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Technology enthusiasts, practitioners, researchers, and business leaders come together to facilitate idea sharing, collaboration, and innovation. This year we offer three tracks to choose from for breakout sessions: Technical Topics for Practitioners, The Business Impact of Technology, and Growing your Technology Business.
Within each track, sessions will cover a broad spectrum of topics so you can choose the information most relevant for you.
Our goal is to inspire new ideas, improve business efficiency with emerging technologies, springboard new ventures, and expand networking opportunities.
Review all the sessions and speakers in the full Agenda here: https://www.valleytechcon.com/
Purchase your Tickets here: https://www.valleytechcon.com/buy-tickets/
Are you thinking about starting a new business?
Do you have lots of questions about how - or whether - to move forward?
Are you considering moving your hobby into a more structured business form?
Have you already started your small business and now realize you may have missed a few things?
Your SV SBDC has answers, information, and resources to help.
In our Start Smart Workshops, we discuss the path to good decisions and a successful start. You'll learn to take a thorough 360° approach to your business and all its components - from product development to target markets to financial projections. We'll also cover the regulations and registrations you need to know.
Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC business advisors to focus on your individual business needs.
Start Smart workshops are held in various locations and at various times; if this session doesn't suit, check the Web Calendar for more options.
Click here to register for any Start Smart or other SBDC workshop.
Click here for Directions and Parking information for the JMU Ice House.
CONNECTIONS 2019 is the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber’s largest business-to-business networking event of the year and provides education and relationship building opportunities.
This year, attendees can choose from different sessions through the afternoon and then attend an interactive and fun business fair and reception.
AGENDA
1:30-2:30pm Virginia + The Valley: Where are we and where are we heading?
Welcome: Jon Alger, President, James Madison University
Remarks and Panel: Stephen Moret, President, Virginia Economic Development Partnership; Barry DuVal, President, Virginia Chamber of Commerce; Bernie Niemeier, President & Publisher, Virginia Business Publications
2:45-3:30pm State of the City & County/Local Economic Picture
Eric Campbell, Harrisonburg City Manager, and Stephen King, Rockingham County Administrator
3:45-4:30pm Special Sessions (Break Out Sessions require RSVPs)
- The Future of Retail and Commercial Development - and More – Keith May and Tim Reamer, Cottonwood Commercial Realty
If “everyone” is buying goods on-line, why are values and traffic on East Market Street picking up? Where are the opportunities and where are the bargains? Current trends + looking ahead.
- Workforce – Issues, Trends, and Staying Out of Trouble– Cindy Maish, U.S. Department of Labor
What is on the mind of almost every employer? Employees. What are the trends? Be creative, but don’t take shortcuts. What is on the horizon from an enforcement perspective?
- Marketing Trends – Dave Saunders, Madison+ Main #BoldBrandsWin
Some may remember Dave Saunders from the first Valley Business Keynote years ago. You have most likely seen his company’s work on ads and branding. When do you follow the crowd and when do you break the mold? If you’ve got questions, you might find this session of interest.
4:30-5:00pm Your Community, Your Future (Interactive Group Survey)
5:00-7:00pm Exhibits and Reception
30 Vendor Tables @ $175.00/ea; 10 Nonprofit Tables @ $100/ea.
Click here to reserve your space with the Chamber.
Your SV SBDC is proud to partner with the Chamber on this annual event - it's always informative and fun!
Stop by our booth and say Hello. Then register for a voucher for discounted SBDC event fees!
Connections Partners
In this session, we will learn about contract fundamentals and examples of contract language that should be included in all Virginia business contracts. We will discuss different types of contracts: client, vendor, purchase, and employment contracts, as well as other contracts attendees may be interested in. We will discuss how to collect debts owed the business and the rights creditors have in Virginia. And we'll leave time for your “hypothetical” questions.
