Author: Aimee Baker

Unveiling Enhanced Usability for RBTC Members

With a rapidly growing innovation ecosystem in the Roanoke-Blacksburg region, RBTC is rolling out new and enhanced member features to better support you. 

The Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council, part of the Verge alliance, includes more than 150 member companies across 15+ industries with a mission to support and promote the growth of the regional technology community. The shared vision of RBTC, RAMP, and the Verge alliance is for the Roanoke and New River Valleys to be globally recognized for innovation, entrepreneurship, and talent assets. 

RBTC Member Portal Enhances Usability for Members

We’re excited to unveil a brand-new member portal that will provide direct access to a wealth of information and functionality. Accessible from our existing website, the RBTC member portal is your one stop shop for accessing member benefits. From the portal, you can manage your account, select payment options, register for events and more.

  • Autopay: The member portal allows you to streamline payments in ways that work for you. Select the new autopay option so you can set it up once and forget it! 
  • Invoicing options: We also have an invoicing option for paid events, to accommodate group event attendance and different accounting requirements. 
  • Member Directory: Quickly and easily access the member directory (which includes over 150 member companies and counting). The directory is great visibility for your company and encourages collaboration, which is at the heart of our innovation ecosystem.
  • Track your events: We’re continually developing new events to offer the best possible experience for our members and guests. A new feature of our member portal allows you to register for and track your event attendance straight from the portal. 

Not a Member? Join Us Today!

Being a member of the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council gives you access to valuable benefits designed to enhance your growth as an entrepreneur and your company’s trajectory. Enjoy networking events, annual awards, access to mentorship and growth opportunities, talent recruitment support, and more! Join us and over 150 companies that employee the regions best and brightest today.

Launch Your Paid STEM Internship Program with Funding from GO Virginia

Are you a growing STEM company looking for fresh talent? Then you won’t want to miss a new opportunity from VA Bio-Connect designed to kick-start your internship program!

STEM2VA Summer Internship Program

VA Bio-Connect, a collaborative project of Virginia Bio, has launched STEM2VA a Virginia Statewide Lifescience Internship Program. Through STEM2VA biotech and healthcare employers can select one or more undergraduate or graduate students for a 10-week, full time summer internship at your company. Employers will receive matching funding from GO Virginia to help support the internship summer stipend. 

Stipends are important for attracting competitive students, but funding internships can be difficult. The new STEM2VA program is intended to fill the gap. Participating companies commit to compensating interns at least $2,500 over the course of the internship and Virginia Bio will match with an additional $2,500. Interns will earn $5,000 while gaining critical experience and providing meaningful contributions to your company.

How to Participate in STEM2VA

Employer registration is simple and takes only about a minute to complete! Fill out the four-question employer registration form to get started. Registered employers will be provided with a review portal link to begin reviewing and interviewing competitive student applications. Indicating interest now will not commit you to accepting a student if you are not able to identify a candidate with the appropriate qualifications.

The employer registration deadline is February 10, 2023. The ten-week internship experience will run from June 5, 2023 – August 11, 2023.

This is an excellent opportunity to retain Virginia talent, train the upcoming workforce, and identify potential future hires. Connect with a talented, diverse, statewide workforce pipeline and create broader awareness of your presence in Virginia through STEM2VA.

Contact holtom.elizabeth@vabio.org or hunter.briana@vabio.org with any questions. 

What to Expect from RBTC in 2023

The RBTC is a member-driven association working to promote the growth of the Roanoke-Blacksburg technology community. In other words, growth is baked into everything we do. We’re always innovating new ways to serve our community and we have some exciting things planned for 2023. 

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the things we’re looking forward to in the coming year. 

Advocacy, Equity, and Events: RBTC 2023 Preview

  • TechNite is the most anticipated awards event of the year in tech and biotech. This year marks our 23rd year so be sure to attend (and invite your friends), nominate your stellar colleagues, or even become a sponsor!
  • Talent Attraction and Retention will continue to facilitate the growth of member companies. The RBTC expanded our team to provide customized support to member companies. 
  • Enhanced programming is on deck for 2023 aimed at diversifying and attracting high-demand talent including a new digital community on Slack! Our full event calendar includes an exciting Tech & Toast series, cyber security events, high-level CEO forum and roundtables, Beer & Biotech, WoTech, and the launch of a local Blacks in Technology chapter. Last but certainly not least is the 3rd annual Game Changer Week. Mark your calendars for a week-long conference that spans to two regions and brings together our best and brightest.
  • Efforts in Equity is one of our top priorities. Our thriving WoTech series, which features over 12 annual events, has added a brand-new retreat-style event BoxLore: The Art of Becoming Unboxed. Additionally, RBTC is sponsoring the launch of a SWVA chapter of Blacks in Technology. Chapter events will begin in 2023 so be sure to reach out to info@rbtc.tech to get involved or support. 
  • Advocacy is a core mission for RBTC. This year we’re focused on connecting with tech councils across VA to champion Roanoke and New River Valleys as a strong place for tech and biotech. Our message highlights the region’s vibrant ecosystem which includes computer science, education initiatives in K-12, expanded broadband, funding growth, and efforts to support diversity and inclusion in talent retention. 
  • Biotech momentum will accelerate as Roanoke prepares to welcome new wet lab space! These labs, in conjunction with new Blacksburg labs at the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center solidifies the region’s status as a hub for biotech innovation. 
  • New technology startups will enter the ecosystem in 2023 thanks to RAMP, the Regional Accelerator and Mentoring Program. Founded in 2017 with funding from GO Virginia, the City of Roanoke, and Virginia Western Community College, RAMP has nurtured 38 technology and health & life science startups to date. Two new cohorts will embark on the 12-week program in the spring then fall. Visit their website to find out more about how participate or support. 

