Work Talk

Work Talk is a podcast about happenings in the region’s businesses. Businesses that participate in the podcast have the opportunity to tell their story; who are they, what do they do and what do they need to be competitive? Job seekers, through listening to the podcast, have the opportunity to learn about business needs and expectations and how they might prepare to go to work for a particular business and/or in a particular industry. We recognize that the more we understand about what businesses want/need, the more likely we are to meet that need.

For more information about Work Talk, contact Marty Holliday at marty.holliday@vcwnrmr.com or 540-357-0651

E42: Update on Youth Services

In this episode, you’ll hear about youth programming available in the region. Discover eligibility requirements, services offered, and how to connect youth to educational and training opportunities to achieve their overall employment goals.


E41: Community Awareness Podcast 8 – An Update on Job Seeker Services and Programs

This community awareness podcast provides an update on available job seeker services and programs. Discover how to connect with employers during the COVID-19 pandemic, how to identify training opportunities and wraparound services, and more.

E40: Innovating and Changing the Perception of Individuals with Disabilities

Rick Sizemore, Media Specialist at the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, and former Director of the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center, joins the program to discuss the mission and impact of the VR Workforce Studio Podcast. Rick reveals what it’s like to host and produce the podcast, and the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had both on the delivery of services to persons with disabilities, as well as messaging.

E39: Economic Equity and the Road to Success in Virginia Program

Jenny Bolte, Deputy Director of the New River Mt. Rogers Workforce Development Board, returns to the program to provide an update about the Pathway to the American Dream grant, as well as 2 new projects that are funded through the Virginia community college system. Discover how to get training for an in-demand healthcare career, and eligibility requirements.

E38: Update on Virginia’s Unemployment Insurance Program

In this episode, you’ll hear updates about Virginia’s unemployment insurance system, and changes that have occurred since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. You’ll hear about changes both from a regional and state perspective. 

E37: The Ticket To Work Program

In this episode, you’ll learn about the Ticket to Work Program, a free and voluntary program offered by Social Security that can help people age 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and who are interested in returning to work or working for the first time. You’ll also hear from a Ticket to Work participant about the impact that this program had on her life.

E36: The Virginia Ready Initiative

In this episode, you’ll learn about the Virginia Ready Initiative, a newly established nonprofit organization formed in response to the economic hardships created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Discover how VA Ready and its partners provide incentives for motivated, out-of-work Virginians to reskill for in-demand jobs in high-growth sectors.

E35: Community Awareness Podcast 6 – Business Services During Times of Disruption – Pt 2

In part 2 of this 2-part community awareness podcast, you’ll hear about how the New River Mt. Roger Workforce Development Board has innovated and continued to serve business needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

E35: Community Awareness Podcast 6 – Business Services During Times of Disruption – Pt 1

In part 1 of this 2-part community awareness podcast, you’ll hear about how the New River Mt. Roger Workforce Development Board has innovated and continued to serve business needs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

E34: Community Awareness Podcast 6 – Resource Guidebook for Re-Opening Your Business in the Age of COVID-19

In this episode, you’ll learn about the online resource guidebook created by the New River Valley Task Force Recovery Team. Discover how to access the guidebook, why it was created, and what businesses need to consider as they open.