Workforce Woes?

Is your business currently hiring and having trouble finding qualified workers? Would you be interested in attending a workforce solutions resource fair to learn more about workforce solutions available to your business? Please take this short survey to inform us of your interest.

Did you know that Goochland Economic Development has a Job Board where Goochland businesses can post their jobs for free? Check out the job board here and fill out a job posting request to get your open positions listed on the site.

County Seeks Input from Businesses

Goochland County is seeking input from the business community on how they envision the Goochland Courthouse Village and the Centerville Village should grow. The surveys are part of a months-long process that kicked-off in February 2022 to create small area plans for each of the County’s major villages.
The planning process for both villages aim to ensure that Goochland County elected officials’ decisions relate to and are made in accordance with the desires of the community. The village plans will provide guidance for land use, economic and physical growth, recreation, public facilities, and community development. Once complete, these plans will be adopted and incorporated into the County’s Comprehensive plan.
The survey will be available through the end of May and can be found on the Village Plans 2022 website at www.goochlandva.us/villageplans2022.

Goochland Chamber Annual Golf Tournament - May 23^rd

The Goochland Chamber of Commerce invites you to participate in their annual golf tournament to be held at Hermitage Country Club on May 23^rd. Click here to learn more!

Business Spotlight!

Each month we will spotlight a Goochland business!
Since 1995, Homescapes, Ltd. has earned a reputation as a leading installer of masonry landscape products in Central Virginia. They bring value to their clients by designing, building, and renovating architectural landscaping projects, including patios, driveways, walkways, sidewalks pool decks, outdoor kitchens and retaining walls.

Homescapes, Ltd. works with a variety of customers whether it is a small individual project for private residential homeowner or a large corporate contract for real estate developers or government entities, Homescapes, Ltd. is equipped to handle every project.

Homescapes, Ltd. services clients in the Central Virignia area and will travel to areas just east of the Shenandoah Valley, Southside Virginia, and the Northern Neck to give their clients the service they deserve.

Homescapes, Ltd. is located in the Old Dominion Industrial Park in Oilville. You can learn more by visiting their website - www.homescapesltd.com.

Looking to Grow in Goochland?

Check out available building and sites in Goochland to grow your business and give us a call to chat!

Building Spotlight!

Preserving our Roots:
Agri-Businesses in Goochland

As a follow-up to last month’s article which shared tips for rural drivers, this month we have Steven Freeman’s tips for farmers operating equipment on the road.

Only allow licensed, or appropriately trained, operators to take farm machinery onto the road. Youth who are able to operate machinery in the field may not be able to deal safely with traffic and other road hazards.
Make sure farm machinery is equipped with the lighting and marking safety devices recommended by the American Society of Agricultural Engineers and required by state and local laws. Be sure to remind all operators to use the appropriate hazard lights and turn signals when traveling on roads.
Minimize total vehicle width and secure equipment in the transport position before entering roadways.
Watch for approaching traffic and vehicles trying to pass. If possible, pull over and let traffic pass safely, but be alert for roadside hazards.
Obey all traffic laws and signs.
Signal intentions to motorists and avoid sudden or unexpected maneuvers.
Exercise additional care when entering roadways, approaching unsigned or “blind” intersections, crossing narrow bridges, going around sharp corners or going over hills.

In Virginia, farm equipment traveling less than 25 MPH is required by law to have a “slow moving vehicle emblem” like the one pictured here. Additional recommendations from the American Society of Agricultural Engineers is available here.

While on the subject of farm vehicles, new legislation will crack down on the misuse of “Farm Use” vehicle tags and require farmers to obtain an official placard from the DMV. The legislation will go into effect July 1, 2023 to give farmers time to conform to the new rules.

Contact our local office of Virginia Cooperative Extension for more information!