Torski Dobson-Arnold

by Torski Dobson-Arnold

Why Use a Career Professional in your Job Search?

Today, as unemployment continues to hover around 8 or 9%, there are still millions of people in the United States that are unemployed or underemployed and seeking new employment opportunities. Experts now suggest that on average, it takes 18 months for a job seeker to secure a job opportunity. Part of this is due to the high volume of applicants in the labor market right now, but more of this process is due to the fact that as job seekers, we aren’t getting the job done with the tools we are utilizing to get that new job or the process we execute in the job search journey.

A recent online survey, completed by career coaches and resume writers across the country, suggests that when it comes to planning an effective job search strategy and preparing job search tools like the résumé and cover letter, over 80% of those looking for a job did NOT have a plan of action before they became unemployed. This means that when they lost their job, the résumé and cover letter were not updated, references had not been contacted in months, and their networking skills were almost nonexistent.
Why utilize a career professional in your job search? When job seekers use a career professional such as a résumé writer, career strategist, and/or interviewing coach, the process is much more timely and cost-effective.

Some of the most important reasons to use a career professional are as follows:

1. Job seekers who use career professionals get noticed quicker by recruiters and hiring managers. This means they are called more often for interviews, receive call-backs sooner from submitting résumés for open jobs and are more confident and prepared in the overall job search process.

2. Job seekers who use career professionals exhibit more confidence and, therefore, stand out to recruiters and hiring managers who are seeking out the “superstars” to save time and money in the hiring process.

3. Job seekers who use career professionals, on average, receive job offers quicker and far more money than those job seekers who try to find a job on their own.

4. Job seekers who use career professionals are more prepared for phone and in-person interviews because of the thorough examination of their career history while preparing the résumé and cover letter with a career professional.

5. Job seekers who use career professionals are taught through reinforcements that career planning is an ongoing process and are given the know-how and steps to continue to effectively manage their career even after their time spent with a career professional has ended.

So, the big question is, are you using a career professional to find your next job? If you want to get noticed quicker and stand out in your job hunt and you are not using a career professional, you are wasting precious time and money spinning your wheels alone. Many of us use tax professionals this time of the year to help us navigate the changes in tax law and get back all of the monies we are entitled to in filing our taxes, right? So why wouldn’t we want the same results when it comes to finding that next job which brings us our financial livelihood on a day-to-day basis? Don’t leave this process to chance or luck. Contact the consultants at Your Career Confidence, LLC today to get your FREE 12-second resume critique and plan your job search success today! Email your resume to torski@yourcareerconfidence.com right now!

Many people, at one time or another, have thought about running their own business. Being your own boss, setting your own hours and making all of the decisions sounds enticing, but it’s also one of the biggest challenges you will face in your career if you do decide to take the entrepreneurial path.

But how do you know if you have what it takes to start and run your own business? That answer will be different for everybody, but there are a few things everyone needs to get in order before you make a drastic career change and take the plunge into becoming an entrepreneur. For instance, Christine Clifford, author of “You, Inc. The Art of Selling Yourself,” said you first have to ask yourself a few questions.

“Can I offer something unique that no one has done before?” she said. “Is there any area in my industry or field that is untapped or unfulfilled? Do I have much competition? Can I put a new twist on my product, service or cause that will appeal to a broad range of people? If you can answer these questions, fill a need and take a risk, you’re in business.”

Sound advice for any fledgling entrepreneur, but how does someone make the transition from thinking like an employee to thinking like an entrepreneur? Here are five tips to get yourself in the mindset of being a business owner and problem solver.

Arifah and Frederick Rogers, Owners 23:1 Bistro 133E North Sycamore Street Petersburg, VA 804.733.6998

GET TO KNOW OTHER ENTREPRENEURS IN YOUR COMMUNITY

Having a mentor or two is crucial when starting any new venture, whether its business, learning to play an instrument or trying to earn a college degree. You need to surround yourself with “big picture” people so you can start thinking more clearly about how to see the “big picture” in your own field. Manhattan Life Coach Julie Melillo said that as an entrepreneur if your business fails the blame rests squarely with you, so it’s important to learn from seasoned veterans in your field.

“You’ll need to learn approaches for boosting your confidence, and realize that a failure or mistake doesn’t mean that you are a failure or a mistake,” Melillo said. “All entrepreneurs will fail at times. It comes with the territory.”

