Chamber Community Outreach August 2025

Sep 8, 2025 | Blog, Culpeper, Featured

August 1, 2025

What an incredible day at BIE Day 2025!

So many meaningful connections were made between our business community and the dedicated staff of Culpeper County Public Schools!

A huge shoutout to:

  • The Eastern View HS staff for setting up all those tables (lifesavers!)
  • CCPS for coordinating the staff to attend
  • The AMAZING students who helped our members unload early in the morning—and then got them packed up again at the end
  • Johnny Ponny Express for helping us wrangle shopping carts from Lowe’s (who graciously let us borrow them!)

This event wouldn’t be possible—55 years strong!—without the incredible partnership we have with CCPS, the support of our volunteers, and the energy of everyone who participated.

We’re wishing all CCPS staff a fantastic back-to-school next week!

And a huge thank-you to our generous sponsors who made this event possible:

Signature Sponsors:

Business Sponsors:

Education Sponsors:

August 6, 2025

Congratulations!

We’re excited to share that Mrs. Chaney, Administrative Assistant at A.G. Richardson Elementary School, was randomly selected as the winner of our gift basket filled with local goodies!

Enjoy, Mrs. Chaney — and thank you for all you do to support your school community!

August 7, 2025

The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce was honored to celebrate our community’s first responders at the 2025 Appreciation & Valor Awards.

This year’s event was a powerful evening of gratitude, recognizing 15 stations across law enforcement, fire & rescue, communications, animal services, and the Department of Wildlife.

We were proud to present 9 Valor Awards, each one highlighting remarkable acts of courage and service. It was a moving reminder of the dedication our first responders show every day.

View the full photo gallery, captured by Kim Atkins Photography and Tyler Martin of Strong Arm Media, here: https://culpeperchamber.com/valor-awards/

August 8, 2025

A huge congratulations to hautetotrotva on their official ribbon cutting and grand opening today!

The shop was buzzing with excitement as community members, fellow equestrians, and couture lovers gathered to welcome this one-of-a-kind boutique to downtown Culpeper. Located at 300 South East Street, Haute to Trot offers luxury consignment of equestrian apparel, tack, home goods, and designer finds — blending timeless craftsmanship with modern style.

Their vision to unite women through a shared love of horses, fashion, and quality is already resonating loud and clear. We’re so excited to have them as part of the Culpeper community!

Stop in soon and see what all the buzz is about! Culpeper Renaissance Inc.

August 8, 2025

What a fabulous day at N Style Fashion Gallery for their official ribbon cutting! Downtown Culpeper welcomed this stunning new boutique with open arms, and the energy was absolutely contagious.

Owner Sandra Reaves‑Yates shared her inspiring vision for a space that empowers women to Right Your Story, Live Your Life, and Embrace Your Style — and today, that vision came to life in style! The shop at 125 E. Davis Street, Suite 100 is filled with curated fashion, accessories, gifts, and so much more.

But the celebration isn’t over!

Join the party tomorrow (Saturday, August 9) for the Grand Opening Celebration featuring:

  • Live DJ
  • Delicious food
  • In-store sales
  • Doors open at 10 AM

Swing by and experience the vibe for yourself — fashion, fun, and community all in one place!

August 13, 2025

Discover How Our Community is Preparing for the Future

In April, the Chamber’s Business Development & Authority Council welcomed Ellen Phipps, Executive Director of Aging Together, for an insightful presentation on the Dementia Friendly Initiative.

Ellen shared why this work is so important and how it’s helping equip our local business community to better serve and support our aging population.

If you missed it, now’s your chance to catch up on this valuable conversation and see how your business can be part of creating a more inclusive, dementia-friendly community.

Watch the presentation here: https://youtu.be/OTLPQXQk6SU

August 16, 2025

Happy 22nd Birthday Pepperberriesva! Come in to celebrate today before 5:00 pm to enter in a drawing for one of 22 gifts. There are refreshments and a prize wheel too!

August 18, 2025

The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Executive Leadership Conference was filled with valuable networking, idea sharing among chamber professionals, powerful learning opportunities and thought-provoking conversations!

We heard an important update from Chancellor David Dore on the Virginia’s Community College System, connected with generous conference sponsors, and gained new insight through Resilience by Design: Building Organizations that Thrive in Uncertainty and Navigating the Future with Crystel Lynn Smith of Crystel Clear Business Strategies.

Our very own Amy joined the VACCE Executive Committee this year and proudly served on the Ask Us Anything panel, sharing her experiences and perspective with chamber peers across the state.

We also explored how trusting teams breed ownership during an engaging session with Sean Quigley of Knighthawk Consulting.

We left the conference inspired, energized, and ready to put these lessons into action here in Culpeper!

August 18, 2025

Outside of the educational sessions, Amy and Sarah had the chance to enjoy some wonderful experiences during the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Executive Leadership Conference last week in Luray!

