Teaming to Win to Feature Diverse Mix of Speakers
Speakers at this year’s Teaming to Win conference represent a diverse lineup of state and national leaders, business advisors, successful entrepreneurs, and representatives of the public sector, who will address challenges and opportunities facing small businesses throughout the state.
Registration is now open for this year’s Teaming to Win conference, to be held May 28-29 at the WVU Erickson Alumni Center in Morgantown. To register, visit www.teamingtowin.org.
The action starts at 4 pm on May 28 with a “Hot Topics” discussion on the Affordable Care Act. “Our aim is to be responsive to the needs and interest of conference participants and provide up-to-date information that is valuable to small businesses in the region,” said Shelly Montgomery, Chair of Teaming to Win’s Board of Directors. “We know that the number one question on many small business people’s minds is health care reform—from the standpoint of the employer, as well as the employees,” she added.
This learning opportunity will be followed by a “Gold Rush” Reception featuring three regional leaders who will address the gathering: Rep. David McKinley, R-WV; Dr. Anthony Cugini, Director of the National Energy Technology Laboratory; and Greg Blaney, Director of NASA’s Independent Verification and Validation (IV&V) Program.
The following day, U.S. Senator Joe Manchin will deliver the keynote address at SBA’s Small Business Awards Banquet. Participants will also hear from Secretary of State Natalie Tennant and WVU President Jim Clements during the May 29th luncheon.
In addition, a special track will examine 3-D printing and its role in what experts predict will be the “third industrial revolution.” Charlotte Weber, Director of the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Advanced Flexible Manufacturing at Marshall University will join other experts in a discussion about additive manufacturing as a disruptive technology with the potential to transform all aspects of the economy.
Another “Hot Topics” panel will offer advice on how to avoid costly mistakes in small business interactions. Experts will identify a number of common pitfalls and present practical strategies for mitigating their impacts and/or avoiding them altogether.
Other panels will examine doing business with West Virginia University, and “What’s New, What’s Next, and What’s Needed” for small businesses to thrive and grow.
Earlier in the day, business development speaker Morris Morrison will kick things off with a keynote address designed to inspire people to position themselves for success. Morrison is a native of Fairmont, WV. Christa Pitts, Co-CEO of Creatively Classic Activities and Books, will speak about her family-owned publishing firm’s rapid growth through its Elf on the Shelf line of products.
A premier event for more than two decades, Teaming to Win is designed to serve West Virginia’s business community, foster collaboration, and highlight the unique competencies of the many regional companies and individuals in attendance. The conference incorporates trade show exhibits, corporate presentations, business counseling sessions, keynote speakers, and other activities. A complete agenda is available on the event website at www.teamingtowin.org.
Visit www.teamingtowin.org to register.