Southside Virginia’s economic landscape is evolving rapidly, driven by technological advancement, cooperative strength, and forward-thinking educational initiatives. At the recent Coop Month Breakfast & Career Expo, community leaders, cooperative members, and educators gathered to celebrate regional collaboration and discuss the future of the local workforce.

A central highlight of the morning program was an inspiring keynote address delivered by Dr. Quentin Johnson, President of Southside Virginia Community College (SVCC), who emphasized the vital role the institution plays in preparing the community for the jobs of today and tomorrow.

Dr. Quentin Johnson shares remarks with attendees at the Cooperative Month Breakfast.

Growing Enrollment and High-Paying Career Paths

As industries modernize, the demand for specialized, high-paying skills continues to surge. During his keynote address, Dr. Johnson focused heavily on SVCC's expanding services and rising enrollment, which are purposely designed to meet this demand. By aligning its curriculum with real-world market needs, SVCC ensures that students of all backgrounds can access the training required to secure rewarding, family-sustaining careers.

Industry-Driven Programs Across the Board

SVCC’s collaborative model extends far beyond a single sector. Similar robust partnerships are in place across a wide array of high-demand fields:

Power Line Program: Developed in partnership with local electric suppliers and cooperatives to train essential utility professionals who keep our infrastructure strong.
HVAC and Construction Trades: Hands-on training programs designed alongside regional contractors and builders to address critical labor needs in housing and commercial development.
Nursing and Healthcare: Essential healthcare training built to support regional medical facilities and meet the growing demand for qualified nursing professionals.
Welding and Industrial Technologies: Precision training programs created to supply skilled artisans and technicians to manufacturing and industrial operations throughout the region.

Pioneering Technology: Microsoft and SVCC

In addition to the trades and healthcare, Dr. Johnson spotlighted SVCC’s strategic partnership with Microsoft to support the digital revolution. With the growth of data-driven industries across the region, this collaboration focuses directly on data center management and workforce support, providing seamless pathways from education into long-term tech careers right here in Southside Virginia.

Celebrating Cooperative Excellence: Award Recipients

The breakfast program also served as the stage for celebrating outstanding leadership within the cooperative community, honoring individuals who represent both the legacy and the future of the movement:

Sam Liggett, the recipient of the 2026 Cooperative Leadership Award.

Cooperative Leadership Award: Sam Liggett of Rockingham Cooperative received the 2026 Cooperative Leadership Award, recognizing his remarkable career-long contributions to agriculture, rural Virginia, and the cooperative business model. You can read more about his recognition on the Virginia Cooperative Council blog.

Emma Alexander, the recipient of the 2026 Young Cooperator Award.

Young Cooperator Award: Emma Alexander—the 2025-2026 Virginia FFA State President, Louisa County High School graduate, and current Clemson University student—was presented with the Young Cooperator Award. The honor highlights her exceptional leadership and dedication to agriculture and cooperative principles. Learn more about her background in the Virginia Cooperative Council feature.

Inspiring the Next Generation: The Career Expo

VCC Board President, Dustin Francis, interacts with career expo attendees.

Following the morning breakfast and program, attendees transitioned to the career expo, which brought together an impressive lineup of cooperative businesses and educational partners to showcase regional opportunities. Exhibitors and participants included Farm Credit, Southside Electric Cooperative, Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative, Rockingham Cooperative, Southern States, Farmers Cooperative, Southside Community College, Virginia Tech College of Agriculture Economics, and other key regional organizations.

A major highlight of the afternoon was the participation of over 200 middle and high school students who walked through the career fair. These young learners gained firsthand exposure to the diverse, rewarding career pathways that cooperative businesses and modern industries can offer them later in life.

A Stronger Community Through Collaboration

The Coop Month Breakfast & Career Expo proved once again that when educational institutions like SVCC, local co-ops, regional employers, and industry leaders unite, the possibilities for community growth are limitless. By connecting the next generation with rewarding career opportunities and honoring those who lead the way, Southside Virginia is building a resilient, highly skilled workforce ready to lead into the future.

Highlights from the Coop Month Breakfast & Career Expo