CULPEPER STAR-EXPONENT, ALLISON BROPHY CHAMPION

Workforce Training Summit held last week in Woodbridge brought together Virginia business owners, employers and economic development, education and industry leaders.

Culpeper County Economic Development Director Bryan Rothamel participated on the workforce panel at the Sept. 4 program, hosted by Rep. Abigail Spanberger, D-7th, at George Mason University’s Potomac Science Center.

Germanna Community College President Dr. Janet Gulickson participated on the education panel along with Orange County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Daniel Hornick.

Spanberger joined panelists to answer questions from attendees, provided their outlook on efforts to strengthen Virginia’s workforce and responded to feedback about existing workforce training and development initiatives.

Rothamel said he enjoyed the summit and a chance to explain a key component of the local workforce development strategy.

“I spoke on how WinC was developed including the initial plans, finding a solution and rolling it out.”

The site’s success is through a partnership with Virginia Career Works Piedmont, the career and technical education staff at Culpeper County Public Schools.

“Based on the feedback from attendees afterwards, the region took notice to how that partnership and a simple, yet powerful website tool has been a solution any of them can implement, too,” Rothamel said.

The local congresswoman and gubernatorial candidate highlighted work she has done in the U.S. House to increase federal investments in workforce development to strengthen job training, improve adult education and support services for job seekers, according to a release from Spanberger’s office.

“The Virginians participating in this summit know what works. They know that when we’re investing in our workforce, we’re investing in the long-term strength of our economy,” she said. “They also know that when we help job seekers get the skills they need, we are helping Virginians advance their careers and helping businesses hold on to talented employees.”

Other panel participants were Bob Sweeney, President and CEO of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce; Ernisha Hall, President and CEO of the Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce; Patrick Small, Economic Development Director for the City of Manassas Economic Development; and Dr. Molly Lynch, Provost of Northern Virginia Community College—Manassas campus.