May 1, 2025
Yesterday evening, Amy had the opportunity to set up a classroom at Emerald Hill Elementary School for their 5th Grade Family Night Out. It was a great chance to connect with families and share information about some of the incredible businesses, resources, and activities available right here in our community.
We had a lot of great conversations about CulpeperFest, the Culpeper Downtown Farmers Market kicking off this Saturday, the Choose Culpeper Farms Sips of Culpeper program, and our Virginia Regional Transit public transportation options.
Thankful for the chance to be part of this event and for the opportunity to help spread the word about all the great things happening in Culpeper!
May 2, 2025
Amy had the privilege of attending Career Partners 17th E-Squared Finals Competition this morning, and WOW — she was blown away! Every single team brought creativity, passion, and poise to the stage. I was so impressed by the talent and dedication of these young entrepreneurs.
This program is something truly special. A huge THANK YOU to the incredible business leaders who volunteer their time to coach teams in the schools, as well as those who serve behind the scenes in planning, leadership, and judging. Your time, talents and support is what makes this program what it is.
Congratulations to Orion for their big win — well deserved! And congratulations to every student who participated. This competition is no small feat, and you all absolutely crushed it. The future is bright!
May 5, 2025
Honoring a Legacy of Service
The L.B. Henretty Memorial Outstanding Citizen Award has been a symbol of dedication to Culpeper since 1971, recognizing those who go above and beyond to serve our community. L.B. Henretty himself was a true leader—a conservationist, businessman, and civic visionary who shaped Culpeper’s future, including its vital water system.
This year, we proudly celebrate Lisa Peacock, whose decades of service embody the very spirit of this award. She joins an incredible list of past honorees, including T.I. Martin Sr., Thomas E. Franklin, Roy Heltzel, Elizabeth H. Roberts, Nathaniel Jasper, William “Bill” Chase Jr., Mike Dale and more—all of whom have left a lasting impact on our community.
Learn more about Henretty’s legacy and these inspiring leaders in the 2025 Community Guide!
https://www.modernpubsonline.com/…/html/index.html…
May 6, 2025
We had a great time at Mom2Mom-Virginia’s 3rd Annual Kids & Family Fun Expo on Saturday! We loved catching up with Chamber members and discovering even more of the incredible resources they provide to local families. From face painting to pizza and Kona Ice, it was the perfect spring day for community fun.
New this year: families could borrow strollers during the event — such a thoughtful touch that made exploring even easier!
It’s always inspiring to see our members showing up, getting involved, and making a difference. Their involvement is a perfect example of the community spirit that makes Culpeper a special place.
Chamber Members Supporting Mom2Mom: Culpeper County Library, Culpeper Literacy Council, Culpeper County Sheriff’s Office – Timothy W. Chilton, Encompass Community Supports, Empowering Culpeper, Free Clinic of Culpeper, @FoundationFirstVA, Girls on the Run Piedmont, Kona Ice of Culpeper, Locust Grove, Warrenton, PATH Foundation, @PepsiColabottlingVA, PlayDate: A Children’s Museum, @ServicesToAbusedFamilies, @StrongArmMedia92, @UVACulpeper
May 8, 2025
Yesterday, we had the honor of joining the Culpeper Garden Club for a special ribbon cutting to celebrate their incredible 90th anniversary! For nine decades, this group has added beauty and vibrance to our community—one garden, one flower, and one project at a time.
We also helped kick off the Club’s National Garden Club Standard Flower Show! It was truly special to experience stunning floral designs, horticultural displays, and the creativity of gardeners who have a true passion for their craft.
Congratulations to the Culpeper Garden Club on 90 flourishing years! Here’s to many more seasons of growth and community.
May 9, 2025
The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce was proud to set up a table at the Greater Piedmont Realtors® Affiliate 2025 Trade Show and connect with so many Chamber members and passionate professionals who are making a difference in our region.
