visited.  

Business at Breakfast: 2023 Legislative Update

Business at Breakfast: 2023 Legislative Update

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce invites members and future members to hear from the region’s legislators on the 2023 session of the Virginia General Assembly on Wednesday, May 10 from 7:30-9:00 a.m.  The program is part of the Chamber’s regular Business@Breakfast series and will feature Senator Frank Ruff, Delegate Danny Marshall, and Delegate Les Adams who will discuss the recent session and answer questions provided in advance from the membership. The event will be held at the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research and include a continental breakfast.

“Our legislators welcome the opportunity to represent and hear from business people,” said Linda Hutson Green, Vice President, Economic Development, IALR and Chair of the Chamber’s legislative committee. “The Chamber looks out for the interests of business by connecting our members to policy makers.”

  • Chamber members: $30
  • Future members: $35

Event and Registration Details 

Chamber of Commerce 2023 Annual Membership Meeting

Chamber of Commerce 2023 Annual Membership Meeting

Annual Membership Meeting to Highlight Chamber Goals for 2023

Keynote Speaker:

Sonya Ravindranath Waddell
Vice President and Economist for Regional and Community Analysis
Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Topic: The Richmond Fed has devoted time in the last few years to better understand similarities and differences across the rural and smaller town areas within the region it covers (VA, WV, MD, DC, NC, and SC). Rural and small town areas face many challenges attracting employers and workers, but they also have unique assets to leverage. This presentation will talk about those challenges and opportunities—when possible, with a focus on Danville.   

Remarks by:


                Hunter Byrnes
                  2023 Chair

                  Mike Jones
                  2022 Chair


              Anne Moore-Sparks 
                President & CEO

As we usher in the new year, it’s a great time to learn how the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce has worked for business this past year and what is planned for the upcoming year.

  • Meet your 2023 Board of Directors and Officers.
  • Recognize the outgoing Chair and Board Members.
  • Learn about the Chamber’s direction, preview of programs, and a sneak peak at the new 2023-2026 Strategic Plan, all of which have been shaped by our membership.

A hot breakfast buffet will be served.

Register Now

IALR Wins Chamber Pinnacle Award

IALR Wins Chamber Pinnacle Award

The Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce awarded IALR the esteemed Pinnacle Award at the 2021 annual awards ceremony. One of the top honors, it is awarded to a distinguished business or organization that contributes to the economic vitality and quality of life in the region through innovative, ethical business practices, professionalism and strong community involvement. Thanks to groundbreaking applied research, outcomes-based advanced learning, collaborative and strategic economic development, industry-centered advanced manufacturing training, and client-focused conference services, IALR was recognized as one of the region’s leading catalysts of economic transformation.

“I am honored to accept the Pinnacle Award on behalf of IALR’s staff and Board of Trustees,” said IALR Executive Director Mark Gignac. “With the goal of economic transformation at the heart of all programs, services and initiatives, IALR is truly committed to the economic vitality of the region. By working with our like-minded partners, we will continue serving as a leader of innovation, collaboration and transformation.”

Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce Board Chair John Settle (right) presents IALR Executive Director Mark Gignac (left) with the 2021 Chamber Pinnacle Award.