Who:

Invited CEOs and his/her purchasing or contract agents from No VA and SW VA companies (total of 150-200 companies.)

When: 
To be determined.
Where: Roanoke and Abingdon, Virginia
Goal: Host a convention that would build bridges between businesses in Southwest Virginia and Northern Virginia by:· 
  • Linking buyers with small business having experience and capacity to deliver needed goods and services of agencies and prime contractors;
  • Match small business to government and private industry buyers;· 
  • Give small businesses an opportunity to make prime contractors and government agencies aware of their capabilities;· 
  • Facilitate small business access to contracts;· Build a pipeline of future contracting opportunities; and·
  •  Help agencies and prime contractor achieve procurement goals
Speakers:

Secretary of Commerce & Trade Michael Schewel, considering 

Governor Warner, to be invited 

Lt. Gov. Tim Kaine, to be invited 

Secretary of Education Wheelan, to be invited 

Secretary of Technology , George Newstrom, to be invited 

Congressman Rick Boucher, to be invited

Congressman Bob Goodlatte, to be invited 

Additional Delegates and Senator, to be invited
Format: Companies representing all facets of business from SW Virginia would be invited to participate in this “Convention/Trade Show” in Southwestern Virginia; each would set up a booth to demonstrate their products and services, skilled workforce and outsourcing abilities.  These companies would be asked to pay an exhibitor’s fee.  It would be open to the public and free of charge to attendees throughout the day.
Co-Sponsors:

Governor’s Office

Secretary of Commerce & Trade, Considering

Secretary of Technology

Virginia Economic Development Partnership

Virginia Department Of Business Assistance

Chambers of Commerce

George Mason University

Radford University

University of Virginia’s College at Wise

Virginia Tech

Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center