IALR 2023 Growing ImpactGROWING
theINSTITUTEFOR ADVANCED LEARNING AND RESEARCH
A Year of Growth and Expansion
The last fiscal year was one of tremendous growth and expansion for
our region. All the while, each of our five divisions upheld our mission of
economic transformation in critical ways.
The Advanced Learning team expanded key programs to advance
career opportunities for our next-generation workforce. The Great
Opportunities in Technology and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) staff
developed curriculum and added training coordinators and In-Region
Coordinating Entities to serve four GO Virginia regions across the
commonwealth, impacting 9,000+ students annually in 44 middle schools
and 36 localities by 2024. Other expanding programs included registered
apprenticeships, a second location for the Career ChoICE Youth Expo
and a new Public Health AmeriCorps program.
The Manufacturing Advancement team expanded staff and students
of the national Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM)
program, which trains workers in critical manufacturing skills for
the submarine industrial base. Steel was erected for phase one of
the new national training center, which will accommodate 800-1,000
ATDM graduates annually by 2025. Also, the Center for Manufacturing
Advancement opened to offer manufacturing optimization and emerging
technology support while also welcoming four new companies as part of
the U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence.
The Applied Research team continued to expand and advance the
controlled environment agriculture (CEA) industry in partnership with
Virginia Tech and the state. The inaugural CEA Summit East was hosted
in partnership with Virginia Tech and Indoor Ag-Con and attracted 200+
attendees from across the nation. Plus, state grants were awarded to
advance CEA strawberry production.
The Economic Development team partnered with local, regional and
state economic developers to attract five new companies and announce
four expansions, resulting in 545 new jobs and $335.7 million in capital
investment. Also, 21 business sites achieved shovel-ready Tier 4
certification, and eight industrial sites received shovel-ready graded pad
site Tier 5 certification.
The Institute Conference Center exceeded its pre-pandemic conference
services clientele volume in FY 2023 with 27,600 guests; 9,270 patrons
were also served by Megabytes café.
I am extremely proud of our staff for the exceptional work they do to
transform Southern Virginia. I hope you will visit our campus to see our
programs and initiatives in action. Visit ialr.org/tours for details.
Telly D. Tucker,
President, IALR
FROM THE PRESIDENT
INTRO TO IALR
Since its founding as a political subdivision of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 2002, the Institute
for Advanced Learning and Research (IALR) has made significant contributions to the growth
of Southern Virginia. Through collaboration with excellent partners, IALR serves as a regional
catalyst for economic transformation. The mission will be accomplished through:
Applied Research Advanced Learning Economic Development
Manufacturing Advancement Conference Services
THE IALR CAMPUS AND TEAM ARE GROWING RAPIDLY,
ENABLING THE EXPANSION OF OUR IMPACT IN
SOUTHERN VIRGINIA AND BEYOND.
STRATEGY AND GOALS
Serve as Virginia’s Go-To Partner for Business and Economic Growth
Expand as a Center of Excellence for Education and Workforce Development
Cultivate a Globally Competitive Business Ecosystem
Since its founding, IALR has experienced rapid growth marked by extensive infrastructure
investment, high-caliber educational programming and workforce development, and applied
research supporting economic activity in Southern Virginia and beyond. Leaning on our five-
year strategic plan to guide our efforts, we capitalize on our strengths to meet the needs of
the region. In fiscal year (FY) 2023, we expanded our impact with the scaling of programs like
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) and Great Opportunities in Technology
and Engineering Careers (GO TEC®) and the growth of our campus, technology and team.
ALL PROGRAMS,
INITIATIVES AND EFFORTS
CAN BE ENCAPSULATED
BY THREE MAIN GOALS:
“THE LAST FISCAL YEAR WAS ONE OF TREMENDOUS
GROWTH AND EXPANSION FOR OUR REGION.”
- Telly Tucker, President, IALR
OUR WORK HELPS REALIZE
SOUTHERN VIRGINIA AS HOME
TO A DYNAMIC ECONOMY WHERE
ALL CAN LIVE AND THRIVE.
