One way Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) connects with businesses across Virginia is through local chambers of commerce.

On Oct. 21, The Louisa Chamber of Commerce Business Women's Round Table (BWRT) hosted the "Building a Workforce People Want to be a Part of" event. As part of the event, a panel discussion was led by Deondra Jackson, REC's human resource talent coordinator. The panel, which included representatives from Louisa County Public Schools, provided attendees with resources that can help them achieve their employee recruitment and retention goals, tips and best practices that they can implement in their business, and how to build a community within their business. 

As panel moderator, Jackson led the discussion, asked the panelists questions and used her expertise in employee recruitment and retention to offer participants insights. The panelists were Amanda Hester, Asst. Superintendent for Instruction, and Jaclyn Jacobson, School Counselor at Louisa Co. Middle School. Additional guest speakers were Ginni Mastin with Matern Staffing who spoke about how a staffing agency can support local businesses, and Barbara Gustavson who motivated participants on finding joy amid the chaos. 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was held in-person at Bandit's Ridge with all social distancing guidelines followed and virtually for participants who prefer to participate off-site. 

The Louisa Chamber of Commerce's BWRT is dedicated to engaging and inspiring women in business in Central Virginia and surrounding areas. Meeting six times each year, a BWRT event is hosted to help elevate women's professional presence in their careers and in their businesses, while connecting them with their fellow businesswomen.