2nd Annual State of the Community

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Join us for a fast-paced, engaging discussion on fostering local economic success. A series of panels will feature Q&A with key stakeholders and decision makers in the public and private sectors.

Our panelists will highlight collaborative strategies in municipal leadership, entrepreneurship, workforce development and comprehensive planning. We'll hear success stories, examine challenges, and identify opportunities.

Sponsored by Ting.

Panel #1 – Municipal Leadership Update (11:05-11:25am)
Chamber 2023 Public Policy Committee Chair Mariane Doyle will moderate a broad discussion of local government successes and priorities.
Panelists:

Michael Rogers, City Manager, City of Charlottesville
Jeff Richardson, County Executive, Albemarle County

Panel #2 – Investing in Homegrown Entrepreneurship (11:25am-12pm)
Chamber President Elizabeth Cromwell will moderate a conversation highlighting efforts to foster regional entrepreneurial growth.
Panelists:

Roger Johnson, Director, Albemarle County Office of Economic Development; Chamber board member
Chris Engel, Director, City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development; Chamber board member
Yolunda Harrell, Founder & CEO, New Hill Development Corporation; Chamber board member
Antwon Brinson, CEO, Culinary Concepts AB
Ed Rogers, CEO & Co-Founder, Bonumose

Panel #3 – Investing in Education for a Competitive Workforce (12-12:45pm)
Chamber Board Member Wendy Horton, CEO of UVA Health, will moderate a discussion on developing career pathways through public-private cooperation.
Panelists:

Jim Ryan, President, University of Virginia
Jean Runyon, President, Piedmont Virginia Community College
Matthew Haas, Superintendent, Albemarle County Public Schools
Charlie Rogers, President & CEO, Innovative Software Solutions; Chamber board member

Panel #4 – Economic Impact of Comprehensive Planning & Land Use Decisions (12:45-1:20pm)
Chamber Public Policy Committee member Neil Williamson, President & CEO of the Free Enterprise Forum, will moderate a conversation about comprehensive planning in Charlottesville and Albemarle.
Panelists:

Pace Lochte, Assistant Vice President for Economic Development, University of Virginia
Ashley Davies, Vice President, Riverbend Development; Chair of the Chamber's Charlottesville Area Development Roundtable (CADRe)
Frank Stoner, Principal, Milestone Partners

Indoor and outdoor seating is available nearby for those who wish to stay and have lunch together. Please note, food and drinks are not permitted in the auditorium.