The magazine of the VOL. 48 NO. 3B Virginia Municipal League APRIL 2014
What’s the buzz? Historic downtown Bristol
Also inside: 2014 VML Achievement Awards
The magazine of the Virginia Municipal League VOL. 48 NO. 3B APRIL 2014
About the cover When it comes to providing an exemplary downtown experience, it’s going to be hard to beat what Bristol has in store for visitors. Photograph by Malcolm J. Wilson. Departments Discovering Virginia...... 2 People...... 4 News & Notes...... 6 Marketplace...... 26 Professional Directory...... 28 Features What’s the buzz about Bristol? Turning your organization Within the next 18 months, the opening of both a museum into a talent magnet and a boutique hotel will increase the number of visitors to The composition of today’s workforce is changing dramati- Bristol’s historic downtown district, adding to what can best cally, with seasoned, talented professionals leaving their jobs, be described as a burgeoning buzz about the city. taking significant amounts of institutional knowledge with By Jennifer Molley Wilson them. At the same time, the public sector’s traditional ways Page 8 of attracting and retaining top-flight talent are not always effective, and can be seen as antiquated by younger job seek- A little secret worth remembering: ers. As a result, jurisdictions are increasingly pursuing a more The image of a community is focused approach to strengthening their employer brand, fundamentally important to its working to entice and retain talent. economic well-being By Patrick Ibarra Page 20 There are more than 25,000 incorporated communities in America, but how many Call for entries: 2014 VML of them are truly successful? How is it Achievement Awards that some small towns and rust belt cities are prospering, while many others are suf- VML is soliciting entries for its 2014 fering disinvestment, loss of identity and Achievement Awards program. The dead- even abandonment? How can communities, both big and line for submittals is Friday, May 30. The small, grow without losing their heart and soul? One of the winners will be featured in the September country’s leading experts on the topic has some answers. issue of Virginia Town & City. The awards By Edward T. McMahon will be presented at the 2014 VML Annual Conference in Page 16 Roanoke on Tuesday evening, Oct. 7. Page 23
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Virginia Town & City (ISSN0042-6784) is the official Kimberly A. Winn magazine of the Virginia Municipal League. Published 10 David P. Helms (President), Marion times a year at 13 E. Franklin St., P.O. Box 12164, Rich- EDITOR William D. Euille (President-Elect), Alexandria mond, VA 23241; 804/649-8471. E-mail: [email protected]. David Parsons Ron Rordam (Vice President), Blacksburg Reproduction or use of contents requires prior approval of DESIGN EDITOR Robert K. Coiner, Gordonsville the Virginia Municipal League and if granted must be ac- Manuel Timbreza Mary Hynes, Arlington companied by credit to Virginia Town & City and the Virginia Municipal League. Periodicals Postage paid at Richmond, ADVERTISING MANAGER Edythe Frankel Kelleher, Vienna VA. (USPS 661040) Subscription rates: members - $8 per Kimberly Pollard Ceasor Johnson, Lynchburg year, non-members - $16 per year. Single copies - $2 each. Katie Sheldon Hammler, Leesburg CIRCULATION MANAGER Postmaster: Send address changes to Virginia Town & Mimi Elrod, Lexington City, P.O. Box 12164, Richmond, 23241-0164. Sherall W. Dementi Patricia Woodbury, Newport News Virginia Town & City is printed on recycled paper. Faye Prichard, Ashland Anita James Price, Roanoke Visit at www.vml.org Ed C. Daley, Hopewell Virirginiainia TTown && CCitity || aprilAPRIL 20142014 1 Discovering Virginia By Kimberly A. Winn, VML Executive Director
I-64 East: Next stop, Fort Monroe
n a recent sunny Sunday afternoon, the Winn senior living community. The two restaurants are open to family looked at the map and decided to head out the public. Oof Richmond toward the water. Now, being from After our amazing brunch, we headed out to the beach. land-locked Kansas, my kids had never seen the ocean or Technically speaking, I know that we were not looking a beach of any kind. They were absolutely giddy as we at the ocean, but the kids had a ball exploring the sand took off toward Fort Monroe in Hampton. Upon arrival, we stopped at the historic Chamberlain Hotel for a lovely brunch. Quin- ton, my youngest, gasped and giggled with de- light when the waitress pulled back the curtains on the ceiling-to-floor windows. There in front of us was Hampton Roads harbor, a gateway to the Atlantic Ocean, with giant cargo ships, Navy ships of all sizes and sailboats out on the water. Christopher, my oldest, was most excited by the all-you-can-eat fresh seafood. He slurped oysters and ate mussels until he couldn’t possibly eat any more. Founded in 1820 as the Hygeia, the Cham- berlain is a historic hotel with a rich history. Perhaps the most famous guest was Edgar Allen Poe, who is said to have recited “The Raven” and “Annabel Lee” on the porch just one month before he died in 1849. The beautiful structure Fort Monroe was constructed of stone following the War of 1812 as that is the Chamberlain was built on this loca- part of the United States’ coastal defenses. tion in 1920. and picking up a bag full of seashells. They jumped and Following the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the laughed each time a tiny wave came up over their feet. increased security around military bases – including Fort Monroe – ended the Chamberlain’s history as a hotel. Af- After exploring the beach, we headed over to the old ter significant renovations, the hotel reopened in 2008 as a fortress, the largest stone fort built in the United States. Fort Monroe was constructed following the War of 1812 and was designed as a critical part of coastal defenses. The fort is situated at Point Comfort, at the mouths of the James and Elizabeth rivers. Its moated walls are as impressive as the large parade ground. Below a large oak stands the 15- inch “Lincoln Gun” that was used to defend the Hampton Roads Channel during the Civil War. Decommissioned in 2011, Fort Monroe now enjoys na- tional monument status. It is operated by the National Park Service and is home to the Casemate Museum. As you walk through the museum, you walk through the history of Fort Monroe. You will also see the room where Jefferson Davis was held prisoner following the Civil War. It also has an impressive collection related to the Artillery Corps. Fort Monroe and the Casemate Museum are free and open to the public. For more information, go to http://www.nps. gov/fomr/index.htm What started out as an uncertain trip guided by a point Christopher (l) and Quinton admired the 15-inch “Lincoln Gun” that was used to defend the Hampton Roads on the map turned into a lovely Sunday afternoon filled with Channel during the Civil War great food, amazing history and even some seashells!
2 Virginia Town & City | APRILapril 2014 VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | april 2014 3 People 2 former VML presidents die wo former presidents of the Virginia William “Bill” Rogers Hartz, 77, mayor of the Municipal League, Sam Adams and Bill Hartz, died Town of Waverly in Sussex County from 1970-2000, died Trecently. March 18. He served as VML president in 1991-1992, cul- Samuel Webster Adams III, who served 38½ years minating seven years of service on the Executive Commit- on Emporia City Council, 20 of them as mayor, died March tee. He remained a fixture at the VML Annual Conference, 19 of prostate cancer. even after his service as He was 64. mayor and chief executive When Mr. Adams officer of the town. took the oath of office to As league president, serve on City Council on Mr. Hartz stressed the im- July 1, 1974, he was only portance of local elected 24 years old, the young- officials communicating est council member with the Executive Com- ever elected in the city. mittee, VML staff and When he learned of the with each other. His seriousness of his illness, presidency coincided with he chose not to run for a shifting of power in the re-election in 2012. General Assembly. During his tenure “There will be new on City Council, Mr. faces and new philoso- Adams became involved Samuel Webster Adams III William “Bill” Rogers Hartz phies. A significant ele- in the affairs of VML. He was active in the league’s policy ment of the old guard, familiar with us and our work, whom process and served on the Executive Committee. He was we have come to know over the years, will have departed,” president of VML in 1985-1986. Mr. Hartz said in an address to the league membership after “I don’t know of anything that happened here that becoming president. “If we don’t all hang together dur- didn’t have his fingerprints on it in some way,” said F. ing this crucial transition, we will most assuredly all hang Woodrow Harris, the longtime Emporia council member separately.” and a former president of VML himself. “He had a huge Mr. Hartz was a lifelong resident of Waverly. He at- impact on our little corner of the world.” tended Culver Military Academy, the University of Virginia In addition to his time on the Executive Committee, and served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Adams also served on the Members Supervisory Board In addition to his service in local government, Mr. Hartz of VML Insurance Programs beginning in the late 1980s. was a vital member of the Jaycees, serving as president of Mr. Adams was a banker and businessman with substantial the Waverly Jaycees, the Virginia Jaycees and as vice presi- real estate holdings in and around Emporia. He was a leader dent of the United States Jaycees. His was active in civic in Emporia-Greensville County economic development. affairs in and around Waverly throughout his life.
