August 24, 2023 Meeting

August 24, 2023
All Meetings

No recording was captured of this meeting, but a full transcript exists if needed for reference.

Reference Articles

  1. https://richmond.com/foundations-seek-to-advance-ai-for-good/ (Article Clipping)  
  2. https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/education/youth-ai-summit-draws-hundreds-local-students/65-8a6f1890-8807-40e2-a733-ac932db99a7c  
  3. https://www.brookings.edu/articles/building-ai-cities-how-to-spread-the-benefits-of-an-emerging-technology-across-more-of-america/ (ChatGPT-generated summary and recommendations.)

Meeting Summary

Meeting summary provided by Augment app, improved by ChatGPT 3.5 (Input transcript in 15-minute increments.)

Key Takeaways

  • The group is focused on exploring the applications and implications of AI and generative technology.
  • They discuss the importance of workforce development and upskilling in relation to AI adoption.
  • The conversation touches on the potential of AI for content generation and operational efficiency.
  • Emotional support AI and its potential benefits are mentioned.
  • The idea of convening different levels of AI knowledge and interest is suggested.
  • Exploring AI’s role in sustainability efforts is discussed, with examples from a dentist’s practice.
  • There’s interest in bringing in additional stakeholders from different industries.
  • The concept of leveraging AI tools for research consolidation and market insights is mentioned.
  • The meeting focused on the role and potential of AI in economic development, with discussions on its use in site selection, site readiness, and job creation in rural areas.
  • The participants highlighted the importance of acting quickly and with a sense of urgency to leverage AI’s potential benefits.
  • The idea of reaching out to various individuals for future discussions was discussed, with several names mentioned for potential contact.
  • The meeting also discussed potential priorities and activities based on the Brookings reading, such as establishing AI research hubs, investing in AI education, and organizing community engagement campaigns.
  • The potential role of the Chamber RVA in community engagement and the idea of creating a central hub of information for the region were also discussed. One action item included putting together an online resource to connect people in the region around these ideas. Another action item included leveraging ChamberRVA to facilitate education sessions for people with various levels of experience with generative AI. Identifying a good committee to put this under was discussed.
  • The meeting highlighted the importance of predictive capabilities and advanced site preparation in economic development.
  • The participants expressed concerns about the impact of AI on young people’s work and the need to defend against AI-generated work.
  • The competitive nature of leveraging AI technology and the need for employee adoption were also discussed, with a video showcasing automation sequences and the use of Zapier shared.

AI and Economic Development

The meeting began with a discussion on the role and potential of AI in economic development. The participants discussed the use of AI in site selection, site readiness, and the creation of job opportunities in rural areas. The importance of acting quickly and with a sense of urgency was also emphasized.

Engagement and Collaboration

The participants discussed the potential role of the Chamber RVA in community engagement and the idea of creating a central hub of information for the region. They also discussed reaching out to various individuals for future discussions, with several names mentioned for potential contact. A target group of people included leaders in local and business media.

Concerns and Opportunities

The meeting concluded with discussions on the concerns and opportunities related to AI. The participants expressed concerns about the impact of AI on young people’s work and the need to defend against AI-generated work. They also discussed the competitive nature of leveraging AI technology and the need for employee adoption.

Potential Action Items:

  • Reach out to John Martin and others to bring them into the group.
  • Consider inviting Kelly McCall to participate in the conversation.
  • Explore the possibility of involving media personalities like Michael Schwartz and Richard Foster in the discussions.
  • Plan for future programming, workshops, or events related to AI and generative technology. Identify a ChamberRVA committee to run this through.
  • Share articles and resources related to AI between meetings.
  • Establish a public platform or site to share information and resources about AI.
  • Consider involving the voice of industry to gain insights into their perspectives on AI.

Potential / New Stakeholders

  • Kelly McCall, Meta (Harold Fitrer)
  • Brittany Griffith (ASM Richmond) – New to Group
  • John Martin, RVA757 Connects (Rebecca connected John Martin & Will Melton)
  • Jamie Swain, VPM (media) (Andy Poarch)
  • Kym Grinnage, NBC12 (media) (Will Melton / Andy Poarch)
  • Michael Schwartz,. BizSense (media) (Andy Poarch)
  • Richard Foster, Virginia Business (media) (Andy Poarch)