Real estate talk’s around the corner, I promise – lots of stuff happening here at NRVLiving these past couple of weeks and I’m just starting to get back on my feet, so I know it’s been an oft repeated phrase lately but bear with me!

January 21st 2009 was the first full day of a new administration, and everything I keep hearing is that they’ve got 100 day grace period before the public starts to keep a tally.  Now, I think the public’s starting to keep a Pro and Con checklist sooner than that, but nevertheless one of the items on the administration’s agenda has to be the economy and jobs, there’s a lot of work, but it’s always important to learn how to get a stress relief at work so you are efficient.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate has risen to 7.2%.  Job losses are on a lot of people’s minds, even here in the New River Valley where the unemployment rate rose to 5.6%.

But there is good news, as well, particularly here in the New River Valley.  Have you seen the latest Fortune
Magazine?  Check it out – Blacksburg’s Mailtrust, and it’s parent company Rackspace, was named one of the 100 Best Companies To Work For (#43, to be exact).  Congratulations to Pat and all the rest of the crowd over at Mailtrust – they are certainly a trendsetter in our area.

They’re not the only ones making a difference, though.  And you can be a part of the action, as well.  Opportunities to improve are available now through the Roanoke Higher Education Center open house on February 5th.  Check out this video for more information …