The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism, in partnership with GENEDGE, will host the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification Training (LSSBB) for industrial and commercial professionals in the city of Danville and jointly owned industrial parks in Danville and Pittsylvania County, beginning March 17, 2025. LSSBB Training equips professionals with the advanced tools, techniques, and leadership skills needed to lead impactful projects that reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and improve quality across operations.
Each participant will undergo in-depth training over the course of 4 months, with each training spanning one week per month, Monday-Friday. Each class will include both lecture and simulation-based exercises to fully engage participants. Classes will be held at The Institute for Advanced Learning & Research, 150 Slayton Avenue, Danville. Each class will be scheduled from 8am-5pm, with Monday classes starting at 12pm.
This training is tailored to provide professional development to those in the manufacturing, services, government, education, and healthcare sectors, and other fields. Course topics include advanced statistical analysis, process mapping and improvement, root cause analysis, design of experiments, project management for continuous improvement, control charting, and developing effective strategies for sustainable operational excellence.
By investing in this program, participating organizations can expect to see transformative results that resonate beyond immediate operations, fostering a stronger, more resilient local economy and a culture of excellence.
“We are thrilled to provide this professional development opportunity, with funds through the American Rescue Plan Act, to not just our local manufacturers, but also to any business located within the city of Danville that is looking to improve efficiency in their organization,” says DOEDT Assistant Director, Kelvin Perry. “Our office strives to offer relevant training to continuously support our large and small businesses. Through this program, we hope to provide an enriched learning experience, where each participant can take crucial insights back to the workplace.”
Once the training is finished, each participant has the opportunity to earn their official certificate through Virginia Tech by completing an exam and relevant Black Belt project.
“Participating in the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification program is an investment in both your career and your organization’s success,” said Cheryl Valentine, Regional Growth Manager, GENEDGE. “This training equips professionals with the tools to drive efficiency, enhance quality, and foster innovation. The skills gained are not just for immediate projects—they create a lifelong impact by cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement that benefits companies and individuals alike. Graduates of this program often become the go-to leaders for solving complex challenges, making their mark on their organizations and industries for years to come.”
"Having taught the Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certification course, I can confidently say participants will gain more than just a credential—they'll walk away with a powerful toolkit for solving real-world business challenges,” reflects Tony Cerilli, VP Business Services, GENEDGE. “This program dives deep into advanced problem-solving techniques, process optimization strategies, and leadership skills. By the end of the course, attendees will not only understand how to identify and eliminate waste but also how to lead transformative change that delivers measurable results. It's a rewarding journey that empowers professionals to make a lasting impact on their organizations and their own careers.”
Since 1992, GENEDGE has been Virginia’s go-to public resource for helping industry innovate, compete, and grow. As a member of the MEP National Network™ and the lead for Virginia’s Department of Energy-supported Smart Manufacturing Accelerator (VSMA), GENEDGE delivers high-quality consulting, training, and programmatic solutions to a market of over 13,844 companies and 439,848 employees, contributing to 14% of Virginia’s GDP.
Participation is limited. The deadline to register is February 28, 2025. To learn more about registration and cost, click here: https://www.discoverdanville.com/lean-six-sigma-black-belt-certification-training/
Interested participants can attend a virtual webinar to learn more about the training on February 7, from 11:30am-12:00pm. Click here to register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SXgFMeYHT6G6ehThkUWu4A
About the Office of Economic Development & Tourism
The Danville Office of Economic Development & Tourism recruits and retains businesses for the Danville area. The office provides information on available sites and buildings, incentives and other financial resources and offers a website designed for the business community: www.discoverdanville.com.