Monday, October 28, 2024
1:00pm – 5:00pm
The Inn at Virginia Tech
Spots are limited. Secure your place today!
This summit is courtesy of Onward NRV AND various sponsors at no cost to you.
Contact Max Davenport for any questions at max@onwardnrv.org.
Onward NRV is
recognized by SHRM to offer
Professional Development Credits
(PDC) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP®
recertification activities.
KEYNOTE ADDRESS
In today’s competitive job market, attracting and retaining top talent requires innovative strategies and a deep understanding of the evolving workforce landscape. This keynote address will feature a practical case study that highlights successful approaches for leveraging innovation, partnership, and regional assets to enhance talent recruitment and retention in Virginia’s New River Valley. Justin Yalung, CFO of IV Labs, Inc., will underscore the role of cutting-edge recruitment techniques, partnerships with higher education institutions, and the strategic utilization of the region’s assets to become a premier employer of choice. Attendees will gain valuable insights and actionable takeaways to elevate their talent strategies and secure a thriving workforce.
About the Speaker
Justin Yalung serves as the CFO of IV Labs, Inc., a specialty chemical firm headquartered in the NRV. In his role, Justin is responsible for the leadership of the company’s specialty material and battery chemistry divisions along with the companywide business functions including human resources (now, people operations), finance, regulatory, facilities, and IT. Prior to his tenure at IV Labs, Justin served in a variety of leadership and finance roles within the biotech, tech, and energy industries during his tenure at TechLab, bioMérieux, IBM, and General Electric.
Through an engaging keynote address, enlightening panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to:
Goal #1
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Gain invaluable insights on the latest trends and best practices in talent acquisition and retention.
Goal #2
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Explore proven strategies for attracting top talent, fostering employee engagement, and nurturing a culture of excellence within their organizations.
Goal #3
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Forge meaningful connections with fellow professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing that will drive success in the long term.
Goal #4
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Discover the unique advantages and opportunities that our region offers for businesses looking to recruit and retain top-tier talent.
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12:30 – Check In
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1:00 – Structured Networking
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1:30 – Welcome Address and Sponsor Introduction
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1:45 – Keynote Address
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2:20 – Breakout Sessions #1: (Select One)
– Employee Satisfaction: Beyond the Paycheck
– Intentional Talent Engagement: Aligning Efforts with Gen Z’s Values
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3:20 Coffee Break (Sponsorship available)
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3:45 Breakout Sessions #2: (Select One)
– Housing Solutions for Talent Retention
– Building a Pipeline for Leadership: Succession Planning
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4:50 Closing Remarks
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5:00 Program Concludes
BREAKOUT SESSIONS #1 (2:20 – 3:15)
OPTION 1
Employee Satisfaction: Beyond the Paycheck
This session will explore effective strategies for retaining employees beyond competitive salaries. Panelists will discuss the importance of career development, work-life balance, employee assistance programs, recognition, and company culture. Additionally, panelists will highlight how these strategies vary across different generations in the workforce – Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z – acknowledging their unique preferences and motivations.
LAURA CROFT,
Human Resources,
Community Housing Partners
PHILLIP HUNT,
Human Resource Manager,
Inmotion
KELLY FISHER,
Senior Human Resource Generalist,
MELD
OPTION 2
Intentional Talent Engagement: Aligning Efforts with Gen Z’s Values
This session will provide insight on how organizations can become more attractive to members of younger generations by appealing to their unique values. Panelists will discuss strategies for engaging Gen Z through informal and semi-professional avenues. Attendees will participate in an interactive workshop aimed at designing engagement programs tailored to Gen Z.
JENNIFER TORTORA,
Director of Career Services & Employer Relations,
Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business
BRIAN HICKS,
Director of Human Resources,
Celanese
MATTHEW COWLEY,
Associate Vice Provost,
Virginia Tech Office of Career & Professional Development
BREAKOUT SESSIONS #2 (3:45 – 4:50)
OPTION 1
Building a Pipeline for Leadership: Succession Planning
This session will delve into the importance of succession planning and provide insights on how organizations can create a sustainable leadership and talent pipeline. Panelists will discuss best practices for identifying and developing future leaders within the organization. Additionally, the panel will address the critical aspect of transferring institutional knowledge from retiring employees to remaining team members. Attendees will participate in an interactive activity to create their own succession plan.
WENDY GLASS,
Founder,
Ignite Leadership + HR Consulting Group
TONYA DINKEL,
CEO,
Life in Action Coaching
LOIS JAMES,
Director of Leadership Development,
Opx Solutions, LLC
OPTION 2
Housing Solutions for Talent Retention
This session will highlight innovative approaches to addressing the critical need for housing infrastructure in the New River Valley. Panelists will discuss best practices and case studies of employer-backed housing initiatives, public-private partnerships, and creative financing models.
JENNIFER WILSIE,
Director of Housing,
New River Valley Regional Commission
CHRIS McNAMARA,
Strategic Housing Officer for Economic Development,
Virginia Housing
SAM FORTIER,
Graduate Research Assistant,
Virginia Center for Housing Research at Virginia Tech