Jane Seeman dies; 1999, and had served as mayor since cently for the Shenan- was mayor of Vienna being elected to the seat in 2000. In De- doah Valley Regional cember, she announced that she would Airport. Longtime Vienna not seek re-election this May. As a graduate as- Mayor M. Jane See- In an interview with a local news- sistant with James man died Feb. 23 paper in January, Mrs. Seeman said that Madison University, of lung cancer. She the development of the Town Green, a Robinson also served was diagnosed with project hatched by Town Council, was with Harrisonburg - the disease last June the highlight of her tenure as mayor. - Robinson - Downtown Renais- and had been receiv- Throughout her time on council, she sance, the Shenandoah Valley Part- ing treatment while was active in the workings of VML. nership, James Madison University continuing to serve as - Seeman - and the Central Shenandoah Planning mayor. Staunton fills District Commission. He provided re- Mrs. Seeman, 76, was first appoint- development post search, web and social media support, ed to serve on Town Council in 1996 to marketing assistance, policy analysis fill the unexpired term of her late hus- Courtland Robinson was hired as and grant writing in those positions. band. She was then elected to council assistant director of economic develop- for two consecutive terms in 1997 and ment in Staunton. He worked most re-
4 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 People
Norfolk taps Homewood formation officer for the Town of Vienna childhood initiatives, service integration for planning position in Fairfax County. and change management. Prior to her time in Vienna, Barr George Homewood, served as the community relations and Martinsville’s Knox is AICP CFM, was pro- communications specialist for the City assistant manager now moted to director of of Newport News. She holds a master’s planning and commu- Martinsville Director of Community degree in public administration from nity development in Development Wayne Knox was pro- Old Dominion University and is a grad- Norfolk Recently. He moted to assistant city manager recently. uate of the Senior Executive Institute of had served as acting di- He will continue overseeing city the Weldon Cooper Center for Public rector since November. planning, zoning and housing programs Service at the University of Virginia. - Homewood - Homewood joined while taking on additional duties. His new combined job title is assistant city the city in 2011 as assistant director of Loudoun’s Pastor manager/director of community devel- planning and community development. elected AICP Fellow He has more than 20 years in the plan- opment. ning field. Loudoun County Knox, who has managed the com- Director of Planning munity development department since Castrilli accepts Julie Pastor has 1995, has overseen community revi- Fairfax County post been elected to the talization projects, housing and rental College of Fellows of assistance programs and the city zoning Tony Castrilli, di- the American Institute and subdivision ordinances. In addi- rector of communica- of Certified Planners tion, he has been responsible for numer- tions and public infor- (AICP), one of the ous special projects. mation for Alexandria highest honors the in- since 2008, was named - Pastor - stitute can bestow upon a member. Bowers names to board director of the Office Pastor was recognized as an exem- of National Civic League of Public Affairs and plary planner who has made significant the chief spokesperson Roanoke Mayor Da- contributions to the planning commu- - Castrilli - for Fairfax County re- vid Bowers was ap- nity and the profession. As an AICP fel- cently. pointed to the Board low, she will be involved with mentoring Castrilli has nearly two decades of of Directors of the and future advancement of the plan- media and public affairs experience in National Civic League ning profession. the National Capital Region. In Al- recently. Pastor has served as planning di- exandria, he served as the city’s chief NCL, best known rector in Loudoun County since 1992, spokesperson and led communications for its All-America City during a period of extraordinary growth strategy for all citywide public infor- - Bowers - program, has promot- and change in one of the fastest growing mation, crisis communications, media ed efficient and effective local govern- counties in the United States. relations, digital/social media, customer ment since 1894. service, employee communications and Alexandria fills human Manassas emergency community engagement. services position Prior to his tenure in Alexandria, planner honored Castrilli worked for nine years at Alexandria hired Kate Amelia Gagnon, WUSA-TV 9 as executive producer of A. Garvey as direc- emergency manage- news coverage and managing editor. He tor of the Department ment planner for the also spent two years as managing editor of Community and City of Manassas, has at the NBC affiliate in Buffalo, N.Y. He Human Services effec- been named Outstand- started his local TV career in the D.C. tive Feb. 18. She has ing New Emergency area in 1992 at NewsChannel 8. more than 20 years of Management Profes- local government ex- sional for 2014 by the Barr named manager - Garvey - perience in the field of - Gagnon - Virginia Emergency in Town of Occoquan health and human services. Management Association. Garvey served most recently in Kirstyn Barr has The award recognizes an emergency Montgomery County, Md., as chief been selected as town management professional who at the of Youth and Family Services/Social manager of Occo- time of the annual VEMA conference Services director. Prior to her tenure quan in Prince Wil- has served 24 months or less in their in Montgomery County, she served as liam County effective position and who during that time has executive deputy director for the Al- April 14. Barr, 31, displayed enthusiasm and made specific legheny County (Pa.) Department of served for the past four accomplishments or improvements to Human Services. Garvey has extensive years as the public in- the local program. - Barr - skill in community development, early
VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | april 2014 5 News & notes
Manassas cited for “Chesapeake Alert,” went live in early agency; Fitch has rated the City’s bonds social responsibility February. AAA since 2010. Chesapeake also holds Chesapeake Alert registrants will a rating of Aa1 from Moody’s. The City of Manassas has been awarded be among the first notified during Standard & Poor’s also raised its a 2014 Communitas Award for Corpo- emergencies. Currently, the system uses rating on the Chesapeake Economic rate Social Responsibility. The awards publicly-available telephone numbers Development Authority’s appropriation are an international effort to recognize to deliver messages; however, this does debt, supported by the city, to AA+ from exceptional businesses, organizations not provide complete coverage nor al- AA. In addition, the firm assigned its and individuals who are changing how low for alternative delivery methods. By AAA rating and “stable” outlook to the they do business to benefit their com- registering, citizens can ensure that the city’s series 2014A General Obligation munities. city uses their preferred method of com- Public Improvement refunding bonds The City of Manassas Neighbor- munications, including cell, text, home and series 2014B taxable General Ob- hood Services Division won the award telephone and e-mail. Citizens can also ligation Water and Sewer refunding for its work with Manassas City Public include the preferred order of contact bonds. Schools with support from the Ameri- methods and choose to receive alerts for Corps Vista program. For this program, any location in Chesapeake. Newport News cameras Kisha Wilson-Sogunro, neighborhood A variety of non-emergency notifi- catch illegal dumping services manager, arranged for business cations related to specific areas, such as community leaders to volunteer their The strategic use of Flashcams in New- road closures, schedule changes, etc., time at Osbourn High School to mentor port News is helping the departments of can be requested using the opt-in reg- students. Public Works and Police crack down on istration. These allow citizens to select The participants addressed issues illegal dumping in the city. both the types of messages and the such as tardiness and absenteeism, the Most recently, the city arrested a methods of delivery they prefer. challenges of maintaining a schedule, violator caught on video illegally dump- The new Chesapeake Alert is pow- and the devastating effect that poor ing near a pump station in the north ered by Everbridge, a recognized leader decision-making has as it relates to ca- end of the city. The crackdown on il- in incident notification systems. -Ever reer opportunities. The business leaders legal dumping is in line with the one of bridge customers include Virginia Tech shared stories about what helped them the city’s strategic priorities dealing with and the City of Boston. move up in life. Over the past year, community maintenance and renewal. several teens have landed internships or Chesapeake receives ELSEWHERE … jobs through the program. AAA bond rating Leesburg Town Council voted unani- Richmond consolidates Standard & Poor’s (S&P) has raised mously Feb. 25 to name the town’s permitting process the City of Chesapeake rating on gener- newest park after former Vice Mayor al obligation bonds to AAA from AA+. The City of Richmond has streamlined Mervin Jackson, who died in 2009. This is the city’s second Triple-A rating its building permit process. from a nationally-recognized rating The departments of Planning and Development Review, Public Utilities and Public Works have created a “one stop shop” for all permitting needs. The departments have rearranged a room on the first floor of City Hall to better as- sist customers. Representatives from all three departments can now assist with permits, including gas, water, sewer, encroachment, tree removal, etc. In addition, gas and residential water per- mits will be processed in a nearby room instead at a facility across town.
Chesapeake debuts new alert system The City of Chesapeake has launched an upgraded and redesigned system for alerting citizens in cases of emergency and for providing non-emergency in- formation about programs and services on an opt-in basis. The system, called
6 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 Culpeper opens dog park lmost two years in the making, a new dog park in Cul- peper stands as a collaborative success story written by the town Aand a group of citizens seeking a safe recreational area to allow their dogs to play. “The Culpeper Dog Park is a great example of local citizens and the town working together to implement a project,” said town Principal Planner Charles Rapp, who played an integral role helping to create the facility. About two years ago, a group of dog-loving citizens approached the town’s Parks and Recreation Commission about creating the park. While the commission acknowledged the value of having such a park, no money was available to build it. The commission formed a subcom- mittee to work with the citizens, who were responsible for raising the money necessary to construct the dog park. In 18 months, a non-profit citizens group – the Culpeper Dog Park – raised about $12,000. The money was used to pay contractors to in- stall a fence, trash receptacles and nine benches within the park, which is located on one acre donated by the town at Mountain Run Lake. Two years in the making, the dog park will be In addition, a resident donated nine trees that were planted inside the maintained by the town. fence. The town will maintain the park.
Save the dates Oct. 5-7
VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | april 2014 7 The annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion makes Bristol the host city for nationally-known bands who are eager to perform in the city where the “big bang of country music” took place. The three-day festival attracts attendees from all over the country, and abroad, and has been lauded as a top music event by a variety of regional and national sources.
8 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 Photos by Malcolm J. Wilson Story by Jennifer Molley Wilson What’s the buzz about Bristol? Musical arts, visual arts and the art of preservation pervade downtown
mbedded with brass markers and anchored by CBH is a Virginia-based partnership focused on the de- the historic century-old Bristol sign on one end of town velopment of boutique hotels in small markets, and on the Eand an iconic 20-foot guitar on the other, the official repurposing of historic buildings as well as new construction. state line of Virginia and Tennessee runs down the middle of In addition to the Sessions Hotel, other current boutique hotel State Street in downtown Bristol. projects include the expansion of their existing Craddock Ter- Within the next 18 months, the opening of both a museum ry Hotel in Lynchburg, and the revitalization and expansion and a boutique hotel will only increase the magnetic pull of visitors through the city’s historic downtown district, and will further add to what can best be de- scribed as a burgeoning buzz about Bristol. As twin cities, both Bristols often seem like part- ners in a three-legged race. If one staggers, both fall. But when it comes to providing an exemplary downtown experience, both sides of the city have displayed an unwavering commitment. Last December, officials with the City of Bristol, Virginia, and the partners of Creative Boutique Hotels (CBH), announced transformation of an entire city block into a destination hospitality complex centered around a 70-room boutique hotel, The Sessions Hotel.
