Harrisonburg is located in Rockingham Country in Virgnia, near Richmond. The list of the Top 30 Cities for Jobsin America, even in a recession, contains Harrisonburg at Number 25. This city was important in the American revolution, the American Civil War, and the 20th century; and in the 21st century as a leader out of recession. Harrisonburg has survived it all and thrived.

Rocktown was once the main city in Rockingham County. Its name changed as Harrisonburg was founded at the spot right after the birth of the New Nation, - America. In 1779, Mr. Thomas Harrison deeded 2 ½ acres of property to the government and began the City of Harrisonburg in the new Commonwealth of Virginia.

Mr. Harrison had brought his family over from England to Virginia Colony long ago, in 1737, claiming over 12,000 acres of land in Rockingham County. In 1778, Virginia Colony had already names this acreage Harrisonburg. The original family home is still standing on Bruce Street in the 21st century. In 1779, the county built a courthouse on Court House Square, which hosts a newer county court house today. By 1849, Harrisonburg was home to 200 taxpayers – annual budget less than $250.

During the Civil War, the city (part of the Confederacy) saw Union and Confederate troops both fight their way through the county. The fence around the courthouse was actually used as a stockade to hold Union prisoners. After the war and until 1892, the city grew in land acquisitions and increased residents to 2,000. The Superintendent of Public Instruction was an office formed after the Civil War in order to begin a public school system and this helped grow the city even more. It became a good place to raise a family as to prosper.

In the new 20^th century, in 1908, the Virginia General Assembly founded the State Normal (teacher’s) and IndustrialSchool for Women in the city. The institution developed in 30 years to become the State Teachers College and then the renowned Madison College. The year 1977 saw the school renamed James Madison University. Eastern Mennonite University was founded in 1917 and today boasts an effective undergraduate and graduate training program. Adult Eeducation is also a specialty at EMU.

Harrisonburg prospered all along and continues to do so in the 21^st century. The regional Rockingham Memorial Hospital, founded in 1912, serves several counties in the Shenandoah Valley and others in West Virginia. As healthcare grows as an industry, additional services are added to RMH.

By 1920 Harrisonburg recorded a population of almost 6.000 residents. Fifty years later, in 1970, the population was almost 20,000. In 2009, estimates of population before the 2010 US Census stood at around 43,000 within the city. With this growing population came expanding suburbs and the need for revitalization in the inner sections of the city. The early 2000s were ripe for this action.

Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance and the city government have created the Virginia Main Street Community in Harrisonburg. The city is also well known for its incredible National Historic District and even an additional State Historic District. All of these commemorate the founding of America, survival and prosperity after the Civil War, and dedication to preserving the past while equipping future generations with living and work space, business, and education.

1. Pilgrim's Pride/Wampler Foods (www.pilgrimspride.com)
2. Commonwealth of Virginia and James Madison University (www.jmu.edu)
3. Rockingham County School Board
4. Augusta County School Board
5. Rockingham Memorial Hospital (www.rmhonline.com)
6. Augusta Medical Center (www.augustamed.com)
7. Wal-Mart Associates Inc.
8. Rocco Poultry Operations
9. E.I. Dupont De Nemours & Co.
10. VF Jeanswear LP
11. Merck & Company Inc. (www.merck.com)
12. R.R. Donnelley and Sons Company
13. McKee Foods Corporation
14. Burlington Industries
15. Food Lion Inc.

The Shenandoah Valley offers job opportunities that one might nor expect. The top 10 fast growing Jobs through 2014 are in the following lists. The bolded entries indicate occupations that are not always seen int he Top 10 or Top 20.

1. Veterinary Techs, with an 80% increase expected.
2. Registered Nurses (RNs)
3. Social Scientists and related jobs, like techs
4. Medical Assistants
5. Home Health Aides
6. Physical Therapists and Assistants
7. Dental Assistants and Hygienists
8. Real Estate Appraisers
9. Veterinarians
10. Healthcare Support people

A further set of higher-demand occupations include

• EMTs and Paramedics
• Medical and Public Health Social Workers
• Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts
• Occupational Therapists
• Respiratory Therapists
• Instructional Coordinators - All types of education.
• Social Services jobs
• Cardiovascular Techs
• Personal Financial Advisors
• Radiology Techs 

Colleges and Universities

• Blue Ridge Community College: Harrisonburg Center
• Eastern Mennonite University
• James Madison University
• Mary Baldwin College
• National College of Business & Technology

Other Programs

• Dayton Learning Center - Alternative learning, public school system. 
• Education & Training Corporation
• Experience Works - Programs of employment and training for workers ages 55 and older.
• Massanutten Technical Center (formerly Dayton Learning Center)
• Telamon Corporation - Includes pre-employment training.
• Virginia Employment Commission in Harrisonburg - Employment and training services
• Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center - Vocational services