Virginia 's Linked Workforce Showcase is a unique event created by Virginia Economic Bridge, Inc., as part of their Linked Workforce Program. It was designed to "showcase" the capabilities of Southwestern Virginia companies in order to encourage commerce and facilitate the development of strategic alliances between companies in Southwestern Virginia and Northern Virginia. This has evolved into a model for urban/rural partnerships for other regions within the state.

Ø Build company relationships that pursue new business opportunities

Ø Foster economic growth through teaming and partnerships

Ø Expose small businesses to new opportunities outside of their region

The Showcase provides an opportunity for focused business opportunity discussions.

Background

Each company desiring to participate in a showcase will complete the registration form and company profile form.  The VEB staff will evaluate the company qualifications to assure that the company meets the program requirements.  This eliminates as many industry mismatches as possible and works to ensure that a successful dialogue takes place.

If selected for the Showcase, each company will also be required to provide a company profile narrative and a logo of their company. At this time, payment, if required, is due.

The companies from Southwestern Virginia will each prepare a short (5 to 6 minute) presentation on the capability, capacity and qualifications of their companies.  This must be sent to VEB for review and comments 20 days prior to the event. The companies from Northern Virginia will be asked to give a short (30 seconds) introduction of their companies at the event.

VEB staff will prepare seating assignments, presentation order and table rotations for the event. Seating assignments and rotations will be based on the information taken from the company qualification form.

The Event

There will be a registration table where you will pick up name tags, seating assignments, rotation assignments and the event notebook.

Northern Virginia firms will be seated at the same table for the entire event.  One or two Northern Virginia firms will be seated at each table.  The Southwestern Virginia firms will rotate through the tables for discussions with select companies.  Each table will also have a facilitator at the table to assist in introductions and keep the discussion moving.

There will typically be between 4 and 5 round table discussion periods.  Company presentations will be given in-between round table discussions.

Networking Social

The networking social is your opportunity to meet with additional firms, continue discussions started earlier, relax and get to know one another. This portion is unstructured.

Follow-Up

Event Policy and Information Exchange Policy