RISE Economic Development Meeting

January 31, 2024 on Zoom

Economic development professionals, business resource providers, and ecosystem builders from across GO Virginia Region 3 are invited to attend this virtual meeting. Join us to discuss entrepreneurship and innovation in Southern Virginia, and how we can support a thriving regional ecosystem!

DATE

January 31, 2024

TIME

11:00am – 12:30pm

Location

Zoom (Online)

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

  • Local and Regional Economic Development Staff and Officials
  • Local and Regional Workforce Development Leaders
  • Chambers of Commerce,   Main Street Organizations, and  Tourism Professionals
  • Agriculture and Forestry Business Support Agencies
  • Bankers/Lenders/Small Business Financing Professionals
  • Business to Business Service Providers (Lawyers, Accountants, etc.)
  • Anyone Interested in Being Involved as an Ecosystem Builder with the Regional Investment in Startups & Entrepreneurs (RISE Collaborative)
Map of GO Virginia Region 3 Counties in Southern Virginia

MEETING AGENDA

  • Call to Order, Welcome, and Meeting Purpose
  • Updates on RISE Collaborative – Regional Investment in Startups and Entrepreneurs
  • Individual Introductions and Networking
  • Innovation Highlight – Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) – Guest Speaker: Dr. Scott Lowman of the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research
  • Discussion – What opportunities exist for entrepreneurs and innovators? What problems do they face, and how can we help? What stories can we tell?
  • Announcements of Upcoming Events
  • Closing Remarks

 

Meeting Co-Hosts & Guest Speakers

Lauren Mathena

Lauren Mathena

Director of Economic Development & Community Engagement at Mid-Atlantic Broadband Communities Corp. & SOVA Innovation Hub

Andrew King, PhD

Andrew King, PhD

Director of the Flemming Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation at Hampden-Sydney College

Sheri McGuire

Sheri McGuire

Longwood SBDC Executive Director + Associate Vice President at Longwood University Office of Community & Economic Development

Scott Lowman, PhD

Scott Lowman, PhD

Vice President of Research, Institute for Advanced Learning & Research

Ilsa Loeser

Ilsa Loeser

Founder & Principal, Letterpress Communications

Natalie Hodge Davis

Natalie Hodge Davis

Writer, Producer, & Founder, Rudy's Girl Media, RGMTV & HometownHustle