Presenter Quinton Callahan, Attorney, has been practicing law in Harrisonburg with Clark & Bradshaw P.C. since 2014. His practice is devoted entirely to the representation of businesses, almost all of which are local to the Shenandoah Valley. He writes, reviews, negotiates, mediates, and litigates contracts on a daily basis. He also handles creditors' rights cases and represent all types of businesses, including construction companies, restaurants, retailers, hotels, banks, real estate companies, developers, property management companies, non-profit organizations, and many more.
Register for this and any Business Smarts session here.
Business Smarts Breakfast sessions are held on the 2nd Friday of every month with networking opportunities and guest presentations on a variety of topics.
The series is sponsored by your Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, and Shenandoah Valley Chapter of SCORE. Coffee provided by Broad Porch Coffee.
Parking for Business Smarts: See the NEW options for Parking at the JMU Ice House. Note that permits are now required for the JMU Lot, but we list other options as well.
Are you ready to take advantage of the powerful marketing tools available for selling to Virginia? Learn from an expert about how you can get eVA and SWaM certified for free in order to help you sell to the government and government funded agencies.
Courtney Mustin, Regional Business Services Manager for Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity, will provide on-on-one hour and a half long meetings to help you maximize your ability to do business with the government.
Use our registration form to sign up for the Workshop.
There is no fee for the Workshop, but you must register separately on our form (link above) and also complete a Request for Counseling form (if you are not yet a client of the SV SBDC). Questions? Please call the Shenandoah Valley SBDC at (540) 568-3227.
Are you thinking about starting a new business?
Do you have lots of questions about how - or whether - to move forward?
Are you considering moving your hobby into a more structured business form?
Have you already started your small business and now realize you may have missed a few things?
Your SV SBDC has answers, information, and resources to help.
In our Start Smart Workshops, we discuss the path to good decisions and a successful start. You'll learn to take a thorough 360° approach to your business and all its components - from product development to target markets to financial projections. We'll also cover the regulations and registrations you need to know.
Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC business advisors to focus on your individual business needs.
Start Smart workshops are held in various locations and at various times; if this session doesn't suit, check the Web Calendar for more options.
Click here to register for any Start Smart or other SBDC workshop.
Are you thinking about starting a new business?
Do you have lots of questions about how - or whether - to move forward?
Are you considering moving your hobby into a more structured business form?
Have you already started your small business and now realize you may have missed a few things?
Your SV SBDC has answers, information, and resources to help.
In our Start Smart Workshops, we discuss the path to good decisions and a successful start. You'll learn to take a thorough 360° approach to your business and all its components - from product development to target markets to financial projections. We'll also cover the regulations and registrations you need to know.
Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC business advisors to focus on your individual business needs.
Start Smart workshops are held in various locations and at various times; if this session doesn't suit, check the Web Calendar for more options.
Click here to register for any Start Smart or other SBDC workshop.
Are you thinking about starting a new business?
Do you have lots of questions about how - or whether - to move forward?
Are you considering moving your hobby into a more structured business form?
Have you already started your small business and now realize you may have missed a few things?
Your SV SBDC has answers, information, and resources to help.
In our Start Smart Workshops, we discuss the path to good decisions and a successful start. You'll learn to take a thorough 360° approach to your business and all its components - from product development to target markets to financial projections. We'll also cover the regulations and registrations you need to know.
Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC business advisors to focus on your individual business needs.
Start Smart workshops are held in various locations and at various times; if this session doesn't suit, check the Web Calendar for more options.
Click here to register for any Start Smart or other SBDC workshop.
Click here for Directions and Parking information for the JMU Ice House.
Are you ready to take advantage of the powerful marketing tools available for selling to Virginia? Learn from an expert about how you can get eVA and SWaM certified for free in order to help you sell to the government and government funded agencies.
Courtney Mustin, Regional Business Services Manager for Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity, will provide on-on-one hour and a half long meetings to help you maximize your ability to do business with the government.
Use our registration form to sign up for the Workshop.
