Michael Paris

Co-led a partnership that was later honored by the Chancellor of VCCS; the award "…honored the dynamic partnership between Tidewater Community College’s Workforce Solutions and the Norfolk Economic Development Office with its award for Outstanding Achievement through a Collaboration or Consortia of Partners. Accepting the award from Chancellor Doré were TCC’s Interim VP for workforce Laura Hanson and Mike Paris from the Norfolk EDA.”

Workforce Champion Innovation Award highlighting efforts to bridge economic development with workforce development; developing community access to employment opportunities generated by new and expanded businesses in collaboration with workforce partners.

https://www.theworkforcecouncil.org/workforce-innovation-awards/

“Top Forty Under 40 recognizes outstanding business people in the Hampton Roads community. Honorees are chosen by an independent judging panel evaluating professional and community service contributions.”

https://www.pilotonline.com/inside-business/vp-ib-top-40-intro-1017-20221017-nk6q27rxqndynmuzgleslqqsga-story.html

Co-led a partnership in support of both a business expansion and nearby communities with elevated rates of poverty. After leading a traditional economic development expansion project, access to the newly created jobs was successfully transferred to nearby communities by closing a skills gap via a newly created mobile welding lab and partnership training program (WeldNOW) working in concert with Tidewater Communications College that obtained the facility, developed, and leads the training… Show more

Co-led a partnership in support of both a business expansion and nearby communities with elevated rates of poverty. After leading a traditional economic development expansion project, access to the newly created jobs was successfully transferred to nearby communities by closing a skills gap via a newly created mobile welding lab and partnership training program (WeldNOW) working in concert with Tidewater Communications College that obtained the facility, developed, and leads the training working in close coordination with Norfolk Works for business site selection, community outreach, and recruitment; this effort was ultimately was able to help successfully facilitate residents obtaining these newly created, family-sustaining positions developed via the project. Show less

Oversaw the development of a Multi-Year Economic Development Program supporting both workforce development and business retention and expansion (BRE) efforts; recognized by the International Economic Development Council in 2021. Gold Rank Excellence in Economic Development award in the "Multi-Year Economic Development Program" category recognizes the best economic development programs operating continuously for three years or more.

IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards… Show more

Oversaw the development of a Multi-Year Economic Development Program supporting both workforce development and business retention and expansion (BRE) efforts; recognized by the International Economic Development Council in 2021. Gold Rank Excellence in Economic Development award in the "Multi-Year Economic Development Program" category recognizes the best economic development programs operating continuously for three years or more.

IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships. IEDC received over 500 submissions from 4 countries this year. Show less

Oversaw the development of an economic development workforce initiative recognized by the International Economic Development Council for an Excellence in Economic Development Award.

IEDC’s Excellence in Economic Development Awards recognize the world’s best economic development programs and partnerships. IEDC received over 500 submissions from 4 countries this year.

Led a team in the development and execution of the “COVID-19 Business Retention and Recovery Campaign”

Led a team in the development and execution of the multifaceted “COVID-19 Business Retention & Recovery Campaign” BRE initiative. The campaign resulted in connecting with 1,016 businesses, providing support/resources to 354 local companies, and identifying and providing ongoing support to 210 “at risk” businesses.

“The City of Norfolk ‘Mermaid’ award combines all of the attributes of previous awards. M-Modeling exceptional customer service; E-Ethical; R-Respectful; M-Making contributions; A-Attitude; I-Innovative/Creative; D-Dedicated.”

“Single event” category- Led an interagency business retention and expansion (BRE) and workforce event - “Waterside Hiring Week” - later recognized by IEDC.

Presented by the College of Business & Leadership recognizing the "outstanding capstone MBA project" for the MBA class of 2015.

About the project: presented a plan showing how a business can utilize the workforce development system to create new talent pipelines and capitalize on incentives to create a sustainable competitive advantage.

"The award celebrates an employee who demonstrates outstanding career achievements that enhance the mission and goals of the City of Norfolk as well as the professional development of the employee."