2024 Virginia Partner Profiles
The Berkley Group
The Berkley Group is a 360-degree local government consulting firm with experts specializing in planning and community development, environmental planning, GIS, public involvement, and group facilitation. We bring a collaborative approach to our projects with an array of professional resources. Our staff have over a century of direct experience in local government which spans multiple states and numerous localities. We understand the variety of challenges confronting local governments, because we have worked in local government and continue to serve them proudly.
Contact Information: Andrew D. Williams, AICP, drew@bgllc.net
Website: www.bgllc.net
EMPOWER Broadband Inc.,
EMPOWER Broadband Inc.,is a wholly-owned broadband subsidiary of Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative (MEC), who has proudly served rural Southside Virginia and northern North Carolina for over 85 years. EMPOWER Broadband, established in 2018, provides middle-mile capacity, retail high-speed internet service, as well as voice over IP telephony, high-speed data services, and advanced cloud-based solutions throughout portions of rural Southside Virginia and northern North Carolina. Over the next four years, EMPOWER will expand its broadband network to 3,000 miles of fiber line and pass over 35,000 homes and businesses in an effort to help close the digital divide in our rural communities.
Contact: 434-636-2274 EMPOWER@meckelec.org
Website: https://www.empowermec.net/
The Olson Group, Ltd
The Olson Group, Ltd. is one of the nation’s leading emergency management and homeland security service providers, now in its 17th year delivering preparedness assistance across America. Virginia-based, with headquarters in Alexandria, OGL provides planning, training and exercise support to cities, counties and regional planning agencies across the Commonwealth, as well as to VDEM and other state departments. Our professional staff, drawn from the ranks of emergency managers and first responders, is sensitive to the diverse requirements of Virginia’s many communities. The Olson Group is readily available to Virginia public entities on a simple task order basis through the VDEM Emergency Services Consulting Contract. OGL is honored to be a VAPDC Virginia Partner.
Contact: Call us at (703) 518-9982
Website: olsongroupltd.com
RiverStreet Networks
RiverStreet Networks (RSN) began as an extension of Wilkes Communications, a telephone cooperative in Wilkes County, NC. After more than 70 years of providing telecommunications services and enhancing Wilkes County with an all active, Fiber To The Home (FTTH) network Wilkes Communications wanted to continue the trend of access to High-Speed Internet in Rural America by branching out. RSN was awarded $32 million in CAF Phase II (Connect America Funds) for 77 high-cost census block groups. Additionally, RSN was awarded over $41 million in the FCC’s Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) in 2022. In the recent DHCD VATI rounds, RSN was awarded over $146 million in grant funds. With the funding received so far in Virginia, RSN will install the latest generation FTTH network across 16 Counties. In addition to these Federal and State Funds, RSN and their County partners have secured over $141 million. The total FTTH network is estimated to cost in excess of $360 million to build over 6,800 route miles of fiber that will pass more than 78,000 locations. RSN is dedicated to excellence in customer service and adding value to the lives of our customers and the communities we serve.
Contact our Business Development Team: bizsales@myriverstreet.net.
Website: https://myriverstreet.net/business-solutions/?t=b&loc=1321 or myriverstreet.net
VA DHCD
Virginia Governor's Housing Conference (VAGHC)
The Virginia Governor's Housing Conference has a broad range of attendees from many professional sectors including nonprofit organizations, foundations and other philanthropic donors, affordable housing developers, economic developers, local government elected officials, design professionals, financial institutions, government agencies, private developers, real estate professionals, educational institutions, trade organizations, community-based and faith-based organizations, and public housing providers. The conference consistently attracts more than 800 affordable housing advocates, providers and policy makers to discuss a host of important issues affecting all Virginians.
Contact: Amanda Love, amanda.love@dhcd.virginia.gov
Website: https://www.dhcd.virginia.gov/housing
VACORP
VACORP is here for you. We know the risks you face. Established in 1993 at the request of Virginia counties seeking an alternative insurance program, we are a comprehensive risk management program that addresses all sources of potential risk for Virginia political subdivisions. Now, VACORP provides coverage to more local governmental entities and agencies than any other provider. Because of our strength in numbers, we provide you with predictability of risks and stability of pricing. This gives you peace of mind. We are here for you, whenever you need us.
Contact: Kathleen Guzi, KGuzi@riskprograms.com
Website: http://www.vacorp.org/
VRA provides innovative and cost-effective financial solutions to meet the infrastructure needs of communities. From water and sewer improvements to transportation and public safety projects, VRA is available to assist local governments and regional authorities with affordable financing for all their capital improvement needs. Since its inception in 1984, VRA has provided over $11 billion of financing for approximately 3,000 infrastructure projects across Virginia.
Contact: Stephanie Jones, SJones@VirginiaResources.org
Website: https://www.virginiaresources.gov/
Virginia Risk Sharing Association (VRSA)
VRSA is here to protect our members and their employees so they may effectively serve their communities.
We are committed to financial strength to ensure stable rates. VRSA is also committed to easing our members’ worries. We do this by scanning for emerging risks arising out of new challenges or changed circumstances, keeping our members informed, and developing a dedicated, professional staff. Our comprehensive coverages, and robust tools and resources allow members to proactively manage their risk.
Contact: Peter Stephenson Email: pstephenson@vrsa.us
Website: https://www.vrsa.us/