CHRISTIANSTED— Governor Albert Bryan is hosting the first USVI Community Business Forum as part of Vision 2040, the wide-ranging economic development initiative to grow and increase the territory’s economy through a number of programs to increase business opportunities, build a robust workforce and attract new businesses to the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The USVI Community Business Forum is scheduled for 9 a.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, and will take place virtually via Teams Live Event online and is open to all businesses in the territory, as well as to anyone with an interest in starting a business in the islands.
The theme for this initial forum is “Adapting Business for COVID Normal,” and Bryan will open the conference with a discussion of the Vision 2040 overall economic development concept, workforce development and how to maximize technology to support the growing economy.
Topics that will be addressed during the conference are:
Perspectives on Cruise Line Companies and Their Guests
Presented by Jayne Halcomb, Royal Caribbean Director of Business Development and Destination Development: Caribbean and The Americas; and Elisa Shen, Royal Caribbean Associate Vice President of Onboard Revenue and Hotel Operations.
Perspectives on Overnight Guests (Hospitality Industry)
Presented by Lisa Hamilton, Executive Director of the Virgin Islands Hotel and Tourism Association
Perspectives on Tourism and Broad-Based Businesses
- Chambers of Commerce, presented by Adriane Dudley of the St. Thomas-St. John Chamber of Commerce; and Ryan Nelthropp, President of the St. Croix Chamber of Commerce
- Restaurants, presented by James Dixon III, Co-Owner of the St. Thomas Restaurant Group
- Marine Industry, presented by Oriel Blake, Executive Director of the V.I. Professional Charter Association; and Kelvin Bailey Jr., President of the V.I. Game Fishing Club
- Young Entrepreneurs, presented by Tywreh Nelson, Vision Coordinator/Inventory Manager for UpperClass OG, LLC
USVI Economic Reopening and Restructuring Task Force
Presented by Peter Chapman, Executive Director of the University of the Virgin Islands Research & Technology Park; and Yihan Wang, Economic Development Manager at UVI’s Research and Technology Park
Business Hygiene for Airline/Cruise Passengers, Overnight Guests, Residents, Businesses and Vehicles
Presented by Health Commissioner Justa Encarnacion
Tools for Businesses
- Business Skills and Entrepreneurship Tools Available Through UVI, presented by Dr. Kendra Harris, Dean of the University of the Virgin Islands School of Business
- Small Business Development, presented by Ted Gutierrez, State Director of the V.I. Small Business Development Center
- V.I. Economic Development Authority Financing Tools, presented by Wayne Biggs Jr., CEO of the Economic Development Authority
- Tech-Driven Business of the Future, presented by Peter Chapman, Executive Director of the University of the Virgin Islands Research & Technology Park
- How to Get Into Business, presented by Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs Commissioner Richard Evangelista; and Denise Johannes, Director of Corporations and Trademarks for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor
New Online Businesses and Local Alternatives
- Shared Workspace, presented by Dr. Jennifer Sequeira, Executive Director of SEAT Caribbean
- Startup Business Assistance, presented by Trevonne Homer, Community Organizer Facilitator for SEED-SPOT
- Home Healthcare and Medical Professions, presented by Department of Human Services Commissioner Kimberley Causey-Gomez; Dr. Janis Valmond, Deputy Health Commissioner; and Wanson Harris, Environmental Health Director for the Department of Health
- Event Organizing Within COVID Constraints, presented by Oriel Blake, Executive Director of the V.I. Professional Charter Association
What to Do With Excursions
- CHANT, presented by Frandelle Gerard, Executive Director of CHANT
- National Park Service, presented by Elba Richardson, Commercial Services Manager for the V. I. National Park
- Transportation Options, presented by Shane Benjamin, Executive Director of the V.I. Taxi Cab Commission
Considerations for Ensuring Access to Individuals with Disabilities
Presented by Julien Henley Sr., Territorial ADA Coordinator
There also will be a Question & Answer session following the presentations, and participants also can type questions during the presentations.
To attend, register to receive the link to the virtual conference by RSVPing to cbf@go.vi.gov. Please include your name, email, business name and field of business, and interested field of business (if interested in starting a business).