FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AREA WORKFORCE SUMMIT

SET FOR OCTOBER 1

DANVILLE, VA, September 26, 2003 -- If you value your workforce and recognize that present – and future – workforce development needs will affect your bottom line, do not miss this opportunity to be a part of a groundbreaking initiative in the Commonwealth! A “Workforce Summit for businesses and interested citizens in Danville, Pittsylvania County and Halifax County will be held Wednesday, October 1, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m., at Stratford Inn Conference Center, Old Piney Forest Road in Danville.

Sponsored by Danville Community College and the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, the Workforce Summit will offer participants a chance to explore the labor market – trends and demographics; learn about challenges facing the workforce in our region; and discover community resources that can assist businesses in hiring, training, retaining and advancing workers at any level.

The Workforce Summit is funded, in part, by the U.S. Department of Labor grant to the Chambers of Commerce for the Workforce Learning Academy and by the U.S. Department of Labor grant to Danville Community College and Patrick Henry Community College. Similar "Workforce Summits" are also being held in Martinsville on Tuesday, September 30, and in Patrick County on Thursday, October 2. 

Reservations are required for attendance and can be made by calling the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce Office at 434.793.5422.  The cost, which includes all handout materials, breaks and lunch, is $15 per person. For more information, contact Martha Walker at DCC, (434) 797-8495, or Laurie Moran, at the Chamber (434) 793-5422.