VCCS Chancellor David Dore made the following statement, responding to Virginia’s First Place finish in CNBC’s 2024 ranking of America’s Top States for Business.

“We are thrilled that CNBC has recognized Virginia’s efforts to promote prosperity for her citizens by providing the nation’s leading environment for business success.  CNBC has long been a trusted source for business and economic news, and its headline this morning is an apt testament to the work that our citizens, businesses, and state and local leaders have accomplished and continue to  perform: “Virginia is America’s Top State for Business in 2024, with the nation’s best schools and solid infrastructure.”

“As the business news network noted, ‘This is the Old Dominion’s sixth time at the top of CNBC’s rankings, and its third win in five years — a record unmatched by any other state since the study began in 2007. In a rare feat this year, Virginia finishes in the top half or better in each of the study’s 10 categories.’

“We’re proud to say Virginia’s Community Colleges have played a significant role in setting the stage for businesses to succeed and workers to thrive in the Commonwealth.

“Our 23 colleges deliver top quality workforce training that is aligned to the highest demand industries in their service regions. Our FastForward program is the first pay-for-performance workforce program in the country, and it has consistently seen completion rates over 90%.  In the past 7 years, it has produced over 52,000 in-demand industry credentials, and our FastForward graduates have earned over $4 billion in wages in Virginia.

“Just last month, the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, in which we partner  with the Virginia Department of Economic Development Partnership (VDEP), was ranked the nation’s #1 customized workforce training program by Business Facilities Magazine.  It’s gratifying to see that Virginia’s Community Colleges are being recognized for working hand in hand with government agencies and the private sector to deliver real economic outcomes for Virginia’s businesses, workers, communities, and families.

“There’s plenty of credit to go around. We are grateful, of course, for the support of Virginia lawmakers and Governor Glenn Youngkin, who have helped provide support and resources for our best-in-class workforce and career training programs.  And we thank and salute our college presidents and their dedicated faculty and staff members who have, and continue to show resourcefulness and commitment to meet the needs of their service areas in every corner of the Commonwealth.

“Thank you, CNBC, for this recognition!”

Read Governor Glenn Youngkin’s announcement of this year’s CNBC rankings.

Read a statement from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce about the CNBC rankings.