Those attending the Social Media Workshop Tuesday evening at 6:00 PM are in for a very special treat. Andy Beal, internet marketing consultant, award-winning blogger, professional speaker and coauthor of the critically-acclaimed book Radically Transparent: Monitoring & Managing Reputations Online will be the special guest speaker via Skype.

Riverstone Energy Center team members Kristy Johnson (on screen) and Ben Thompson (standing) make first trial run using the modeling and simulation “Cave” for immersive teleconferencing.

Lisa Kipps-Brown, President of Glerin Business Resources, is working with the Riverstone Energy Center to use the modeling and simulation “Cave” to host an interactive discussion during the workshop. “We couldn’t afford his fee to come and speak to our group, but Mr. Beal graciously offered to attend via Skype. Our next challenge was to figure out a way for those attending the workshop to be able to see and interact with Mr. Beal,” Kipps-Brown said. “Without Riverstone Energy Center's assets and lots of help from Energy Center employees Ben Thompson and Kristy Johnson, we wouldn't have been able to make this happen; they're also enabling us to live stream the entire workshop for those who can't attend,” she added.

Congratulations to Lindstrand USA for being selected as a finalist in the University of Virginia's Tayloe Murphy Resilience Award - a competition that recognizes successful Virginia businesses that have been working in communities facing economic challenges ; the company will go on to compete to be one of five winners.  Lindstrand manufactures the most advanced lighter-than-air vehicles and air inflatables in the world.

Last year Lindstrand created the world's largest aerostat for the Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.  View a photo gallery of the aerostat at the Commonwealth Games.

CNBC Release: "With an unprecedented fiscal crisis at the state level, never has it been tougher to stay competitive. But Virginia met the challenge on every level…."

Click Here for Detailed Information from CNBC.Com about Virginia's #1 Ranking

MOUNT VERNON – Virginia has been named America's "Top State for Business" by CNBC. The Commonwealth took the top spot in the extremely competitive yearly study, receiving the highest point total in the history of the rankings. Virginia finished in the top-half of every category ranked. The number one ranking comes on the heels of Virginia receiving the highest ranking of any state east of the Mississippi in the American Legislative Exchange Council's economic competitiveness ranking of the states, which was released last week.

Presented by Kim Ray, Business Analyst, Longwood SBDC

Entrepreneurship is the American Dream.  Unfortunately, of the 1 million businesses started each year, most of them eventually fail.  The reasons are as varied as the businesses themselves.  Proper planning and eliminating assumptions before opening your doors will drastically increase your chances of success.  If you are considering the possibility of starting a business, this introductory seminar will provide information that may help your business be among the 20 percent that survive and thrive. The seven steps to start a new business are:

Virginia Forage and Grassland Council Presents Southern Piedmont Summer Forage Tour

This meeting is approved for Category 90 Private Pesticide Applicator and Beef Quality Assurance recertification!

Where:  Dungeness Farm , 801 Rock Castle Rd, Goochland, VA 23063

When:  July 21, 2011 from 2-7:00 PM, registration at 2:00 PM, tour starts at 2:30 PM 
Cost:  No cost if you preregister by July 14, 2011, otherwise $10 at the door

Preregistration:  Contact Margaret Kenny at 434-292-5331

Farm and Tour Description: 
Dungeness farm located outside of Goochland, VA and is owned by the Massie family and managed by Cross River Farms LLC, a partnership between the families of David Moyer, Vernon Moyer and Robert Harper.  The farm is located on the scenic James River and was home to Thomas Jefferson’s mother.  The current operation consists of the following enterprises: cow/calf seedstock, custom feeding, heifer development, and retail beef.  Cross River farms, LLC works closely with the Amelia Area Cattlemen, LLC to custom background calves for the Pennsylvania feeder calf market.  The tour will begin with Robert Harper, owner and operator of Cross River Farms providing a general overview of the farm and its current enterprises.  Participants will then be transported through a series of educational stops covering the topics listed below.  The meeting will conclude with a catered meal and guest speaker.