IT Educational Efforts In Region Topic Of Panel Jan. 25

Regional nonprofit and government-related initiatives that promote local business and development will be the topic of a panel discussion in Buena Vista Thursday,  Jan. 25.

The Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA) Rockbridge Shenandoah Chapter will sponsor the panel discussion, and chapter meeting, in the community room at the Virginia Innovation Accelerator (VIA) at 245 W. 21st St. The event will open for registration by 6:45 p.m. and information on joining AFCEA will be available. The chapter asks that everyone be seated by 7:10.

The chapter meeting will include a short slide presentation summarizing chapter business for the coming year, followed by the introduction of the panel speakers.

The speaker panel will be moderated by Virginia Military Institute cadet Josh Licona.

Invited speakers include Lexington Mayor Frank Friedman; Brandy Flint, Rockbridge County director of economic development; Chamber of Commerce President Ben Worth, who works at Mountain Gateway Community College; Kathy Deacon, VIA and The Advancement Foundation (TAF) business outreach; and Mike Lennon, AFCEA Rockbridge Shenandoah Chapter director of small business and Regional Purple Heart Homes lead.

The focus of the panel discussion will be on why and how the local area and region is a viable place for those just starting an IT-related career and for those continuing a career.