Leadership Certifications
Harrisonburg, VA Metro Area
Earn a Leadership Certification in the Harrisonburg, VA Metro Area
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Prep training and certification exams are conducted online.
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College Credit
The American Council on Education (ACE) recommends three semester hours of college credit for the RBLP Leadership Certifications.
Military Programs
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RBLP Leadership Certifications
RBLP is the only nationally recognized series of leadership certifications.
Our certification exams allow frontline, experienced, and senior managers to validate the leadership knowledge, skills, and experience they have gained getting the work done in their organizations.
RBLP leadership certifications have significant college credit recommendations from the American Council on Education (ACE).
Our certifications are listed on the U.S. Department of Labor CareerOneStop site as a workforce development resource for employees and employers.
The U.S. Department of Defense credentialing programs and the GI Bill fund our certifications for military personnel and veterans.
Living and Working in the Harrisonburg, VA Metro Area
Census Reporter | DATA USA
Overview
The Harrisonburg VA metro area, known for its educational institutions and thriving agricultural base, serves as a dynamic community nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. This region, primarily centered around the city of Harrisonburg and encompassing Rockingham County, spans approximately 850 square miles and supports a population of about 133,000 residents. The area combines a rich academic atmosphere with the rustic charm of Virginia’s countryside, offering residents and visitors a diverse and vibrant living experience.
Geography and Economy
Geographically, the Harrisonburg metro area sits amid the picturesque settings of the Shenandoah Valley, flanked by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Allegheny Mountains to the west. This area benefits from its fertile land, which supports a robust agricultural sector, and its scenic beauty, which offers ample recreational opportunities including hiking, biking, and exploring the vast national forests and parks nearby.
The economy of the area is diversified, with significant contributions from education, agriculture, and manufacturing. Major employers include James Madison University (JMU) and Sentara RMH Medical Center, which provide not only a large number of jobs but also contribute to the area’s economic stability. The poultry industry, with firms like Cargill and Pilgrim’s Pride, represents a significant portion of local manufacturing and agricultural output, reinforcing the area’s long-standing agricultural tradition.
Education is a cornerstone of the Harrisonburg metro area, with James Madison University offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs that draw students from across the country. Known for its strong programs in business, health sciences, and the liberal arts, JMU enhances the cultural and intellectual life of the region. Additionally, Eastern Mennonite University offers unique programs in peace studies and conflict resolution, reflecting the area’s strong Mennonite historical influence.
Culture, Sports, and Attractions
Culturally, Harrisonburg is vibrant and eclectic, hosting numerous events that celebrate its diverse community and rich agricultural heritage. The annual Harrisonburg International Festival showcases the city’s multicultural fabric through food, music, and art from around the world. The Virginia Quilt Museum and the Explore More Discovery Museum provide cultural and educational experiences that are unique to the area.
Sports are an integral part of the Harrisonburg area’s community life, with JMU sports teams competing in NCAA Division I athletics. The Dukes’ football and basketball games are particularly popular and serve as major community events, drawing alumni and residents together in support of the university. The area also offers outdoor sports enthusiasts a variety of activities, with its easy access to skiing, fishing, and mountain biking.
Major attractions in the Harrisonburg metro area include the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, a woodland sanctuary and botanical garden located on JMU’s campus that offers a peaceful retreat from city life. The downtown area of Harrisonburg, with its vibrant culinary scene and local shops, draws visitors for its friendly small-town atmosphere and its emphasis on supporting local businesses.
Civic Engagement
Leaders in all industries should stay informed about public policy and hold elected officials accountable. Government decisions on taxes, regulations, infrastructure, education, and workforce development directly affect the operating environment of every industry. Active civic engagement from industry leaders isn’t just good citizenship – it’s smart leadership.
RBLP Leadership Certifications has partnered with Citizen Portal AI to provide direct access to what your elected officials say and do – no spin, just facts. Empower yourself with clear, reliable information straight from the source and confidently make smarter decisions.
Search relevant public policy topics at the state and federal level.