Last night hundreds of people converged on the Special Events Center in Roanoke to listen to panel discussions, participate in roundtable discussions, and learn about a variety of groups in a social atmosphere as Valley Forward produced this unique program to better connect young adults to each other and to the community.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was a success. It’s the first year of doing it and it should definitely be an annual event.

Specifically, I led a discussion on young professionals and had about 12-15 stop by and chat briefly. I was asked to moderate a panel discussion on retail development in which the experts said customer involvement would "absolutely" help them recruit the retailers you want in Roanoke. I mixed and mingled and connected folks to each other. It was a buffet of intellectual discussion and civic engagement.

Finally, Tiki Barber gave a great closing speech on his interest in the region and encourage others to listen to and try some of the ideas suggested by YP groups such as Valley Forward.

Congratulations and thanks to Valley Forward for all of their hard work in making it happen.