Issue 8. August.2026

Helping Businesses Start, Grow and Succeed

⚓ TIME SENSITIVE: VOTING ENDS AUG. 16

Help Bring a Statewide Recognition Here

Many Chamber members will remember the wonderful time we had at our Member Appreciation Social at Good Ship Brewing & Eatery in April. Their outstanding hospitality, great food, and welcoming atmosphere demonstrated why they have become a local lifestyle amenity and tourism asset.

That's why the H/PG Chamber proudly nominated Good Ship Brewing & Eatery for the Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association's 2026 New Restaurant of the Year Award and now they we chosen by VRLTA to be one of seven finalists! (It's not the first time we have nominated members-winners include: Pamplin Park/Colin Romanick; Saucy's/Tom McCormack; Stay Over Suites/Peter Saless all won!)

Now, we need your vote. VOTE.goodshipbrewingco.com

A win for Good Ship would do more than recognize a new local entrepreneurial startup, it would bring statewide attention to Downtown Hopewell, support revitalization efforts, attract visitors, and highlight the positive momentum happening throughout our region. If you haven't been there yet, stop in for lunch or dinner - kids love playing in the outdoor area while you relax.

Please take a moment to support Good Ship and our community by casting your vote today.

🗳️ Vote here: Vote for Good Ship Brewing & Eatery

Special thanks to member, Bryce Hipps Creative for helping us present this contest to you.

August - This Month's Focus:

Goal Setting and Planning

H/PG Chamber is partnering with Virginia Credit Union to bring a Financial Literacy Platform to our members and their teams. Monthly tips - with additional programing coming soon.

Monthly Seminar: SMART Money Goals

Build a Better Budget

Build Your Financial Confidence - from Virginia Credit Union

HERE.

SuccessAtWork@vacu.org

Welcome Newest Members!

A1 Door Company

Canteen

Chesapeake Bank

Colonial Heights Food Pantry

Elliot Eliades (Link to Kiwanis Wine Fest)

Genedge

Habor Blast

Jennett Pulley Real Estate

Katie Burge Stylist, Bella Vita, PG County

NVR/Ryan Homes

Old Dominion Electric Coop

Optimal Termite and Pest Control

Pearson Tire & Automotive Services Inc

Perkinson Center for the Arts & Education

Petersburg Battlefield Foundation, Inc.

Radioactive

Saunder's Electrical

Swift Creek Contracting, INC.

Trinity Title and Settlement

Virginia Rider Magazine

WJ Lawncare

Zaxby's Hopewell

With the shrinkage of local media options, the chamber is an important source of news for people and organizations who are having anniversaries, major milestones, hiring successes, community volunteerism. When we share this news we hope it is encouraging to others and is an antidote to a negative news cycle. If we have missed your news, please help us share it by contacting the chamber office. 804-541-2461.

Recognizing Jeanie Langford of Appomattox Regional Library System for her commitment and talent in bringing history to life for us! If you didn't make it to the Chamber Lunch, look for her lectures during the summer provided by Historic Hopewell Foundation at the American Legion Meeting Room.

Recognizing Prince George Historical Society represented by Ann Easterling for presenting our history, and celebrating Czech Slovak heritage and all of Prince George' County VA history. If you haven't been to the Prince George Regional Heritage Center, it's a treat for all ages.

Recognizing Historic Hopewell Foundation for its outstanding work in bringing people together to celebrate and appreciate Hopewell's unique history and cultural heritage. Weston Manor is a Hopewell gem. Stop by and visit if you haven't in a while.

Administrative Manager Brianna Gettier, Trustee Jeanie Langford, and Trustee Bill Auton accepting the certificate.

July Lunch - Chamber Tribute to America's 250th

For those of you who missed the July lunch - here is the story of James Armistead Lafayette, a Virginia man born into slavery who played a pivotal role in the American Revolution.

With permission from his enslaver, James joined the Patriot cause and served under the Marquis de Lafayette. Posing as a runaway slave, he infiltrated British camps and became a double agent, gathering critical intelligence on British troop movements while feeding misleading information to the enemy. His bravery and resourcefulness provided General George Washington and Lafayette with valuable information that helped lead to the decisive American victory at Yorktown in 1781.

After the war, with the support of the Marquis de Lafayette, James obtained his freedom and adopted the surname "Lafayette" in honor of the general who recognized his courage and service. His story remains one of the most inspiring examples of patriotism, sacrifice, and perseverance in our nation's history.