In preparation of the Mumford & Sons Gentlemen of The Road Stopover, nearly all downtown Bristol businesses rallied behind the Union Jack and welcomed the onslaught of visitors with all things British. of The John Randolph Hotel in South Boston, among others. “At one time in America’s history, almost every small town or city had a popular and successful hotel in their downtown,” said Kimberly Christner, a partner with CBH and president and CEO of Cornerstone Hospitality. “We want to bring that dynamic back to life in Bristol. Sessions Hotel will serve as a welcome mat for Bristol, as well as add another layer of interest to the vibrant, downtown community.” The complex will encompass three historic properties, in- cluding an old mill and candy factory. Additional details will dramatically transform the downtown streetscape, such as a courtyard and an arched entry to the hotel parking lot, as well as proposed new retail and residential buildings. The Sessions Hotel will be a destination hospitality com- plex, blurring the line between old and new with architectural design and detail relevant to Bristol’s history. In addition to the rooms, amenities include a 2,000-square-foot, full-service Dozens of events throughout the year provide the spa, restaurant, music stage and green space venues, a roof top opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate as a garden café and roof top bar. group. One of those is the much-beloved easter egg hunt that takes place in Cumberland Square Park. “The rooftop bar will provide a view of Bristol few have
Virginia Town & City | april 2014 9 Points of interest or more than a century, the historic Bris- tol sign has been a glowing bridge that has served as Fa visible icon of a city separated by geography, but united in spirit. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it is considered one of the earliest and largest elec- tric signs promoting a city slogan. The sign contains 1,332 bulbs and rises 53 feet above the street. Brass markers (right) are placed all along State Street, designating the Virginia/Tennessee state line. The markers are a popular stop for visitors, who enjoy bragging about standing in two states at once. Also on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic Train Station was built in 1902. While a group of interested citizens have been working to see the station be- come a passenger hub once again, it currently serves as a popular venue space for business meetings, weddings and community events.
In 2012, the iconic Bristol Sign went pink for breast cancer Bristol was born from the rails. Through the doors of the awareness. Members of the community were able to Bristol Train Station passed visitors, business people, sponsor a bulb in memory or support of family members and immigrants … some passing through and taking a portion friends who either battled, or survived breast cancer. Funds of Bristol with them to share with the world. Others raised benefitted cancer research and support in the region. staying and bringing the ideas, products and workforce to The Pick Pink event marked the first, and only time the bulb the city that would truly become “A Good Place to Live.” colors have ever changed in the century-long history of the Built in 1902, today the Train Station is a popular venue sign, and, fittingly, the event culminated with a concert by for weddings, meetings and receptions. an all-female line-up of performers. seen,” Christner said. “The first time CBH was then hired to conduct best piece of property. Once we develop we visited, and as we came back for a study on another large property in that end of State Street, we hope some events like Bristol Rhythm and Roots, downtown Bristol to determine if it cool residential development will come we all agreed a rooftop bar had to be could be developed through a down- in and follow our lead.” included in our plans.” town development grant that had been While demolition at the site is set to It was purely happenstance that first pursued by Believe in Bristol through the begin soon, the goal is to use as much made Bristol a blip on the CBH radar. Virginia Main Street Program. While of the historic buildings as possible. Partner Hal Craddock visited as a con- that property didn’t pan out, Christner According to Christner, this will require sultant to look at work that was needed feels that their vision can best be built some creative thinking. The largest por- at Virginia Intermont College, located a on the property they chose to develop. tion of the granary at the mill will be few blocks from downtown. “We feel like we do believe in Bristol. transformed into four guest rooms per “Hal came back and said, ‘Bristol We are passionate about the city, and floor. The original floor will be kept, and is a cool city. We need to look at it,’ ” have been since the first time we came,” the equipment will be incorporated into remembers Christner. she said. “There is no doubt we got the the design, including a grain bin in the
10 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 Buzz about Bristol ceiling of one of the rooms. All of this Additionally, the developers have asked downtown in the region. So much so, is an effort to keep everything authentic the locals to scour their attics, basements that two separate walking tours – one to the building. Christner also likes the and photo albums for any items that can that leads to all the historic landmarks, possibility of having ironworkers convert be linked back to any of the three his- and the other, the Bristol Sculpture some of the equipment in the building to toric buildings. Walking Tour of public art – help direct repurposed art for the hotel. “While we most likely won’t be able visitors down State Street and along “We believe that the history of to make everyone happy, we’ll do our some interesting side streets. Bristol should be preserved through the best. We want to be the destination According to Christina Blevins, adaptive reuse of buildings,” she added. hotel for downtown Bristol and a good executive director of Believe in Bris- “We are going to do our best to preserve community partner,” Christner said. tol, there are 40-plus residential lofts as much history as we can, by putting “We want to get as much input as we in downtown, varying in both size and some of it to work.” can, so it will be something everyone is amenities. Several are home to down- True to its name, and in honor of its proud of. This is Bristol’s hotel. We are town business owners who run their re- namesake, Christner said The Sessions just the stewards of the process.” tail business on the first floor. Demand will be a music-centric facility. The Sessions Hotel is scheduled to is high to live downtown, and there are open in the summer of 2015. seldom vacancies. While the waiting “We plan to have music on both list can be long, there is a wide range indoor and outside stages,” she said. in price point, so Bristol loft-living is “Traveling musicians will feel right at Just listen to the music appealing to everyone from college stu- home in the music room, which will be dents to business professionals. soundproof so bands can come in and of the traffic in the city… practice without worrying about dis- A community’s downtown is its In a city where time is measured by turbing other guests.” heartbeat and there is a palpable pulse musical beats, you would expect to en- counter an array of culturally-rich ac- Once the project gets underway, in historic downtown Bristol. It spills out onto the streets from the vibrant live tivities. Hundreds of community events nearly every detail, dream and compo- throughout the year harness the magic nent in the finished building will be a music venues. It is charged from the palette of the extensive art galleries. It’s of the stage, the grace of the dance, the result of some form of community in- twist of a tale or the stroke of an artist’s put. Christner says the project team will found on the menu of some of the best locally-owned restaurants in the region, brush to serve as introduction to Bristol’s include Bristol citizens who will be asked multi-dimensional arts environment. to participate on committees for market- and it’s stocked on the shelves of the ing, services and grounds. Much of the unique shops and boutiques that define In 2010, the City of Bristol Virginia skilled detail work will be done at the the city. officially designated Downtown Bristol hands of local artists and tradespeople. Bristol is easily the most walkable as an Arts and Entertainment District.
In August 2012, British super group Mumford & Sons chose Bristol as one of its Gentlemen of the Road Stopover Tours, largely based on the city’s unique geography and its importance in musical history as the Birthplace of Country music. Some 17,500 people attended the concert headlined by the British group. Tickets were purchased from all across the U.S. and at least four countries, and the event sold out in a matter of hours. Photo by Capt. Maynard Ratcliff, Bristol, Va., Police Department.
VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | april 2014 11 Buzz about Bristol
The district strives to connect people and the Carter Family, among others. musical heritage of the Appalachian and the arts by connecting people with the This August, the Birthplace of Mountains and the cultural traditions arts through encouraging a lively and Country Music® will tell its story in a that sustain it. healthy social, cultural and economic new, engaging and interactive way: the During the third weekend in Sep- environment. Birthplace of Country Music® Museum. tember, the annual Bristol Rhythm and The district is home to more than This 24,000-square-foot repurposed Roots Reunion brings the celebration of two dozen arts-related businesses and historic space will tell Bristol’s story as country music back to the street of its organizations, representing a broad the home of the Bristol spectrum of all art forms and cultural Sessions through perma- heritage, including seven art galleries, nent, technology-infused two theaters, various craft-related stores exhibits, a special exhib- and numerous places that offer live mu- its gallery, educational sic. One of the most popular events of programs, multiple film the Arts & Entertainment District is the experiences and a theater monthly Art D’Vine Gallery Hop, which dedicated exclusively for pairs wine sampling and art throughout live, year-round music each of the featured galleries. performances – advanc- Musicians, scholars and fans world- ing the story of the living wide visit Bristol to pay homage to coun- High above State try music’s past. The familiar melodies Street is a community of the historic Bristol Sessions in 1927 comprised of more than still echo through the only city that can 40 city lofts. These urban dwellers range celebrate its unique provenance as the of- from college students, to ficial “Birthplace of Country Music” as business professionals, designated by Congress. Lauded as the to downtown shop “big bang of country music,” the sessions owners who enjoy their short commute to work, launched the careers of Jimmie Rodgers one flight down.
Downtown Bristol is home to seven art galleries, each one imparting its own personality on the city’s art scene. The edgy blowfish emporium is noted for its unique collection of eclectic artists, and for its popular Grape Easel painting parties where everyone can channel their inner Dali.
