Welcome!

Thanks for reading Community Catalyst, the newsletter for JMU Economic & Community Development! Our goal is to use this newsletter to keep you informed and engaged with each other and JMU’s economic development and community engagement news opportunities. 

Each quarter, we’ll share economic development and community engagement news, events, resources, and opportunities to collaborate from JMU and community organizations.

Have an event or resource to share in a future newsletter? Submit it here

Questions? Contact econdev@jmu.edu

Upcoming Events

Save the Date:

Shenandoah Valley Collaborative Economic Summit

November 19 | JMU Festival Center

Save the date for the Shenandoah Valley Collaborative Economic Summit to be held on November 19 at the JMU Festival Center. This biennial event brings together leaders from across the Shenandoah Valley to learn from and collaborate with one another on issues impacting our community including housing, childcare, transportation and workforce development.

Look for more information to be shared in this newsletter and on our website.

Carnegie Re-Classification for

Community Engagement Celebration

April 28 | 3-5pm

Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community - Detwiler Auditorium

1491 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg

Join us as we celebrate JMU’s national recognition for community engagement with a special event at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. This “live‑action press release” will spotlight a long-standing partnership and showcase the transformative impact of our collaborative work through music, presentations, and a reception.

Learn more and register

VSMA Smart Manufacturing Roadshow

April 29 | 8am-2pm

New College Institute

191 Fayette Street, Martinsville, VA

The Virginia Smart Manufacturing Accelerator (VSMA) Roadshow Series is designed to help Virginia manufacturers understand how digital technologies can be applied to existing equipment and operations without requiring major capital investments.

This event combines classroom instruction, live technology demonstrations, and practical business discussion to show how manufacturers can begin capturing and using operational data to improve decision-making on the shop floor.

Participants will see how manufacturing data can move from machines to actionable insights that help reduce downtime, improve quality, and strengthen operational control.

Learn more and register

Tech Thursdays at HIH

May 7 | 4:30-5:30pm

Harrisonburg Innovation Hub

25 N. Liberty Street, Harrisonburg

It’s Tech Thursday! Join us for an evening of conversation, collaboration, and curiosity. Enjoy good food and drinks while connecting with local professionals and exploring the latest developments in tech. Each week offers a new topic, a fresh perspective, and an open space for meaningful discussion.

Learn More

Building Resilient Supply Chains: Planning, Development & Risk Mitigation

May 20 | 12-2pm

Harrisonburg Innovation Hub

25 N. Liberty Street, Harrisonburg

Join GENEDGE and our partner James Madison University for a dynamic and engaging session focused on building stronger, more resilient manufacturing operations. This co-sponsored event will bring together industry professionals, business leaders, and innovators to explore practical strategies that enhance efficiency, strengthen supply chains, and drive sustainable growth.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into current industry trends, planning and procurement best practices, and actionable approaches to improve operational performance. Whether you are looking to optimize your processes, expand your network, or stay ahead in today’s competitive landscape, this session is designed to deliver real value.

Learn more and register

The Community Engagement & Volunteer Center cultivates mutually beneficial partnerships among students, faculty, and community organizations that address community-identified priorities while enriching student learning.

Last week, the CEVC gathered to honor the recipients of the Community-University Partnership (CUP) Awards. We are proud to recognize these individuals for their exceptional commitment to collaborative impact and community-identified priorities:

Outstanding Faculty Partner: Carlos Alemán, School of Communication Studies

Outstanding Student Partner: Taylor Payne, Physician Assistant Studies

Outstanding Community Partner: Lee Baker, Therapy and Beyond

As part of JMU President Jim Schmidt's inauguration week events, JMU OECD hosted The Promise of Partnerships, a showcase of the collaborations between JMU and the Harrisonburg community.

The afternoon began with a downtown walking tour with stops at local businesses and nonprofits. These stops offered a first hand look at partnerships in action and the varied ways the community interacts with JMU faculty and students.

Following the walking tour, a panel discussion moderated by President Schmidt, showcased community leaders who have partnered with JMU in meaningful ways, both personally and professionally. Panelists included Peter Denbigh ('02, '11) of Innovation Hubs, Andrea Dono of Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance, and Leeanne Shepherd of Second Home Learning Center. The reception also offered an opportunity for the community to learn more about the work of JMU OECD and the Division of Research, Economic Development and Innovation (REDI).

Read more

Community News