02-04-2025
Future Forward Summit/Expo to focus on crucial pillars of success for region
Local leaders are poised for a major networking event later this month which will explore avenues for future growth in southern West Virginia.
According to a press release, the Future Forward Summit and Expo in April will focus on four crucial pillars of success for southern West Virginia – housing, downtown development, small business growth and the economic outlook.
The New River Gorge Regional Development Authority (NRGRDA) and Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce (BRCCC) have recruited expert speakers to lead discussions and to seek recommendations for improvements in each of the four areas for the summit, which is planned for April 22-23 at the Beckley-Raleigh County Convention Center.
'The Future Forward planning committee has done an excellent job in securing in-state talent who can be a convener for innovation, collaboration and actionable progress in southern West Virginia,' Jina Belcher, executive director of NRGRDA, said in the press release.
Michelle Rotellini, president/CEO of BRCCC, said the annual Future Forward Summit gives business leaders, entrepreneurs and community representatives the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, forge strategic partnerships and explore opportunities.
'The focus is a little bit different' than last year's summit, Rotellini said. 'We're very excited about it.'
The aim is to 'provide a platform for our community stakeholders to engage in meaningful conservations' geared toward laying the groundwork for workable solutions to guide long-term success in the region, said Rotellini.
The BRCCC is partnering with the NRGRDA and West Virginia Hive (WV Hive) to bring together the various industry, business and civic leaders and policy-makers who will be featured on the agenda for the two-day summit.
Sessions and presentation leaders scheduled to attend include:
• New and existing housing modernization needs — Patrick Bowen, president, Bowen National Research;
• Southern West Virginia economic outlook — Dr. John Deskins, director, Bureau of Business and Economic Research at West Virginia University;
• Downtown development and revitalization — Moderated by Jina Belcher, NRGRDA; and
• Small business development — Judy Moore of NRGRDA and the WV Hive.
In addition, West Virginia State Sen. Brian Helton (R-Fayette) will guide a dialogue with state legislators and industry leaders. That session is expected to cover recent legislative developments and provide a platform for attendees to ask questions and gain insights into policy changes, organizers say.
There will also be breakout groups featuring areas of concentration including downtown planning and zoning, tourism and workforce resources. In addition, a diverse range of exhibitors is expected to showcase products, services and initiatives from the region.
"We were asked this year to partner with the Beckley-Raleigh County Chamber of Commerce on Future Forward," said Moore, executive director of the West Virginia Hive and deputy director of the NRGRDA. "We have very diligently worked to pull together what we think is going to be a really good conference opportunity.
"It definitely is an economic development-based conference, and what we're attempting to showcase in this conference is some of the topics that are most prevalent right now with economic development. That's everything from housing to child care to small business support."
"The conference is appealing to community leaders, legislators, decision-makers," she added. "That's who we want to have in the room."
Moore said the summit will also provide an opportunity for WV Hive to spread the message on the services it offers.
"Sometimes, quite honestly, even though the West Virginia Hive has been in existence since late 2016, a lot of people still don't know about us or the services that we provide," said Moore. "So, we're going to take this opportunity to be in front of these key community leaders to let them know what we can actually do to support the small businesses that they are also supporting as legislators and community developers and community leaders.
"We're really looking forward to having that opportunity to be on that platform."
The 'Future Forward: Growing Our Economy, Strengthening Our Community' event will kick off Tuesday, April 22, at 3:30 p.m. with a downtown development and revitalization session followed by a legislative reception from 5 to 7 p.m. On Wednesday, April 23, a full day of forums, educational sessions and networking opportunities will all focus on driving local communities toward a prosperous future.
For more information on this year's Future Forward Summit and Expo, visit
For ticket information, visit
For information and booth reservations, contact 304-252-7328 / chamber@
