Tomorrow, Tuesday, February 21 at the Squires Commonwealth Ballroom from 10 am - 4 pm on the campus of Virginia Tech, there will be a co-op/internship fair. There will be roughly 114 companies in attendance and only 10 firms based in Roanoke and 6 in Blacksburg.

If you know of a HR or recruiting director at any regional firm, please tell them that they must be at these types of events in the future.

I will be located at the NCTC booth giving away free passes on the Smart Way Bus. If you are from Roanoke, hop on the bus and get off at Squires. Stop by, say hello and I will give you a free pass to return to Roanoke.

I was in the Roanoke Higher Ed Center this week and noticed a very innovative kiosk placed by jobs.roanoke.com. The kiosk had a touch screen that allowed the user to view available job opportunities by categories. However, the neat trick with the device is the ability to email the job description to yourself and also print a copy and take with you. It is a wonderful creation and this division of Roanoke Times should be congratulated. 

Angela Manese-Lee wrote this article on social issues facing young adults in the New River and Roanoke Valleys. Check it out and post your comments.

Link: roanoke.com - New River Valley Current - Singles seen?.

Over 60% of all jobs are never advertised and are ultimately obtained through the art of networking. If you are looking for a job/career in (1) commercial banking, (2) insurance sales, or (3) fundraising then please contact me - I may have the opportunity you are looking for.

Click on this link and under "career opportunities" you will find dozens of marketing, sales and technology jobs that are available in the NewVa region. If you know of anyone that fits the description, please send to them.

Link: Technology Council Events.

Also, the organization that has these jobs listed is the NCTC - the region’s technology council. More than likely by reading this blog you are somehow connected to the tech sector. For networking purposes, there is no better organization to be a member of to stay on top of the changing IT industry. Be a member of the NCTC today.

Business Manager - The Pete Dye River Course of Virginia Tech has an immediate opening for the full-time position of Business Manager. The hire will serve as the primary financial/accounting contact for the golf course while providing general accounting/bookkeeping activities, oversight of daily cash handling procedures, accounts receivable and accounts payable functions, payroll management, and human resources support functions. The Business Manager is expected to be a part of the management/leadership team and should have a strong general accounting background (financial statements, fixed assets, journal entries, etc.). The candidate must possess an associates or bachelors degree in Accounting. Business experience is preferred. A thorough knowledge of GAAP, as well as Windows and Microsoft Office applications is also required. University Banner experience is desirable. Salary is commensurate with experience and includes a highly competitive benefits package. Please submit a resume and three professional references to Ms. Pat Thornton, Human Resources Manager, 2000 Kraft Drive, Suite 2100, Blacksburg, VA 24061-0172

Many people have asked how do other regions face this issue of brain gain for young adults? Christine Kennedy of the Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce shared with me this site/group that convenes other young professional organization across the U.S. It is a fascinating site demonstrating the organization of young professionals across the nation. Please post your comments.

Link: YP Commons – Common Grounds For Leaders of Young Professional Organizations.

I have taken a new position, effective January 31, 2006, with the City of Roanoke in the office of planning, building and economic development that is geared toward creating programs and events with existing entities, both social and professional, that will attract and retain young adults to the city/region. Additionally, I have been charged with being a liaison between Roanoke businesses and the institution of higher education in the NewVa region.

Input, comments and suggestions are highly valued and wanted. Please post away.

The blog will continue in its current format and complement the duties and responsibilities with this new position.