November 2009 Tech & Toast
81 Reasons to Connect
Presented by:
Jay Foster
President of SoftSolutions, Inc.,
Member of the Roanoke Creative Connectors Initiative,
and former NCTC President
November 19,2009 (7:15AM-9AM)
Inn at Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Sponsored by:
The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. That certainly applies to the NCTC Region. Technology companies in the NewVa region face many of the same challenges whether they are located in Blacksburg, Roanoke, or somewhere in between. Finding the right technical talent is one of them. Transportation to and from the region is another. To address both of these issues and others that impact our future collective success, we need to be thinking of the two as part of a whole rather than separate regions. Past efforts that we enjoy today have addressed the needs of both to reduce the "distance" between the two, but there's more opportunity in front of us. Come learn more about what's being done today and add your thoughts to the movement.
Discussion Points and Take-Aways:
- What does Richard Florida's 'Rise of the Creative Class' say about the importance of creating a regional brand and identity that attracts creative professionals?
- Learn how past efforts to unite the Roanoke and New River Valleys helped strengthen our current NCTC Region.
- Discuss and identify the benefits of accelerating a unified Metropolitan Area, from better air fares, to better retail to better job opportunities.