RVA757 Connects

Learn about how Virginia is closing the digital divide during a free webinar on Wednesday November 6 at noon. The Virginia Office of Broadband is managing a portfolio of more than $3 billion in combined state and federal grants to support finishing the job of expanding broadband infrastructure to the remaining unserved localities and tackling gaps in broadband adoption and literacy. Tamarah Christian Holmes, PhD, director of the Virginia Office of Broadband, will explore the agency’s work to bridge the digital gaps across Virginia. The webinar is free, but registration is required. Get more details about the webinar and speaker - and to register: https://lnkd.in/ejfxzBeT

John W. Martin, president and CEO of RVA757 Connects, represented the organization at the Atlantic Convergence conference in Lisbon, Portugal this week. John W. Martin and Scott Brown from the Pixel Factory Data Center in Hanover County shared their perspectives on the panel: "AI Opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic Region and the Importance of Public-Private Partnerships." They shared their perspectives on whatis driving advancements in data centers, subsea infrastructure, and the essential role of cross-sector partnerships in fostering innovation. Thanks to InterGlobix Magazine for the photo.

During Convergence 2024 today in Williamsburg, participants heard perspectives on collaboration, education, and the economy from Robert Blue from Dominion Energy, Jennifer Boykin from Newport News Shipbuilding, A Division of HII, and Thomas McInerney from Genworth. Katherine Rowe from William & Mary moderated the discussion. The panel ended the day-long program which featured discussion on the megaregion's digital port, the space port, and the sea port.

VP Greg Gilligan represented RVA757 Connects at the ribbon cutting ceremony this morning. Innovation is taking place in the I-64 Innovation Corridor.

Register for a free webinar on Wednesday Oct. 2 at noon to learn about how hydrogen fits into the Commonwealth of Virginia’s energy and economic growth plans and how Hampton Roads is emerging as a hub for hydrogen innovation. Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in Newport News is spearheading the Hydrogen Tech Center initiative, a collaborative hydrogen research and demonstration project that aims to better define and showcase how clean hydrogen and other emerging technologies could play a role in the region’s energy mix. Representatives from Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center in Newport News (Chelsea Jenkins Olivieri), the Virginia Department of Energy, (Ryan Dorland), and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (Alex Taylor), will review opportunities and challenges related to catalyzing more investment in non-carbon emitting hydrogen. The webinar is free, but registration is required. Get more details about the webinar and speakers - and to register: https://lnkd.in/ejEMSEJK

Register now for Convergence 2024 on Oct. 1 and gain insights from top business leaders in the I-64 Innovation Corridor as they share their current perspectives on the economy and discuss the importance of RVA and 757 working closer together at one of the day-long conference's sessions. For more details and to register: https://lnkd.in/e_VV_Fvn Robert Blue Thomas McInerney Jennifer Boykin

All Aboard after three decades: Virginians for High Speed Rail celebrated its 30th anniversary at a luncheon in Arlington on Friday Sept 13. VPRA's DJ Stadtler updated attendees on what's happening with rail in Virginia - and a lot is happening. Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner gave the keynote address, talking about a rail renaissance that's taking place in America. Congrats to Daniel Plaugher, the executive director of Virginians for High Speed Rail, for an excellent program. RVA757 Connects Vice President Gregory Gilligan represented the organization at the gathering. Improving passenger rail across Virginia and between and to/ from the Richmond region and Hampton Roads is a priority of RVA757 Connects.

In session No. 3 at Convergence 2024 conference in Williamsburg, learn about how the megaregion is becoming a Global Internet Hub through expanded digital infrastructure and data centers, innovative initiatives, and universities investing in tech talent development and training. For more details and to register: https://lnkd.in/e_VV_Fvn Jason El Koubi Nick Blessing Tyrone Nelson Tad Deriso LTG Darrell K. Williams, US Army Retired

At Convergence meeting in Williamsburg on Tuesday October 1, learn about Virginia’s Space Port as the Eastern Shore emerges as a hub for aerospace activities, with the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility and Rocket Lab expanding its orbital vehicle launches. Researchers at NASA's Langley are developing technology for space exploration. Aaron Kuipers Sean Mulligan Dawn Schaible

Stay informed about key initiatives shaping the megaregion by attending Convergence 2024 on October 1 in Williamsburg. Learn about the I-64 Gap and HRBT construction projects; passenger train developments; TRAIL757 plans; and the PCs for People program. For more details and to register: https://lnkd.in/e_VV_Fvn