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A Virginia Leader in Business and Jobs

Last week, the Prince William Chamber of Commerce recognized ELEVATE as its 2021 Innovative Partnership of the Year. This honor is awarded to a “member business, organization, or entity to recognize establishing a unique partnership resulting in an innovative program or service, demonstrating outstanding vision and groundbreaking solutions in the last year.”

When unemployment rates rose quickly in the spring of 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Manassas knew we needed a program to help our residents get the skills they needed to land the jobs they wanted. We quickly took action and joined forces with the City of Manassas Park and Prince William County, committing a combined total of over $1.9 million in CARES Act funds to help residents get back to work and support businesses in up-skilling their workforce. 

ELEVATE is one of only a few that have successfully come together to encourage economic mobility through workforce training. In total, more than 230 job seekers enrolled in critical training programs; 15 have gained employment; $450k went towards training and wrap-around services support. Over 40 businesses have participated in targeted job fairs; 18 employers and 613 employees have participated in the Incumbent Worker Training program. 

The City’s unemployment rate now hovers just over 4% after hitting record highs of almost 11%, thanks in part, to initiatives like ELEVATE. We are thrilled that Chamber recognized the significance of this partnership and how it can activate new possibilities for all businesses and residents in our communities.