Driven by public-private collaboration, IALR utilizes the EmPOWER framework
to systematically connect students to careers. EmPOWER builds pipelines
of students whose skillsets align with current employer needs and economic
development interests. This custom work-based learning system is making a
significant impact on Southern Virginia.
An employer-driven, work-based learning framework
The Career ChoICE Youth Expo allows middle and high school students to connect
with employers and learn about career pathways and employment opportunities
in their region. In its ninth year, the Career ChoICE Youth Expo expanded to
add a second location at Hampden-Sydney College, allowing the expo to reach
additional students across more than a dozen localities in Virginia.
CONNECTING STUDENTS TO CAREERS
5,116
students connected with
regional employers at the
FY 2023 Career ChoICE
(Imagine, Connect, Explore)
Youth Expo events
CAREER AWARENESS
14,000+ students
across 13 school divisions utilized
MajorClarity, an online career
exploration platform.
202 MOCK INTERVIEW DAY
participants
134 STUDENTS
participated in
Summer STEM Camps
56 PARTICIPANTS
in Sector-Focused Camps
CAREER EXPOSURE & ENGAGEMENT
CONNECTING STUDENTS TO CAREERS
57 PARTICIPANTS
in teamship program solving
problems for employers
“I CAN’T SPEAK HIGHLY ENOUGH OF ALL THE HELP WE HAVE RECEIVED
IN GETTING OUR APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM STARTED.”
- Justin Hylton, Southside Mechanical Services
IALR received a $497,890 grant from the Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission for the
ExTRA (Expanding Talent through Registered Apprenticeship) program to grow state-registered
apprenticeship in 15 Southern Virginia localities. In alignment with economic development and
employer needs, IALR focuses on apprenticeship for occupations in construction, healthcare,
early childhood education, manufacturing and information technology.
...continued
86 PAID INTERNS PLACED
with regional employers
11 STATE-REGISTERED
apprenticeship programs
EMPLOYMENTCAREER EXPERIENCE
PIPELINES OF TALENT
DUAL ENROLLMENT
50 students in Academy for
Engineering
and Technology (AET)
74 in Piedmont
Governor’s School
COLLEGE
Students funnel into Danville
Community College (DCC)
machining program, Patrick
& Henry Community College
welding, or other higher
education programs
MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY MAJOR
Old Dominion University has had
357 students enrolled in coursework
related to the degree program to date.
GO TEC®
Hands-on learning in
high-demand
career pathways
9,000+ students
annually by 2024
In partnership with industry, K12 and higher education institutions, IALR develops and supports
programs at all levels that create talent pipelines.
INTEGRATED MACHINING TECHNOLOGY
Advanced machining education
that incorporates real-world
manufacturing experience
Industry-driven, hands-on career awareness in strategic STEM sectors
Fostered through public-private partnerships, the Great Opportunities in Technology and Engineering
Careers (GO TEC®) program stimulates job growth in Virginia by creating dependable talent
pipelines in strategic sectors. Starting in middle school Career Connections Labs and
continuing through high school, dual-enrollment and postsecondary programs, GO TEC engages
students in hands-on learning in high-demand career pathways such as:
Metrology
Precision Agriculture
Robotics
Manufacturing/Mechanical Engineering
Additive Manufacturing (3D printing)
Precision Machining
Welding
IT and Cybersecurity
GROWING TALENT PATHWAYS PROGRAM
IALR and regional partners have collaboratively developed a progressive talent pipeline that
begins as early as middle school and funnels through college. The comprehensive framework,
which includes strong partnerships, cutting-edge equipment and innovative programs, continues
to expand and is seen as a model across the Commonwealth and beyond.
True to the mission of IALR, GO TEC has made a tangible impact on economic growth in Virginia,
serving as an attraction for industries considering locating or expanding here. Many companies have said
that GO TEC – along with related workforce development programs – contributed to their decision to bring
business to this region.
