Board President's Welcome

Greetings Members and Friends,

This year is like a tsunami of information and like you I am filtering it to be sure I see what is most important. We have been hard at work putting together a program that is relevant, diverse, and cost effective.

You are seeing fresh priorities, in our dedication to serving you all. In recognition of the demands in our busy lives, we have planned many ways for you to participate; and we will be giving you plenty of advance notice to register. With more time to plan we invite you to expose chamber offerings to employees and associates as a way of connecting them to the greater business community and the amenities in the region.

The Board and staff are also working on an annual report for you for 2024-2025 which will be made available to you. We are pleased to report that we ended 2025 revenue positive with excellent customer service ratings, growing audiences, and active member participation.

I am a third-generation native of the area. My wife and I live in Hopewell with our two sons. In my day job I have the privilege of helping educate our youth, engage with parents and teachers, and partner with local businesses and civic clubs.  

My fellow board members recruited me to lead the chamber this year. We have challenges in our region, but we also have strengths and many opportunities. I am excited to serve and bring positive attention to our area. I appreciate each and every one of you - whether you are new or renewing members, partners, or friends.

Please read on and feel free to share this newsletter with others.

Sincerely,

Brandon

Brandon Butterworth

Head of School

West End Christian School

Hopewell, VA

Meet Your New Board Members

Introduction provided by Chamber Board VP, Andrew Parker

Greetings everyone,

I am excited to introduce you to our newest directors. Please know that the board recruits for diversity of sector, talent, interest, and willingness to serve:

Billy Nahrebecki, Dominion Energy

Billy is an Army Veteran who manages privatized energy on Fort Lee for Dominion and is excited to help bridge business, community, military into one powerful network to get things done. You may have seen him in action bartending at the October Meeting & Mixer.

Afton Pryor, Peoples Advantage Federal Credit Union

Afton Pryor is a PG County native who brings community engagement expertise and special event management talent.

Kelly Tucker, BSV, The Bank of Southside Virginia

Kelly Tucker is a long-time banker who loves rural living; and, in her spare time assists her husband with his fishing excursion business. She is excited to help us provide value to small businesses You may have met Afton and Kelly at the registration table at the Mixer.

To view all of the directors click HERE.

For more information contact chamber staff:

(804) 731-0902 - text messages welcomed! or email.

Chamber Monthly Lunch - January 21

Marketing, Web Sites, and Networking for Small Business

Our January presenter, small business owner, Deb Newman comes highly recommended by small businesses who have needed to redo their website or create their first website. AI is affecting how people search for you. This program may be just what you need to get ahead in 2026. For more information and to register HERE.

This program will be held in the HMA room at the Appomattox Regional Library HQ in downtown Hopewell from 11:45 am - 1:15 pm. These meetings are casual so if you have to come a little late or leave a little early, no worries. For questions contact Jennifer 804-541-2461.

Prince George County Biz Lunch - January 26

Hosted by the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CCAM) featuring the GO tec lab.

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.

Fort Lee Soldier Hosting a Success

Special thanks to CSM Nickea Harris and her Garrison team who received 201 applications to host soldiers this year. Thanks to a last minute stipend more soldiers were able to go home for the holiday. There were 104 adoptions. Seventy soldiers were treated to several outings with host families.

Extraordinary Adventure:

A Georgia family flew into Virginia and picked up 10 soldiers and took them to Top Golf. We received applications from Northern VA, Maryland, GA, TX, TN, CO, KY, DC. WOW!

Testimonial:

Carol Cherich - I hosted 2 AF gents at my home today, 1/1/26 & invited a few other retiree friends and everyone had a great time fellowshipping, eating and played a few holiday games and started a fire pit (bonfire) outdoors.

Personally, I think I enjoyed being a host and following with the military community as I am also a female veteran and recently relocated from Ft Campbell, Ky to Virginia. It was an awesome experience.

I might add that it takes good leadership to organize the event and the AF gents were very helpful.

About the Program:

The program helps service members experience the warmth of a traditional holiday celebration while strengthening the bond between Fort Lee and the surrounding community. This is one of several initiatives sponsored by the Capital Region Military Alliance of Virginia. For more information about CaRMA contact Marian Kamatchi or visit CaRMAVA.org.

Collaborative Offering from

Crater Planning District Commission and Crater Regional Workforce Development Board - Time Sensitive

The Crater Regional Workforce Development Board (CRWDB) is collaborating with the Crater Planning District Commission (PDC) to promote the Chesapeake Bay Landscape Professional (CBLP) certification training. This two-day training offers practical skills in storm water management and native plants. All registration costs will be covered by Crater PDC with additional case management services offered by CRWDB 's Title 1 WIOA Program.  To learn more click HERE

VA250 Partnership Program for Business



As you may know, 2026 marks the 250th anniversary of American Independence, the nation’s semiquincentennial. From its founding ideals to its leading figures, more of what made America happen, happened here in Virginia. Now, Virginia is leading the movement to renew our mutual commitment to those founding ideals, and the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives  and its members play a key role in the success of this mission. Virginia's American Revolution 250 Commission (VA250) is calling on all Virginia businesses to join our movement to educate, engage and inspire Americans to recommit to the values inherent in citizenship, all while helping their brand capitalize on the energy of this once-in-a-lifetime moment. By signing up to be a Commemorative Partner, Virginia companies join the effort to celebrate our democracy by remembering our shared past. This program is free of charge, and VA 250 provides all the necessary tools for Commemorative Partners to engage employees and customers in unique and inspiring VA250 experiences. 

Virginia Department of Labor and Industry - Minimum Wage Increase

Please CLICK HERE for a memorandum regarding the statutory increase to Virginia minimum wage effective January 1, 2026. Feel free to circulate this notice to your members.