Workforce development strategies for Western Virginia, including talent attraction
and retention, will be the focus of the second annual Future of Talent Summit at Radford
University’s Artis Center on Thursday, March 13.
This year’s theme, “Turning Data into Action,” will underscore the role of data analytics
in creating collaborative workforce development strategies and provide a framework
for how data can be leveraged to drive talent attraction and retention efforts across
the region.
“We are honored to bring businesses, governments and economic development organizations
from across Virginia together to help chart a course for mutual future success,” says
President Bret Danilowicz. “This event is a valuable forum for ideas, actions and
engagement to further understand our region’s present and future needs in the workforce.
We look forward to telling our story and to helping build more meaningful connections
during the summit.”
Following a welcome from Danilowicz, keynote addresses will be given by Rachel O’Brien,
interim executive director and research director at the Virginia Office of Education
Economics, and Emily Eller, marketing director at the Virginia Economic Development
Partnership.
The event will include an employer panel, moderated by Danilowicz, that will feature
executives and employers from GO Virginia Region 2 who are creating impactful talent
development initiatives.
A full summit agenda and additional information are available at newrivervalleyva.org.
Host partners for the Future of Talent Summit include Onward NRV, Radford University,
the Roanoke Regional Partnership, the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, the Virginia
Talent + Opportunity Partnership, GO Virginia Region 2, the New River/Mt. Rogers Workforce
Development Board and the Greater Roanoke Workforce Development Board.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this exciting event,” says Vice President for Economic
Development and Corporate Education Angela Joyner. “Radford University is committed
to expanding work-based learning opportunities for our students and ensuring we are
preparing the next generation of workforce-ready talent.”
“Onward NRV is proud to host the 2025 Future of Talent Summit along with many of our
valued partners across GO Virginia Region 2,” says Katie Boswell, executive director
of Onward NRV. “Talent attraction and retention is a crucial component of our region’s
economic success, and we look forward to a day of engaging, collaborative conversations
on this topic.”
Danilowicz, Radford University’s Division of Economic Development and Corporate Education
and the Center for Career and Talent Development participated in the inaugural Future of Talent Summit at Roanoke College last March.