4,397
MIDDLE SCHOOL
STUDENTS COMPLETED
THE GO TEC® CURRICULUM
GO TEC VIRGINIA 2025
GO TEC WILL BE IN VIRGINIA MIDDLE SCHOOLS FROM ABINGDON TO VIRGINIA BEACH.
44 MIDDLE SCHOOLS
ACROSS 36 LOCALITIES
BY 2024
9,000+ STUDENTS
ANNUALLY
$20 MILLION INVESTMENT
…supporting job growth and talent
development across Virginia through
collaborative regional partnerships.
…middle school students engaged in
GO TEC Career Connections by 2024.
…leverages $9 million from GO Virginia
with over $11 million from localities,
federal agencies and philanthropy.
in the 2022-23 school year
Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing (ATDM) is a pilot training
platform for rapidly developing workers in high demand by Navy and Department
of Defense suppliers. Scaling rapidly, this program is preparing a skilled workforce
to support the defense industrial base and submarine industrial base.
A prime example of a modern public-private collaboration, ATDM strategic
partners include the U.S. Department of Defense, IALR, Danville Community
College, Phillips Corporation and The SPECTRUM Group.
TRAINING TO BUILD SUBMARINES
Innovative, collaborative training program for the
defense industrial base
This four-month training program includes 600 hours
of instruction and produces skilled talent with industry-
recognized credentials for the following trades:
ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING
CNC MACHINING
NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING (NDT)
QUALITY CONTROL INSPECTION (METROLOGY)
WELDING
NAVY’S NATIONAL TRAINING CENTER SLATED FOR COMPLETION IN 2025
The ATDM program is funded through the Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment
Program Office in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and
Sustainment. The U.S. Navy’s Program Executive Office for Strategic Submarines
executes the program in collaboration with contractor and campus host IALR.
157 GRADUATES OVER
FOUR COHORTS
800-1,000 ANNUAL GRADS BY 2025
50+ STAFF MEMBERS
“I’M EXTREMELY PROUD OF
THE INVESTMENTS THAT ARE
HAPPENING RIGHT HERE IN
DANVILLE, VA. WORKING
TOGETHER, WE WILL GAIN THE
SKILLS THAT WE NEED IN THE
DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY IN
ORDER TO BUILD SUBMARINES
FASTER AND BETTER THAN
EVER BEFORE — THAT’S ONE
TEAM, ONE FIGHT, ALL OF US
WORKING TOGETHER AS ONE.”
- The Honorable Carlos Del Toro,
Secretary of the Navy
IALR’s full-service conference center offers flexible services
and state-of-the-art spaces equipped with modern technology
for every event. This includes:
“OUR TEAM HAS BEEN
REPEATEDLY BLOWN AWAY BY THE
PROFESSIONALISM, HELPFULNESS
AND QUALITY OF THE STAFF AND
FACILITIES AT IALR.”
- Jennifer Eddy, Eddy Alexander
THE GREAT HALL
(accommodates 750)
THE ATRIUM
(accommodates 400)
THE AUDITORIUM
(accommodates 135)
BUSINESS CONFERENCE ROOMS
(accommodates 8-26)
Since its inception, the IALR facilities have been a major component of its reputation and mission.
With over 25,000 square feet of premier, flexible meeting and event space, the Institute Conference
Center accommodates small to large meetings, classroom training, board meetings, multi-day
conferences and more.
INSTITUTE CONFERENCE CENTER
Southern Virginia’s Premier Venue for Business Events and Conferences
9,2709,270
TOTAL PATRONS
SERVED IN
MEGABYTES
The Institute Conference Center hosted
a variety of events geared toward
the growth of industry sectors and
Southern Virginia, including trainings
and economic development activities.
Summits around industries like defense
manufacturing, controlled environment
agriculture, regional housing and
workforce development brought the
brightest minds to IALR’s campus to
collaborate, network and grow up-and-
coming sectors.
Megabytes, IALR’s on-site café,
debuted a new menu in April 2023.
