SWVA Economic Forum

Eighth Annual SWVA Economic Forum The Pursuit of Prosperity 5.25.23

Every year, the Forum engages participants through a shared vision of regional collaboration, growth and innovation for all of Southwest Virginia. It has become a central gathering place for the region to discuss new ideas and synergies to build Southwest Virginia’s future. And you can be a part of that momentum.

Meet our generous sponsors

Interested in becoming a sponsor?
Learn about sponsorship opportunities. If you or your organization is interested in becoming an event sponsor, please contact Kelly Moody (kmoody@uvawise.edu) for additional details.

Register for Event

Event Agenda

8:00 a.m.
Event check-in begins

9:00 a.m.
Opening Welcome
Join us as we introduce the vision for the Eighth Annual Southwest Virginia Economic Forum.
Donna P. Henry, Chancellor of The University of Virginia's College at Wise

9:05 a.m. Keynote
Discover how American chef and restaurateur Sean Brock mixes his Southwest Virginia roots with his culinary craft to keep his heritage alive in Music City, Nashville, Tennessee. Chef Brock will share how his connection to the region shaped his journey and helped him find success within his passions of community, culture and cuisine.
Sean Brock, Chef and Restaurateur behind Joyland, The Continental, Audrey, and June

9:45 a.m.
Meet the Event Emcee

Get to know our event emcee and learn how you can be an active participant in this year's Forum.
Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Director for the Office of Broadband at Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and Virginia Program Manager of the Appalachian Regional Commission

9:50 a.m.
State of The Region

It has been three years since the COVID-19 pandemic, and we are searching for prosperity in this new normal. Tom Barkin will highlight what opportunities lie ahead for the rural communities of Southwest Virginia.
Thomas Barkin, President & CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Virginia

10:30 a.m.
Networking Break

10:45 a.m.
Creative Solutions to the Talent Pipeline

Innovation is the name of the game when developing a talent pipeline. Learn how stakeholders are utilizing innovative solutions and data to alleviate workforce pains for their regional employers.
Heather McKay, Executive Director of Virginia Office of Education Economics at Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Matthew Rose, Dean of Industrial Technology at Mountain Empire Community College
Renee Anderson, Artistic Director & Culture of Recovery Coordinator at the Appalachian Artisan Center

Dr. Tamarah Holmes, Director for the Office of Broadband at Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development and Virginia Program Manager of the Appalachian Regional Commission

11:45 a.m.
Lunch & Network

12:30 p.m.
The New Wave of Energy

Energy comes in all shapes and sizes. From solar to nuclear to windmills on the East Coast, Virginia is taking strides to be one of the nation’s leaders in energy innovation. Join this panel of experts to learn how Southwest Virginia is keeping its energy roots while pivoting into a wave of new opportunity.
Michael J. Quillen, Chair of the Southwest Virginia Research & Development Energy Authority
April Wade, Executive Director of Virginia Nuclear Energy Consortium
Brad Kreps, Director of The Nature Conservancy’s Clinch Valley Program

1:30 p.m.
Changing Dynamics of Communities

Rural communities are becoming more innovative than ever before. “West Virginia’s Wonder Woman,” Stephanie Tyree, will share how to advance your community and capitalize on untapped resources for coal-impacted communities.
Stephanie Tyree, Executive Director of The West Virginia Community Development Hub

2:00 p.m.
Defining Your Region

Is passenger rail and an inland port on the horizon for Southwest Virginia? Learn how these avenues of transportation could open the region up to a world of opportunity.
Jason El Koubi, President & Chief Executive Officer of Virginia Economic Development Partnership
Colin Burch, Planning Manager of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority

Robert Martínez, Vice President of Freight & Economic Development of Moffatt & Nichol
Ann Cassell, President of the Blacksburg Partnership

2:45 p.m.
Giveaways (must be present to win)

2:50 p.m.
Closing Remarks

Sean McMurray, Executive Director of Wellspring Foundation of Southwest Virginia

3:00 p.m.
Additional Stakeholder Engagement Session

Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE) Overview
Heather McKay, Executive Director of Virginia Office of Education Economics at Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Additional Event Details

Needing directions to the event venue?
The Southwest Virginia Economic Forum will be held at UVA Wise’s David J. Prior Convocation Center. The address is 437 Stadium Drive, Wise, VA 24293. See the campus map for venue location and event parking (circled in yellow).

Campus map

Looking for event lodging?

The Inn at Wise
100 E Main Street, Wise, VA 24293
276-321-7600
Block Expiration:  April 24, 2023
Block Rate:  $98 + taxes
Block  Code:  2023 Forum

Best Western
124 Woodland Drive SW, Wise, VA 24293
276-328-3500
Block Expiration:  April 24, 2023
Block Rate:  $90 + taxes
Block Code:  2023 Forum

Western Front
3025 4th Avenue, St. Paul, VA 24283
276-738-3040
Block Expiration:  May 1, 2023
Block Rate:  $99 + taxes
Block Code:  2023 Forum

K M

Kelly
Moody

Program Support Specialist