Registration is officially open for our:

2026 VACCE Spring Conference

for all chamber staff members

Wednesday - Friday, March 18 - 20, 2026

George Washington Hotel

Winchester, VA

Hosted by the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber of Commerce

We are excited to share the following sessions scheduled for the event:

• Welcome to Chamber World: Orientation & Inspiration
• Behind the Curtain: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber
• Boundaries & BINGO! - Anissa Starnes, YGM
• The Psychology Behind Events: Creating an Emotional Connection - Cally D'Angelo, Collective Edge Agency
• Trends & Influences: How External Forces Shape Chambers and Communities - Sheree Anne Kelly, ACCE

We will also have breakout sessions on the following topics led by your VACCE peers:

• New Revenue Realities - Successful Chamber Programs
• Beyond Job Fairs - Workforce Development that Works
• Marketing & Communications - Telling Your Chamber's Story
• Chamber Leadership Programs - Building Leaders Your Community Needs 




CLICK HERE for more information and to register.

Explore Blueprint Virginia 2035

We are pleased to share that Blueprint Virginia 2035 was officially released at the 2025 Virginia Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade. Your support of the 2025 Virginia Economic Summit and Blueprint Virginia 2035 empowers our business community, fuels statewide collaboration, and drives forward solutions that keep Virginia competitive. CLICK HERE to download Blueprint Virginia 2035.

For more information on the WiseChoice HealthCare Alliance, please click here.

Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy

Chamber Action Center

Chambers of commerce across the country are taking the lead in harnessing the benefits of the clean energy economy: convening clean energy conversations and events, establishing best practices, and advocating for strong policy. See how they’re impacting their communities here.

Kami

VACCE would like to welcome a new Associate Member:

Kami

Camilla Barrow, Events Marketing Specialist

camilla.barrow@kamiapp.com

770-674-8351

https://www.kamiapp.com/

As a platform built to simplify collaboration, communication, and learning, Kami aligns closely with the work chambers do every day. Being a VACCE Associate Member will allow us to share tools that boost productivity, streamline workflows, and support professional development—helping chambers better serve their businesses, educators, and local partners.

We will be scheduling a Zoom meeting soon to introduce Kami to our membership. 

Lumin Strategies

Lumin Strategies Leadership Update

As we begin the new year, we wanted to share an important update with you. Bryan Fox is stepping into the role of President and CEO of Lumin Strategies. Bryan has been a longtime colleague and trusted leader within our team, with extensive experience working with Chambers, associations, and other organizations on advocacy and public policy initiatives. Brian Francis will continue working with Lumin Strategies as a strategic advisor during the transition, supporting the team and ongoing work to ensure continuity. We appreciate the opportunity to remain engaged with the association and look forward to continuing to connect with you in the year ahead. If you're ready to start advocacy work in 2026, reach out to us at bfox@luminstrat.com.

Ram Management & Solutions, LLC

At Ram Management & Solutions, a family-owned business in Danville, Virginia, we’re excited to start 2026 by celebrating 18 months of helping small and medium-sized businesses streamline operations since our launch in May 2024. Over this time, we’ve supported clients with virtual assistance, bookkeeping, HR compliance, marketing, inventory management, and cybersecurity maturity counseling. Recently, we signed a new contract to help a client create a seamless marketing presence across their social media platforms and website.

As we move into 2026, we plan to grow our team to continue delivering personalized support to businesses across Virginia and beyond. We’re proud to have contributed to small and medium-sized business success stories—helping improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive growth. We’re also grateful for the support of our community and proud to be members of VACCE.

Sierra Learnership Collaborative, LLC

VACCE would like to welcome a new Associate Member:

Sierra Learnership Collaborative, LLC

Sierra Collins, Founder & CEO

Winchester, VA

540-348-4769

grow@sierralearnership.com

Sierra Learnership offers outstanding leadership development through its speaking, training, and coaching services. Tailored for youth and adult learners, their programs are designed to foster lifelong personal and professional growth. Find out more below:

https://www.sierralearnership.com/

We will schedule a Zoom meeting soon for Sierra to share her company services with our members.  

YGM

Considering what your 2026 has in store? Don't leave out these YGM products to help grow your Chamber!



Unloop: We created Unloop--our new sponsorship sales platform--with chamber execs just like you in mind-- leaders ready to step off the hamster wheel of sponsorship chaos and streamline your entire sponsorship sales process with ease and organization.

Visionary Leadership Retreat: If you’re looking to energize your board, set key priorities, and strengthen your Chamber’s impact, the Visionary Leadership Retreat is for you! This one-day retreat is more than planning... we’ll help you position your Chamber as a leader in strength and innovation, impacting 2026 and years to come!

Total Resource Campaign: It's time to permanently transform your organization’s non-dues revenue program through a YGM TRC that activates the total resource potential of your chamber without working overtime or trying to make it all happen on your own.



Make 2026 the year you partner with YGM.  We’d love to help you grow your Chamber!

