Archive for January, 2006

 
Jan
27
Posted (admin) in Uncategorized on January-27-2006

The Young Professionals Club of Salem is having their next event at the Roanoke Dazzle basketball game on Friday, February 10 at the SALEM CIVIC CENTER. Dinner and networking is from 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. in Parlor C. The game starts at 7:00 p.m.

Dinner and game is $20. Game Only is $7.50. Bring other young professionals with you.

RSVP by Feb. 3 with payment. For more information call (540) 387-0267 or chamber@s-rcchamber.org.



 
Jan
25
Posted (admin) in Uncategorized on January-25-2006

At the Christiansburg Rec Center on Thursday morning from 9 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. there will be a job fair for individuals interested in teaching in K-12 schools. Dozens of counties and cities across Virginia will be at this event. After the fair, interviews will be conducted starting at 11. This is a very efficient way to look for a job and get an interview - the same day. Make sure you do your research before attending by viewing the list of attendees and also wear your best attire. Make certain you have plenty of resumes and busisness cards. Good luck!

http://www.radford.edu/~celcd/education_expo_2006_employer%20info.htm



 
Jan
25
Posted (admin) in Uncategorized on January-25-2006

In talking to the region’s local government officials - specifically, the City of Roanoke, Montgomery County and the Town of Blacksburg - all have mentioned that their citizen committees are lacking young adults. They say that there are just not enough interested citizens willing to serve on boards that help shape and mold the future of local government entities.

In conversations I have had with young adults, some are interested, but they do not know where to go, what’s available, and no one has asked.

Therefore, I am asking all young adults, and all adults alike, if you are interested in serving on a local government committee, then let me know. I will get your name to the appropriate person. Local government needs your service now for the future.



 
Jan
17
Posted (admin) in Uncategorized on January-17-2006

DO YOU LOVE SALES?

Webmail.us is one of the fastest-growing companies in the New River Valley.  We are currently looking for inside salespeople in our Roanoke and Blacksburg offices.  Specifically, we’re looking for passionate people who want to help take our company and their career to the next level.  Inside salespeople will make $45-$60k in the first year and we offer a full benefits package.  If you’re interested, please visit www.webmail.us/jobs or send a resume and cover letter including why you want to work at Webmail.us to jobs@webmail.us.   

Billing Developer

Money is the bottom line.  Webmail.us has an immediate need for a Billing Software Application Developer. Knowledge of SQL, Windows components, and some level of finance are a must. For more information, please visit www.webmail.us/jobs or submit a resume and cover letter to jobs@webmail.us

Software Developers

Full-Time or Part-Time + Co-Op

Software developers work in small team environments to produce next generation web applications. Developers work with team members to produce technical designs, develop web-based software, as well as implement test plans and document the product. Most all of our applications are built upon open source Unix/Linux software and utilize PHP, Perl, XML, SQL, LDAP, and ASP. Intimate knowledge of these technologies is preferred and related work experience is a plus. We are always looking for highly motivated programmers to work with us.

We are currently seeking full-time and part-time software developers, as well as co-ops.  We encourage motivated college students to apply.

For more information on our company, please visit www.webmail.us.  If you’re interested in a position like this, please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@webmail.us



 
Jan
16
Posted (admin) in Uncategorized on January-16-2006

The Roanoke Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau has created an outstanding brochure detailing the plethora of outdoor adventures in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

This lifestyle appeals to many across the nation who are tired of living in the big city and want to experience a simpler lifestyle that this region has to offer.

Get your copy (Download OutdoorBrochure.pdf)  and send it to others you know who would like a copy in other regions. Also, I am sure the group would snail mail you a paper version of the brochure. It is worth having.



 
Jan
11
Posted (admin) in Uncategorized on January-11-2006

SunGard EXP has multiple positions for software developers and system engineers in Blacksburg.  Read below and send an email to the contact immediately.