There is no fee for the Workshop, but you must register separately on our form (link above) and also complete a Request for Counseling form (if you are not yet a client of the SV SBDC). Questions? Please call the Shenandoah Valley SBDC at (540) 568-3227.
Presenter Sacha Purciful is the VP and General Manager of WHSV-TV3. WHSV is a 65 year-old television station, which maintains relevancy through local content generation and staying on the cutting edge of technology. They offer many of the most current digital solutions available, paired with tried-and-true performance drivers, such as traditional television. Their sales staff has been trained in the digital space and has access to Google-certified staffers to answer even the most advanced questions.
Register for this and any Business Smarts session here.
Business Smarts Breakfast sessions are held on the 2nd Friday of every month with networking opportunities and guest presentations on a variety of topics.
The series is sponsored by your Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, and Shenandoah Valley Chapter of SCORE. Coffee provided by Broad Porch Coffee.
Parking for Business Smarts: See the NEW options for Parking at the JMU Ice House. Note that permits are now required for the JMU Lot, but we list other options as well.
Are you thinking about starting a new business?
Do you have lots of questions about how - or whether - to move forward?
Are you considering moving your hobby into a more structured business form?
Have you already started your small business and now realize you may have missed a few things?
Your SV SBDC has answers, information, and resources to help.
In our Start Smart Workshops, we discuss the path to good decisions and a successful start. You'll learn to take a thorough 360° approach to your business and all its components - from product development to target markets to financial projections. We'll also cover the regulations and registrations you need to know.
Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC business advisors to focus on your individual business needs.
Start Smart workshops are held in various locations and at various times; if this session doesn't suit, check the Web Calendar for more options.
Click here to register for any Start Smart or other SBDC workshop.
The SV SBDC offices will be closed Nov. 25 - Nov 29 so employees can enjoy Thanksgiving Week with family and friends.
We are grateful for our clients, who bring wonderful stories and passion for their businesses to share with us. We are grateful for James Madison University for their unwavering support and assistance throughout 30 years of SBDC service. We are grateful for our community partners in the cities and counties we serve - the Economic and Community Development Offices, Downtown Initiatives, and Chambers of Commerce.
We hope each of you has a blessed and safe Thanksgiving Holiday.
Joyce Rosie Allison Jalal Sara Lisa Bill
Are you thinking about starting a new business?
Do you have lots of questions about how - or whether - to move forward?
Are you considering moving your hobby into a more structured business form?
Have you already started your small business and now realize you may have missed a few things?
Your SV SBDC has answers, information, and resources to help.
In our Start Smart Workshops, we discuss the path to good decisions and a successful start. You'll learn to take a thorough 360° approach to your business and all its components - from product development to target markets to financial projections. We'll also cover the regulations and registrations you need to know.
Follow-up appointments are then available with SBDC business advisors to focus on your individual business needs.
Start Smart workshops are held in various locations and at various times; if this session doesn't suit, check the Web Calendar for more options.
Click here to register for any Start Smart or other SBDC workshop.
Click here for Directions and Parking information for the JMU Ice House.
What is the difference between motivation and inspiration in leadership?
Which would you prefer? How can learning the difference between motivation and inspiration help you be a better leader?
In this session, we will learn the differences and how to have a more powerful impact on others.
Presenter Lynnette Embree began life coaching in 1997 and acquired certification from Success Unlimited Network in 2002 as a Life Coach. She also has several assessment certifications such as DISC, Motivators, EIQ-2, and Performance Gap Indicator. In July 2018, she returned to a life coaching school for additional certification and to become a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF).
Register for this and any Business Smarts session here.
Business Smarts Breakfast sessions are held on the 2nd Friday of every month with networking opportunities and guest presentations on a variety of topics.
The series is sponsored by your Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center, the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, and Shenandoah Valley Chapter of SCORE. Coffee provided by Broad Porch Coffee.
Parking for Business Smarts: See the NEW options for Parking at the JMU Ice House. Note that permits are now required for the JMU Lot, but we list other options as well.