If You Missed Forum for the Future You may be Glued to the Past
September 16th, 2007 by Biz2Biz
Did you feel the enthusiasm from the area's young professionals? Did you share in the willingness of the leaders to help and guide them to a brighter future? If you experienced these emotions then you must have been one of the seven hundred plus participants at Valley Forward's Forum for the Future at the Roanoke Civic Center on Thursday night.
John Lugar, Chairman of Valley Forward, opened the event by thanking those participating and explaining the format for the forum. He encouraged the leaders and participants to listen to our young professionals and find out what is important to them. He suggested the younger generation become energized by getting involved in the community.
Lugar stressed that we must showcase our community assets. For a successful change we must consider what is GOOD for the Roanoke Valley, think differently, be solution-oriented, debate, discuss, decide and move on. If we don't dream and think big our young people will move elsewhere.
Valley Forward takes an integrated approach to progress by focusing on Economic Development, Cultural Enhancement, and Community Involvement. Platforms they have adopted include:
- Rebuilding of the Rockledge Inn
- Funding and awareness of Greenways in the Valley
- Building an Outdoor Amphitheater
- Carvins Cove conservation easement
The interactive forum then set off with attendees choosing informal roundtable sessions and panel discussions. Speakers included various political and government officials along with local business experts. Topics covered included business building tools, health and fitness resources, employment and jobs, sports, arts, museums and young professional organizations. Ira Kaufman, President of Roanoke Biz2Biz, hosted a round table where he discussed blogs and websites and the marketing benefits from both.
The night concluded with Tiki Barber, former NFL running back and NBC broadcaster. He reminded the young professionals they can make a difference and encouraged them to get more involved in local government and push forward their agenda's and ideas of what they want the valley to become. As Barber returned to his roots, he recounted how the Roanoke Valley has impacted his life as an NFL football star, author and TV broadcaster.
It is my opinion the night was a success for the Valley Forward Group. There is certainly room for improvement but I feel with the continued effort the next event will be bigger and better.
One thing for sure, Roanoke would like to retain its young professionals. Events such as this that broaden the awareness in our government officials and community will make a difference.
Business Leaders, City Officials and Political Organizations - our young professionals challenge you to LISTEN, OFFER OPPORTUNITY and THINK BIG!
Young Professionals in Roanoke and New River Valley - you are challenged to CHARGE FORWARD, BECOME ACTIVE and MAKE A DIFFERENCE!