Software Developer

Several positions are available in our Product Development group for energetic individuals looking to take a lead role in developing cutting edge software. Two or more years experience in C/C++ preferred. A degree in Computer Science or Computer Engineering is also preferred. Primary operating environment is Windows, though some UNIX knowledge is a plus. Good communication skills required. Working knowledge of MSVC, .NET, C#, Borland C++ Builder, databases, or SQL is also a plus.

System Engineer

Several positions are available in our System Deployment group. Two or more years programming experience preferred. A degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, or Information Systems Management is also preferred. Primary operating environment is Windows, though some UNIX knowledge is a plus. Excellent communication skills required. Strong problem solving skills required. Customer support experience is a plus. Working knowledge of databases or SQL is a plus.

Location: SunGard EXP - RRI Division in Blacksburg, VA

Please e-mail resume to:

Manager, Human Resources
SunGard EXP
1750 Kraft Drive
Suite 2000
Blacksburg, Virginia 24060
Tel: 540-961-6500



 
Jan
10
Posted (admin) in Uncategorized on January-10-2006

Kudos to the Salem-Roanoke County Chamber for establishing a young-professional organization in the region. In addition to the New River Network in Blacskburg and the Square Society in Roanoke, the Salem version is very much welcomed in the mix of engaging these young professional adults in our region.

The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce is starting a Young Professionals Organization (YPO) for the 20s-30s age group. One of the purposes of this group will be to begin building "new" leadership for the area. The YPO’s first meeting will be held on January 11th (tomorrow) at noon at Mama Maria’s restaurant on West Main Street in Salem. The cost is basically for the lunch ($5.99). There will also be a program during the luncheon. If you want to find out more about the group and/or attend the first meeting, please call Debbie Kavitz at the Salem-Roanoke Co. Chamber (387-0267).



 
Jan
05
Posted (admin) in Uncategorized on January-5-2006

I was recently visiting some friends in Charlotte, who originally lived in the New River Valley, and they took me and my fiancee to their workplace on New Year’s Eve. The friend worked in a securities department of one of the large banks based in downtown Charlotte. Her "office" was nothing more than an open cubicle. There must have been 500 of these cubicles on this one wide-open floor of the mega-bank building. When I looked at each of the "offices" I noticed that most every "office" had a sign of their alma mater on their desk. As I walked down the line, I saw Auburn, Virginia Tech, North Carolina, Florida, Clemson, North Carolina State, etc. Just about any college in the southeast was represented. I then asked my friend about the ages of her co-workers and she said most were under 40 years old. At that point it was real. My simple observation illustrates Charlotte’s net gain in the 25-34 age segment of the educated population - and that gain is at the expense of the Roanoke and the New River Valleys.

Why Charlotte? Of course, Charlotte has the banking cluster, but what differentiates Charlotte from Roanoke. At one time they were similar in size, until, US Airways placed its hub in Charlotte, and some think that was what help boost Charlotte. Certainly, the consolidation of the banking industry in Charlotte was a big boost too - probably even took some of Roanoke’s bank board rooms. It is also worth mentioning that there were several multi-level condo buildings that were under construction in the downtown - perfect for this young adult group. Roanoke and Blacksburg both have made some progress toward downtown living for young people, but each have a ways to go. As for transportation, my friend has sold her car. She does not need it. She either takes the FREE trolley to work each morning or walks. She can pickup all of the essentials along the way. Not sure we can say the same, but wouldn’t downtown living revitalize the downtowns in our region? 

Does Roanoke and the New River Valley have a cluster or amentities that would attract and retain the young educated workforce?  Charlotte does NOT have a major research university - we do in Virginia Tech. Higher education and perhaps health care are the most notable high employer clusters. There is no trolley, but there is certainly a fine alternative in the Smart Way Bus. Many skeptics say, but we do not have the jobs. Oh really? Why are local firms relentlessly trying to fill open spots with the young educated workforce and one company is moving to Richmond because they cannot find the talent here to grow? There are 40,000 colleges students in this region at all times. I do not buy it. A bridge is needed. Hopefully, this blog can help in some small way.