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber

The Chamber is proud to announce the launch of the Fredericksburg Regional Civics Bee, bringing the 2026 National Civics Bee® to students across Planning District 16, including Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg. Presented locally by the Chamber in partnership with WorkForce NOW, presented by the Oberle Academy, the Civics Bee is a nonpartisan competition hosted nationally by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The program is designed to inspire middle school students to engage in civics, deepen their understanding of democracy, and explore ways they can make a positive impact in their communities. The competition is open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, who will submit a short essay on a civic issue they care about by February 3, 2026. Essays will be evaluated by a panel of judges, with top submissions advancing to the Fredericksburg Regional Civics Bee, a live, quiz-style competition scheduled for April 15, 2026.

Halifax County Chamber

The Chamber is pleased to welcome Susan Throckmorton as their new President & CEO.

Hampton Roads Chamber

The Chamber closed out the year on a high note hosting Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger as our keynote speaker for the 2025 Annual Meeting. In doing so, we have kept our 30-year tradition of hosting the incoming governor for this impactful and celebratory event! 

Now we turn our sights to 2026, very much looking forward to another outstanding year of serving our members and the Hampton Roads business community. 

Many wishes to all of our Chamber colleagues across the Commonwealth on a successful and prosperous new year! 

Highland County Chamber

The 66^th Highland County Maple Festival will be held March 14 – 15 and 21 – 22, 2026. Enjoy free sugar camp tours, unique artisans, all-you-can-eat pancake meals, famous maple doughnuts, entertainment and more! www.highlandcounty.org/maple-festival

Celebrate America’s 250^th in Highland County, Virginia! Visit www.highlandcounty.com/va250 for local events and attractions in 2026.

Isle of Wight Chamber

Through the Chamber's Foundation, more than 30 organizations and businesses came together this holiday season to support our community families through our Isle Cares Christmas program. Together, we served 346 children through our Social Services collaboration, providing clothes, quilts, knitted beanies, and toys creating a brighter, more joyful Christmas and a lasting impact across our community.  

Our Chamber Student Leadership Institute had the privilege of visiting The Port of Virginia as their final leadership field trip of 2025. This incredible experience gave students a behind-the-scenes look at exploring careers, logistics, and how international commerce plays a vital role in our region’s economy. This opportunity reinforces a program year that ignited creativity, entrepreneurship, and leadership in the minds of our high school youth.  

Prince William Chamber

It’s time to recognize local excellence! Nominations are now open for the 2026 Business Awards. Vote for your favorite businesses in Prince William County, the City of Manassas, and the City of Manassas Park, and help celebrate the best of our business community. Submit your nomination by January 7 at: https://pwchamber.org/business-awards/

Top of Virginia Regional Chamber

The Chamber is pleased to welcome Missy Spielman as their new Director Programs & Services.

Virginia Peninsula Chamber

On Wednesday, December 3, 2025, the Chamber hosted the State of the City – Hampton at the Hampton Roads Convention Center, where Mayor Jimmy Gray delivered his inaugural address. The Mayor made a memorable entrance, walking in with the marching band of his alma mater, Hampton University. In his remarks, he highlighted Hampton’s strong business development throughout the year and celebrated the city’s fifth All-America City Award. Mayor Gray also provided updates on major transportation initiatives, including the HRBT Expansion Project, and emphasized the importance of NASA Langley and the innovation it brings to the region. 

On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the Chamber hosted its 2025 State of the Chamber Annual Meeting. During the event, the Chamber highlighted the year’s accomplishments, shared membership, marketing, and event analytics, and offered a look ahead at initiatives planned for 2026. The meeting also included recognition of retiring board members and the election of new board members for the coming year. In addition, the Chamber honored outstanding Annual Partners, leaders, and volunteers, and presented several honorary awards, including the 2025 Small Businesses of the Year, Retail Business of the Year, Non-Profit of the Year, LEAD Alumni Member of the Year, and the 2025 First Citizen of the Year.

ACCE

VACCE is proud to announce that two of our members have been named to ACCE's 40 Under 40 List. This annual recognition program showcases 40 of the industry’s top emerging leaders who have demonstrated success in their careers and made significant contributions to the communities they serve. Please help me congratulate our members:

• Lauren Roberts Carter - Hampton Roads Chamber
• Eric Sichau - Roanoke Regional Chamber

Save the Date - #ACCE26 Annual Convention has been set for July 20-22, 2026 in New Orleans, LA. Please click here for more information.

IOM - 2026 Program Dates

The U.S. Chamber Foundation's Institute for Organization Management has announced their 2026 program dates. CLICK HERE to see the sites and dates for 2026.

VA250 Partnership Program

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 we provide 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.  

Virginia Unclaimed Property

Virginia Unclaimed Property has reached out to chambers across the state through the Department of Treasury regarding funds chambers could have listed to claim. Be sure to check your Chamber against their claim search by using https://www.vamoneysearch.gov/app/claim-search. Your Chamber may have a substantial amount of money available to claim.