The Wednesday welcome reception, sponsored by Luray Caverns and hosted at the beautiful Stover Hall, was the perfect kickoff with stunning views, wine, dinner, live music, and great networking.

On Thursday evening, they toured the breathtaking Luray Caverns —a memorable way to connect with fellow chamber leaders while exploring one of Virginia’s natural treasures.

Thank you so much for hosting us Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce!

August 19, 2025

The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Awards Ceremony was a night of celebration, recognition, and inspiration!

The evening included the introduction of the 2025–2026 Board of Directors and the installation of Tracy Hale-Clark of Louisa County Chamber of Commerce as our new Chair. We also honored Regina Hilliard of the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce for her incredible leadership throughout the 2024–2025 year.

A highlight of the evening was recognizing the Executive of the Year, Beth Rhinehart with the Bristol Chamber of Commerce! Beth is so deserving of this honor. She leads a 5-Star Accredited chamber that spans two states, is a Certified Chamber Executive and IOM graduate, and has shown extraordinary leadership. She guided her business community through the challenges of Hurricane Helene last year when her region was severely impacted. Beth has also served as a VACCE Board Member and Chair, and she continues to be a resource, mentor, and inspiration to us all.

Congratulations, Beth, on this well-deserved recognition!

August 26, 2025

Nominate a Community Champion!

The Culpeper Chamber is now accepting nominations for the 111th Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet! Celebrate individuals and organizations making a real impact in our community.

Deadline: September 30, 2025

Nominate Now: CulpeperChamber.com/Awards

Award Categories:

  • Young Professional of the Year – Under 40, demonstrating excellence and community contribution
  • Small Business of the Year – Fewer than 35 employees, embodying growth, service, and innovation
  • New Business of the Year – Open 3 years or less, showing initiative and growth potential
  • Nonprofit of the Year – Making a significant positive impact
  • Large Business of the Year – 35+ employees, showing leadership and community engagement
  • L.B. Henretty Outstanding Citizen – Dedicated service and leadership in the community
  • Business-Education Partnership Award – Supports learning, career readiness, and workforce development through partnerships.

Anyone can nominate, and anyone can win (no Chamber membership required)!

How winners are chosen: A committee of Chamber members and non-members scores each nomination using a matrix based on award criteria. The highest score in each category wins.

Deadline: September 30, 2025

Nominate Now: CulpeperChamber.com/Awards

Quality matters more than quantity! Be sure to share the stories that show real impact!

August 27, 2025

Don’t wait—ticket prices increase after August 31!

Join us for the 111th Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet on Thursday, November 6, at the Germanna Daniel Technology Center. It will be an evening of celebration, recognition, and community connection.

Tickets purchased by August 31:

  • Members: $80
  • Non-Members: $100

Starting September 1:

  • Members: $90
  • Non-Members: $110

Secure your seat today at: culpeperchamber.com/annual-awards-banquet

August 27, 2025

We had a wonderful time celebrating the agents of RE/MAX Gateway and their new office in downtown Culpeper with a joint ribbon cutting alongside Culpeper Renaissance Inc.. It was a beautiful day filled with great connections, delicious food, and plenty of community spirit.

We’re especially grateful for the RE/MAX Gateway agents who are Chamber members:

Candice Southard – Culpeper, Va. Real Estate, Caleigh Edwards, Deb Manzari, Real Estate Agent, Duckett Corbin Team Realtors w/ RE/MAX Gateway, Richard Hicks, Ryan Dickerson, and The Signature Team of Remax Gateway!

Welcome to downtown, RE/MAX Gateway!

August 28, 2025

Yesterday, the Chamber Staff had the pleasure of attending the open house for UVA Health Family Medicine and Same Day Care Dominion in the Dominion Square Shopping Center. This new office is such a valuable addition to our community!

Right now, the space includes 5 exam rooms (with another 5 on the way!), plus a treatment room and lab. They currently have 2 providers and will grow to 5 very soon.

I enjoyed meeting Dr. Ghuman, and her incredible nurse, Kirstie Beamus, gave us a wonderful tour. With 25 years of experience, Kirstie’s excitement about being part of this health system was contagious. She even let Maddox demonstrate how the exam room beds work — they raise and lower to make every patient comfortable, whether tall, small, or anywhere in between. They can recline you flat, sit you upright, and adjust with ease!

If you’re in need of same-day care, they are open and ready to welcome patients now.

A big thank you to UVA Health for continuing to meet the needs of our community!

August 29, 2025

Today, the Culpeper Chamber Non-Profit Council hosted our Educational Luncheon featuring Melissa German from the Center for Nonprofit Excellence!

Melissa shared an insightful presentation on Measuring and Communicating Your Impact—and with 22 nonprofit leaders in attendance, the room was full of energy, learning, and collaboration.

We’re so grateful to everyone who joined us today. Stay tuned—the full video will be edited and uploaded to our YouTube channel very soon!