12 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 Readin’, writin’ and another Buzz about Bristol successful adaptive use project add to their travel portfolio. “More than 300,000 people visit n 2012, the Bristol (Va.) School Administration launched op- downtown annually,” Bolas said. “Out- erations in a new building, a century-old structure that had once been side of Bristol Motor Speedway, down- Ihome to Bristol Builder’s Supply – Central Warehouse. town is the number one visited attraction The city had acquired the property in the hopes of in hopes of bringing during Bristol’s two NASCAR races. about improvement as an economic development project. Timing and the Above that, we expect the Birthplace of economy stopped that idea in its tracks, and the building had been languishing Country music museum to bring in an in disuse for several years, with no additional 75,000 each year. That’s alternative plan for its use. significant,” he added. Realizing that the school ad- According to Bolas, he is seeing a ministration was into a months-long growing interest in Bristol from travel search for solution to a dire need for writers and tour operators from the operational space, the City of Bristol United States and abroad. The Bris- (Va.) offered to lease the warehouse tol Convention and Visitors Bureau to the school system for $1 a year, actively courts these two key audi- and then found an interest-free way ences. And, “courts” is the appropri- to finance the renovation so taxpay- ate terminology, because it’s all about ers saved as well. relationship building. In addition to office space, the “We may host a travel writer, 36,000 square foot facility features or a tour operator, and not see any a 240-seat auditorium available for result from the visit for maybe a year public use, and a technology-forward or so,” he explained. conference room that can accommo- A partnership between the city and the Nonetheless, the bureau brings doz- date 20. school system allowed leaders to use creative solutions to parlay a once- ens of these influential travel experts to The décor in the facility is nearly blighted building into an impressive the city annually, and the result has been museum-quality, and is a point of in- community-use facility. positive press and blog posts from coast terest to visitors to the city who are interested in learning more about the build- to coast, and around the world. ing itself, or the history of education in Bristol. Lining the walls are glimpses And it’s not all about the tourism. The into decades of school life in Bristol. Bristol Chamber of Commerce reports an The remodeled building now forms part of the downtown municipal cam- increase in calls requesting information pus, making a real statement about what can be done with such structures. about opening businesses in Bristol. “Everybody wants to be downtown,” Bolas said. “The fact that there are very birth. The nationally-recognized event Heads in beds few vacancies in downtown lofts is a commands an audience of more than great gauge. People want to be a part of 40,000 for the three-day festival, and But when exactly was the Bristol that dynamic 24/7.” buzz born? Matt Bolas, executive di- features top-tier performers, as well as With the addition of the Sessions rector of the Bristol Convention and provides a showcase for up and coming Hotel, it seems the one piece that was Visitors Bureau, said the Bristol “buzz” regional talent. Countless musicians – preventing downtown Bristol from be- became audible in the late 1990s, and on stages, on side streets or gathered in ing whole has finally fallen into place. corners – help welcome the music-hun- was directly related to a combination of gry crowds that arrive from across the events and dining. “For years the number one request we heard was the need for a downtown hotel. country and around the globe to revel “We began seeing people coming in It’s especially important for the lucrative in country music’s past, as a portal to its from out of town to eat in our restau- corporate travel market,” Bolas said. future. rants. On weekends and nights it was In warmer months, live music can impossible to get a table,” Bolas said. “The next three to five years, tour- be found virtually any night of the The next wave of development, he said, ism in Bristol is going to be very inter- week. From informal gatherings to was the arrival of eclectic retail shops, esting,” Bolas added. “We have the summer concert series, to an abundance which helped to further bolster the city’s groundwork, we have infrastructure and of stages in parks, restaurants and pubs, status as a retail destination. we definitely have the product. Now, it’s just a matter of our community coming pick a genre, and then allow your ears to Over the passing decades, the city together to offer a very live tourism ex- lead you. Bristol is one of seven major has embraced more shops, restaurants perience.” venues along Virginia’s Heritage Music and entertainment events, all of which Trail, The Crooked Road. has been added to the big melting pot About the author of the Bristol experience. And it is pre- Jennifer Molley Wilson is the public informa- cisely that experience people want to tion official for the City of Bristol.
VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | april 2014 13 In the spirit of the original 1927 Bristol Sessions, when musicians came down from the mountains and hollers and converged on the city in the hopes of being discovered, the annual Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion embraces country music’s rough-hewn beginnings by encouraging musicians to fill the streets and back alleys with impromptu musical performances.
14 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 Buzz about Bristol
Where time is measured by musical beats ...
Classic cars and a good burger are a dynamic combination. In Bristol, the Burger Bar claims the distinction of being the last known location where country music giant Hank Williams was last seen alive. Legend says he and his driver stopped at the Bristol restaurant on their way to that fateful West Virginia concert date in 1953, where the singer was dead upon arrival. It is important to note he didn’t eat there, so you should feel comfortable ordering anything off their nostalgic menu.
During special events in Bristol, the streets are filled with an array of arts and artists, creating a vibrant and colorful streetscape.
Final preparations are being made in advance of the August opening of the Smithsonian-affilated Birthplace of Country Music Museum. Tourism officials predict this attraction will draw an additional 75,000 visitors to the city annually.
VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | april 2014 15 By Edward T. McMahon A little secret worth remembering The image of a community is fundamentally important to its economic well-being
here are more than 25,000 cookie-cutter development that has • Inventory community assets. incorporated communities in turned many communities into faceless • Use education and incentives, not TAmerica. How many of these are places that young people flee, tourists just regulation. truly successful? How is it that some avoid and which no longer instill a sense • Pick and choose among develop- small towns and rust belt cities are pros- of pride in residents. ment projects. pering, while many others are suffering Every “successful” community has disinvestment, loss of identity and even its own strengths and weaknesses, but • Cooperate with neighbors for abandonment? Why are some com- they all share some common character- mutual benefit. munities able to maintain their historic istics. It’s clear for instance that success- • Pay attention to community aes- character and quality of life in the face ful communities involve a broad cross- thetics. of a rapidly changing world, while oth- section of residents in determining and • Have strong leaders and commit- ers have lost the very features that once planning the future. ted citizens. gave them distinction and appeal? How They also capitalize on their distinc- can communities, both big and small, tive assets – their architecture, history, Have a vision for the future grow without losing their heart and soul? natural surroundings, and home grown Successful communities always have From coast to coast, communities businesses – rather than trying to adopt a plan for the future. Unfortunately, are struggling to answer these questions. a new and different identity. “planning” is a dirty word in some com- After working in hundreds of communi- Most successful communities also munities, especially in small towns and ties in all regions of the country, I have utilize a variety of private sector and rural areas. In some places, this is the re- come to some conclusions about why market incentives to influence their sult of today’s highly polarized political some communities succeed and others development, instead of relying solely culture. In other places, it results from fail. There are many communities that on government regulations. Not every, a misunderstanding of planning and its have found ways to retain their small successful community displays all of the value. The truth is, failing to plan sim- town values, historic character, scenic following characteristics, but most have ply means planning to fail. It is difficult beauty and sense of community, yet sus- made use of at least three or four: to name any successful individual, or- tain a prosperous economy. And they’ve ganization, corporation or community done it without accepting the kind of • Have a vision for the future. that doesn’t plan for the future.
Rendering of a Walmart in Washington, D.C., is proof that retailers and developers will adapt to community standards.
