Chamber Day at the Capitol

Culpeper Chamber of Commerce

Culpeper Star Exponent

February  2, 2015

Debbie Stohlman, President/CEO

debbies@culpeperchamber.com

Beginning before sunrise this past Wednesday, members of the “Lead Culpeper” class boarded a bus and headed to Richmond to participate in an annual event hosted by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, “Chamber Day at the Capitol”.  The wheels on the bus went ‘round and ‘round as the group made the trek to Richmond which was to be the final stop on the journey the Lead Culpeper Class began a year ago.

At the 2015 convening of “Chamber Day at the Capitol”, leadership representatives from the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, local chambers of commerce, and the general business community, had the privilege of hearing from several elected officials regarding key business issues facing the 2015 General Assembly session.  It is my hope that this body of elected officials received a message as well - the business community stands strong in its desire for Virginia to remain competitive in a global economy. “The collective voice of Virginia’s business community is essential in matters of economic competitiveness to ensure Virginia is the best place to live, work, and to do business” says Barry DuVal, President/CEO of Virginia Chamber of Commerce.   This final session was the perfect capstone for our Lead Culpeper participants. It was made clear to all in attendance that local and state economies are interdependent.  Policy changes made at any level of government have far reaching effects.

Our Lead Culpeper 2014 participants now have a complete picture of the workings and intricacies of our town, county, region and state.  They are ready to be a ‘collective voice’ to ensure Culpeper maintains a good quality of life for its residents and businesses.

Congratulations to the Lead Culpeper Class of 2014; Mike Breitenbach, Germanna Community College; Jaci Bennett, PDP Group, Inc.; Ashely Carter, UVA Culpeper Hospital; Ed Dunphy, CFC Farm & Home Center; Keith Farrish, Saddle Ridge Farm; Honore Hastings, Verdun Adventure Bound; Heather Houchens, Nicholas, Jones & Co., PLC; Sophie Hudson, Kash Design; Jennie Locsin, Nicholas, Jones & Co., PLC; Tom Spargur; Bobby Stakes, Yount, Hyde & Barbour, PC; Cathy Weaver, Virginia National Bank; Kristen Dowell; Sheila Lyles, Pepperberries; Patrick Mulhern, Town of Culpeper.

The next session of Lead Culpeper kicks off in spring 2016.  If you are interested in participating in this dynamic program, contact me at debbies@culpeperchamber.com.