The café features healthy and unique
food options with an appetizing daily
menu and rotating hot buffet menu
Tuesday-Thursday.
27,60027,600
GUESTS HOSTED
AT EVENTS AND
PROGRAMS
IN 2023
IALR collaborates with partners to transform Southern Virginia’s economy, and a major focus of
that work involves connecting people with resources and services. In FY 2023, IALR implemented
new programs and grew existing initiatives to address community health and increase access to
resources, information and education.
The Public Health AmeriCorps program,
launched in FY 2023 and funded through a
Public Health AmeriCorps grant, is focused
on expanding public health capacity through
education and outreach. Community health
educators conduct public health workshops
and provide individualized support, addressing
the region’s most pressing physical and
mental health challenges. The Public Health
AmeriCorps program works in conjunction
with the Regional Engagement to Advance
Community Health (REACH) partnership,
which unites agencies to address systemic
barriers that prevent at-risk populations from
accessing physical and mental health services.
The program’s Coordinated Care Teams, which
include cross-agency Community Health
Workers, Care Coordinators and Community
Paramedics, have worked with hundreds of
clients across Danville, Pittsylvania County
and Caswell County, N.C.
A PARTNER IN EDUCATION & HEALTH
Addressing health outcomes, closing education gaps
and providing learning opportunities
FY 23 AMERICORPS ACCOMPLISHMENTS:
4,722 SERVICE HOURS
480 CLIENTS SERVED
20 MEMBERS
A self-development program supported by IALR, the Wonder Community
of Lifelong Learning provides high-quality programming that ignites
passions. People can join as members, supporters or presenters – with
60% of all proceeds benefiting nonprofits.
The Dan River Year AmeriCorps program mobilizes
members in a community-supported environment
to address pressing needs – primarily STEM
and literacy assistance. AmeriCorps members
tutored students across Southern Virginia both in
schools and during out-of-school time with partner
organizations.
10,100 SERVICE HOURS CONTRIBUTED BY 29 MEMBERS IN 2023
“THE WONDER
COMMUNITY IS ONE
OF MY FAVORITE
ORGANIZATIONS IN
DANVILLE. EVERYONE
COMES TOGETHER TO
LEARN AND HAVE FUN,
AND I ALWAYS WALK
AWAY WITH A COOL
NEW SKILL.”
- Mary Alice Buck-Hayes,
Member
IN FY 23
84 MEMBERS
14 EVENTS/
WORKSHOPS
IALR contributed to economic success by serving as a temporary home for growing businesses
and by providing critical services to innovative companies across industries. Leveraging
partnerships, IALR and the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) supported the regional
housing market, technology network and more.
FACILITATING ECONOMIC SUCCESS
Advancing industries by connecting businesses
with resources and opportunities
$925,000 GRANT FROM THE GO VIRGINIA STATE BOARD EMPOWERS BRIDGE TO RECOVERY PROGRAM
The “Bridge to Recovery” GO Virginia Resiliency Grant of $925,000 supported the business
community during the COVID-19 pandemic and was extended to deal with the lingering impacts
of consequences for workforce.
Supported by IALR and SVRA,
the Southern Piedmont
Technology Council (SPTC)
provided events and resources
for businesses throughout the
region to serve technology-
related needs.
Planned a regional wage
and benefits study
Convened a
workforce summit
Completed a workforce
pipeline study on
technical skills
43
Member Companies
4,460
Represented Employees
RAPID-LAUNCH SPACE
IALR has helped many companies expand or launch their
business in Southern Virginia by providing near-term lab
spaces and high bays, which are used temporarily while a
permanent facility is established. In fiscal year 2023, IALR
rapid-launch space, offices and labs supported:
EXPANDING HOUSING IN SOUTHERN VIRGINIA
The Southern Virginia Regional Alliance worked with the
City of Danville and localities across the region to create
the inaugural Southern Virginia Regional Housing Summit
to educate the community and potential developers on the
needs for additional housing and the programs in place to
support construction.