You need to surround yourself with “big picture” people

READ, READ, READ

Just because you don’t have a business degree doesn’t mean you can’t learn the principles of how to run a successful business. There are thousands of books with tips, advice and formulas for being a successful entrepreneur. A good place to start is subscribing to magazines like Fast Company and Entrepreneur – both easy reads that will help you get into the mindset of owning your own business.

Daniel Alarik, a former infantry drill sergeant and current owner of Georgia-based Grunt Style LLC, which sells premium gear and apparel to the military, said his biggest challenge was learning how to think like a business owner after spending most of his career in the military.

“I started with reading three to four business books a month, which I still do, and I got a business mentor or two,” he said. “But this is the entrepreneurial thinking that sets us apart. It’s not your products that will start your business. It’s sales. I’ve seen a lot of great ideas and products that never make it into business because the owner doesn’t want to or is afraid (to learn how to sell). You’ll never be in business that way.”

Ronnie Walker, Owner Ronnie’s Automotive Service 3219G South Crater Road Petersburg, VA 804.861.3141

THINK IN TERMS OF FILLING NEEDS

You have to get to know who your competition is and what needs exist in the marketplace, so that when you are starting out you’re not offering a product or service that already has significant barriers to entry. John Paul Engel, founder of Knowledge Capital, an Iowa-based firm dedicated to helping companies achieve profitable growth, said finding an existing need in your target market is all you really need to start a business.

“You have to pull together resources by partnering, bartering, or whatever ways you can think of to solve the needs of other people,” Engel said. “The best way to start thinking like an entrepreneur is to start a small business, even if it’s simply converting a hobby into something more. I believe business is about service. The more you serve other people the better your life becomes. It’s not about money but about helping people.”

BE WILLING TO TAKE RISKS

Portland, Ore.-based marketing consultant Simon Tam said it’s best to use the Harvard Business School definition of entrepreneurship: the pursuit of opportunity without regard to resources currently controlled. In other words, if you really want to venture out on your own and become an entrepreneur you have to enter this new phase of your career with complete confidence, and not be afraid to fall on your face at times.

“Someone who is willing to take risks and has initiative has the right kind of mentality,” Tam said. “There are ways to cultivate the skills and attitude — a lot of great books, life coaches, and seminars on the subject — but it all begins with choice: choosing the right attitude and taking that first step.”

PRACTICE PATIENCE AND LONG-TERM THINKING

Ian Aronovich, CEO of GovernmentAuctions.org, a website that compiles and provides information about government auctions of seized and merchandise from all over the U.S., said the easiest way to break the mold is to realize that whatever someone else did, you can also do as long as you are willing to be disciplined enough to execute your plans and have the confidence to live with a less-perceived certainty.

“Being an entrepreneur is not an overnight experience,” he said. “Having success on your own terms takes time, tremendous effort, and a burning desire to be self-sustaining. Not everybody fits the mold. If you have always been a business savvy individual, you are surely destined for the entrepreneur lifestyle. Will you succeed in your endeavors? You will never know until you take the plunge, but it definitely helps to think positively.”

Do we have anything to look forward to in 2012?

The short answer: Maybe. Economists are pointing to an improvement in the latest national unemployment numbers and an increase in consumer spending during this holiday season as evidence of a resurgence. However, many are worried about the fallout from a still-floundering European economy, as well as the effects of our own financial decisions, and fear that America may sink back into recession.

That said, premonitions of assured doom for our financial futures in the next year are premature. In fact, in Richmond, it’s most likely not the case.

For starters, the current unemployment rate in Virginia is at 6.2 percent, the 9th-lowest nationwide. By comparison, Nevada currently suffers the highest rate of unemployment, sitting at a whopping 13 percent. The national average is currently at 8.6 percent.

Most estimates show many facets of Virginia’s economic recovery paralleling nationwide statistics. According to a report from JP Morgan Chase, citing figures from the US Department of Labor, over 3.5 million jobs were added in Virginia in 2011, with 2012 on pace to reach a similar, if not better, number.

“I would characterize us as ‘cautiously optimistic.’” says Greg Wingfield, President of the Greater Richmond Partnership.