16 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 Community image
Try to imagine a company that didn’t den, New Jersey; Vision Land Amuse- Spring. Old office blocks stand empty. have a business plan. It would have a very ment Park in Birmingham, Alabama; the A grand art deco theater is frequented hard time attracting investors or staying Galleria Mall in Worcester, Massachu- only by ghosts. Glitzy department stores competitive in the marketplace. The same setts; the Winter Garden in Niagara Falls, have decamped to out-of-town shopping is true of communities. A community New York – to name just a few. malls. Tattoo parlors, pawnbrokers and plan is simply a blueprint for the future. Too many communities think that discounters remain.” People may differ on how to achieve the economic revival is about the one big To combat this decline, local officials community’s vision, but without a blue- thing. Whether it is a convention center, and an out-of-town developer proposed print, a community will flounder. a casino, a festival marketplace, a sports to build a second Mall of America (like Understandably, people in small arena, or an aquarium, city after city the one in Bloomington, Minn.). The towns don’t like change. But change is has followed the copycat logic of com- proposed mega-mall would have 800 inevitable. Technology, the economy, de- petition. If your city has a big conven- stores and it would cover 27 acres. The mographics, population growth, market tion center, my city needs an even big- projected cost was $800 million and it trends and consumer attitudes are always ger one. Festival marketplaces worked would require a $200 million public sub- changing, and they will affect a commu- fine in cities like Boston and Baltimore, sidy. It would also mean the demolition nity whether people like it or not. but similar projects went bankrupt in of most of downtown Silver Spring’s There are really only two kinds of Toledo, Richmond and a dozen other existing buildings. change in the world today: planned communities [including Norfolk]. So what happened? The county change and unplanned change. Com- Successful economic development rejected the massive American Dream munities can grow by choice or chance. is rarely about the one big thing. More Mall and set its sights on a succession Abraham Lincoln used to say that “the likely, it is about lots of little things work- of more modest developments. First, best way to predict the future is to create ing synergistically together in a plan they realized that despite its decline, it yourself.” Communities with a vision that makes sense. In her award winning Silver Spring had some important assets for the future will always be more suc- book – The Living City – author Roberta that were probably more valuable than cessful than communities that just ac- Brandes Gratz says that “successful cit- a giant mega-mall. First, Silver Spring cept whatever comes along. ies think small in a big way.” was adjacent to Washington, D.C., the Two examples of this are Silver nation’s capital. Second, it was served Inventory community assets Spring, Md., and Cleveland. Cleveland by transit (i.e. the Washington Metro system), and third, it was surrounded by Creating a vision for the future had an aging, undersized convention stable middle-class neighborhoods. begins by inventorying a community’s center. Civic boosters argued for a assets: natural, architectural, human, huge new convention center that could Rather than spending $200 million educational, economic and so on. compete with much bigger cities like subsidizing a giant mall, county and Chicago, Atlanta or Minneapolis. But state officials collaborated to find a site Twenty-first century economic development small cities like Cleveland will never win for the new headquarters for the Discov- focuses on what a community has, rather than in an arms race to build the biggest con- ery Communications Corp, which was what it doesn’t have. Too many cities and towns vention center. then housed in several different loca- spend all their time and money on business re- tions around the Washington area. cruitment. They build an industrial park out by Instead, Cleveland took a look at its the airport and then they try like crazy to attract assets, one of which is the Cleveland The site where Discovery Com- a plant, factory or distribution center to move Clinic – a world renowned medical cen- munications decided to build its new there. The few communities that are “success- ter located a short distance from down- headquarters was adjacent to the Silver ful” at this strategy usually accomplish it by town. Instead of trying to compete with Spring Metro Station. Bringing 1,500 giving away the store. every other convention city, Cleveland employees to downtown Silver Spring decided to build a smaller, less expen- was a huge boost to the community, The old economic development par- sive meeting facility – the Cleveland but what really synergized the renewal adigm was about cheap land, cheap gas Medical Mart and Global Center for was Discovery Corp’s agreement not to and cheap labor. It was about shotgun Health Innovation – focused on medical build a cafeteria in its new headquarters recruitment and low cost positioning. In conventions, and which would have an building. This meant employees would the old economy, the most important in- attached medical mart affiliated with the have to patronize local restaurants. frastructure investment was roads. To- Cleveland Clinic. day, successful economic development is Use education and about laser recruitment and high value Another example of asset-based incentives – not just positioning. Today, highly trained talent economic development is Silver Spring, is more important than cheap labor and Md. For many years, Silver Spring was regulation investing in education is far more valu- among the largest suburban commer- Successful communities use educa- able than widening the highway. cial centers in the Mid-Atlantic region. tion, incentives, partnerships and vol- But, by the early 1990’s, Silver Spring American communities are littered untary initiatives – not just regulation. had fallen on hard times. In 1996, a with projects that were sold as a “silver To be sure, land use regulations and story in the Economist said, “You can see bullet” solution to a city’s economic woes: ordinances are essential to protecting America wilting in downtown Silver the New Jersey State Aquarium in Cam- public health and to setting minimum
VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | april 2014 17 Community image standards of conduct in a community. community a better place to live, work and molished. This is what CVS proposed Regulations prevent the worst in develop- visit. Other development projects will not. in Davidson. ment, but they rarely bring out the best. Regula- The biggest impediment to better The town could have easily accepted tions are also subject to shifting political winds. development in many communities is a the cookie cutter design (Plan A), but Often one county commission or town council will fear of saying “no” to anything. In my instead it insisted on a two-story brick enact tough regulations only to see them repealed experience, communities that will not building, pulled to the corner with park- or weakened by a future town council or commis- say no to anything will get the worst of ing in the rear. CVS protested, but at sion with a different ideology or viewpoint. everything. the end of the day they built what the If regulations aren’t the entire an- The proof is everywhere – commu- town wanted because they recognized swer, how can a community encourage nities that set low standards or no stan- the economic value of being in a profit- new development that is in harmony dards will compete to the bottom. On able location. with local aspirations and values? the other hand, communities that set The lesson learned is that successful com- Communities need to use carrots, high standards will compete to the top. munities have high expectations. They know not just sticks. They also need to use This is because they know that if they that community identity is more important than education, partnerships and voluntary say no to bad development they will al- corporate design policy. initiatives. Successful communities have ways get better development in its place. identified a variety of creative ways to in- Too many elected officials have an Cooperate with neighbors fluence the development process outside “it’ll do” attitude toward new develop- for mutual benefit of the regulatory process. Some of the ment. Worse yet, they’ll accept anything Historically, elected officials have incentives they use include: conservation that comes down the pike, even if the tended to view neighboring communi- easements; purchase of development proposed project is completely at odds ties, the county government, and even rights; expedited permit review; tax with the community’s well thought out the managers of adjacent national parks abatements that promote the rehabilita- vision for the future. or other public lands as adversaries tion of historic buildings; award and rec- They are simply afraid to place any rather than allies. Some community ognition programs; density bonuses for demands on a developer for fear that leaders see economic development as a saving open space; and other techniques. the developer will walk away if the “zero-sum” game: if you win, I lose. In Staunton, Virginia, the Historic community asks for too much. This is Successful communities know that Staunton Foundation offered free design especially true when dealing with out of today’s world requires cooperation for assistance to any downtown business town developers or with national chain mutual benefit. They know that the owner who would restore the façade of stores and franchises. real competition today is between re- their building. They did this after the The bottom line for most developers, gions. They also understand that very city council had rejected a measure to especially chain stores and franchises, is few small towns have the resources, by create an historic district in downtown securing access to profitable trade areas. themselves, to attract tourists or to com- Staunton. At first, only one business pete with larger communities. owner took advantage of the incen- They evaluate locations based on tive, but then a second business owner their economic potential. If they are Regional cooperation does not mean restored his building facade, and then a asked to address local design, historic giving up your autonomy. It simply third, and then many more. Today, there preservation, site planning or architec- recognizes that problems like air pollu- are five historic districts in Staunton, in- tural concerns they will usually do so. tion, water pollution, traffic congestion cluding the entire downtown, but it all Bob Gibbs, one of America’s lead- and loss of green space do not respect began with an incentive. ing development consultants, says that jurisdictional boundaries. Regional problems require regional solutions. Successful communities also use “when a chain store developer comes to education to encourage voluntary ac- town they generally have three designs There are numerous examples of tion by citizens. Why do cities and towns (A, B, or C) ranging from “Anywhere, communities working together for mu- need to use education? Because educa- USA” to Unique (sensitive to local char- tual benefit. In the Denver region, 41 tion reduces the need for regulation. acter). Which one gets built depends communities cooperated to support heavily upon how much push back the funding for a regional transit system (i.e. Also, because people and businesses company gets from local residents and of- FasTracks). Cleveland area communi- will not embrace what they don’t under- ficials about design and its importance.” ties cooperated to build a Metro parks stand. Finally, community education is One community that has asked system. Metro Minneapolis and St. important because, citizens have a right Paul collaborate on tax base sharing. to choose the future, but they need to chain stores and franchises to fit-in know what the choices are. is Davidson, N.C. Chain drugstores, Even small rural communities can like CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens are cooperate for mutual benefit. Small Pick and choose among proliferating across the country. They towns in Mississippi have worked to- like to build featureless, single-story gether to organize and promote U.S. development projects buildings on downtown corners, usually Route 61 as “the Blues Highway.” All development is not created equal. surrounded by parking – often after one Similarly, five rural counties on Mary- Some development projects will make a or more historic buildings have been de- land’s Eastern Shore collaborated with
18 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 Community image
created the Illinois and Michigan Ca- nal National Heritage Corridor, which helped restore an abandoned canal link- ing Lockport with Chicago. Adelman’s success at building local support for the canal convinced Congress to add the ca- nal corridor to the national park system. What about the naysayers? Every community has naysayers. Whatever the civic or community leaders propose to do, some people will always say things like: “you can’t do it,” “it won’t work,” “it costs too much,” “we tried that al- ready.” And, “no” is a very powerful This Walmart on H Street in Washington, D.C., near Union Station features a multi- word in a small community, but leaders story design and underground parking. of successful communities know that “yes” is a more powerful word. Yes, the Eastern Shore [MD] Land Conser- and where to retire based on what com- we can make this town a better place to vancy to create a regional agreement to munities look like. Consider tourism, live in, to look at, to work in, to visit. A preserve farmland and open space. for example. The more any community pessimist sees difficulty in every oppor- in America comes to look just like every tunity. An optimist sees opportunity in Pay attention other community the less reason there is every difficulty. to community aesthetics to visit. On the other hand, the more a community does to protect and enhance During the development boom of its uniqueness whether natural or archi- Summing up the 1980s, Time Magazine published a tectural, the more people will want to We live in a rapidly changing world. cover story article about what they called visit. In his new book, The Great Reset, author “America’s growing slow-growth move- Richard Florida says that “the post- ment.” The article began with a quote Tourism is about visiting places that are different, unusual and unique. If recession economy is reshaping the way from a civic activist in Southern Califor- we live, work, shop and move around.” nia, who said “we were in favor of prog- everyplace was just like everyplace else, there would be no reason to go anyplace. He goes on to predict that “communi- ress, until we saw what it looked like.” ties that embrace the future will prosper. Looks count! Aesthetics matter! Successful communities pay atten- Those that do not will decline.” tion to aesthetics. Typically they control Mark Twain put it this way, “We take signs, they plant street trees, they protect One big change is that people and stock of a city like we take stock of a man. scenic views and historic buildings, and businesses can now choose where to live The clothes or appearance are the externals by they encourage new construction that or operate a business. In today’s world, which we judge.” fits in with the existing community. communities that cannot differentiate themselves will have no competitive ad- More than 80 percent of everything vantage. This means that quality of life ever built in America has been built Have strong leaders is more important than ever. since about 1950 and a lot of what we and committed citizens have built is just plain ugly. There are Successful communities know that still many beautiful places in America, Successful communities have strong sameness is not a plus. It is minus. but to get to these places we must of- leaders and committed citizens. A small Successful communities set themselves ten drive through mile after mile of number of committed people can make apart. They know that communities billboards, strip malls, junk yards, used a big difference in a community. Some- that choose their future are always more car lots, fry pits, and endless clutter that time these people are longtime residents successful than those that leave their fu- has been termed “the geography of no- upset with how unmanaged growth ture to chance. where.” has changed what they love about their hometown. Others times, the lead- About the author The problem is not development per ers might be newcomers who want to Edward T. McMahon is one of the country’s se; rather the problem is the patterns of make sure that their adopted hometown most incisive analysts of planning and land use development. Successful communities doesn’t develop the same ugliness or issues and trends. He holds the Charles Fra- pay attention to where they put devel- congestion as the one they left. More of- ser Chair on Sustainable Development and is opment, how it is arranged, and what it ten than not, they’re simply citizens who a Senior Resident Fellow at the Urban Land looks like. care a great deal about their community. Institute. This article appeared originally on The image of a community is fun- An example of a citizen who made PlannersWeb.com in 2013. PlannersWeb.com damentally important to its economic a big difference is Jerry Adelman. Jerry may be reached at 802-864-9083, P.O. Box well-being. Every single day in America grew up in the small town of Lockport, 4295, Burlington, VT 05406, or at: editor@ people make decisions about where to Illinois. Almost single-handily Jerry plannersweb.com. live, where to invest, where to vacation
VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | april 2014 19 By Patrick Ibarra Turning your organization into a talent magnet Jurisdictions are increasingly pursuing a more focused approach to strengthening their employer brand, working to entice and retain talent.
