Institute for Advanced Learning and Research

Driving Economic Transformation

IALR December 2024 Newsletter

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Cooking up Community: Successful Wonder Workshop

Cooking up Community: Successful Wonder Workshop

A diverse group of 15 recently gathered to make a delicious fall-themed meal while connecting with others in a supportive, fun environment.

The Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning offered its fifth cooking class in partnership with Megabytes Café and the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) on Nov. 20. Chef John Clark led participants in preparing a full fall-themed meal: turkey, brussels sprouts with homemade bacon jam, stuffing and cream cheese pumpkin bars.

The event, like previous cooking classes, was fully booked.

“It was amazing to see participants come together, not just to learn new cooking techniques, but to genuinely connect over the joy of creating a meal. Events like this truly embody the spirit of lifelong learning and community building.” – Brian Stanley, IALR Program Coordinator

The Wonder Community, launched in 2022, offers dynamic, hands-on workshops that bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to learn new skills and share their passions. Past workshops have ranged from Cricut crafting to fishing expeditions, and the community welcomes anyone eager to keep learning.

Join the Wonder Community today to explore your passions and connect with others who love learning. Whether it’s casting a fishing line, crafting in the kitchen, or designing intricate projects, there’s something for everyone. The Wonder Community of Lifelong Learning is part of IALR’s Advanced Learning division and reflects a commitment to service and lifelong learning opportunities. 

IALR Welcomes Tracy Fink as Vice President of Institute Conference Center and Operations

IALR Welcomes Tracy Fink as Vice President of Institute Conference Center and Operations

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tracy Fink as the Vice President of the Institute Conference Center (ICC) and Operations, effective March 1. With over 20 years of experience in strategic event management, Fink brings a wealth of expertise to her new role.

“We are thrilled to welcome Tracy Fink as the new Vice President of the Institute Conference Center and Operations. Her proven and diverse event management experience, strategic vision and commitment to delivering exceptional events and experiences will undoubtedly drive the continued success of the ICC and further our mission of economic transformation in our region.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

Fink is an experienced marketing, sales and event leader known for her strategic leadership and dynamic approach to event management. Her track record includes planning corporate and social events with guest counts exceeding 1,000. Her time working in numerous event-oriented roles has left her with a deep knowledge of the planning and logistics that go into creating successful experiences and events.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to lead the Institute Conference Center – one of the premier venues in all of Virginia,” said Fink. “I look forward to leveraging my experience and passion for event management and commitment to excellence to deliver unparalleled service to our clients and guests.”

Fink most recently served as Director of Events and Marketing for Mayfair Hospitality, which oversees several hotels and venues in Winston Salem, N.C. Fink has also worked as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Air Force auxiliary and as an on-air morning show host and sales manager for a Baltimore radio station. Fink has experience in sales, events and marketing across several industries and in different roles. Fink holds a Bachelor of Science in Public Relations and Mass Communications from Towson University and a Master of Business Administration from Columbus University. Her commitment to the community includes board positions and membership with such groups as the Forsyth County Hospitality Alliance, the Downtown Winston-Salem Partnership and Junior League.

“Tracy Fink’s extensive experience, community engagement and proven leadership will be invaluable as we continue to elevate the ICC as a leading destination for conferences, meetings and events. We look forward to working together to continue providing exceptional experiences for our clients and guests.” – Dr. John Hughes, Executive Vice President, Operations, IALR

Fink is filling this role after the recent retirement of Leslie Dobbins, who worked with the ICC for more than 20 years.

Located in Southern Virginia, the Institute Conference Center (ICC) is a preeminent destination for conferences, meetings and events. Boasting state-of-the-art facilities and unrivaled services and amenities like catering, technology support and event planning, the ICC offers a versatile and customizable space to accommodate gatherings of all sizes. From intimate board meetings to large-scale conferences, the ICC provides a dynamic environment designed to inspire collaboration, innovation and success. The ICC also oversees IALR’s on-site cafe, Megabytes.

About IALR

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. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Mecklenburg, as well as the cities of Martinsville and Danville.

Growing Impact Showcased in 2023 Annual Report

Growing Impact Showcased in 2023 Annual Report

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has published its 2023 annual report, which highlights the growing impact IALR and partners are making in Southern Virginia and beyond. In FY 23, IALR expanded its impact with the scaling of programs and the growth of the campus, technology and team.