According to Wingfield, the economic outlook of our area is improving at a rate faster than other places in the country, and it is because Richmond, along with the rest of Virginia, is a good place to do business.

“It starts at the top, with the state. The corporate income tax has not change since 1972,” says Wingfield.

Because of laws that allow businesses more flexibility, he says, and the fact that Virginia hasn’t raised taxes on businesses to cover their budget shortfalls, companies are willing to move here, which brings jobs. Which explains why Forbes puts Richmond in their top 50 of best places to do business in America.

Kim Scheeler, President of the Richmond Chamber of Commerce, agrees with Forbes.

“We are clearly equipped to continue to attract more businesses to our region,” says Scheeler. We are becoming recognized more frequently for the innovative environment we have in this region. We have a talented and creative workforce that is available in most sectors.”

This is not lost on outside businesses. Just this month, internet giant Amazon.com announced the building of two new “fulfillment centers” in the Greater Richmond area, which invests $135 million into the area and brings us 1,350 new jobs.

“The establishment of these new operations is testament to the positive business climate and success the company has experienced in the Commonwealth,” said Gov. Bob McDonnell in a press release, which called this announcement “the biggest jobs announcement in Virginia since 2004”.

According to Wingfield, we can expect more additions to our corporate landscape. On average, 18-20 companies move into Richmond every fiscal year, and Wingfield says for 2012, “With the warming economy, we think these trends will hold.”

This expansion may also serve to counter the downsizing and failure of firms such as Circuit City during the recession, which caused a ripple effect that affected retailers, who shed 1,241 jobs. The addition of new firms into Richmond, in vital fields such as finance, software, and logistics, may do a lot to bring back other jobs in retail, food service, and hospitality. Scheeler sees this diversity in fields as tantamount to our area’s success in 2012.

“We are attractive to a number of businesses ranging from financial services and technology services to distribution,” says Scheeler. “One of the benefits Richmond has enjoyed is a more stable economy and that is due to the fact that we are so diversified.”

However, as these jobs come back, they may have to pay more to stay in our area. A recent hike in unemployment taxes on businesses means that employers now have to pay $228 per employee into the national unemployment system, much more than the $103 businesses had to shell out in 2009. Wingfield admits that this is an obstacle to new jobs coming to our area, but doesn’t think it will put a halt to our development.

There are other tidbits of good news for citizens in our area. Bankruptcy filings are dropping, the GDP is growing, and household debt is falling.

If these good signs, along with sources like JP Morgan Chase, are to be believed, we are set to see an upswing in economic recovery during 2012. Even according to the state’s own budget reports, the Greater Richmond area is ahead of the game in economic recovery. Therefore, once the economy trends towards an overall improvement, our area is statistically well-equipped to prosper off of the change in fortune before the rest of the United States.

But this promise of 2012 could be easily hindered by what transpires in Washington. If our legislative system hits another wall like the government shutdown debacle of last summer, then any progress our country has made could easily be reversed. With a payroll tax extension signed after a similar amount of hoopla, it would seem that politicians have still yet to learn their lesson.

“We’re right on the knife’s edge, and when you’re operating this close to the edge, the last thing you need is a wind to come along and push you over,” Stuart Hoffman, chief economist at PNC Financial Group told The Washington Post while the payroll tax cut issue was in the midst of a partisan brawl. “The risk is that if payroll taxes go up, it takes an economy that is comfortably in moderate growth territory and slips back.”

The “knife’s edge” is where we continue to find our economy, and if a similar debate were to result in consequences not helpful in maintaining economic growth, then Richmond, as well as the rest of America, would suffer. Large companies, both national and international, pay attention to what happens in Washington, and that plays a direct role in their decision to move operations to our city. A prolonged display of partisan bickering does not help the cause of economic recovery.

“When these debates rage on and there is no clear consensus, that creates uncertainty,” says Scheeler. “If the consumer doesn’t know if they are going to have a tax break for 2 months or a full year, they tend to be less willing to spend. When they don’t spend, the economy continues to lag, businesses don’t add jobs and that impacts consumer confidence.”

Despite the uncertainty surrounding what the financial future holds for our country, as well as locally, Scheeler remains hopeful.

“I am obviously bullish on Richmond’s financial future,” says Scheeler. “The city is doing a great job creating an environment that is welcoming to the young professionals (and empty nesters) who want to live in an urban environment.”

