December 3, 2025
This morning, the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce enjoyed our annual visit from our friends Kaleb and Laura! Their generosity never fails to inspire us, as they once again arrived with gifts for the Culpeper Christmas Basket Toy Drive. Thank you both for your incredible kindness and for helping bring joy to children in our community this holiday season. We appreciate you both more than you know and are grateful for the smiles you help create!
Fraternal Order of Eagles Culpeper #4551
December 4, 2025
We are excited to release the first round of photos from the 111th Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet!
Before we dive into award highlights and celebrations, we want to begin by honoring the team that brought the evening to life.
Our volunteers, staff, and partners worked with great care to make the night special. Thank you to:
• I&L’s DJing & Event Production for sound and lighting
• Shawn’s Craft Barbecue for the delicious catering
• Charleata Williams-Stokes of The Blue Ridge Chorale of Culpeper for the National Anthem
• Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office – Timothy W. Chilton Honor Guard
• Our Emcee Jon Krawchuk
• Culpeper Media Network for filming
• Scott Found for presenting the L.B. Henretty Outstanding Citizen Award
• Dr. Van Wilson speaking on behalf of Germanna Community College, our Signature Sponsor representative
• Award presenters Marty Bywaters-Baldwin and Jason Ford
• Tyler Martin of Strong Arm Media for photography
Thank you all for your support, talent, and contributions. More photos and award moments coming soon!
December 5, 2025
Amy and Sarah braved the winter weather this morning to make it to Richmond today for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Virginia Economic Development Partnership’s Annual Economic Summit
and Forum on International Trade This year’s summit was packed with incredible speakers and thoughtful panels on economic development, innovation, and workforce. Each focused on one shared goal: keeping Virginia the best state for business.
The highlight of the day was the unveiling of Blueprint Virginia 2035, a business-led roadmap designed to strengthen Virginia’s competitiveness over the next decade. This document was presented to Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger and reflects voices from across the Commonwealth, and we’re proud that Culpeper was well represented throughout the regional tour by our Chamber and so many local business and organizational leaders.
We also had the chance to reconnect with many Chamber friends from around the state, making the day both productive and energizing. Grateful for the work being done statewide and excited for what lies
ahead for Culpeper and Virginia!
You can learn more about and view Blueprint 2035 at https://blueprintvirginia.org
December 8, 2025
Last Thursday, our four Chamber Leadshare groups came together for a festive joint Christmas Party at the beautiful Old Trade Brewery & Cidery … and what a night it was!
We enjoyed fantastic networking, great food, delicious drinks, and of course, our always-entertaining annual White Elephant gift exchange!
It was a wonderful evening celebrating connection, collaboration, and the incredible people who make our business community so strong. We truly missed all of those who were unable to join us this year!
Thank you to everyone who came out and helped make the night so memorable!
Thank you to our 2026 Board Member, Nicolas Carrasco, for stopping by the Chamber with a generous donation of toys collected through the Partners 1st Federal Credit Union toy drive! We’re grateful for this
support and excited to pass these gifts along to the Culpeper Toy Drive to help brighten the holidays for local children.
December 10, 2025
The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce was proud to have representation at this year’s UVA Community Health Holiday Reception!
CEO Eric Shannon shared exciting updates on the recent advancements and achievements across their hospitals and clinics – a true testament to their commitment to exceptional care in our region.
Did you know UVA Health operates one of only two National Cancer Institute (NCI)–designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the entire Commonwealth of Virginia? An incredible resource for our
community and beyond. UVA Community Health includes an integrated network of outpatient services across Culpeper and Northern Virginia, along with UVA Health Culpeper Medical Center , UVA Health Haymarket Medical Center, and UVA Health Prince William Medical Center. All are working together to provide high-quality, connected care for our region.
Thank you to UVA Community Health for hosting such a wonderful event and for all you do for the health and well-being of our community.
December 10, 2025
We had such a great time at the Culpeper Christmas Parade this year. It was wonderful seeing so many of our members out there spreading holiday cheer. Enjoy the photos. You’ll see many of our members
tagged throughout. A big thank you to the Town of Culpeper Government, Culpeper Renaissance Inc., the Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office – Timothy W. Chilton, and the Culpeper Police Department for
making this festive tradition possible.
December 11, 2025
Congratulations to the two Virginia Chamber leaders recognized in Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives’ 40 Under 40! Eric Sichau from the Roanoke Regional Chamber, who serves as Secretary of Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives and is an amazing colleague and friend! Your leadership and dedication continues to inspire us all! Lauren Roberts Carter from the Hampton Roads Chamber is also being recognized! Congratulations! And a special shoutout to Macy Kovarik from the Greeley Area Chamber of Commerce in Colorado, who is in Amy’s Institute of Organizational Management class. So proud to see your hard work recognized as well!
Congratulations to all the recipients making an incredible impact across the Chamber community!
December 12, 2025
Amy and Maddox had the best time participating in Nexus Night earlier this week, and we are so grateful to everyone who made it possible!
Thank you to Culpeper Technical Education Center for hosting us in their amazing Maker Space and to Career Partners for bringing these valuable programs to life for both students and our community.
And a special thank you to the Eastern View High School FFA students and teachers for guiding us through creating these gorgeous Christmas centerpieces! They turned out beautifully!
Nexus Nights are held throughout the year, and there’s no set cost to attend -participation is by donation, making it accessible and fun for all.
We’re already looking forward to the next one!
December 12, 2025
The Culpeper Young Professionals are at both entrances of Walmart all day today spreading Christmas cheer and helping raise funds and support for The Salvation Army of the Virginia Piedmont! Stop by and
say hey!
December 15, 2025
Ten years ago, Ed and Gloria Long faced every parent’s worst nightmare when they lost their beloved son, Benjamin Edward Long, to suicide on April 12th, 2015, after his battle with substance use disorder and
depression. Instead of letting grief consume them, Ed and Gloria transformed their pain into purpose. Over the past decade, they have poured their hearts into the Living the Dream Foundation, creating a lifeline for
individuals and families walking the same difficult path their son once traveled. From hosting their annual 5K (which even got Amy to run her first and only 5K!) to offering educational workshops and college scholarships, Ed and Gloria have shown up for our community in the most meaningful ways. Their work isn’t just about programs and events, it’s about hope, healing, and the unwavering belief that every life matters.
We know their passion and compassion has touched countless lives, and there’s no doubt they’ve helped save lives too.
Ed and Gloria, thank you. Thank you for choosing love over loss, action over despair, and for Believing in Every Life. Benjamin’s legacy lives on through every person you’ve helped, every family you’ve supported,
and every life you’ve changed.
Legislative Breakfast Speakers:
