Business Forum: Connecting Employers to Talent, Education, and Workforce Resources

Description

Business Forum: Connecting Employers to Talent, Education, and Workforce Resources

May 18, 2026 | 12:00 – 3:00 PM
Piedmont Virginia Community College – Bolick Center 501 College Drive, Charlottesville 

Lunch is included, courtesy of PVCC.

Join regional business leaders for a focused, collaborative forum designed to strengthen connections between employers, education, and workforce resources.

Hosted by the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Louisa Forward Foundation and regional partners, this event brings together employers from across Charlottesville and the counties of Albemarle, Buckingham, Fluvanna, Greene, Louisa, and Nelson.

This forum is designed for businesses that are actively building their teams and looking to better connect with the programs, partners, and pathways that support workforce success.

Agenda:

• 12:00 pm - 12:30 pm   Networking, Resources and Refreshments
• 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm   Welcome and Introductions
• 1:00 pm - 1:40 pm   Education Panel Discussion and Q&A 
  • Bo Bundrick, CTE Director, Louisa County Public Schools
  • Dr. Leonda Keniston, VP for Academic Affairs & Workforce Development, Piedmont Virginia Community College
  • Beth Mehring, Earn While You Learn Manager, UVA Health
    
  • Chris Lee, Deputy Chief, Louisa County Fire & EMS
• 1:45 pm - 2:30 pm  Resources Panel Discussion and Q&A
  • Internships Virginia: Amanda Panarese, Regional Internship Manager
  • Virginia Works: Nicole Overley, Commissioner
  • TME Coaching & Consulting, Dr. Tiffany Edwards, Owner 
• 2:30 pm - 3:00 pm   Resource Fair & Networking

Education Panel: Hear from education leaders on how current programs—from CTE to community college credentials—are preparing talent and how businesses can engage to build strong talent pipelines.

Workforce Resource Panel: Learn about available programs and resources that support recruitment, training, and workforce development, along with clear ways to access and utilize them.

Networking & Resource Expo*   Email info@louisachamber.org if you'd like to host a table.

12 pm - 3 pm Exhibit Time

The Resource Fair is a dedicated opportunity for businesses, educators, and workforce organizations to showcase programs, tools, and partnerships that can help solve immediate and long-term workforce challenges. Exhibitors will connect directly with business leaders in the utilities, construction, and manufacturing industries, offering valuable resources to address labor shortages, training needs, and employee retention strategies.