Compiled by Insite Staff
Community and business growth typically go hand in hand. For one to be successful, the other must follow. The Brazos Valley Economic Development Corporation, a public-private economic development corporation serving the Brazos Valley, is dedicated to launching, growing, and locating businesses in the area.
To better serve the community, BVEDC is hosting the Brazos Valley Business Forum on Sept. 27 from 8am to 3pm at the Doug Pitcock ’49 Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center across from Kyle Field. The event for the professional and business community alike will engage all who attend and provide educational tools to help businesses improve the Brazos Valley.
The Brazos Valley Business Forum was inspired by the Governor’s Small Business Forum held at the Stella Hotel in Bryan last year, according to Audrey Schroyer, the marketing and engagement manager at BVEDC. “[The Governor’s Small Business Forum] was so well received by the community that we decided we wanted to make this an annual event, however because there are so many communities within the state of Texas, the Governor’s office has to spread the love a little bit,” she explains. This means the Governor’s office cannot host a business forum in Bryan College Station annually, so BVEDC decided to create an annual business forum for the Brazos Valley.
Attendees can expect dynamic presentations and discussions on a wide range of topics to engage them and the business community as a whole. There will be plenty of networking opportunities to create and strengthen working relationships through the forum’s theme, ENGAGE!
“We are really trying to maximize the network as a strength in this geographic region,” Schroyer shares. “The way that this forum is structured, you’re going to be moving the whole day.”
Schroyer says she is looking forward to the progressive lunch portion of the event. At the conclusion of each course, a bell will ring signaling everyone to get up and move to a different table with a different group of people, thus maximizing the opportunity to engage with others and network, even during the lunch break.
The forum’s keynote speaker is Dr. Rick Rigsby, a former Texas A&M University professor and best-selling author. Rigsby is known for his motivating and inspiring speeches he gives around the world. “He was the life skills coordinator and chaplain for the football team at A&M,” Schroyer explains. “Coach [R.C.] Slocum kind of brought him into the team’s fold, and he has inspired so many of the Aggie football players and other people here in the community.”
“We are delighted to host this year’s business forum, called ENGAGE!” says BVEDC President and CEO Matt Prochaska. “This is one of those not-to-miss events in the Brazos Valley for business professionals and business owners alike. There is something for everyone. Dr. Rick Rigsby will inspire and challenge all of us with his keynote address. As one of the first events in the new Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, it will also be a great opportunity to check out the venue and network. The launch of the new local Economic Index published by PERC represents just one more value-add for the day’s events.”
Registration, ticket, and sponsor information are available at www.brazosvalleyedc.org. Tickets are $125 per person and include lunch.
“This really is going to be a practical event,” Schroyer says. “People will walk away with new ideas, tools, contacts, and inspiration to make themselves and their organizations better no matter where they are in their organizational structure.”