“The last fiscal year was one of tremendous growth and expansion for our region. All the while, each of our five divisions upheld our mission of economic transformation in critical ways.” – Telly Tucker, IALR President

View the Full Report

Just some of the new initiatives and programs launched, announced or expanded during FY 2023:

  • The Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) program continued scaling up toward its target of 800-1,000 annual graduates by 2025.
  • The Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) program is expanding across the Commonwealth thanks to a $3.4 million grant from GO Virginia and public and private investments.
  • The inaugural Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Summit East brought more than 220 participants from around the world to the IALR campus.
  • The Institute Conference Center hosted 27,600 guests at events and programs, ranging from multi-day conferences to executive business meetings to training seminars.
  • IALR opened and began operations in the Center for Manufacturing Advancement, which supports industry with a variety of services and houses the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.
  • Nearly 30 industrial sites across Southern Virginia received a higher certification from the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program, with 21 moving from Tier 2 to Tier 4 and an additional eight sites moving from Tier 2 to Tier 5, which denotes a shovel-ready graded pad site.
  • A new Public Health AmeriCorps program launched to expand public health capacity through education and outreach, including public health workshops.
  • IALR entered into 15 new non-disclosure agreements to partner with companies around the world by providing contract analytical and testing services.
  • Five new companies announced projects in Southern Virginia and four existing companies announced expansions. These projects total 545 new jobs and $335.7 million in capital investments.
  • In its ninth year, the Career ChoICE Youth Expo expanded to a second location at Hampden-Sydney College, allowing the event to reach additional students across more than a dozen Virginia localities.
  • IALR received a $497,890 grant from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission for the ExTRA (Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship) program to grow state-registered apprenticeship in 15 Southern Virginia localities.
  • Megabytes café launched a new and improved menu.
IALR January 2024 Newsletter

IALR January 2024 Newsletter

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IALR December 2023 Newsletter

IALR December 2023 Newsletter

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

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Megabytes Reopens with Healthy Menu & Online Ordering

Megabytes Reopens with Healthy Menu & Online Ordering

The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research’s (IALR) on-site café, Megabytes, has reopened featuring a new menu and online ordering. The café offers unique and healthy options Monday-Friday, including a well-stocked fresh salad bar, pizza and sandwiches. Interesting twists on old favorites include a turkey wrap with avocado and red pepper hummus, or a ham and cheddar croissant with sweet pineapple Dijon. Snacks, including freshly baked cookies, are also available.

In addition to daily items, the café features a hot buffet Tuesday-Thursday offering a rotating menu. Some themes include Taste of Italy, featuring dishes like beef lasagna and chicken carbonara, Taco Tuesday with selections like Chile Verde pork and fajita steak, and a Burger Bar, where diners can design their own burger creation using a variety of toppings and sauces.

The Megabytes hot bar will be open on Tuesdays – Thursdays and will be offering a rotating menu including themed menu items such as Taco Tuesday.

For pick-up orders, new online ordering options are available at www.toasttab.com/megabytes or via the free Toast Takeout mobile application downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

Megabytes’ new friendly and highly trained staff are eager to welcome and serve their guests. Executive Chef John Clark has been bringing culinary excellence to country clubs and conference centers since he was 27 years old. He recently located with his son to Danville from Taylor Hospitality’s Virginia International Raceway (VIR) property and has been responsible for the food and beverage program at IALR since August 2021. Although he established himself as a creative force on the west coast, he is a native of Virginia, originally hailing from Alexandria. When not in the kitchen, he is a gifted musician who likes to travel, play golf and garden.

Front House Manager Alex Hattwick is a 2014 graduate of Averett University. He has a long history in food service, primarily as a bartender and banquet captain. Hattwick is excited to be back in the Danville area and looks forward to enhancing options and growing the café. He is an avid motorcyclist, gardener, tinkerer and surfer.

Donna Conner, Server/Banquet Server, is a 30-year veteran of the customer service and transportation industries. She takes special pride in getting to know her customers and keeping the restaurant organized and operating smoothly. Like Clark, she comes to Megabytes from Taylor Hospitality’s VIR property.

Megabytes café summer hours (June 1-Sept. 2) are 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Monday-Friday with the hot bar serving patrons Tuesday-Thursday. For more information and to view menus, visit ialr.org/megabytes.

Megabytes Executive Chef John Clark, Server Donna Conner and Front House Manager Alex Hattwick are thrilled with the opportunity to serve guests now that Megabytes has reopened.