Members of the Central Virginia Business Services Team stepped away from the conference room and into the world of commercial construction on March 18 as they visited Jamerson-Lewis Construction in Lynchburg.
The group had the chance to hear firsthand from company leaders how this respected, full-service general contractor is building not only projects across the region, but also a workforce that includes everyone from entry-level carpenters to experienced project managers. The visit was part of the Business Services Team’s ongoing effort to strengthen relationships with local employers and better understand the workforce challenges and opportunities they face.
The team, which includes employer-facing representatives from state, federal, and nonprofit workforce partner agencies connected through the Virginia Career Works Lynchburg Center, meets monthly to coordinate outreach and share information. Quarterly employer visits like this one give team members the chance to hear directly from business leaders, learn more about their operations, and explore ways workforce partners can provide support.
The meeting with Jamerson-Lewis was a valuable opportunity for the Business Services Team to connect with a respected regional employer and learn more about its hiring and talent development needs. These conversations help ensure that workforce partners remain responsive to the real needs of businesses in Central Virginia while building stronger connections between employers and the resources available to support them.
Members of the Central Virginia Business Services Team include Hal Hanson (LynCAG), Sharon Dunham (Virginia Works), Tori Gilmartin (Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance), Tim Saunders (Central Virginia Workforce Development Board), Traci Blido (Central Virginia Workforce Development Board), and Gary Joyce (Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired). They are joined by Jamerson-Lewis Construction leaders Faron Holland, Mike Schneider, and Rob Merin.
