Meet our Subject Matter Experts:

Stephanie Heinatz, Founder and CEO of Consociate Media

Cutting her teeth as a newspaper journalist and working on assignments from her own hometown, to the remote areas of East Africa to war-torn Iraq, Stephanie believed one thing – stories are the most powerful way to reach people and inspire change. She brings that same strategy to Consociate Media, where she specializes in working with business owners, legislative initiatives, economic development programs, non-profit organizations, tourism efforts and individuals to strategically plan and execute storytelling across a wide range of new and traditional media.

Founded in 2011, Consociate Media is a woman-owned marketing, public relations and communications firm based in Gloucester, Virginia. In today’s ever-changing media world, one thing has always held true — insightful storytelling and communications remain the most important way to inspire change and move people to action. That communication happens across multiple mediums in today’s landscape — from online to press outlets to inperson engagements. Consociate Media’s partners come together with the skillsets to develop the narrative (in words and pictures and video, online and off) to help inspire that change and move people to action.

Kylie Ross Sibert, VP of Marketing & Communications at Retail Alliance

Kylie Ross Sibert is the Vice President of Marketing & Communications at Retail Alliance. She joined Retail Alliance as the Director of Corporate Communications in 2012.  Her 30 years in the communications and marketing industry across multiple countries and continents has provided invaluable insight into consumers, cultures, and both multinational and small local businesses. 

Kylie has extensive experience in developing and executing simple to complex marketing and communication projects throughout her career, including goal setting, research, managing budgets, KPIs, reporting, and teams. This included working with outside agencies and suppliers.

More recently, Kylie co-wrote a grant for DHCD’s Business Resurgence Grant which we received in 2023. Kylie is also team lead on the 2024 rollout of the $100,000 grant, working with business owners in Phoebus and the Retail Alliance Technical Team, made up of experienced consultants.

She is heavily involved in the planning, development, and implementation of new strategies within the organization, working closely with President/CEO Jenny Crittenden and the various internal teams and external agencies.

She has been sought after by television networks, newspaper and magazine publications for her expertise and industry knowledge.

Retail 360 employs a unique format where participants are divided into two groups, ensuring diverse perspectives and comprehensive discussions. Every 40 minutes, attendees will rotate tables, allowing for an enriching exchange of ideas and insights. Each table will be facilitated by a subject matter expert, guiding discussions on the designated topic.

The event will kick off with a brief networking time, providing attendees with the chance to forge new connections and strengthen existing relationships. Refreshments will be available throughout the event.