Morgan County Workforce Development Resource Guide
Valley Innovation Alliance Mission: Drive workforce development and economic competitiveness across the VIA region through education, scientific discovery and conversion of those discoveries into products and services that improve life. VIA is the local region created through the WIRED initiative (Workforce Innovation for Regional Economic Development), which is funded by a $5 million grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor in January 2007. This non‐profit 501(c)(3) organization, covering a 23 county region in southern Tennessee and northern Alabama, is dedicated to maximizing and connecting workforce and economic development and innovation across the region through the goals of Regional Collaboration and Partnership, Cultivating cluster‐based STEM competencies, and Entrepreneurship/Technology Transformation. Website: http://www.valleyinnovation.org Contact Information: Howell Lee, President Valley Innovation Alliance Howell.lee@valleyinnovation.org P.O. Box 2216* Decatur, Alabama 35609‐2216 Phone: 256.306.2642 *Offices for VIA are housed on the third floor of the Math and Sciences Building at Calhoun Community College y Program/Services: • Grant Funding: VIA provides the opportunity for entities to submit requests for grant funding through an RFP process. RFPs are issued at different times. o
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Technology Innovation Awards: VIA recognizes innovative individuals, businesses, educational and government entities throughout the Tennessee Valley in the fields of biotechnology, nanotechnology, advanced manufacturing, engineering, and entrepreneurship. o
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Who Qualifies for these Services or Funds?:
Who Qualifies for these Services or Funds?: Nomination forms can be obtained through the VIA office. Individuals, businesses, educational and governmental entities are eligible to apply.
Workforce and Innovation Technical Solution (WITS): WITS is a database that includes more than 25 demographic and innovation datasets. WITS aids in economic development and workforce related decisions and can dynamically aggregate, compare, rank, and map numerous datasets on demand. This resource combines datasets with
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Morgan County Workforce Development Resource Guide GIS mapping and technological capabilities allowing custom data‐oriented reports to support decisions and monitor progress. o
Who Qualifies for these Services or Funds? Any business, economic development agency, community group, etc., in the Tennessee Valley WIRED region can contact the VIA office and the WITS Director, Erin Bloxham, for reports.
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