Similar to July’s seminar in Southwest VA, our time in Southern VA provided me with the opportunity to see several more Tobacco Commission investments at work. These projects were primarily located at the Institute of Advanced Learning and Research, a facility I have visited numerous times over the years although those visits were generally for… Continue reading Growth and Change
Revitalization, Faith and Passion
During our most recent seminar to Southside Virginia three themes seemed to resonate with me. Those were revitalization, faith, and passion. Revitalization was evident from the moment we checked into The Bee Hotel in Danville. This boutique hotel was once the home of the Danville Register & Bee newspaper and has been amazingly restored. I look… Continue reading Revitalization, Faith and Passion
Passionate Advocates for Economic Viability
Visiting Southern (or Southside) Virginia was another educational experience for me. Growing up close to this region means I am familiar with the agriculture, but I was in for some surprises. I thought Megan, our fearless leader, set the stage well as we kicked off this trip in Danville by watching a video of August… Continue reading Passionate Advocates for Economic Viability
Clear Values, Easy Choices
Our recent trip to Southside VA might have been our shortest VALOR seminar to date, but it helped to reinforce for me a lesson I was taught many years ago. A former colleague of mine always used to remind us that: “When your values are clear, your choices are easy.” This statement constantly plays on… Continue reading Clear Values, Easy Choices
Northern Neck – A sense of Community
Visiting the Northern Neck was certainly an eye opening experience for me. When I think of farming, all the traditional "on-land" practices come to mind. However, in this part of the state, farming methods include "in-water"! Oyster farming is a thing, and a very delicate process at that. I had no idea it took about… Continue reading Northern Neck – A sense of Community
Food and Flexibility!!
Our September seminar took us to Northern Neck and I was very excited about the visit. As much as I complain about how few people travel to SW, it was a great personal reminder that there are many areas of Virginia that I have never been to. Northern Neck is one of those areas. I… Continue reading Food and Flexibility!!
Chesapeake
While I may have grown-up in Central Virginia...visits to coastal Virginia and the Chesapeake always seem a bit like a homecoming. With strong family ties to Virginia's watermen, their brogue dialect and food culture - it is always a welcome treat to return to the water.Day 1: Our trip to the Northern Neck kicked off… Continue reading Chesapeake
Family Business Leadership Lessons
Our Northern Neck-Middle Peninsula-Bay tour was just as eye opening as the previous regional visits around the state. Each region’s agriculture and aquaculture is unique, but some similar threads run through many of the businesses we have toured. One of those threads is family. The family farm business takes many different forms. One quality that… Continue reading Family Business Leadership Lessons
Reflections along the Waters of the Northern Neck
VALOR class VI started year two visiting the Northern Neck of Virginia. I don’t know what it is, but there is something that always calls me to the water. It seems like the water calms my soul and I often find myself reflecting on where I have been and where I want to go. We… Continue reading Reflections along the Waters of the Northern Neck
Whoah! We’re halfway there
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
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