All For Business

On this episode of All For Business, we chatted with Craig Ranson of Framatome about the future of nuclear and how they are investing towards a bright future through new projects, research, and education. Lynchburg has the potential to not only be a hub for the energy industry in Virginia but also continue to grow as America's Nuclear City. Listen in as we discuss state and national energy plans, innovative Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), and the relaunch of the Framatome Nuclear Technology Academy at the Central Virginia Community College - training the next generation of nuclear energy technicians and more.

What is the Framatome Nuclear Technology Academy?

This program in partnership with CVCC is designed to prepare students for employment in the nuclear energy service industry. It provides in-class and practical hands-on training in basic maintenance, electricity, engineering, programming, and related skills. Students completing this program will be prepared for employment as an entry-level technician in the nuclear energy field. Learn more about nuclear technology programs at CVCC here.

About Craig Ranson

Craig Ranson is the Senior Vice President of Installed Base America for Framatome Inc. In this role, Ranson is responsible for the Installed Base Business Unit’s continued development and overall delivery of innovative products and services, component upgrades, and engineering solutions to sustain and enhance the nuclear energy facilities in North America. Ranson began his career with the company in 1991 as an intern, which led him to the Reactor and Services organization in 1992, supporting the development of advanced robotics and remote tooling. After leaving the company in 1997, Ranson returned in 2001 to what became AREVA Nuclear Services, performing operations and engineering work in the Outage and NDE Services group.

In 2010, Ranson was promoted to Vice President of NDE Solutions and later as Vice President of Component Repair and Replacement Services. In 2014, Ranson was appointed Chief Operations Officer for AREVA Inc. and served as interim Chief Commercial Officer where he was responsible for the entire operations and customer relations for North America. In August, 2016, Ranson was appointed Senior Vice President of Installed Base Services Business Unit, responsible for all operating and engineering services for existing operating plants. Effective January, 2017, Craig Ranson became the Senior Vice President of Installed Base America.

A graduate of Virginia Tech, Ranson holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. In addition, he completed the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations’ (INPO) Senior Nuclear Plant Management course (class 109) and attended the Harvard Executive MBA training course.

On this week's episode we sat down with Jared Hesse, owner of Gentleman John's Classic Barbershop in Downtown Lynchburg. You'll hear about Jared's journey from cutting hair in his parents basement to opening several locations across the Lynchburg region. You'll also hear about Jared's recent travels and trainings with master barbers and his own advice for starting your own business.

Jared has just written his first book and it is on sale now! We'll be holding a book signing at Gentleman John's next week, May 24. Come buy a book and get it signed by Jared AND book an appointment for a haircut while you're at it. You can buy copies of Jared's book: "The Fit Barber Coach: Faith, Family, Fitness, Finance" on Amazon here.

Happy National Small Business Week!

On this episode of All For Business, we sit down with Megan Lucas, CEO & Chief Economic Development Officer of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, and Stephanie Kenner, Executive Director of the Small Business Development Center - Lynchburg Region, to discuss the resources available for small businesses here in the Lynchburg region. From the Start Smart program to the brand new Center for Entrepreneurship, small businesses and entrepreneurs have a wealth of resources at their disposal to get started, grow, and succeed.

Check out these local small business resources:

Don't forget to go support your favorite small businesses!

Who’s ready for OKTOBERFEST???? Grab your fellow beer lovers and join The Water Dog on Saturday, October 22 at Riverfront Park in Downtown Lynchburg to “Prost like a Pro!” for this years Oktoberfest celebration.

We sat down with Dave Henderson for a mini episode of All For Business and get the scoop on the German-inspired feasting, dancing, axe throwing, music from, costume and mustache contests and more!

Included in your Oktoberfest ticket:

They also have a limited number of VIP tables available which includes a reserved table under the tent, personal "Beer Keller" (aka beer server), 8 tickets for you and your guests, and larger ceramic steins for 8 guests.

Alliance members! Get 25% off your purchase for Oktoberfest. Visit www.thewaterdog.com/oktoberfest and use the code, OKTFSTPONSOR at checkout for 25% off your ticket.

In this week's episode of the Alliance's All4Business podcast, join retired physician, Dr. Chal Nunn, as he sits down with Amy Carrier, President & CEO of CENTRA, the largest healthcare organization in the Lynchburg region. During the episode, Amy shares her experience of leading CENTRA more than a year after the onset of the pandemic, providing leadership and resilience that has improved the quality of healthcare and life throughout the community, giving a substantial boost to economic development across the region as well.

For this week's episode of the Alliance's All4Business podcast, join the Alliance's Executive Vice-President & COO Christine Kennedy and Carrie Wright, Executive Director of Strategic Development for Chick Fil A Wards Rd and River Ridge Mall in Lynchburg, VA. As an industry expert in customer relations, executing planning, development, talent training & development, as well as leadership and goal setting, Carrie Wright shares invaluable insight that can help empower business owners to make the most of their options in the way of cultivating and retaining talent, helping to boost commercial development by generating jobs and investment.

In our final Mental Health Awareness Month podcast, we sit down with the new CEO of Horizon Behavioral Health, Melissa Lucy. We hope this series has been helpful for you and your employees. Stay tuned for our next episode!

Our fourth Mental Health Awareness Month episode explores ways you can help yourself and your teams manage stress and improve mental health with Corporate Trainer, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Certified Behavioral Consultant, Jen Rowland.

Now in the third week of our Mental Health Awareness Month series, let's examine mental health from a legal standpoint. How can employers and employees tackle this challenge? Big thanks to Leah and Patrick of Woods Rogers for speaking with us on this important topic.

In the second episode of our Mental Health Awareness Month series, we speak with two experts from Centra on the clinical side of things. How do we impact our mental health for better or worse? What can we be doing to keep ourselves mentally healthy?