VA’s Region 2000 Future Focus Foundation and AREVA Team Up to Present Regional STEM Initiatives

LYNCHBURG, Va. - Oct. 17, 2013 - PRLog -- Virginia’s Region 2000 Future Focus Foundation Managing Director Elizabeth Narehood and AREVA’s Director of External Relations & Corporate Citizenship Laura Clise will present at Area Development magazine’s 4th Annual Women in Economic Development Forum at the Sofitel Water Tower Hotel in Chicago, Illinois on Monday, October 21, 2013 beginning at 9:30 a.m.

Narehood and Clise’s presentation, STEM Workforce Development: An Essential Part of a Competitive Economic Development Strategy will highlight Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership and the Future Focus Foundation’s collaboration with AREVA and other stakeholders in creating a successful regional STEM ecosystem. The ability to attract and retain skilled labor is always a primary consideration for companies searching for a location that will provide a competitive edge.  Workforce development is even more crucial for high-growth, technology-based industries seeking a talented and credentialed labor pool.  Narehood and Clise’s session will highlight the benefits of focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education efforts through collaboration and engagement of industry, education and government on a regional scale.

“We are thankful for AREVA’s support not only financially, but also by providing many dedicated volunteers that have helped our programs grow and succeed year after year,” said Narehood. “AREVA’s employee volunteers share an enthusiasm for STEM education that is infectious to our youth participants. AREVA is truly making a difference in our community through the sponsorship of teams, equipment, events, and by sparking the imagination for our youth to continue to pursue their passions and build their dreams.”

About Virginia’s Region 2000 Future Focus Foundation

The Future Focus Foundation is the product of a vision to expand science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) opportunities to K-12 students located in Lynchburg City and the counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford, and Campbell. These five localities make up the region defined as “Virginia’s Region 2000.” Virginia’s Region 2000 Technology Council (http://techcouncil.us), a partner organization in Virginia’s Region 2000 Partnership (http://region2000.org), ranked STEM education as a top critical issue to strategic planning and a necessity for regional workforce preparation.  For more information, see www.futurefocusfoundation.us.

About AREVA

AREVA provides its customers with solutions for low-carbon power generation in North America and all over the world. As the leader in nuclear energy and a significant, growing player in the renewable energies sector, AREVA combines U.S. and Canadian leadership, access to worldwide expertise and a proven track record of performance. Sustainable development is a core component of AREVA’s strategy. Its more than 5,000 U.S. and Canadian employees work every day to make AREVA a responsible industrial player helping to supply ever cleaner, safer and more economical energy to the greatest number of people. AREVA Inc. is headquartered in Charlotte, NC. Visit us online at http://us.areva.com and follow us on Twitter: @AREVAinc.

About Area Development Magazine and Women in Economic Development Forum

Known as the premier site selection publication since 1965, Area Development magazine -- along with its content-rich website, www.areadevelopment.com  -- continues its role as the industry's most successful source for site information and economic development marketing. With 60,000 executive subscribers, Area Development magazine remains the leader in reaching the corporate decision-makers among the major manufacturing, distribution, and service provider companies.

Area Development also is the presenter of the Consultants Forums, including the only conference specifically geared to Women in Economic Development, now in its fourth year. More than 100 professionals will gather in Chicago on October 20 - 22 to hear from 15 leading site and business consultants. For more information go to http://www.areadevelopment.com/consultantsforum/.