Reprinted from the February issue of the mind of the public; they are living hiring process, job announcements, new Government Finance Review magazine. concepts that change with the organiza- employee orientation, the first day at tion’s climate and culture. Externally, work, learning and development, career candidates perceive your employer development, and organizational cul- he composition of to- brand as an indication of the type of ture. Each of these is an organizational day’s workforce is changing dra- employment experience they can ex- practice that, when well designed and Tmatically, with seasoned, talented pect. Internally, employees perceive implemented, strengthens an organiza- professionals leaving their jobs, taking your employer brand as how well you tion’s brand. Working well indepen- significant amounts of institutional deliver on promises and how well they dently and in combination with the knowledge with them. Replacing that fit within your organizational culture. others, each touchstone communicates knowledge capital – especially the In short, your employer brand is your a powerful message about your brand. ability to solve problems, make deci- identity and reputation as an employer. sions, exercise prudent judgment, and Website and social media. The ensure that services and programs are Branding is gaining so much atten- organization’s website should offer job executed in a timely and effective man- tion today for many reasons, but one seekers a comprehensive view of the ner – is difficult. At the same time, the of the most important is the struggle of public sector’s traditional ways of at- organizations that are losing seasoned employees to “brain drain” while also tracting and retaining top-flight talent generating insufficient pools of quali- are not always effective, and can be seen fied candidates. Organizations that as antiquated by younger job seekers. have invested time, effort and energy in As a result, jurisdictions are increasingly developing their brand are finding that pursuing a more focused approach to the advantage of building a reputation strengthening their employer brand, for cultivating talent is greater working to entice and retain talent. The than they may have fundamental difference between ordi- originally thought. In nary and extraordinary organizations is other words, these the collective ability of their workforce. organizations are Consider your organization’s attri- getting a “first-pick butes. If you were to choose one that advantage” because would have the greatest influence on they have the reputa- recruiting efforts in today’s competitive tion for getting a “first- markets, what would it be? Do you pick advantage.” Orga- know the population of candidates who nizations that provide people would find that attribute attractive? Do with opportunities to learn and you know how to appeal to them so they grow become talent magnets. will consider working for your organi- By continually attracting the zation? Understanding the answers to most promising candidates and these and related questions is a dividing developing them once they’re line between organizations that are able hired, these organizations be- to hire and keep great talent and those come higher-performing and, in that cannot. turn, continue to attract the best — it’s a self-renewing cycle that Understanding branding expands the capacity of the or- ganization to tackle tougher and Branding is a buzzword today, but more demanding challenges. the business practice behind it isn’t new. Many organizations are adopting what they call brand-building strategies, but The eight touchstones often these are merely adopting new There are eight touchstones logos. This isn’t even close. Essen- that influence an employer’s tially, brands influence perceptions in brand: website and social media,
20 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 Talent magnet organization and its culture in an attrac- on application will automate the process well before the compulsory meeting with tive layout with easy navigation. The of posting jobs listed on your organiza- the top administrator, so whatever is site should include testimonials from tion’s website onto its Facebook page. expressed during that meeting will have existing employees about why the orga- Target specific types of candidates by minimal effect, if any, on shaping that nization is a great place to work. Use joining specialized Facebook groups; employee’s perspective. Bringing new images and video, if possible, as they this allows the recruiters to engage di- employees on board is a process, not an elicit stronger emotional responses than rectly with people who have the ideal event, comprising a series of planned text alone and help candidates who are skills. Use LinkedIn not only to pro- activities to help ease them into the considering your organization connect mote your employer brand, but also to organization so they can quickly con- their goals to the organization’s mission. recruit potential employees – in fact, tribute at a high level. For instance, give Organizations are using well-produced the site should be a significant part of new employees a tour of all the organi- videos to tell their story and entice can- the organization’s recruitment strategy. zation’s departments, stopping in each didates. In fact, if you want a more ap- LinkedIn profiles tend to include much one to meet other employees. This will pealing, modern-looking web with high- more detailed work and educational his- help them get to know their co-workers quality multimedia (such as videos and tories than Facebook profiles. and the functions of other departments. podcasts), you should consider hiring a Hiring process. What does your Too often, employees are “dropped in” creative design firm to update your site. hiring process say about you? First im- to their own department and left to fig- Many employers still rely on tradi- pressions are critical, and bad impres- ure out the rest on their own. Is it any tional methods for attracting the atten- sions during the hiring process lead to wonder that many employees lack the tion of potential recruits (e.g., negative perceptions of your employer big picture perspective so many leaders advertising in newspapers’ brand, which can drive your best can- are looking for? print and online edi- didates away. Having a web-based job The first day of work. Nothing tions). But consider application is important; candidates turns off new employees more than social media chan- from all walks of life want ease and con- showing up for their first day of work nels – notably venience when applying for positions. and finding that no one is expecting Facebook and Timeliness is also crucial when recruit- them. It can send a disheartening mes- Twitter – to ing. While many public-sector agencies sage that they’re not valued, and they get noticed. A require a series of written exams and may regret their decision in choosing to Facebook add- performance tests as part of their hir- work for you. This kind of low morale ing process, these often labor-intensive right off the bat can quickly derail per- assessments need to be administered formance. Your organization’s brand quickly if candidates are to relies on that first day for the new em- remain interested. ployee to create the necessary traction Job announce- for high performance and to ensure all ments. The world is the terrific comments expressed by the teeming with smart, organization’s hiring team about their skilled, passionate employer are actually true. people who are blue- Beyond the basics of having the chip prospects. How- workspace prepared, business cards ever, these types of people printed, e-mail accounts set up, uniforms won’t be remotely inter- available, and so on, your organization ested in your organization should assign buddies or mentors to show if your posted job announcement new employees the ropes, introduce them is an utterly boring job descrip- around, take them to lunch, and acquaint tion. Replace such announcements them with the workplace and their co- with more of a social marketing ap- workers. The buddy or mentor doesn’t proach. Send a powerful message: have to be their immediate supervisor, Join our organization and be a part but someone who will have the time, en- of something truly outstanding as you thusiasm, approachability and credibility make your mark! to help the new employee become more New employee orientation. familiar with their workplace, including Speaking of outdated practices, stop articulating expectations about perfor- the monthly or quarterly new employee mance. Equally vital for the new em- orientation programs in which the orga- ployee to contribute their talent quickly nization administrator shows up to offer is crafting a customized work plan that some good tidings. These reflect good outlines goals and objectives to be met intentions but often generate little, if within the first 30 days, 90 days and six any, positive dividends. New employees months. Creating a clear and compel- size up their new surroundings quickly, ling work plan will give new employees
VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | april 2014 21 Talent magnet vision, which will lead them down the Career development. Clear and another factor is hugely influential – the road to success. well-defined career development plans organization’s culture. Organizational Learning and development. are rare. A good example can often culture consists of shared beliefs and Progressive organizations realize that be found in public safety departments, values established by leaders and then in today’s workplace, candidates and which have a hierarchical structure communicated and reinforced, ulti- employees alike are seeking (and usu- predicated on command and rank and mately shaping employee perceptions, ally expecting) an employer that chooses are thus well suited for employees who behaviors and understanding. The clas- to invest in developing their skills and are interested in pursuing the next rung sic example of a dysfunctional organiza- capabilities as a strategy for elevating on the ladder. On the other hand, many tional culture is one in which leaders say employee performance and improving other departments do not have a struc- one thing, but do another. organizational effectiveness. Again, ture that lends itself to such clear career the employer’s reputation of being an paths. Consequently, it is imperative, Conclusions regardless of the organization’s size, to organization that makes strategic deci- Making a conscious decision to create a process involving department sions to invest in its own workforce, strengthen an employer’s brand has less directors, human resource department even through tough economic times, is to do with spending dollars and more to staff members, and interested employees important because it helps attract, retain do with creating a strategic plan toward in co-creating a customized career de- and develop talented people. Gone are being a modern, credible and principled velopment plan for those employees. Be the days when training was first on the organization. chopping block when budgets tightened. careful not to assume classification levels Your organization should begin linking are career paths – they aren’t. Instead, precious training dollars with the desires they’re tools for compensation purposes. About the author While at a glance this process may seem of those employees who are seriously Patrick Ibarra, a former city manager, owns interested and committed to improving particularly onerous, it will generate positive results that benefit both the and operates an organizational effectiveness their performance trajectory. It’s time consulting practice, The Mejorando Group to discard the idea of training as a bud- employees who participate and the or- ganization itself. (www.gettingbetterallthetime.com), which helps get expense and lean toward viewing it public-sector organizations optimize their per- as an investment in the future of both Organizational culture. In ad- formance. He can be reached at (925) 518- employees and the organization. dition to the formal mechanisms avail- 0187 or [email protected]. able for building an employer’s brand,
22 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 Call for entries
VML is soliciting entries for its 2014 Achievement Awards program. The deadline for submittals is Friday, May 30. Please take a few minutes to look over the rules and guidelines that follow. The winners of the five Population Categories, the Communications Award and the President’s Award will be featured in the September issue of Virginia Town & City. The awards will be presented at the 2014 VML Annual Conference in Roanoke on Tuesday evening, Oct. 7.
VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | April 2014 23 The 2014 VML Achievement Awards President’s award recognize the accomplishments of member local governments for innovative problem-solving, excellence The winner of the President’s Award – the entry in management, increasing citizen participation and that does the best job of fulfilling the criteria set striving toward higher service levels. forth above – will be chosen from the five population category winners. The winning entry will, in effect, be Population awards the equivalent of a best-in-show selection. The VML Achievement Awards competition Communications award includes five categories based on population so that local governments compete with other local governments of The Communications Award recognizes the best comparable size. The population categories are: (1) in local government communications programs. Local under 5,000; (2) 5,000-10,000; (3) 10,001-35,000; (4) governments of all sizes may submit one entry for this 35,001-90,000; and (5) more than 90,000. award. A local government may submit up to three Projects may include publications, audio-visual entries in its population category. One winner will be productions, special events, speeches, crisis plans, Web selected from each population category to receive an sites, social media initiatives, etc. CDs and DVDs also Achievement Award. The winner of the President’s may be submitted. Award – the entry that does the best job of fulfilling the criteria set forth below – will be chosen from the NOTE: All submittals in this category must list five population category winners. the entry as “Communications Award” on the cover page of the entry. Entries in the five population categories will be evaluated on the following criteria, which emphasize innovation, efficiency and entrepreneurship: The judging • Generally speaking, accomplishing projects and Entries will be screened by the VML staff and implementing programs that enhance the vitality judged by a panel selected for its expertise in local and quality of life in cities, towns or counties; government. • developing more innovative ways of delivering government services; The winners • implementing new or improved approaches in All winning entries will be featured addressing a significant community need, or in the September issue of Virginia significantly improving an existing program; Town & City. The Population • reflecting excellence in management; Category winners, the winner of the President’s Award and the winner • increasing citizen participation; of the Communications Award will be • striving toward higher service levels; recognized and presented with their awards at the 2014 VML Annual Conference in Roanoke on • possessing ideas and approaches that make Tuesday, Oct. 7. a project or program relevant to other local governments; • having a long-term value to the community; and Rules for entering ... • showing a documented record of effectiveness that The competition is open to all Virginia Municipal illustrates how a project or program has achieved League local government members. its goals. Entries must describe programs or projects brought to conclusion or showing significant results between NOTE: All submittals in a population category Jan. 1, 2013 and May 2, 2014. must list one of the five population brackets on the cover page of the entry. For entries that Each entry must include a cover page bearing the represent significant improvements to existing title of the entry, the category of entry, the name of the programs, the improvements must have been locality submitting the entry, and the signature of the local made between Jan. 1, 2013 and May 2, 2014. government’s chief administrative or elected official.
2014 VML ACHIEVEMENT A WARDS CALL FOR ENTRIES
24 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 All entries must be typed double-spaced, and the body of the entry, which does not include the cover Helpful reminders page, appendices or any supplemental materials, must The staff person who assembles an entry should be at least two pages and not more than eight pages. read all of these instructions in their entirety. All entries must be bound or submitted in a The entry must be signed on the cover page by notebook or presentation folder. the chief administrative officer or the chief elected Submit one complete bound copy of your official. entry, including the cover page, all appendices and The cover page must show the category of entry, supplemental materials, videotapes, etc. (e.g. Achievement Award - Population 35,001-90,000; Entries may be accompanied by photographs, or Communications Award.) artwork, CDs or DVDs. Only one copy of each entry needs to be submitted. A local government may submit up to four entries: three in its population category and one in the Communications category. Final checklist An entry that is entered in a population category Does each entry have a cover page showing: may not be entered in the Communications category. o The title of the entry? The category of the Entries must be postmarked by May 30, 2014. entry? The name of the locality? The signature of the chief administrative officer or elected official? The 4 possibilities o Are your entries neatly and securely bound? Entries will not be returned. If you have any Each VML local government has the opportunity questions, contact David Parsons at the Virginia to submit up to four entries in this year’s competition: Municipal League or by telephone at 804/523-8527. three in its population category, plus one entry for the Communications Award. The winner of the President’s Award will be selected from the winners of Deadline & address the five population categories. All entries must be postmarked by May 30, 2014 and mailed to: Writing & presentation VML Achievement Awards Although the presentation of your entry will not be P.O. Box 12164 the most important consideration of the judges, it will Richmond, VA 23241 be taken into account. Therefore your entries should or shipped (UPS, FedEx, etc.) to: have a neat appearance and should be well-written. Photographs or artwork are encouraged. VML Achievement Awards 13 E. Franklin St. In writing your entry, be succinct and clear. State Richmond, VA 23219 the program’s goals and objectives; explain how the project or program was accomplished; and provide as Entries will not be returned. If you have any much relevant information about quantifiable results questions, contact David Parsons at as possible. [email protected] or by telephone at 804/523-8527. Write your entry so that it progresses in a logical manner and tells a story. Your introduction should include background information, such as the need for the project, how it originated, and the goals and objectives. Clearly explain how the project or program was carried out or how a program operates. Also include how the project or program is financed and staffed. Your conclusion should state the results of the project or program.
2014 VML ACHIEVEMENT A WARDS CALL FOR ENTRIES
VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | April 2014 25 Marketplace Longer version of job ads posted at www.vml.org VML maintains a detailed listing of Zoning Administrator, 2-3 yrs. relevant exper., or an equiv. comb. local government job openings on its Fredericksburg of educ. and exper. Professional certification website at www.vml.org/JOBS/Jobs. SALARY: $52,904-$64,216 start range preferred. To apply, visit: www.jobs-nngov. html. DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. Performs inter- com. Open until filled. EOE. mediate professional level technical and plan review work for the city’s land development Commercial Combination Inspector, Falls Church public works or local govt. management. process, with specific emphasis on interpret- More info and apply online at www.danville- ing and ensuring compliance with land use SALARY: $65,000-$90,000 DOQ/DOE (+) va.gov. Additional info on Danville Utilities regulations. Reqs. relevant bachelor’s degree benefits. Perform construction inspection at www.danvilleutilities.com. Attach cover supplemented by 3-5 yrs. exper. perform- of all trades (building, mechanical, electri- letter, detailed resume, credentials and salary ing zoning, land use, and land development cal, plumbing, fuel-gas, energy conservation, history. City residency req’d. All submissions work, specifically including: permit and plan accessibility, fire alarm and fire suppression) confidential. Open until filled. EOE. reviews and conducting on-site zoning inspec- as technical assistant to the Building Official tions and planning studies. Submit city ap- in the enforcement of the Virginia Uniform Director of Public Works, plication with resume to: Human Resources Statewide Building Code. Send city appli- Elkton Department, 715 Princess Anne St., Room cation or resume to: City of Falls Church, SALARY: DOQ/DOE (+) benefits, including 217, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. More info, Human Resources Division, 300 Park Ave., VRS. Oversees operation, administration including city application, at www.fredericks- Falls Church, VA 22046 or via e-mail at hr@ and maintenance of town’s systems, which in- burgva.gov or call 540-372-1028. Open until fallschurchva.gov. More info at www.fallsch- clude electric, streets, water and sewer infra- filled. EOE. urchva.gov. Open until filled. EOE. structure and refuse. Prefer min. 5 yrs. exper. in a managerial or public works-related posi- Executive Director, Albemarle Chief of Revenue / Revenue tion. No telephone calls please. Send resume Administrator, Richmond Commission (N.C.) and salary requirement to: Kevin Whitfield, SALARY: $ 68,696-$123,971 DOQ/DOE SALARY: $85,578-$128,367 negotiable Town Manager, 173 West Spotswood Ave., (+) benefits. Plan, organize, manage and di- DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. The commission Elkton, VA. Open until filled. EOE. rect the work of the Revenue Administration is a regional planning organization serving and Tax Division. Reqs. bachelor’s degree in the municipalities and counties of Camden, Town Manager, New Market Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Gates, Hyde, Pas- business admin., business management, ac- SALARY: $60,000-$80,000 DOQ/DOE quotank, Perquimans, Tyrrell, and Washing- counting or related field, or an equivalent of (+) benefits. (Pop. 2,200; 19 FT employees ton in Northeastern North Carolina. Prefer 4 yrs. of college. Prefer MBA, MPA or CPA plus seasonal staff). Reqs. min. of a relevant advanced degree in public admin., regional with min. 5 yrs. of relevant exper. with min. bachelor’s degree supplemented by 3-5 yrs. of planning or related degree with min. 10 yrs. 3 of those yrs. in a supervisory/management progressively responsible exper. in local govt. service. Application and full job description capacity. More info and apply at www.rich- administration. Position profile available at at www.albemarlecommission.org. Submit mondgov.com. Open until filled. EOE. http://bit.ly/1fvvfeU. Submit a cover letter, application and resume to: Ruth Mengel, detailed resume, salary history and references Director of Parks, Recreation & Clerk to the Board, P.O. Box 646, Hertford, to: Evan L. Vass, Town Manager, Town of Community Services, Loudoun N.C. 27944; (252)426-5753 or rmengel@ New Market, P.O. Box 58, New Market, Va. County albemarlecommission.org. Initial interviews 22844. Deadline: April 25. EOE. SALARY: $140,000-$150,000 hiring range will begin after May 15. Open until filled. (+) benefits. (Dept. has 500 FTEs, $37 mil- EOE. Combination Plans Reviewer / lion bdgt.) Reqs. any comb. of educ. and Inspector, Manassas Director of Operations, exper. equiv. to a master’s degree in recreation SALARY: $49,795-$82,160 DOQ/DOE (+) management, leisure services, public admin. Rivanna Water & Sewer Authority (Charlottesville) benefits. Review and inspect residential and or related field with min. 10 yrs. exper. man- commercial projects for all trades, including SALARY: Negotiable to $122,517 DOQ/ aging a major recreation or leisure service architectural, structural, electrical, mechani- DOE (+) benefits. Reqs. bachelor’s degree in program and supervising staff. Confidential cal, plumbing for conformance with applica- civil, environmental or sanitary engineering applications accepted online at www.theno- ble codes and policies. Reqs. associate’s degree or a related field and/or a degree in business vakconsultinggroup.com/jobs. This includes in architecture, engineering, construction or or public admin., with min. 10 yrs. exper. of a cover letter to: Catherine Tuck Parrish at closely-related field, 3-5 yrs. of progressively progressing responsibility in the operation The Novak Consulting Group, resume, and responsible related exper. Must possess and of a water and wastewater utility, including 3-5 professional references. Download full maintain the following certifications: Com- considerable exper. in supervising technical recruitment brochure at www.thenovakcon- bination Commercial and Residential Plan and operating staff. More info and req’d sultinggroup.com/jobs. Deadline: May 12. Reviewer and Inspector; may be required to application at www.rivanna.org. Open until EOE. possess additional certifications as deemed filled. EOE. Human Resources Training necessary. To apply, complete city application and Development Coordinator, Director (Danville Utilities), at www.manassascity.org/hr/jobs. Open until Newport News Danville filled. EOE.
