The community college will work with Independent Electrical Contractors Chesapeake to offer the state and federally approved program to electrical contractors and others looking to enter the industry, the college announced in a news release. The program, backed by Department of Labor-recognized curriculum, will lead to an accredited electrician license.

Apprentices will work full-time and attend classes two nights a week for the 8,000 hours of on-the-job and classroom training required for the license, the school said. Students will learn about residential, commercial and industrial electrical as well as electrical vehicle charging and solar.

“We have no doubt this effort will benefit our community by creating clear pathways for those seeking exciting careers and benefit local employer partners by providing the support they need to develop their future workforce,” Todd Estes, VPCC vice president for workforce development, said in the announcement.

The contractor association has offered the training in Northern Virginia for more than 15 years. It has partnerships with Germanna Community College and the Community College Workforce Alliance in Richmond and will begin working with Tidewater Community College in South Hampton Roads in 2025.

An open house is tentatively planned for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 18 at the Peninsula Workforce Development Center at 600 Butler Farm Road in Hampton.

The company, which provides coverage in 23 states, plans a phased approach in Virginia during its initial rollout, granting access to additional agencies each month, according to a news release. The business sells exclusively through independent agents.

Openly, founded by insurance veterans Ty Harris and Matt Wielbut in 2017, differentiates itself with its technology, data and easy-to-use digital platform.

“We are dedicated to brewing exceptional craft beers that cater to all tastes while creating a community hub in the heart of Gloucester Main Street,” Mike Brewer, owner of Gloucester Brewing Co., said in a news release. “This support will allow us to continue making facility improvements and serving our community with high-quality, locally brewed craft beers.”

The Backing Small Businesses grant program by the National Main Street Center in partnership with American Express provides support to businesses that are integral to the economic and social fabric of their communities, particularly those in historic commercial districts. The program awarded grants to 500 recipients across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico this year. Grantees will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $30,000 enhancement grant that will be awarded to 25 small businesses.

The grant will help Gloucester Brewing, founded in 2018, expand its marketing efforts and enhance customer comfort as it commits to fostering a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere, the business announced.

Entrepreneurs will work on validating and growing their business concepts as they access free space in the Assembly campus along with customized programming and mentors. Since its launch in 2021, Startup Studios, part of nonprofit 757 Collab, has helped more than 150 startups, helping them secure over $20 million in capital, the entrepreneurship hub reported.

The program doesn’t take any equity in the early-stage businesses nor asks them to pay anything, said Hunter Walsh, director of 757 Startup Studios.

The joining startups, the program reported, are:

• ALN Technology: Artificial intelligence software company focused on solving business communication challenges.
• ArchAngel Hotcar: The app alerts distracted parents to a child left in a car.
• Ambientmuse Studios: “Because life is played in co-op mode.”
• Approach Optix LLC: Visualization of the space domain to include warfare.
• Davidson Technology Solutions: Technology and digital media professional services.
• Ephe Collective: E-commerce shopping and apparel styling services.
• Eplantmatch.com: An e-commerce, drop shipping company that sells plants.
• Employee Launch: A web-based application to drive skill-based training to promote job growth.
• FlowSper: Automated customer acquisition system that helps entrepreneurs sell more.
• HealthMetrics-AI: An advanced AI platform for health metrics.
• Hempy Hens: Hemp seed-based chicken treats that help to boost flock immunity.
• Hemp Stalk Solutions: Enables manufacturers to provide sustainable products made from hemp.
• Host. App: “Let us take the stress out of event planning with our party in a box.”
• Moments By: “The official apparel for your favorite moments.”
• Wellness Wayfinder: Booking agency that connects holistic wellness professionals with clients.
• Wigwagapp Inc.: AI-powered mobile application optimizing nutrition at the molecular level.
• The Sub Station: A communication platform for substitute teachers.
• PQ Solutions: Offers knowledge and software to nonprofits.
• Stemlighten: Science, technology, engineering and math education for kids 5-12.
• Style Magnet: Personalized shopping that matches online clothing based on best fit.

This is the sixth time the commonwealth has taken the top position since the rankings launched in 2007. Virginia outmatches other states for the number of first place wins. The state previously won in 2007, 2009, 2011, 2019 and 2021.

