Virginia is the best state for business, based on a ranking by Forbes.com, August 16, 2006. The ranking considered 30 metrics in six main categories: business costs, economic climate, growth prospects, labor, quality of life and regulatory environment. Virginia ranked in the top ten on all six major categories.  And at the heart of the Commonwealth is the vibrant and historic Richmond metropolitan region.

And now the secret is out... the Richmond region is a very special place. Here are some recent accolades for our community:

• Richmond is recognized by FORBES MAGAZINE November 2007 as the
  best mid size city in which to do business. Credited with maintaining a diverse array of industries and a powerful mechanism that provides a talented well trained workforce.
• An economic development "hot spot," Ranked fourth of the top 20 mid-sized metros rated by the National Policy Research Council in Expansion Management, October 2007.
• The sixth best metro area for business opportunity in Expansion  Management's "Mayor's Challenge" ranking, August 16, 2007.
• Number 26 of the nation's 50 "smart places to live" in the June 2006 issue of Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
• One of the 50 best places for business and careers, rated 41 among the nation's 200 large metro areas, in Forbes, May 2006.
•  The nation's 14th best large city for doing business in, as rated by Inc. magazine, May 2006.
 
• One of America's 30 most livable communities, according to Partners for Livable Communities, April 2004.

Our vibrant community counts on us to provide education and access to lifelong learning. Despite the fact that J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College is Virginia's newest community college, in just over 25 years it has grown into the third largest college in the Virginia Community College System, enrolling students at three major campuses, at 5 off-campus sites, and "virtually" through distance learning.

Over 17,000 credit students attend Reynolds for:

• Degrees that transfer to four-year universities and colleges in Virginia and elsewhere.


• Degrees, certificates, and career studies certificates that prepare credit students for employment.


• Credit courses for students who do not currently wish to complete an entire program - during the day, evening, on weekends, via distance learning and through dual enrollment.

Over 20,000 non-credit students come to the college for Workforce Development courses and services through the Community College Workforce Alliance (CCWA).

The School of Culinary Arts, Tourism and Hospitality is one of the college's seven academic schools/centers. We are proud to connect the Richmond region with the brightest and best talent.