SALARY: $44,651-$53,582 anticipated hir- SALARY: $102,824-$120,000 DOQ/DOE Program and Project ing range DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. Respon- (+) benefits. Manage Danville Utilities, a Coordinator (Public Works sible for coordinating, designing, developing municipal provider of electric, gas, water, Department / Engineering and facilitating a variety of human resources wastewater and telecommunications services Division), Herndon and organizational development training pro- in a 500-square mile territory. Reqs. bach- SALARY: $54,841-$71,555 hiring range grams for management and employees. Reqs. elor’s degree (master’s preferred) in engineer- DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. Full range to bachelor’s degree in organizational develop- ing, public administration, business or related $90,378. Provide contract and project ment, human resources or a related field and field. Also reqs. extensive exper. in utilities, management, support and coordination on
26 Virginia Town & City | april 2014 Marketplace a variety of neighborhood and capital im- online at: www.harrisonburgva.gov/jobs. Job Tanly Place, Staunton, VA 24401 or bonnie@ provement projects. Reqs. bachelor’s degree #3252. Open until filled. EOE. cspdc.org. Open until filled. EOE. with coursework emphasis in engineering or construction management, supplemented by Tourism Marketing Specialist, Codes Inspector I (Planning & 3-5 yrs. exper. or training that includes engi- Harrisonburg Inspections), Staunton neering, construction management, inspec- SALARY: $27,476-$32,260 preferred hiring SALARY: $29,048 to start (+) benefits. Per- tions and regulatory standards; or an equiv. range DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. Develops form responsible technical work in compli- comb. of educ., training and exper. Possession editorial plan to coincide with manager’s ance with zoning, property maintenance and of Erosion and Sediment Control certificate marketing plan in select print or online pub- building codes. Reqs. H.S. diploma/GED desired. Town application req’d. For detailed lications; works with local partners to create with exper. in a related field and a demon- job duties and requirements, visit www.hern- and develop unique story ideas that market strated ability to manage multiple projects, don-va.gov or call 703-481-1185. Open until Harrisonburg as a tourism destination to send meet deadlines and communicate effectively. filled. EOE. out to both local and national media outlets. Apply at www.staunton.va.us. Deadline: Must submit a City of Harrisonburg applica- April 20. EOE. Plans Examiner (Building tion online at www.harrisonburgva.gov/jobs. Safety and Permits Division), Deadline: April 15. EOE. Deputy Director of Finance, James City County Herndon SALARY: $40,612 or higher DOQ/DOE (+) Trainee Operator (Night Shift), SALARY: $70,288-$112,460 DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. Serve as technical assistant to the Upper Occoquan Service benefits. May under fill at $67,712-$111,592 Authority (Centreville) county building official. Reviews residential if selected candidate does not possess a CPA and commercial plans and specifications for SALARY: $34,116-$56,347 DOQ/DOE (+) license. Reqs. bachelor’s degree in account- general conformance with the Virginia Uni- benefits. Perform work on a rotating shift ing, finance or business administration; CPA form Statewide Building Code (VUSBC) and and perform a range of tasks of one section or ability obtain within 2 yrs.; 3-5 yrs. super- pertinent laws and ordinances. More info (liquid or solids). Responsibilities include op- visory exper., including payroll functions, 4-7 and apply at https://jobs.jamescitycountyva. erating and monitoring treatment equipment yrs. exper. in financial operations. More info: gov. Open until filled. EOE. that may include pumps, motors, rake arms, Call 703-481-1185, e-mail jobs@herndon-va. the use of process equipment for assigned gov or visit www.herndon-va.gov. Open until Plumbing & Mechanical sections, collect samples for lab analysis, etc. filled. EOE. Inspector I (Community More info and req’d application at www.uosa. Development Department org. Open until filled. EOE. Senior Accountant (Finance / Construction Inspections Department), Roanoke Division), Hampton Director of Human Resources, SALARY: $41,184-$53,000 start range SALARY: $36,073-$39,680 hiring range Petersburg DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. Maintain complex DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. For details and to SALARY: DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. Plan, financial records. Reqs. bachelor’s degree apply, visit www.hampton.gov/HIRE. Open coordinate and direct activities of the De- from 4-yr. college in accounting or a related until filled. EOE. partment of Human Resources. Oversees field; 3-5 yrs. relevant exper. and/or training all HR operations, programs and services. Zoning Official (Community in accounting and/or auditing, preferably in Development Department Reqs. bachelor’s degree in HR management, a public accounting firm or through special- / Planning & Zoning public human resource management (some ization in the govt. sector; or equiv. comb. Administration Division) govt. exper. a plus), including min. 5 yrs. in of educ. and exper. CPA preferred. Down- SALARY: $39,962-$43,958 hiring range a supervisory/leadership capacity, or an load application or apply online at www. DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. For details and to equiv. comb. of training and exper. Submit roanokeva.gov. Applications may be mailed apply, visit www.hampton.gov/HIRE. Open confidential resume with cover letter (must to: Human Resources, City of Roanoke, 215 until filled. EOE. include salary requirements) to: Mary Martin Church Ave., Roanoke, VA 24011. Open Selby, Director of HR Services, Chesterfield until filled. EOE. Vehicle Maintenance County Human Resource Management, Superintendent, Vienna P.O. Box 40, Chesterfield, VA 23832; e-mail: City Clerk, Falls Church SALARY: DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. Oversees [email protected]. Contact: SALARY: $83,930-plus DOQ/DOE (+) ben- fleet maintenance and repair operations for 804-748-1551. Full job description and apply efits. Reqs. graduation from accredited col- all cars, trucks, police cruisers and other on at http://bit.ly/1gLqSNT. Deadline: April lege with major course work in government/ road equipment. Must be able to obtain a 28. EOE. political science, business administration, CDL, state inspector license and A/C freon paralegal, or related field, plus completion Transit Program Coordinator/ of Certified Municipal Clerk (CMC) require- license within 12 mos. View complete posi- Transportation Planner, tion description and apply online at www. Central Shenandoah Planning ments; considerable exper. in municipal govt. viennava.gov. Deadline: April 21. EOE. District Commission or the office of an executive; thorough knowl- edge of technology; standard office practices, SALARY: $48,000-$56,500 DOQ/DOE (+) Site Development Technician procedures, equipment, Microsoft Word and benefits. Primarily responsible for the plan- (Community Planning/ Outlook 2010. More info at www.fallsch- ning and administration of a regional tran- Development), Harrisonburg urchva.gov. To apply, send resume to: City sit service program and performing transit SALARY: $33,259-$39,041 preferred hiring of Falls Church, HR Division, 300 Park Ave., planning work for the rural transportation range. DOQ/DOE (+) benefits. Performs Falls Church, VA 22046 or e-mail to hr@ program and two metropolitan planning or- field engineering and technical work, co- fallschurchva.gov. Deadline May 15. ganizations within the district. To apply, send ordinating site plan review and permitting resume with references to: Bonnie S. Riede- process; enters attributes and data into GIS sel, Executive Director, Central Shenandoah system; tracks project schedules and bonds; Planning District Commission, 112 Mac- develops and maintains databases. Apply
VIRGINIA TOWN & CITY | april 2014 27 Professional Directory
www.vml.org Want to reach the local government executive market? Put “Virginia Town & City” to work for you. Call Kimberly Pollard at (804) 523-8528 and ask about Professional Directory and display advertising.
28 Virginia Town & City | March 2014