Connect, Grow, & and Lead in the Biotech & Tech Community

Our members inspire us every day to remain dynamic and growth oriented. We’re excited about the future of our technology community and all the things we have planned to help you connect, grow, and lead in the Roanoke-Blacksburg technology ecosystem. Register for one of our upcoming events (and be sure to subscribe to our emails) to be part of our best year yet!

What to Expect from WoTech in 2023

If you Google “women in technology,” many of the top results provide information about how to support colleagues in tech-based fields.

With monthly opportunities for professional development and social networking – the in-person kind! – WoTech is a safe space to share experiences and learn from others. It’s an opportunity to make new connections with career-oriented women, build each other up, and strengthen the skills needed to grow and thrive in today’s tech world.

“WoTech means a village of women where I can connect and grow, somewhere I don’t necessarily need to pre-explain what’s going on because they are living my experiences as well,” said Wendi Pannell, Vice President of Digital Content Production at Ozmo. “Women and allies that want to see me be successful, where I can also give back, save someone time by sharing my experiences and lessons learned.”

2 Opportunities to Get Involved

RBTC’s Women In Technology has had tremendous growth over the past year and is looking to grow our committee with additional strong women.

We are looking for the following roles:

  • Power Hour Committee Member
  • Committee Chair

These are excellent opportunities to give back to the WoTech community and take on a leadership role. WoTech is an incredibly supportive group that rallies around each other during any season that you are in. Interested in getting involved?

Upcoming WoTech Events

Get ready for a year full of amazing events with WoTech! Check out the first few we have set for 2023!

January 18 – Morning Jolt

January 26 – Power Hour

February 1 – Lunch & Learn

View the Full WoTech Calendar

Find Your Tribe Through RBTC

As a member of RBTC, you have over 7 different forums to connect and re-connect with thoughtful, passionate peers in your field.  

“The RBTC supports and connects the technology industry.  The Forums are like a built-in community that professionals within this sector can tap into,” says RBTC program director Ashleigh Beasley. “All of our forums are organized around a specific focus, and maintain a ‘friends and family’ feeling that provides an organic way to connect with people, build your career, and find support.” 

Choose a topic (or three!) that interests you and jump in.  RBTC staff and members will be there to make sure you feel welcome. 

Business Development Meetup

If you have questions about PR, business development strategy, developing new channels, lead management and other related topics–this is the perfect meetup for you.  Join the experts and the curious as they share lessons learned and best practices.

Cyber Security Meetup

Cyber-security professionals are the experts in their company, so it’s important they have a space to explore new ideas or get new perspectives on solutions.  This forum is focused on examining best practices and sharing insights in the always-evolving landscape of organizational IT.  

Beer + Biotech

Bringing together the area’s top biotech movers and shakers through weekly programming paired with good company and local craft beer.  In 2022, this event will take place in Roanoke, a city booming with biotech momentum!  

Tech on Tap

If you enjoy a relaxed, social hour after work, this forum is for you.  Connect with the RBTC community over local craft beer for this strictly social event, which will be held in Blacksburg quarterly in 2022.

Agile Meetup

Join other project management professionals to sharpen your agile framework skills.  We partner with Project Management Institute Southwest Virginia (PMI SWVA) to provide premier programming surrounding  project management knowledge, skills, and resources. 

WoTech (Women in Technology)

This active peer group helps women build a network and support system in tech.  Here, you’ll connect with and support career-oriented women to build each other up and strengthen the skills needed to grow and thrive in today’s tech world.  There are lots of opportunities to participate because WoTech hosts regular morning, afternoon and evening “power hour” events.  You don’t have to be a woman to attend;  there’s truly something for everyone in this group.

Tech and Toast

There’s a reason this event has always been a favorite: it offers relevant technology topics that resonate with any level member and professional. Tech & Toast events are held quarterly and typically alternate between Blacksburg and Roanoke locations for a truly regional experience.  You’ll begin with an hour of socializing before diving into the program which could feature roundtable “talks with a purpose,” panel discussions, or key speakers.  We’ll keep you fueled with lots of coffee, a light breakfast, and plenty of opportunities for conversation.

As an RBTC member, you can attend as many forums as you like and figure out what the best fit is for you.  “It’s so gratifying to see people connect at our forums,” says Ashleigh Beasely. “You can show up as yourself, learn new things, and meet great people.” 

Check out our event calendar or contact us to learn more.