Petersburg Mayor Voted Chairman of 

Chief Local Elected Officials Consortium

Petersburg, Virginia:  On February 26th, Petersburg Mayor, Samuel Parham, was unanimously voted as Chairman of the Chief Local Elected Officials Consortium (CLEO).

CLEO is charged with analyzing workforce research and regional labor market data to assist in developing a local plan to submit to Virginia Governor, Ralph Northam. This organization also works toward engaging with a diverse range of regional employers and entities to develop proven and promising strategies for meeting the needs of both employers and workforce development participants.

CLEO is comprised of representatives from Colonial Heights, Hopewell, Prince George, Dinwidde, Surry, Sussex, Emporia, and Greensville. CLEO works directly with the Crater Workforce Development Center toward the goal of recruiting and training a pool of qualified workers within the region.

“We are dedicated to not only increasing regional economic development, but we’re also committed to properly developing our workforce,” said Petersburg Mayor, Samuel Parham. “This plan is mutually beneficial and we’re excited to see the future results.”

The City of Petersburg is designated as the local grant recipient in accordance with the requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

The Crater Workforce Development Center will work closely with CLEO through a multi-level workforce project plan developed by Petersburg Deputy City Manager, Darnetta Tyus.

“The workforce development plan was carefully researched and created by a qualified task force of social service providers, government agencies and prospective employers,” said Deputy City Manager, Darnetta Tyus. “We look forward to seeing this plan in action.”