May 9, 2016
Middletown, VA. The Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center (LFSBDC) and Top of Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce (TVRC) are pleased to jointly announce the hiring of current TVRC CEO, Christine Kriz, as the new Director of the SBDC. The Center provides support for entrepreneurs and small business owners in Frederick, Clarke, Shenandoah, Warren and Rappahannock Counties. The organization fosters small business success and assists in the growth of Virginia’s economy.
As Chamber CEO, Kriz’s leadership skills were utilized in assisting over 820 business members. Sharon Farinholt, Owner of Crown Trophy and TVRC Chairman, said, “Christine is credited for helping change the perception of the Chamber as an important part of the business community. Our challenge will be to build on her foundation and continue to move forward.”
Kriz’s last day as CEO of the Chamber is May 26, 2016, however she will remain a big part of our area’s business community in this new role. The SBDC has a productive partnership with the Chamber, which will be enhanced by Kriz’s leadership and will contribute to the continued growth of both organizations. Cheryl Thompson-Stacy, Laurel Ridge Community College President and Chamber Board Member said, “I look forward to working with Christine as Director of the Small Business Center. I have had the pleasure of working with her when she was employed by the College as part of our Workforce Solutions Program and as CEO of the Chamber. I know she do well in her new position.”
Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.
Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).
Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected], 173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.
Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.