Perhaps the main point is that 2012 holds hope for everyone. For us, our area is trending upwards in a revival of new jobs and new opportunities, so perhaps this is the year we can finally put the hardships of the last few behind us. There are no signs that 2012 will completely wipe the slate clean, but if anything, we are set to keep rebuilding on the ground we’ve lost.

And that is more than enough of a reason to celebrate the new year.

Hello, Torski!

Jake

Jake,

Just because you got an offer after a few days of the interview does NOT mean you have to join the company on the same day of the offer. Simply explain to your prospective employer your sincere interest and desire to accept this opportunity, but that you are under a contract that is scheduled to be completed within 60-90 days.

Given some level of negotiation and potentially even some overlap so that you can begin any required training and on-boarding, most companies will be willing to work with you on a smooth transition. Companies understand that applicants may be working contractually prior to a job offer and certainly should respect your desire to fulfill the expectations of your prior commitments. They would only expect the same level of professionalism if the shoe were on the other foot.

That’s all. I hope this helps!

Claiming nothing but success in all of your career endeavors,

Torski
~The Career Confidence Coach

Torski Dobson-Arnold, the Career Confidence Coach
torski@urbanviewsweekly.com
Twitter @TorskiDobsArnol

If you’ve got a high school senior, your household is probably knee-deep in senior-year activities – and expenses. Not to elevate your stress level, but this is probably a good time for you and your kid to start investigating how you’re going to finance college next fall. Seriously.

Loan application deadlines are right around the corner and you’ve got many decisions to make and documents to fill out.

Your first step is start filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. The FAFSA is required by virtually all colleges, universities and career schools for federal student aid, as well as for most aid from states and colleges. Although you can’t yet finalize 2011 income-related information, once you start the process you can log in anytime to update your file.

Get a FAFSA from your school’s guidance counselor or financial aid office, at www.fafsa.ed.gov, or by calling 1-800-4-FED-AID. The FAFSA filing deadline for federal loans for the 2011-2012 school year isn’t until June 30, 2012, but many state and individual school deadlines fall months earlier.

This is probably a good time for you and your kid to start investigating how you’re going to finance college next fall.

Many types of aid are available to help cover costs at four-year colleges and universities, community colleges, and trade, career or technical schools, including:

• Hundreds of thousands of free scholarships are awarded each year. Visit www.finaid.org/scholarships for details.

• Federal Pell Grants are needs-based grants given to low-income students to pursue post-secondary education. The maximum annual Pell Grant amount is $5,500. They need not be repaid.

• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grants for up to $4,000 a year are awarded to undergraduates with exceptional financial need.

• The Federal Work-Study Program provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.

• Direct Stafford Loans are low-interest federal loans that have no origination fee and come in two varieties: “Subsidized,” which are needs-based and the government pays the yearly interest while students are enrolled; “Unsubsidized,” which are not needs-based and students are responsible for interest that accrues while enrolled.

• Low-interest Federal Perkins Loans are for students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. They are subsidized and have no origination or default fees.

• Private education loans are offered by banks and other lenders to bridge the gap between government loans and actual education costs. They aren’t government-guaranteed or subsidized and typically carry higher interest rates, although you can borrow greater amounts. Details and rates vary widely.

• Some colleges sponsor their own loans, often with lower interest rates than federal loans. Check each college’s aid materials to see if they are available.

• Federal Direct PLUS loans (Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students) allow parents to borrow for their children’s college expenses. Interest rates are fixed (although higher than Stafford loans) and there is an origination fee.

• Private parent loans are offered by banks and other lenders, usually at higher interest rates than PLUS loans. They may also have an origination fee.

• Some colleges also offer their own loans to parents, usually at rates below PLUS loans. Check each college’s aid materials to see if they’re available.

Check out www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov and www.finaid.org for complete explanations of the different types of grants/loans, calculators and many other tools.

Bottom line: Better start boning up on college financing now to avoid panic next winter.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/PracticalMoney

I am seeking information for a client of mine. He is 18 years old with limited basic labor experience in the construction field. He also is on probation and needs to find a way to answer, “Why?” in a pro-active way. The challenging part is that his probation is from a sexual offense, and so it is an immediate turn-off to employers. Is there any way you could think of that an interviewee could frame their mistake, or take ownership of that mistake so as to minimize the damage that this information represents in an interview setting?

