Before my VALOR experience, I had never ventured beyond US soil. The very aspect that draws so many to the program initially made me apprehensive. We're here to grow, right? So, I decided to embrace the opportunity, despite the initial stresses of packing and leaving home and work behind for two weeks. In the end,… Continue reading Just get in the van
From every corner of our beautiful Commonwealth, all over Kentucky and across the world to Kenya - VALOR has certainly taken me places! Our most recent seminar allowed me to see my own back yard through the eyes of visitors. This seminar was a reminder that we shouldn't take our own little pieces of Virginia… Continue reading There’s no place like home
Southern Virginia, once rich with textile mills and tobacco fields, is finding new ways to create economic opportunity for its citizens. During this seminar, our visits were diverse. From the cutting-edge technology of the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) to a successful first-generation farmer to a small family farm working to feed its growing community… Continue reading Cultivating Opportunity
Our recent Seminar took us to the Northern Neck of Virginia, marking the halfway point of this two-year fellowship. I feel like I repeat myself with each seminar, talking about how unique the culture is in each part of the state we visit. During this trip, we learned more about the culture of the Chesapeake… Continue reading Whoah! We’re halfway there
In our recent VALOR Seminar, we ventured to Southwest Virginia. My work occasionally brings me to this area, and I've become enamored with the people and landscape. For me, the theme of this seminar was community. Visiting organizations like Virginia Produce, Appalachian Harvest, and Landcrafted Foods drove this theme home. These facilities have created markets… Continue reading You’d be Wise to visit Southwest Virginia
Our National VALOR Trip took us to my second favorite state aside from my own - Kentucky! I can't lie, the main reason we visit so often is for the Bourbon, so I was so excited so see parts I haven't seen and learn more about Kentucky's thriving Ag Industry. We were hosted by a… Continue reading You CAN, actually, Fed Ex a horse
Why networking matters During our recent Seminar in Richmond, I was struck by the power of relationships. Our first meeting of the trip was in the Governor's Cabinet Room with key members of the Cabinet. We discussed several issues affecting Virginia Agriculture, including the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, H2A regulations, and workforce development. These leaders made… Continue reading Completing circuits
During Seminar II in the Tidewater area and the Eastern Shore, I was reminded of how each of us brings value to situations. One of my first bookkeeping clients told me that as an ER Nurse for over 30 years - she could take a body apart and put it back together but couldn't balance… Continue reading “I could never do what you do.”
I grew up surrounded by agriculture. Our house in Port Republic had farms on all four sides. While my first career choice in the first grade was stand-up comedian, I also grew up to be far too practical for that. I chose to be a mediocre hair stylist instead. I had next to zero desire… Continue reading Batman and Robin – My late arrival to Agriculture.
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