NWGA Workforce Summit
No matter the industry, our state and Northwest Georgia need a well-trained and educated workforce to thrive.
Join us January 9-10, 2025, for an exciting and engaging forum at the inaugural Northwest Georgia Workforce Summit, where educators, business leaders, and community partners will unite to discuss strategies for enhancing our region’s economic and workforce competitiveness.
Presented in partnership with Georgia Northwestern Technical College, this event promises to be filled with insightful discussions, regional data analysis, and the exchange of best practices aimed at boosting educational attainment and workforce development.
Be a part of this crucial conversation that will shape the future of our region!
| Summit Agenda | ||
| Thursday, January 9 6 – 7 p.m. | Summit Opening Reception Join us for this opportunity to meet and colleagues and partners over drinks and hors d’oeuvres. Gignilliat Hall, Rooms 101 A-B | |
| Friday, January 10 | ||
| 8 – 9 a.m. | Registration, breakfast, networking Gignilliat Hall, Rooms 101 A-B | |
| 9 – 9:10 a.m. | Summit Kick-off and Welcome Goodroe Auditorium | Dr. John Fuchko, President of Dalton State College |
| 9:10 – 10 a.m. | The Future of Work in Northwest Georgia Goodroe Auditorium Discuss how emerging trends, technological advancements, and industries are shaping the future workforce in the region. | Moderator: Carl Campbell, Whitfield-Murray Joint Development Authority Panelists: Brian Cooksey – Shaw Industries, Jeff Myers – Vitruvian Health, Lisa Nash – Qcells, Hans Pfunder – Trenton Pressing |
| 10 – 10:10 a.m. | Break | |
| 10:10 – 11 a.m. | Preparing Tomorrow’s Workforce Goodroe Auditorium | Moderator: John Thomas, Dalton Utilities and Technical College System of Georgia Board Panelists: Heidi Popham – Georgia Northwestern Technical College, Gina Kertulis-Tartar – Dalton State College, Brandi Hayes – Calhoun City Schools, Darlene Dunn – North Murray High School, Marissa Brower – Catoosa County College & Career Academy |
| 11 – 11:10 a.m. | Break | |
| 11:10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Better Together Goodroe Auditorium Explore how educational institutions and employers can work together to provide education and training that bridges the skills gap and needs. | Moderator: Chris Kidd, University System of Georgia Panelists: Barry Gentry – Murray County Chamber of Commerce, Karen Kirchler – Technical College System of Georgia, Stephani Womack – Greater Dalton Chamber of Commerce |
| 12 – 1 p.m. | Lunch with Roundtable Discussions Pope Student Center Join a table with a topic that interests you to share ideas and meet potential partners. | |
| 1 – 1:45 p.m. | The Power of Partnerships Goodroe Auditorium Learn about the formation of RISE, the Regional Industry Support Enterprise formed by the Savannah Economic Development Authority following a 2023 workforce study. | Daniela Perry of the Georgia Chamber of Commerce will talk with Justin Farquahar, Vice President of Regional Industry Support Enterprise (RISE). |
| 1:45 – 2:30 p.m. | Emerging Opportunities & The Path Forward Goodroe Auditorium | Dr. John Fuchko will lead an interactive discussion regarding best practices, partnerships, and strategies to grow, attract and retain talent. |