Virginia beat its neighbor, No. 2 North Carolina, and No. 3 Texas. Georgia ranked fourth while Florida ranked fifth.

“In both Republican and Democratic administrations, the state has shown how much it cares about business, and how carefully it can listen to companies,” CNBC special correspondent Scott Cohn said in a news release. “Plus, year after year, Virginia offers the training, talent, and the infrastructure for success.”

Virginia ranked third for best infrastructure in the country — what the network calls the most important category this year. CNBC called the commonwealth one of America’s most accessible states offering a wealth of shovel-ready sites for companies looking to move in and build fast.

The state ranked No. 1 for its education system but CNBC’s study found not enough educated workers were moving to the commonwealth. High business costs were also one of its biggest weaknesses.

CNBC’s study scored all 50 states on 128 metrics across 10 categories of competitiveness based on what companies consider each year when making site selection decisions. Those factors include the economy, employment and labor costs, costs associated with taxes and insurance, housing affordability, quality of life and workforce data. The network also analyzes the state’s economic development marketing pitches and efforts.

To view more information and the rankings, visit topstates.cnbc.com.

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Monday that Firefly will establish a launch site at Virginia Spaceport Authority’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport for its two-stage orbital Alpha rocket. The existing pad will be configured to launch Alpha as early as 2025.

The Alpha rocket provides launch services for commercial, civil and national security missions. It is capable of launching more than 1,000 kilograms to low-Earth orbit with just 24-hour notice.

Firefly also plans to operate a launch control center, horizontal integration facility and administrative office on the Eastern Shore.

Youngkin said in a news release that he looks forward to Firefly’s success in Virginia as they work together to bolster the nation’s aerospace industry.

“The commonwealth plays a critical role in supporting national security as the need to maintain our nation’s leadership in space becomes increasingly evident,” he said.

The spaceport has three launch pads, with a fourth under construction.

Dr. John Snellings, chair and associate professor of Eastern Virginia Medical School Family & Community Medicine, leads by example in mentoring the next generation of primary care doctors.

“You can’t ask others to commit and volunteer their time and talent if you aren’t willing to do it yourself,” Snellings said.

In addition to his time caring for patients in the office, Snellings and his colleagues volunteer at community events on evenings and weekends. They often provide free physicals for high school students, hold community health screenings or run 10Ks to raise awareness for health issues.

He prioritizes mentoring medical students, residents and junior faculty. He helped combine the Portsmouth Family Medicine and Ghent Family Medicine residencies as program director and still serves in that capacity for the combined program.

Snellings shared his career insights with Inside Business.

Why do you do what you do? I chose primary care as my career specialty because it allows the fostering of long-term, therapeutic relationships with patients who trust me with their care. Academic family medicine provides the additional opportunity to practice like an “old school” physician — I round in the hospital, I see patients in clinic and I do procedures in-office (for patients of any age). All of this is while teaching and mentoring residents and medical students.

What keeps you motivated? The challenge of providing my best — staying clinically competent for my patients — and being focused and engaged for my colleagues and the learners with whom I work.

How do you cope with challenges? Challenges are opportunities for growth, whether the outcome comes in the form of an actual improvement or the learning of new approaches to better cope with challenges in the future. I think this perspective keeps me on an even keel for facing the issues that confront a department chair on a near-daily basis!

What are you most proud of? I always aspired to a career that combined intellectual stimulation with service to the community. I’ve been lucky to have had amazing mentors who propelled me along to my current position, and I’m proud of the work my colleagues and I are able to accomplish daily.

How do you measure success? Being in academic medicine provides numerous metrics for success, all important in their own ways: patients improving with their health issues, residents finding their confidence during their training, medical students having their “a-ha moments” and deciding which paths they want their careers to take (ideally, family medicine).

What lessons have you learned? Too many to recall without spending more time in deep thought, or maybe under hypnosis! The Golden Rule is an easy principle to remember for guidance; or, slightly adjusted for medicine: How would you want another doctor to take care of a family member? Keeping that perspective in mind as a practicing physician is very powerful.

