FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce Hosts
Annual General Membership Meeting
Chincoteague, VA—January 25, 2023: The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend the Annual General Membership Meeting on February 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the Island Theatre located at 4074 Main Street. Light fare will be catered by Bill’s PRIME Seafood & Steaks. Event sponsor is Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board and guest speakers are Laura Messer and Robert Sabbatini. Please RSVP by February 10, 2023 to joanne@chincoteaguechamber.com for planning purposes.
 
A slate of two nominees has been selected to fill 2 seats on the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, which consists of eleven members from various industry sectors. Current chamber board members Jocelyn Grover and Jack Tarr have expressed a desire to remain on the board for another three-year term.
 
The Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board ensures that our Virginia Career Works region has a viable and qualified workforce that is capable of sustaining existing businesses and enticing new businesses by meeting the needs of a vibrant and expanding employment base. The Consortium provides excellence through meaningful services that enhance the quality and availability of the workforce while developing talent for the jobs of today and tomorrow.
 
Laura Messer is a Destination Development Manager for the Virginia Tourism Corporation with a focus on the Chesapeake Bay and Coastal Virginia regions including the Eastern Shore. Previously, Laura spent nearly 14 years with James City County working in tourism marketing and economic development. She has a Master’s degree from Arizona State University and a Bachelors in Communication with a focus in public relations from George Mason University. Laura is a Hampton Roads native, and she loves entrepreneurship and sharing good news.
 
Robert Sabbatini has served as the Executive Director of the ESVA Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Commission since April 2021. During this time, ESVA Chamber of Commerce membership has grown, tourism on the Eastern Shore has increased, and many new businesses look to the Chamber and Tourism Commission for resources and services. Before arriving on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, Robert worked in higher education for the last 20 years and served as the Dean of Students at Hampden-Sydney College.

The 2022 Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce Annual Report is available here. Staff will present their 2023 overview and discuss exciting upcoming events and projects.

Job Fair at Chincoteague Center - March 25 10am - 1pm 
GET TO KNOW THE NOMINEES
 
Jocelyn Grover: Jocelyn retired to Chincoteague in 2017 after enjoying a variety of careers, including but not limited to practicing law and working as a computer tech at a public high school outside Philadelphia. These days, she spends her time volunteering for non-profit organizations including the Museum of Chincoteague Island and currently serves as the Vice-President of both the Chincoteague Alliance and the Eastern Shore of VA Master Gardeners. 
Her interests include gardening, photography, kayaking and travel.
 
Jack Tarr: Jack Tarr has been a life-long resident of Chincoteague Island. He is a graduate of Chincoteague High School and attended trade school in Norfolk, VA to become an electrician. Jack is the president of Jack Tarr Electrical Contractor which he has owned for 23 years. Jack also served as the Mayor of Chincoteague for 17 years and was a Town Council member for 5 years. He has served on many committees in his role as Mayor. One of his major accomplishments was the completion of the streetscape of the downtown area. He also was the co-chair of the Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce Seafood Festival before its move to the Chincoteague Chamber. Jack also serves on the Accomack County Economic Development Authority.
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce  6733 Maddox Boulevard  Chincoteague, VA 23336
www.chincoteaguechamber.com

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About Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce & Certified Visitor Center
The Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce is an organization whereby many different business interests have joined together in a combined manner to maximize their ability to attract and increase the number of visitors to Chincoteague Island. The ultimate goal of the organization is to communicate the message that Chincoteague, the “Beautiful Land Across the Water,” is the most desirable location to visit and/or vacation with family or friends.


Media Contact:
Name: Evelyn Shotwell
Title: Executive Director
Phone: 757-336-6161
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