CIRC
FASTECH
BGF INDUSTRIES
MAKING
EVERYTHING
POSSIBLE (MEP)
PHILLIPS
CORPORATION
Thanks to the work of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance (SVRA) and many partners,
Southern Virginia continues to attract robust businesses from various industry sectors. The
SVRA team is growing to better support the regional growth, and several SVRA staff and board
members occupy key roles within the Virginia Economic Developers Association (VEDA). SVRA
Executive Director Linda Green served as VEDA’s Vice President of the Board and will assume
the role of 2024 President.
CREATING A STRONG ECONOMY
Accessible + Affordable + Skilled = Competitive Business Ecosystem
THE VIRGINIA ECONOMIC DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZED THE IPERIONX
PROJECT AS A TOP PROJECT. THE COMPANY PLEDGED AN INVESTMENT OF
$82 MILLION FOR ITS INITIAL PHASE AND PLANS
TO CREATE 108 NEW JOBS.
DURING FISCAL YEAR 23:545 new jobs 239 companies
worked with SVRA
47
prospect company visits
4 company expansions and 5 companies locating in Southern Virginia
$335.7 million capital investment
Thanks to nearly $2 million in combined funding from the Tobacco Region Revitalization
Commission and GO Virginia Region 3, 29 industrial sites across Southern Virginia
received a higher certification from the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program. These
certifications were achieved through engineering due diligence that helps minimize
risks for prospects.
ANNOUNCED EXPANSIONS AND NEW PROJECTS
21
sites moved from
a Tier 2 to a Tier 4
certification. This
denotes a shovel-
ready site.
8
industrial sites
moved from Tier 2 to
Tier 5 which denotes
a shovel-ready
graded pad site.
THE NOMINAL GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)
IN SOUTHERN VIRGINIA
EXPANDED BY 9.5% IN 2022.
INNOVATION & APPLIED RESEARCH
The research and expertise at IALR largely
revolve around biology and technology to improve
agricultural production. Industry-driven research
combines the use of biologicals to enhance
agricultural production and sustainability, CEA and
the use of robotics and plant imaging technology.
Dynamic and industry-leading research, testing services and facilities
With world-class partners like Virginia Tech, IALR is a leader in the growth and evolution of
controlled environment agriculture (CEA), a rapidly emerging industry in Southern Virginia and
around the world. With soilless systems in greenhouse environments and indoor vertical growing
racks, the Virginia Tech-IALR Controlled Environment Agriculture Innovation Center convenes
academia and businesses to grow the CEA industry.
220+ PARTICIPANTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD AT THE CEA SUMMIT EAST
IALR provides contract research, analytical chemistry testing services and use of polymer testing labs to facilitate a globally competitive business environment.
FROM THE
VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER
SERVICES TO SUPPORT
STRAWBERRY CEA RESEARCH
AWARDED $100,000
TO PARTNER WITH
COMPANIES TO ADVANCE
THE AGBIO AND CEA
INDUSTRIES
15 NEW NDAS
- Ameer Shakeel, Founder and CTO, AgroSpheres
“WE HAVE BEEN WORKING WITH IALR THROUGH
THE MANY GROWTH STAGES OF OUR COMPANY
AND COULD NOT HAVE ASKED FOR BETTER
PARTNERS ALONG THE WAY. IALR’S STATE-OF-THE-
ART FACILITIES AND TALENTED SCIENTIFIC TEAM
HAVE HELPED US TAKE OUR RNA TECHNOLOGIES
FROM LAB TO FIELD.”
ENSURING GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS
A space designed for collaborative approaches to implement emerging technologies and
manufacturing optimization, the Center for Manufacturing Advancement (CMA) helps companies
remain globally competitive. Rich with technology and built to foster innovation and collaboration,
the CMA includes:
The Center for Manufacturing Advancement
The CMA provides state-of-the-art:
• Facility space
• Technology
• Equipment
• Leading expertise
• Computer Numerical Control (CNC)
Machining Innovation Lab
• Industry 4.0 Integration Lab
• ISO-Certified Metrology Lab
• Rapid-Launch Space
• U.S. Navy’s Additive Manufacturing
Center of Excellence
The U.S. Navy established and
began ramping up its Additive
Manufacturing Center of
Excellence (AM CoE) within the
CMA. The AM CoE develops and
matures additive technologies
that enable companies to produce
submarine components.