Any advice for other mentors or those pursuing primary care? Primary care is not exactly a glamorous field of medicine, but it is paramount for a strong American health care system. For those already considering a career in primary care, we need you, and there will be mentors out there to help you along the way! For the mentors (and potential mentors), remember those who helped you get to where you are today and know that providing that guidance to the next generation is extremely fulfilling and beneficial to our community.

Breast cancer survivor Marguerite “Meg” H. Shrader is an advocate and lifeline for breast cancer patients and their families.

Shrader, a breast care navigator at Chesapeake Regional Healthcare for the past 20 years, is a point of contact to ensure seamless care. She helps schedule appointments and tests, educates patients regarding procedures, treatment and side effects and provides emotional support to patients and families.

She knows the importance of having someone with patients every step of the way as she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 and underwent a double mastectomy. Her experience also led her to help raise awareness and funding to help increase access to cancer screening.

Shrader shared career insights with Inside Business.

Why do you do what you do? I went into nursing because I wanted to help people. I had a wonderful team of physicians and nurses when I had breast cancer. They made sure that I understood not only the disease process and treatment options but also supported me emotionally as well. My goal is to provide that experience to my patients as well. We are very fortunate to have excellent surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, reconstructive surgeons, social workers, dietitians, nurses, and lymphedema therapists as part of the team.

What keeps you motivated? Patients and families and the wonderful team that I am a part of. It is very gratifying to help them through an extremely stressful time in their lives.

How do you cope with challenges? I have been a registered nurse for 42 years and have experienced many challenges during my career. You first have to identify the challenge and then look at the best way to resolve it. You have to know your resources and whom to reach out to for assistance.

What are you most proud of? My advocacy work with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and my involvement with Bra-ha-ha at Chesapeake Regional. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to lobby for funding and policy changes at both the state and national level for many years with the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation. The Bra-ha-ha program at Chesapeake Regional is extremely important to the Hampton Roads community. Funds raised have provided mammogram and breast care services to women throughout the region, not only at the Jennings Outpatient Center, but through the Mobile Mammogram Unit as well. Chesapeake Regional strives to bring mammograms into our communities to increase access for underserved areas.

How do you measure success? It is very gratifying when patients and their families are well-informed and feel supported. It is great when patients say that all of their questions have been answered and that they feel comfortable and confident with their treatment team.

What lessons have you learned? Every patient and situation is unique. Everyone processes information at their own pace regardless of education level. You have to meet the patient and family where they are in the process. Every patient’s needs are different depending on age, social situation and financial status.

Any advice for those pursuing nursing? Nursing has something for everyone. It is a very demanding and an incredibly rewarding career. You need to commit to lifelong learning as things are always changing. I have been a bedside nurse, nursing administrator, nurse recruiter and IT nurse. I have been a breast cancer nurse navigator for the past 18 years. I have loved each and every experience. Hobbies and outside interests are crucial to provide balance and decrease stress.

Sentara Therapy Centers help children with autism visit Santa without the stress of overstimulation and in a familiar environment.

Team members set up a cardboard hearth, a tree, a special chair for Santa and decorations, according to the nomination. The only things missing are the crowds and noise. Each family gets 10 minutes to talk with Santa and take pictures with him before getting a little gift from his bag.

Sentara Therapy Center Red Mill in Virginia Beach launched the Sensitive Santa event on a Saturday morning in mid-December in 2019. Word of success spread and by 2023, the Red Mill location held its fifth such event garnering 42 families while the Newtown Road site held its fourth and the Chesapeake location in the Great Bridge YMCA held its first. This year, more centers plan to host Sensitive Santa.

Ed Sievers, the dad of a Sentara team member who volunteers with the preschool program at his church, played Santa for the past five years at Red Mill. At the Newtown Road site, the rehab manager’s husband pulls Santa duty. A couple who leads senior classes at the Great Bridge YMCA volunteer as Mr. and Mrs. Claus there.

Over five years, the three Sentara Therapy Center teams estimate they’ve provided 279 Sensitive Santa experiences for children who otherwise might have missed the fun and fantasy.

Becca Straseskie, regional director of Sentara Therapy Services, shared details on the program.

