Blevins receives Distinguished Citizenship Award in Russell County

The Russell County Chamber of Commerce awarded Shannon Blevins, director of economic development for The University of Virginia’s College at Wise, the Distinguished Citizenship Award in Economic Development on April 24 in Lebanon.

Blevins, director of the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center operated by UVa-Wise, received the award at the Chamber’s annual gala. The award is given to a person who has contributed to Russell County’s progress through specific actions and work.

“Shannon is an effective leader whose eloquence and dedication to the people of Russell County qualify her for the esteemed honor of the Distinguished Citizenship Award in Economic Development,” said Steve Banner, vice chairman of the Russell County Industrial Development Authority.

“I am thrilled to be recognized by the Russell County Chamber of Commerce, and having been nominated by the Russell County Industrial Development Authority means a great deal to me,” Blevins said. “The UVa-Wise team managing the Southwest Virginia Technology Development Center takes great pride in serving the employers and citizens of Russell County, and we look forward to continuing to serve our community.”

As director of SVTDC, Blevins developed a series of professional development programs, such as “The Effective Supervisor,” to help nurture team leaders and supervisors to meet the challenges and changes in today’s work environment. The Center is instrumental in community outreach efforts by providing varying degrees of personal computer instruction to the public. In addition, Blevins and the Center work to meet the workforce training needs of many high-tech companies that have located in Southwest Virginia.

Under Blevins’ leadership, the Center received the 2008 Southwest Virginia Technology Council High Tech Excellence in Education award.

                                                                                                     Posted May 1, 2009