Forestry and Wood Science
With the loss of textile and manufacturing, forestry has become the largest revenue producer for all rural areas in Virginia. As the region explores other avenues for future economic prosperity, it cannot afford to ignore or neglect an industry that accounts for much of its current employment base and has the potential to account for even more in the future. A natural extension of the region's forestry base is the expansion of wood science and design within Southern Virginia. Wood science is a technological and science based approach to the manufacturing of wood, and is the future for the wood and wood products industry. The Center is partnering with Danville Community College and Virginia Tech for this initiative.
Spring 2008: Forestry courses available
Fall 2008: The opening of two WoodLinks, USA sites in Southern Virginia
Forestry and Wood Science Resources
Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources
A newsletter on WoodLINKS
Virginia Tech’s Wood Science Program
Wood Magic (with lessons and fun activities)
For more information:
David Kenealy, Coordinator for Wood Design and Technology
davidkenealy@svhed.org or 434.572.5557
The Business of Arts and Design: An Initiative Encompassing Graphic, Culinary, Visual, and Performing Arts
According to John Hawkins in "The Creative Economy: How People Make Money from Ideas," more Americans today work in arts, entertainment, and design than work as lawyers, accountants, and auditors. Between 2002-2014, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects occupations in the service and professional and related sector will increase by over 11 million jobs--thereby accounting for three-fifths of the total job growth in the United States. The HEC believes the arts is a critical piece in the region's future job growth and prosperity, and is partnering with Danville Community College and Virginia Commonwealth University for this initiative.
February-March 2008: Graphic Design Workshop for high school and college students.
Fall 2008: Initial courses in graphic arts and design
Resources for the Arts
Virginia Foundation for the Humanities
National Endowment for the Arts
Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
Virginia Commission for the Arts
For more information:
Patricia Ward, Program Coordinator for the Arts
patriciaward@svhed.org or 434.572.5475
Hospitality and Tourism
As an industry, hospitality and tourism has emerged as one of the leading strategies for rural economic development. Between 2000 and 2005, while overall employment in the Southern Virginia region fell by 8.7 percent, employment in hospitality and tourism increased by 1.8 percent. The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service found rural recreation counties--counties heavily dependent on recreation and tourism economically--generally experienced higher employment and income, lower poverty rates, and healthier and better educated populations than other rural communities. Bringing in new programs in hospitality and tourism will support the region's economic development efforts in this area. The Center is partnering with Southside Virginia Community College and Troy University for this initiative.
Fall 2008:Initial course offerings in hospitality and tourism
For more information:
Patricia Ward, Program Coordinator for the Arts
patriciaward@svhed.org or 434.572.5475
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