Cybersecurity Forumpeirce2018-01-05T10:39:31-05:00

Cybersecurity Forum – April, 2017

On April 7, 2017, the city of Harrisonburg’s Department of Economic Development (HED) hosted a cybersecurity forum in partnership with James Madison University’s Department of Computer Information Systems and Business Analytics (CIS&BSAN). HED was seeking industry input on the cybersecurity eco-system and assets necessary to grow the sector in the city.

The day-long, robust discussion provided feedback to HED on how best to position the city to attract and grow cybersecurity companies. The discussion included the infrastructure needs, workforce credential needs and student education needs of industry, as well as potential economic development incentives and best marketing practices to build a successful cybersecurity eco-system.

The forum, dubbed Cybersecurity Cafe, was facilitated by Chris Stammer of Voluminant. Below are pictures and a video highlighting the activities of the day.

“Harrisonburg provides an ideal context for the highly technical work we perform for the U.S. Government. We are ideally located next to many excellent colleges and universities, which provide exceptional talent, and close enough to DC and Northern Virginia that we can conveniently interface with our customer and partners. To me, it comes down to quality of life. Our employees have very short commutes and there are a plethora of activities in the area that suit almost every interest.”

Mike Goertzen, Sr. Program Manager, Serco

“As Rocco considered options for our expansion, we were pleased with the partnership that Harrisonburg Economic Development provided as we worked our way through plan reviews, permit approvals, and inspections. It was helpful to have an ombudsman guiding us through the process. We are excited that we have the opportunity to continue to grow and invest in Harrisonburg.”

Fontaine Canada, President, Rocco Building Supplies