Innovation, Industry Diversification, and New Partnerships to Take Center Stage at 2014 USVI Economic Development Summit in Atlanta, May 20 – 22, 2014

Virgin Islanders, USVI leaders, and businesses on mainland to exchange ideas, make connections

(Washington, D.C., February 27, 2014) –  Building on the success of last summer’s inaugural U.S. Virgin Islands Economic Development Summit in Washington, D.C.,  The USVI Alliance, Inc. will host its 2nd annual summit in Atlanta, Georgia on May 20-22, 2014 to capitalize on the vast number of Virgin Islands professionals who now call the city home. Entitled, “Diversifying Business and Industry in the 21^st Century and Beyond,” the 2014 Summit will delve further into what it takes to attract an even broader spectrum of enterprise and further shift the economic landscape in the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI). The event will provide an overview of the opportunities for sustainable, innovative business solutions for the territory and feature an exciting business matchmaking session that enables professionals, business owners, government leaders, and innovators to collaborate and connect with like-minded individuals in similar industries.  All events will take place at the Doubletree by Hilton Atlanta Downtown Hotel, located at 160 Spring Street NW, Atlanta, GA 30303. A pre-Summit reception featuring Virgin Islands talent from the Atlanta metro area will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2014 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The formal program convenes from Wednesday, May 21 to Thursday, May 22, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.  Virgin Islands government and business leaders, officials from the U.S. Small Business Administration, and Atlanta business and government leaders have been invited to participate in the summit to provide insight on existing efforts to diversify the economy and capitalize on the opportunities to expand business investment in the territory through collaboration in other markets. The summit will feature break out sessions on topics such as entrepreneurship development in the Virgin Islands, business licensing and certification, and best practices for business growth in the territory. 

Who Should Attend

• Experienced business executives in sectors such as shipping, call centers, tourism/hospitality (boutique hotels), high tech manufacturing and software development, training, energy (renewable and production), technology (broadband, mobile, and manufacturing), healthcare, retail, transportation, and other sectors. Also industry representatives who seek to access the various public and private resources available to establish, develop, own, and operate businesses in the US. Virgin Islands.
• Members of the Virgin Islands diaspora, especially current or future entrepreneurs, interested in being a part of the discussion and providing solutions to the challenges currently facing the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Virgin Islands-based businesses and government agencies interested in securing vendors, partners, employees, and customers on the U.S. mainland.

Benefits to Attendees

• Learn about the unique opportunities and economic incentives to profit in key areas of expansion and growth in the Virgin Islands from including: Healthcare, Information Technology, Energy, and Workforce Development.
• Learn about financing opportunities for small businesses and capital projects, tax exemptions and rehabilitation tax credits for businesses in the USVI.
•  Business matchmaking opportunities and networking with conference attendees, USVI policy makers, contracting officers, consumers, consultants, and potential employers or partners.

 Early registration for the event ends March 31, 2014. Prices increase by $50 on April 1^st. A block of rooms at the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Atlanta Downtown has been secured at the rate of $139.00, plus 16% tax ($161.24 total) per night for single/double occupancy for reservations made by Friday, April 25, 2014.  Contact the hotel directly by April 25^th at (404) 688-8600 or toll free at (800) 222-8733 and reference the “USVI Economic Development Summit” to reserve this special rate.  Register online at http://usvialliance.org/events by clicking on the image for the summit attendance and/or sponsorship.