Sincerely, Mr. P.O.

Dear Mr. P.O.,

I am assuming you are this young person’s probation officer. Thank you for doing your due diligence in accessing information for a young man who needs to find a way to successfully contribute to society and make good on his 2nd chance.

I would suggest that the young man DEFINITELY “own up” to his mistake. He should highlight programs that he has completed in regards to this sexual offense. And as his probation officer, I would suggest that you accompany him on his interviews to help “fill in the blanks” on any questions a company hiring official may have.

If your candidate has any written information regarding the offense to fully disclose the situation, that would be ideal as well. Obviously, you will want to stay clear of any jobs that would put this young man around children, either indirectly or directly.
I think this young man would also need to complete a number of hours with practicing his interviewing skills. It will be of utmost importance for him to be able to maintain good eye contact, answer questions completely and honestly, sit without slouching and any other inappropriate body language that may allude to the idea that he is trying to hide something.

P.O., as you already know, this young man will have to knock on a lot of doors before he gets a breakthrough on a job in the labor market right now. It is TRULY an employer’s market and companies can be very picky in their hiring selections as there are more job seekers than jobs for them to compete for.

The biggest challenge for this young man is maintaining a positive outlook on his future and knowing that everyone can access 2nd chances.

Claiming success in his job search endeavors,

Torski
~The Career Confidence Coach
Your Career Confidence, LLC

Urban Views Weekly is pleased to announce the hiring of Shelia O. Spurlock-Shaw to the position of Account Executive.

Shelia is a seasoned broadcast and print media sales veteran. Her experience spans over 30 years. She is a native Richmonder and a graduate of VCU. She is often described as “the lady with the 1,000 watt smile,”

Shelia is a multi-talented, dedicated and knowledgable individual who is very active in the community. She is excited and ready to serve our clients immediately.

Shelia is the wife of violinist and retired educator, Thomas A. Shaw, Jr. and the mother of William & Mary freshman, Gladys Alexis Shaw.

Torski Dobson-Arnold

You’ve done all the research and finally found a job! Yes! All that hard work is finally paying off. Well, I’m here to share some news with you…the hard work has really just begun. Getting the new job is the easy part. Getting the most from this experience and leveraging your connections in your new role is the real key you need to unlock future success.

In the first 90 days on a new job (full-time, part-time, or seasonal), you’ll want to take a few steps to leave the best lasting impression and create future opportunities for yourself.

Ask Questions and Write Down the Answers. As a new hire, don’t assume anything and make careless mistakes. If you don’t understand, ask a reliable source and jot down the response for future reference.

Request Feedback Often. Some companies give new employee evaluations and some do not. As a new hire, it is important to know how you are doing and what you need to work on to become better in your position. Ask your hiring manager for constructive feedback after the first 2 weeks, 30 days, 60 days, and 90 days of employment. Determine what you need to know to get “up to speed” with others in the department and apply it quickly to show your commitment to learning the role and company culture.

Seek out a Mentor. Listen, watch, and eventually, seek out an individual who can and would be willing to “show you the ropes” within the company and amongst peers and colleagues. Few companies have formal mentoring programs for new hires, so you will want to get the recommendations of peers and other employees on whom to approach on this request. In many cases, your mentor may be your supervisor or boss, but that is not always the case. A good mentor can help you chart future promotional opportunities and offer professional advice on beneficial skills to learn and adapt to show value in your new job.
Get Involved & Add Value. With the aid of your mentor, identify best ways to make a lasting positive impression in your new role. How can you add value to your department? What challenges present itself in your workplace that you can take on as a problem solver? How can you make your supervisor look good? Are there affinity groups or community involvement projects that you can get involved in outside of the company? What key areas could you address in your new job that would make your company better or more profitable?

Update your Résumé & Expand your Network. Now that you’ve landed a new job, update your résumé and other professional marketing materials noting your new job and any new projects you’ve worked on. Highlight new skills and competencies that add value to your career goals. Through your mentor connections, identify the “movers and shakers” of the organization and introduce yourself. Offer to assist on a pet project, if possible.

