Elevate NRV

Elevate NRV is a pivotal event aimed at empowering local human resource professionals of all experience levels with insights from thought leaders in talent recruitment and retention. This dynamic event promises to showcase innovative recruitment strategies and cutting-edge retention practices, guiding businesses of all sizes toward success in today’s competitive landscape.

Monday, October 28, 2024

1:00 pm - 5 pm

The Inn at Virginia Tech

Through an engaging keynote address, enlightening panel discussions, and interactive breakout sessions, attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Gain invaluable insights on the latest trends and best practices in talent acquisition an detention.
  • Explore proven strategies for attracting top talent, fostering employee engagement, and nurturing a culture of excellence within their organizations.
  • Forge meaningful connections with fellow professionals, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing that will drive success in the long term.
  • Discover the unique advantages and opportunities that our region offers for businesses looking to recruit and retain top-tier talent.

12:30 – Check In
1:00 – Structured Networking
1:30 – Welcome Address and Sponsor Introduction
1:45 – Keynote Address
2:20 – Breakout Sessions #1
3:20 – Coffee Break (Sponsorship available)
3:45 – Breakout Sessions #2
4:50 – Closing Remarks

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.

About Our Speaker

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.

Breakout Sessions

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

Onward NRV is recognized by SHRM to offer Professional Development Credits (PDC) for SHRM-CP® or SHRM-SCP® recertification activities.

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

Breakout Sessions #2 (3:45 – 4:50)

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

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

event sponsors