Welcome from Jennifer

Hello Subscribers,

I’m excited to share that on March 1, I’ll be celebrating my one‑year anniversary as the Chamber’s Member Services Coordinator!

I’ve called this area home for more than 30 years, raising four children with my husband, Dave, and making many trips across the river from Varina. My hometown is Beaufort, South Carolina, and I’m often struck by how similar it feels to the Hopewell/Prince George region. Beaufort sits along the Intracoastal Waterway, so life naturally revolves around the water—much like it does here. It’s also a proud military community, home to Parris Island and the Marine Corps Air Station. My own family first arrived there when my dad was stationed in the area while serving with the Naval Intelligence Service. Because of that, I’ve always had a deep appreciation for communities shaped by both waterways and military service, which is part of why H/PG felt familiar and welcoming from the very beginning.

As I reach this one‑year milestone, I thought it would be the perfect time to share an annual report with you. The 2024–2025 report will include data, photos, and—most importantly—a list of the organizations that make our work possible as members and sponsors. To give the report even more value, we’re inviting a small number of businesses to contribute stories. If your for‑profit organization has an anniversary, a milestone, or something exciting happening, we’d love to hear about it! We’re especially looking for uplifting stories that show leadership, innovation, or a growth mindset. The Chamber board will select a few to feature, and if yours isn’t chosen, don’t worry—we’ll still share it in our e‑news. Please email me HERE.

When I look back at the past year, it’s amazing to see just how much our staff, board, and volunteers accomplish—much of it quietly and behind the scenes. Whether we’re helping individual members, offering concierge-style support to newcomers and visitors, or teaming up with partners across the region, there is always something happening.

I want you to know how much I appreciate each of you. YOU are the special sauce that makes this Chamber special and who we provide a solid menu of value for. If I sound like someone who has spent time in restaurants—that's because I have. Before joining the Chamber, I spent almost 12 years working for a franchise owner in Eastern Henrico, doing marketing, employee training, and community outreach. I loved helping people and supporting the community, and this role lets me do that in an even bigger way. So, when you hear me say “my pleasure,” it's not just a habit, I mean it. I genuinely love what I get to do here.

Thank you for welcoming me so warmly into this role. I’m grateful to be here, and I’m excited for all that’s ahead!

Jennifer

PS. Stop by the chamber on my anniversary date – Monday, March 2 between

12 and 2. I’ll be serving up some of my favorite things from HPG – a taste of HPG on Jenniversary.

2026 Prince George County Biz Lunch -

Postponed to Thurs, February 26th, Noon

Hosted by the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) featuring GO TEC and other business resources.

Last year businesses in Crosspointe, Southpoint, Interstate 460, Exit 45, Carson, Disputanta came together with County staff to meet each other, share resources, and focus on the future. This year we will see a GO tec lab, similar to ones available to students in the region's public schools. Space will be limited so you will want to register early for this special gathering. For more information and to register HERE.

Easy Referrals at January Monthly Lunch!

The first monthly lunch brought together library staff, new and seasoned members, prospective members, a chamber board member and City Councilor, Lovena Rapole, Deb Newman, our guest speaker, brought her signature energy and encouragement along with words of wisdom from her journey as an entrepreneur.  HERE is her take on the experience.

Hopewell Lobby Day



Chamber Board Member and Advocacy Chairperson Terelle Robinson and CEO Becky McDonough joined chamber members, Interim City Manager, Michael Rogers and City staff for 026 Hopewell Lobby Day hosted by the leaders of the City of Hopewell. The purpose was to visit with State Senators and Delegates to promote the City of Hopewell. We appreciate Delegate Dougherty and Senator Aird for spending time with us.

CASCOM New Year Community Reception

Members of CaRMA and the H/PG Chamber were excited to attend the New Year Community Reception hosted by CASCOM and Fort Lee. This event brought together our military, area partners, and local leaders to celebrate this past year’s accomplishments and strengthen the connections that make our region so special.

CaRMA and the Chamber were honored to be recognized for supporting the Adopt a Soldier program, spearheaded by CASCOM’s Command Sgt. Maj. Nickea K. Harris. We were grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful initiative.