Can you describe how the Sensitive Santa program came to be? The Sensitive Santa program was an idea born out of a team member who had exposure to a similar event during a clinical experience while she was a student. Our team then came together and brainstormed how to create a sensory-friendly environment that allowed children who were sensitive to overstimulation an opportunity to experience the magic of a visit to Santa Claus. It was a group effort from the beginning and has evolved each year as we have continued to learn and grow from each event as well as bring in new team members who offer new ideas to continue to make the experience magical. In the last few years, we have expanded this program to other Sentara Therapy Centers as well as increased our participating family numbers and offered easier ways for families to sign up for various time slots. We have been able to offer professional level photos for families at no cost.

What are its keys to success? The No. 1 key to success is the teamwork of everyone who volunteers their time for and supports this event. From planning crafts to organizing snacks to creating the registration list and playing Santa, it has truly taken a team effort to create this special environment for the children. Another important key to success has been the ability to provide a unique experience for each participant and use our clinical skills to be able to meet the child where they are while getting to meet Santa in a familiar environment with familiar people. Additional keys to success are: providing high-quality photos with Santa for family keepsakes for years to come, giving each child a sensory toy souvenir, allowing each child to approach Santa as they feel comfortable and Santa’s flexibility to adjust to each child’s sensory needs/comfort level (following the child to other areas of the gym or engaging in shared play with sensory toys).

Why is outreach/community service like this important in health care? Health care is about so much more than just the reason for which you might be treating a patient. It is truly about looking at the holistic needs of the patient and their family and then creating programs to meet these needs so that the patient/family can thrive and not just survive. We want to show how much we care about our patients and this community by doing everything we can to meet their needs from a variety of angles. For sensory sensitive and neurodiverse families, this program allows for memories to be created that they may not have had the opportunity to create before.

What lessons has the team learned in launching a program? There are so many things in life that neurotypical families and people take for granted that can be challenging for neurodiverse families. The more events we can offer with a sensory-friendly approach, the more lives we can touch and allow families to create memories together.

Any advice for those pursuing health care? Health care is a wonderful field! It is hard work, but truly rewarding. Smiles like we see during our Sensitive Santa program remind us of why we pursued this field and propel us to continue to create programs like this in the future.

In the event of a heart attack, every second counts. That’s why Sentara’s Healthy Equity Team provided 165 defibrillators and training to community partners throughout Virginia and Northeast North Carolina.

The swift application of CPR or an automated external defibrillator while waiting for emergency medical services to arrive can mean the difference between life and death, according to the nomination. So, Sentara invested nearly $250,000 and partnered with local organizations and faith leaders in Hampton Roads and northeastern North Carolina to distribute AEDs and provide life-saving education. Community leaders can then effectively respond to cardiac emergencies during worship services or public events.

The Rev. Keith Jones, pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church in Norfolk, used his church’s space to train nine other church groups in using the device after receiving it. The units cost $1,500 each and were paid for by the Sentara Foundation’s Heart Fund.

Iris Lundy, Sentara’s vice president of health equity, shared insight into the importance of the team.

Can you describe what the Sentara Health Equity Team does? The health equity team collaborates with internal and external teams to identify and address disparities in health outcomes among different populations. We gather and analyze data to identify health disparities and their root causes. This can include demographic data, health outcomes, access to care and social drivers of health. We work with our communities to understand their needs, gather input and build relationships. We provide and support education and training within our communities and assist with program design and implementation to improve health outcomes.

What were the keys to the defibrillator program’s success? It was an identified need of the community by the community. We brought the automated electronic defibrillators and the education/training to a central location that was convenient for the community. We provided opportunities for hands-on experience in a safe and controlled environment to build confidence and competence.

How do you/the team cope with challenges in community health? Listening to our community is critical. So, we listen to understand and validate that we’ve heard and understand correctly. Then, we work together to address them. There are times when something identified can be better handled with another organization. We make connections at that time with other community resources.

What lessons has the team learned? We must first listen to our community to truly understand what is important to them and work together to design and implement solutions. Building relationships takes time and commitment. We must show up often and authentically.

Any advice for those pursuing community health partnerships? Visit the organization you want to partner with. Attend their events to learn more about them and see how you can partner. Seek to fill their need first and be committed to stay in the community long-term to make a true impact.