Please keep in mind that these tips can be effective in our new job whether you work as a lifeguard at a local community pool or if you’re the new accounting assistant in a Fortune 500 firm. There is no such thing as a small job, only small people and small minds in jobs. Opportunities come in all shapes, sizes, and timeframes. Make the best out of every career pursuit and create the type of future that will ultimately be rewarding personally, professionally, and financially!

See you at the top!

Torski Dobson-Arnold
~The Career Confidence Coach

Dear Career Confidence Coach,

I have been reading your columns and was lucky enough to secure summer employment for the summer. I really needed to get this job because I want to save for college, which I’ll begin next year. I know it’s important to have some type of work experience for your college applications. Now that I’ve got the job, I thought the hard part would be over, but now I am nervous that I might do or say something to mess things up. What advice do you have on keeping a job and maintaining positive working situation? If I do well, I’d like to be able to work this job during my summers home from college too.

Wanting to Make a Good Impression

First, congratulations on your new job. Don’t sell yourself short! Acquiring employment in this tough labor market right now is a major accomplishment for anyone. You did it and that took some serious commitment to accomplishing that goal. You rock!

The best way to make a good first impression with your new employer goes back to the rules we learned at home. Here are my top five Career Confidence Tips to creating a positive first impression on your first job.

1. Smile and maintain a positive attitude. Show enthusiasm in your assignments and tasks. We all have a job to do and people enjoy working around people who take pride and joy in their contribution in the workplace. Smiling encourages others to smile and can brighten not only your day, but the day of those working with you.

2. Listen first, and then ask questions. As the new employee, listen more than you talk. This will help you identify those who are positive at work and what motivates them. Do not interrupt others when they are talking and respect those around you. After someone has spoken, then ask questions…and lots of them. There is no such thing as a dumb question, particularly if you are new. This leads me to my next point…

3. Take notes. Just like those in school, employees that write down things that need to be recalled like passwords or telephone extensions, get the gold star. Or in the case of a new employer, you’d get the positive nod from supervisors and managers that will be evaluating you closely.

4. Always dress appropriately. Never underestimate the impression you make in your attire at work. If there is a work uniform, make sure it is always clean and neatly pressed. Don’t go overboard on jewelry and when in doubt, don’t wear it. Better to be safe than sorry. Inquire on the policy and adhere to it – no exceptions!

5. Never gossip! And identify mentors early. Regardless of where you work, I believe there will always be gossip. Stay clear of this group and the rumor mill that tags along with them. Instead, identify one or two key people that can aid your experience to being a very positive one. Mentors can be mutually beneficial to new employees in identifying new promotional opportunities and giving advice on challenging situations. How do you find a mentor? Just ask the person. Most will see the inquiry as a flattering one and be more than willing to put you “under their wing.”

Great job again on your summer employment opportunity! You’ve done the hard work and now you’ve got the tools that you need to go as far up the ladder as you choose! See you at the top!

Torski Dobson-Arnold, The Career Confidence Coach
Email torski@urbanviewsweekly.com

Richmond Redevelopment and Housing Authority announced the departure of Anthony Scott as Chief Executive Officer of RRHA. Scott will soon take on a new position as deputy executive director for Baltimore Housing. His last day at RRHA will be April 15.

Maxine Cholmondeley, RRHA’s general counsel, will serve as interim CEO of RRHA and will work together with the Board of Commissioners and RRHA senior management to assure the same levels of high quality service during the transition period. Cholmondeley has served as general counsel to RRHA since 2008, providing legal support and direction to all of the agency’s departments.

Scott joined RRHA in November 2005 as deputy executive director of community revitalization. Since then, the agency has made significant accomplishments in and contributions to the city of Richmond and the lives of RRHA community members. During his tenure at RRHA, Scott strengthened existing partnerships and built new ones to support the agency’s mission to be the catalyst for quality affordable housing and community revitalization.

He spearheaded major initiatives such as the Master Planning and implementation of the Dove Street redevelopment project as well as the Master Planning for North Jackson Ward – two redevelopment initiatives that are slated to increase the social and economic fabric of the city of Richmond through job creation and innovative business ventures. He also worked closely with the Mayor’s Office to redevelop downtown Richmond through the transformation of the Miller and Rhoads building into the Hilton Garden Inn and the Thalhimer building into CenterStage. For more information, visit www.rrha.com.