The Virginia Employment Commission lauded Stihl as a company that exemplifies their state governor 's vision for Virginia 's economy.

The National Association of Workforce Services Agencies recently awarded Virginia Beach-based Stihl Inc. with its National Business of the Year Award.

According to the Virginia Employment Commission, the outdoor power equipment manufacturer was selected due to its "emphasis on building a strong and able workforce. "

The company began U.S. operations in 1974 with 37 employees in a small warehouse in Virginia Beach, which after numerous expansions, now covers 2 million square feet and employs nearly 2,000 employees. Partnering with local high schools and educational centers such as the Virginia Beach Advanced Technology Center, the company is helping to address the increasing demand among the local area 's employers for a well-trained and educated future workforce, especially in areas of STEM and global business.

Through in-house driven training programs, the manufacturing company 's employees are taught advanced leadership, lean manufacturing principles, and Six Sigma techniques among other subjects.

Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe said, "Virginia businesses are showing the rest of the country how to develop and support the 21st century workforce. Stihl has set the standard for everyone else to follow. "

State Secretary of Commerce and Trade Maurice Jones added, "Stihl engaged the state workforce system in innovative and productive ways that have benefited the company and its community. "

The National Association of State Workforce Agencies is an organization of state administrators of unemployment insurance laws, employment services, training programs, employment statistics, and labor market information. It endeavors to strengthen the workforce system through information exchange, liaison, and advocacy.