SWVA Economic Forum
Tenth Annual SWVA Economic Forum
Thursday, May 22, 2025
8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Each year, the Forum engages participants through a shared vision of regional collaboration, growth and innovation. It has become a central gathering place to discuss new ideas and synergies around the future of Southwest Virginia and Central Appalachia.
Agenda
8:00–9:00 a.m.
Event Check-In
Opening Welcome
Donna Henry, Ph.D., Chancellor, UVA Wise
Meet the Emcee
Josh Mancuso, Actor, Comedian & Filmmaker
State of the Region
Christine Chmura, Ph.D., Chmura Economics & Analytics
Regional Demographics and Population Trends
Hamilton Lombard, UVA Weldon Cooper Center
Morning Keynote
Panel Discussion
Lunch
Afternoon Breakout Sessions
3:00–5:00 p.m.
Regional Housing Symposium
This optional event following the Forum will convene policymakers, developers, and community leaders for a deep dive into regional housing challenges and opportunities.
Interested in becoming a sponsor?
If you or your organization is interested in becoming an event sponsor, please contact Linda Bockus (lbockus@uvawise.edu) for additional details.
Additional Event Details
Needing directions to the event venue?
The Southwest Virginia Economic Forum will be held at UVA Wise’s David J. Prior Convocation Center. The address is 437 Stadium Drive, Wise, VA 24293. See the campus map for venue location and event parking (circled in yellow).
Looking for event lodging?
The Inn at Wise
100 E Main Street, Wise, VA 24293
276-321-7600
Best Western
124 Woodland Drive SW, Wise, VA 24293
276-328-3500
Hampton Inn Norton
1051 Park Ave SW, Norton, VA 24219
276-437-0305
Western Front
3025 4th Avenue, St. Paul, VA 24283
276-738-3040