MENTORING IN RICHMOND

“Perhaps the most powerful influence to student success cannot be found in the curriculum; it derives from example and cheering them on.  The influence of mentoring is unequaled, and we, as business professionals, have the ability to infuse vibrant aspirations in a new generation of our workforce.” -Jim Ukrop Business and education leaders gather for a region-wide press conference announcing January Mentor Month.  WATCH THE 2 MINUTE VIDEO Read about it in the Times-Dispatch:  "Businesses call on region to serve as youth mentors" Data released in March 2011 by the Alliance for Excellent Education (AEE) revealed that in the Richmond region, an estimated 5,400 students dropped out of the Class of 2010. Cutting this number in half would tap $34 million in additional earnings in an average year for a single class of new graduates. In fact, AEE shows economic benefits of just 1,000 new graduates from Virginia would increase the gross state product by $15 million, and pump an additional $1.2 million annually into state coffers, through their increased spending and investments. Check out more here. According to 2010 KIDS Count Data Book Statistics on Virginia’s Young People: 1 out of 7 lives in poverty 1 out of 25 will not finish high school Fortunately, there is something we can do about it. A community equipped with robust mentoring programs and dedicated to investing in its schools inspires a successful and competitive economic landscape. See for yourself. The National Mentoring Partnership, a parent organization of Virginia Mentoring Partnership,will tell you that: A study of Allstate Insurance’s Corporate Mentoring Program’s mentees found: 81% improved their grades; 93% improved their attitude about school; and 96% had an improved self-concept. National studies reveal employees engaged in mentoring: Return to work happier and display increased productivity and morale; Are more loyal and improve retention; and Accept more challenges at work. Male mentors are especially needed as women outnumber men 4:1.

The Greater Richmond Chamber is calling out for business volunteers in our local schools!  In January 2012, the Greater Richmond Chamber rallied together its Community Affairs Committee and Business Councils to partner with the region’s public school systems in a sweeping initiative to encourage members of our talented business community to mentor the region's future workforce. The business community plays an important role in volunteerism in the Richmond region, and we are pleased to help connect local businesses to the resources necessary to help instill volunteering into workplace culture. Resources Virginia Mentoring Partnership: contact Jennifer Smith-Slabaugh, Executive Director, (804) 828.1536, or visit the Virginia Mentoring Partnership online here. Or check out a school system near you: Chesterfield County Public Schools Charles City County Public Schools Goochland County Public Schools Hanover County Public Schools Henrico County Public Schools New Kent County Public Schools Powhatan County Public Schools Richmond Public Schools Whether you have one hour every six months or one hour every week, you will find opportunities to give back to our community in a powerful way.  Mentorship and volunteer engagement in our schools are more important than ever, so be a part of the movement and invest in the Richmond Region’s future.  Share your mentoring experience on Twitter. Use hashtag #mentoRVA to engage in the conversation and get the message out.  Greater Richmond Chamber members have overwhelmingly identified education and workforce development as pillars of a thriving community; so it is no surprise that student mentorship and volunteer engagement in our schools consistently makes their way to the forefront of our various advocacy agendas.  This regional mentoring and volunteer initiative is a partnership of: The Greater Richmond Chamber Virginia Mentoring Parntership Communities in Schools (Chesterfield & Richmond) Charles City County Public Schools Chesterfield County Public Schools Goochland County Public Schools Hanover County Public Schools Henrico County Public Schools New Kent County Public Schools Powhatan County Public Schools Richmond Public Schools

Community Affairs

The Chamber’s Community Affairs committee to assesses and prioritizes key issues affecting our region from both a business and social perspective. Currently, the committee is focused on education and workforce priorities, as well as air transportation.

Earlier this year, the committee released survey results identifying issues of that ranked highest with Chamber members. The responses are no surprise:  K-12 Education, Economic Development/Job Creation, and Crime and Public Safety were the highest scoring issues. 

The committee is now reviewing information available from other sources and will be putting together a recommendation for action. Our objective is to provide opportunities for businesses to engage in the issues that matter most to you, your business, and the community-at-large.

Education and Workforce
The true success of the business community is shaped by many influences, one being a robust, sustainable workforce. A skilled workforce can only be developed when public and private partnerships are formed and goals for success are implemented.

The Greater Richmond Chamber, in collaboration with several regional organizations, is focusing on several education and workforce related priorities to ensure the long-term viability of our regional workforce.

Air Transportation
The Chamber-led Save Low Fares Richmond campaign aims to protect competition by encouraging Richmond travelers to fly on discount airlines, AirTran and JetBlue. The presence of these airlines has resulted in significantly lower airfares and major economic benefits for the Richmond Region.

Unfortunately, Richmonders have not supported these airlines, and since their entry into the market, both AirTran and JetBlue have reduced the number of flights originating in Richmond. Should these airlines leave the market completely, Richmond travelers can say goodbye to lower fares and a growing Richmond region.

The bottom-line: Low-fares are at risk at RIC. With the acquisition of AirTran by Southwest, it is more important than ever for travelers to choose AirTran or JetBlue when booking their travel. Southwest is closely evaluating AirTran’s performance as it decides the number of flights to commit to Richmond. In order to keep airfares competitive, Richmond travelers need to fly on AirTran and JetBlue now.

Click here to learn more about the Save Low Fares Richmond campaign and what you can do to help keep air travel from Richmond affordable.