January 5, 2026
Make Travel a 2026 Resolution Is one of your New Year’s goals to travel more in 2026? Make it happen with Chamber Travel. Join us in October for an unforgettable trip to Tuscany, filled with incredible scenery,
art, culture, and time to explore. Learn more at culpeperchamber.com/travel.
January 7, 2026
Member Benefit Spotlight: Join a Committee or Council!
Chamber members can make an even bigger impact in 2026 by joining one of our committees or councils. Choose from the Small Business Advisory Council, event committees, Nonprofit Council, and more.
This exclusive member benefit is a valuable way to expand your network, shape local business initiatives, and connect with fellow leaders in Culpeper’s business community.
Ready to get involved? Learn more at https://culpeperchamber.com/committees-and-council/ or contact Sarah at events@culpeperchamber.com to find the right fit.
January 9, 2026
Ribbon cutting celebration!
Yesterday, we celebrated The Scott Morris Team at Envoy Mortgage and their exciting new chapter. It was a gorgeous day, and we had a great turnout!
Take a look at the photos and video from the event and join us in welcoming Scott and his team as they continue serving our community.
January 10, 2026
We are proud and excited to showcase the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors for 2026!
Left to Right
Back Row –Rikki Guerrero, Beth Burton, David Jones, Randi Richards-Lutz, Dawn Peters, Stephen King, Nicolas Carrasco, Jim LaGraffe, Ken Bentley, Reo Hatfield, Ron Warner, Heather Schulz, Charles “Jr” Perryman, Amy Frazier
Front Row – Cody Banks, Gretchen Franti, Tabitha Perryman, Wilfredo Golez, Ellen Phipps, Maggie Kardos, Heather Houchens, Nicolle Wootten, Karina Rodriguez
Missing from Photo: Travis Chaney, Lee Simpson
January 13, 2026
Celebrate the release of the Chamber’s annual Community Guide at our Community Guide Release Party, proudly sponsored by the Culpeper Times. This year’s edition is the third in a three-part series exploring Culpeper’s past and present, with a focus on the community’s role in our nation’s 250th anniversary.
Be among the first to explore the new guide, which includes our member directory and highlights the people, places, and stories that shape our community. Copies will be available to take home, and the event is a great opportunity to connect with fellow members and community leaders while celebrating Culpeper’s rich history and vibrant future.
This event is free to attend, but we kindly ask that you register to help us plan: https://members.culpeperchamber.com/events/details/2026-community-guide-release-party-65657
January 14, 2026
We’re thrilled to share that our President/CEO, Amy Frazier, has successfully completed her third year at the Institute for Organization Management – the professional development program of the U.S.
Chamber of Commerce!
Amy spent an incredible week in Tucson, Arizona, learning from top-notch instructors and networking with 250+ chamber and association leaders from across the country.
Since 1921, the Institute has been the gold standard for training association, chamber, and nonprofit leaders. This four-year program brings together the best and brightest for intensive week-long sessions covering everything from leadership and advocacy to marketing, finance, and membership strategies – all aimed at helping organizations like ours run stronger and serve our community better.
This year, Amy’s coursework included:
-Budgeting and the Bottom Line
-Everyday Ethics
-Executive Law
-Using Data to Grow and Sustain Your Organization
-Policy Development and Implementation
-Culture of Innovation
-Strategic Planning
-Building Strategic Partnerships
-Volunteer Development
We’re proud of Amy’s dedication to professional growth and excited about how this continued learning will benefit our Chamber and the entire Culpeper business community!
#IOMeducates #WinterInstitute
January 21, 2026
What an incredible start to Lead Culpeper 2026!
Last Thursday, our newest class of emerging leaders gathered at the stunning Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery to kick off what promises to be an amazing year of growth, learning, and connection.
From exploring behavioral styles with Kathryn Snyder of Catalens, LLC through the LIFO® Workshop to unleashing creativity with Andrew DeNicola’s LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® session, our participants dove right into meaningful experiences designed to strengthen their leadership skills.
The first day wrapped up with an outstanding dinner catered by Shawn’s Craft Barbecue— because great food and great conversation go hand in hand!
We’re so grateful to Prince Michel for hosting us in such a beautiful setting, and we couldn’t be more excited about the talented, dedicated individuals in this year’s class. Getting to know each of you has been such a pleasure, and we can’t wait to see where this journey takes us together. Here’s to an exceptional year ahead, Lead Culpeper 2026!
January 22, 2026
Day 2 of the Lead Culpeper 2026 Kick off – and what a day it was!
Our participants returned to Prince Michel Vineyard & Winery this morning ready to dive even deeper into leadership development and community connection. The day started with an inspiring leadership session led by John Thalheimer, CEO and Leadership Coach at True Star Leadership, setting the tone for a day of learning and growth. Then we shifted gears. Moving from personal and professional development to
understanding where we are as a community. We were honored to hear from incredible local leaders who shared their expertise and insights on the landscape of Culpeper:
-Bryan Rothamel, Director of Culpeper Economic Development, on the business sector
-Melissa German, Senior Manager of Learning & Impact at Center for Non-Profit Excellence, on the non-profit landscape
-Sam McLearen, Culpeper County Administrator on Culpeper County government
-Jim Hoy, Culpeper Town Director of Public Service, on Town of Culpeper Government
The afternoon brought high energy and team building with Sean McElhinney, General Manager of Verdun Adventure Bound, who challenged our group to work together in new and exciting ways.
As we wrapped up this amazing two-day kickoff, one thing is crystal clear: this class is ready to make an impact! The connections formed, lessons learned, and energy shared over these past two days have laid a strong foundation for the year ahead.
Thank you to all our presenters, partners, and especially to our Lead Culpeper 2026 participants for bringing your enthusiasm and commitment to building a stronger Culpeper community!
January 27, 2026
Culpeper Young Professionals Our First FUN-draiser of 2026 is Here!
Mark your calendars! The Culpeper Young Professionals’ first FUN-draiser of the year will be Thursday, February 19th from 6–8 PM
In partnership with Wine & Design Culpeper, we’re hosting a creative night of networking, painting, and raising funds for our 2026 charity partner, Operation First Response. It’s the perfect mix of fun and purpose!
But we need YOUR help first!
Our council narrowed thousands of artwork options down to a Top 4, and now it’s your turn to decide what we’ll paint. Let us know your favorite design and which one YOU are most excited to create by liking the photo below!
The poll will be open for one week, and we’ll announce the winning painting on Wednesday,February 4th. After that, you’ll have two weeks to grab your tickets and join us for an unforgettable evening.
Get ready to paint, connect, and support a great cause—we can’t wait to see you there!
January 30, 2026
We’re officially kicking off planning for our 112th Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet on November 5. Although the event is still months away, we’re already collecting items for our silent auction.
It’s never too early to donate. We’ll be collecting auction items all year long, and early commitments are incredibly helpful as we plan. If you’re interested in donating an item or experience, reach out to Sarah to learn more. We’d love to include you!
