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

Description

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

Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.  Register by Sept. 3.
Join employers from across the region for a collaborative forum focused on practical workforce solutions, employer partnerships, and the education and workforce resources available to help businesses recruit, develop, and retain talent.

Orange County Chamber of Commerce is pleased to partner with the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce to invite businesses from Orange County to participate in this regional event.

Whether you're hiring today, planning for future workforce needs, or looking to strengthen your talent pipeline, you'll leave with new connections, practical ideas, and organizations ready to support your business.

Agenda

8:00 – 8:30 a.m.
Registration, Networking, Employer Resource Expo & Light Breakfast

8:30 – 8:45 a.m.
Welcome, Sponsor Recognition & Opening Remarks

8:45 – 9:45 a.m.
Education Panel Discussion & Audience Q&A

Explore how regional education partners are preparing today's workforce and learn how employers can engage through internships, work-based learning, apprenticeships, credentialing, and other talent development opportunities.

• Bo Bundrick, CTE Director, Louisa County Public Schools
• Chris Lee, Deputy Chief, Louisa County Fire & EMS
• Dr. Leonda Keniston, VP for Academic Affairs & Workforce Development, Piedmont Virginia Community College
• Beth Mehring, Earn While You Learn Manager, UVA Health

9:45 – 10:00 a.m.
Networking Break

10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Employer Resources Panel & Audience Q&A

Discover programs, funding opportunities, and workforce services available to help businesses recruit employees, develop talent, strengthen retention, and navigate today's workforce challenges.

• Internships Virginia: Amanda Panarese, Regional Internship Manager
• Virginia Board of Workforce Development: Anthony Reedy, Executive Director
• TME Coaching & Consulting, Dr. Tiffany Edwards, Owner 

11:00 – 11:15 a.m.
Closing Remarks & Key Takeaways

11:15 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Employer Resource Expo & Networking

Meet one-on-one with organizations that provide services, programs, funding, training, and workforce solutions designed specifically to support employers.

Continue conversations with fellow employers, education partners, and workforce organizations before the afternoon Small Business Basics AI Training begins.

Employer Resource Expo

The Employer Resource Expo is designed specifically for businesses.

Meet one-on-one with organizations that provide workforce, education, training, funding, recruitment, retention, human resources, and business support services. Build valuable partnerships and discover resources that can help address your workforce needs today and in the future.

Interested in exhibiting at the Employer Resource Expo?

Employer Resource Expo registration is coordinated exclusively through the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce. Please contact info@louisachamber.org for exhibitor information and table availability.

We look forward to seeing employers from across the region come together to strengthen our workforce and build connections that support long-term business success.