The initiative — spearheaded by the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce and Halifax County Industrial Development Authority in partnership with Halifax County and the SoVA Bridge to Recovery Taskforce — aims to encourage residents to find employment opportunities right within their own community.
Halifax County has always been known for its natural beauty, tight-knit neighborhoods and a strong sense of community. Through the “Live Here, Work Here” campaign, the county is determined to enhance these qualities by promoting local job opportunities, which can, in turn, reduce commute times, lower environmental impacts, and boost the overall well-being of its residents.
The campaign will emphasize key elements including:
- Job opportunities: Halifax County offers a wide range of job opportunities, from local businesses to government positions, all within a stone’s throw from where residents live. By working in their own community, residents can contribute to its growth and development;
- Shorter commutes, more family time: Working locally means less time spent on the road and more time with family and friends. Reduced commutes can lead to a better work-life balance;
- Environmental benefits: Shorter commutes reduce carbon footprints, making it an eco-friendly choice that can contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment;
- Community strength: When residents work in their community, they become more invested in its future, supporting local businesses, schools and services; and
- Networking and growth: Local employment encourages residents to connect with neighbors and create stronger networks within the community. This, in turn, can open up new opportunities for professional and personal growth.
To promote this initiative, the Chamber and IDA have launched a website, www.halifaxchamber.net/livehereworkhere, offering a wealth of information about Halifax County, job listings and a job-seeking tool.
“We believe that the ‘Live Here, Work Here’ campaign will not only strengthen our local economy but also bring our community closer together,” Mitzi McCormick, president and CEO of the Halifax County Chamber of Commerce, said. “Halifax County is more than just a place to live; it’s a place to build a fulfilling life, and we invite everyone to join us in this exciting journey.”
A series of videos has been created and will be featured on the website and across various social media platforms.
Additionally, residents will notice community billboards spotlighting local talent.
The Chamber and IDA are also involved in other efforts that support the “Live Here, Work Here” campaign. In a recent collaboration, the chamber and IDA, in partnership with Halifax County Public Schools and the Southern Virginia Higher Education Center, organized industry tours for 150 high school students for Manufacturing Day.
These two organizations also collaborated with other community leaders to organize a Career and Technical Education Showcase hosted this week to spotlight CTE programs available to both young and adult learners.
In addition, a Community-Wide Job Fair is scheduled for May, which will highlight a diverse array of employment opportunities within the county. Local employers are strongly encouraged to participate and share the advantages of working in Halifax County.
“The ‘Live Here, Work Here’ campaign is a visionary approach to promoting local opportunities and encouraging residents to build their careers where they reside,” Kristy Johnson, executive director of the Industrial Development Authority, said. “We are sowing the seeds for sustainable growth, fostering community resilience, and nurturing a vibrant, economy that thrives on shared success.”
For more information and updates on the “Live Here, Work Here” campaign, visit www.halifaxchamber.net/livehereworkhere or contact Mitzi McCormick at 434-572-3085 or Kristy Johnson at 434-572-1734.
James Gordon, the owner of Springfield Distillery, comes by his interest in whiskey naturally. “I grew up with memories of my father moonshining,” says Gordon, who opened his Halifax County distillery in August 2016. “My father is one of the first two private individuals in South Africa to get his license for distilling liquor. I get to tap into 25 years of distillery experience.”