SOLVING ADVANCED MANUFACTURING CHALLENGES
When combined with the ATDM
program and other collaborative
workforce development initiatives,
IALR is helping to expand critically
needed manufacturing talent and
resources for the manufacturing
sector in Virginia and beyond.
MEMBERSHIP AND PARTNERSHIP
OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE
WITHIN THE CMA.
Our board has proudly and prudently governed IALR, which grew
significantly last fiscal year in response to the expanding needs of the
region it supports.
IALR welcomed a new leadership position, Executive Vice President
of Operations Dr. John H. Hughes IV, to support the continued
significant growth at IALR. Dr. Hughes’ addition will help lead expanded
organizational divisions and allow for more public and stakeholder
engagement. The organization also expanded staff to aid the scaling
efforts of the federal Accelerated Training in Defense Manufacturing
(ATDM) program. By 2025, ATDM will graduate 800-1,000 workers
annually to meet submarine industrial base workforce needs.
IALR’s campus saw vital expansion as well. The Center for Manufacturing
Advancement, a 51,250-square-foot building, opened with cutting-
edge technology to support the optimization and scaling needs of
manufacturers while introducing emerging technologies. Additionally,
the Navy broke ground on a new 100,000-square-foot national training
center to house the rapidly growing ATDM program – which, with the
CMA, will expand IALR’s campus from five buildings to six.
It is with great care and intention that our board governs the activity
and economic transformation strategy of IALR for the good of our
communities. We commend President Telly Tucker and his staff on a
successful FY 2023 and look forward to many more.
Mr. David Bennett
Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees;
Vice President of Operations, Intertape
Polymer Group
Mr. Ben Davenport
Chairman, First Piedmont Corporation
and Davenport Energy
Dr. Betty Jo Foster
Retired Professor/Vice President,
Danville Community College
Dr. Tiffany Franks
President, Averett University
Dr. Guru Ghosh
Vice President for Outreach and
International Affairs, Virginia Tech
Mr. Don Gibson
Director, Shenandoah
Telecommunications, Inc.
Dr. Greg Hodges
President, Patrick & Henry
Community College
Mr. Mark Holland
Vice President, Trust Officer, American
National Bank and Trust Company
Ms. Emma Maddux Kozlowski
Community Volunteer
Mr. Charles Majors
Retired Board Chairman & CEO,
American National Bank and Trust Company
Ms. Leslie Mantiply
Assistant Business Unit Manager, Dewberry
The Honorable Donald Merricks
Chair of the Board of Trustees; Retired
Banker, Politician & Small Business Owner
Mr. Kunal Patel
Compliance Manager, Caesars Virginia
Mr. Lott Rogers
President of the IALR Foundation Board;
Financial Consultant, Equitable Advisors
Dr. Jerry Wallace
President, Danville Community College
Donald W. Merricks,
Board Chair
BOARD OF TRUSTEES AS OF JULY 1, 2023
FROM THE BOARD
FINANCIALS
FINANCIALS 2023 2022
Total Operating Revenues 8,689,059 14,273,591
Total Operating Expenses 24,541,738 18,497,981
Operating Income (loss)(15,852,679)(4,224,390)
Total Nonoperating Revenues (expenses) Before Grants 12,597,616 10,603,403
Total Equipment and Construction Grants 21,065,610 12,178,243
Change in New Position 17,810,547 18,557,256
Net Position, Beginning of Year as Restated 52,097,953 32,400,393
Net Position, End of Year*69,908,500 50,957,649
*Net position increase due to increased assets with the construction of our state-funded manufacturing advancement building.