The Greater Piedmont Area REALTORS® (GPAR) is a professional trade association serving REALTORS® across Fauquier, Culpeper, Madison, and Rappahannock counties. GPAR is dedicated to promoting homeownership and protecting private property rights while equipping its members for success through advocacy, education, networking opportunities, and essential tools like MLS access and lockbox services.
Thank you to everyone who stopped by to say hello!
May 9, 2025
Sarah represented the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce to attend the Friends of the Rappahannock Headwaters Celebration, and WOW — what an incredible gathering of people committed to protecting one of Virginia’s most precious natural resources!
Some powerful takeaways:
38,000 trees planted so far in 2024!
The Rappahannock River is the 6th most endangered river in the U.S.
The watershed spans 18 counties, and it takes all of them working together.
We toured a recent project where 1,300 trees were planted to form a riparian forest buffer—funded 100% by the Dept. of Forestry with a year of maintenance included. These kinds of projects are making a huge difference.
Congratulations to the Culpeper County Parks & Rec team, who were recognized for their outstanding support and advocacy! And cheers to all the county departments working collaboratively with FOR to move these vital efforts forward—including a $150,000 green infrastructure project with permeable hardscapes at Carver.
This celebration was a powerful reminder of the role we all play in preserving our environment for generations to come. Thank you to everyone making a difference—one tree, one project, one partnership at a time.
May 16, 2025
Youtube Educational Resource Spotlight: The Chambers BDA Council welcomed guest speaker, Jennifer Hyson, Registered Apprenticeship Consultant with Virginia Works presents more information on Registered Apprenticeships highlighting how they can help businesses build a skilled workforce while providing career pathways for employees.
Watch Here:
May 16, 2025
We would like to say THANK YOU to the amazing team at Culpeper Economic Development — Bryan and Winona — for putting together such thoughtful and impactful programming for Economic Development Week. From engaging educational courses at C3 to the fun at Business Appreciation Night, every moment was meaningful and built stronger connections in our business community.
We are so grateful to our incredible local government and partners who continue to invest in the growth and success of our local businesses.
And although this is the end of Economic Development Week 2025, he’s to continued education, networking, and fellowship that drives our local economy forward!
May 17, 2025
Volunteer at CulpeperFest – Be Part of the Excitement!
Want to be part of one of Culpeper’s biggest and most exciting community events? Join us as a volunteer for CulpeperFest and help bring the celebration to life!
We’re looking for energetic, friendly, and community-minded individuals to lend a hand before, during, and after the event. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just looking to get involved for the first time, we have a role for you!
Volunteer opportunities include:
Setting up tables and tents
Assisting vendors with unloading and setup
Vendor check-in and support
Parking assistance and directional help
Greeters and welcome team
ID checking and ticket sales
Beer & wine pouring (must be 21+)
Event coordination and logistics
Clean-up crew to help us wrap up strong
Volunteering is a fun way to connect with others, gain experience behind the scenes, and be part of something truly special. You’ll receive a volunteer t-shirt, community service hours (if needed), and most importantly — the satisfaction of helping make this signature event a success.
Grab a friend, bring your positive energy, and let’s make CulpeperFest unforgettable — together! Sign up today and be part of the team that makes it all happen.
May 19, 2025
Last Weeks, Foundation First/ Ready Region North Central Workforce Luncheon was a powerful reminder that when we invest in childcare, we’re investing in our families, our economy, and our future.
The theme, “Strengthening Workforce, Supporting Families,” brought together an incredible group of community leaders, businesses, and advocates to have real conversations about how access to quality childcare directly supports a strong, reliable workforce.
It was wonderful to hear from Jason El Koubi, President & CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, whose keynote highlighted the critical link between early childhood care and education and Virginia’s Talent Strategies.
Thank you to Culpeper Economic Development for sponsoring this important event and continuing to be a leader in supporting our community’s needs.
We left feeling energized, inspired, and more connected than ever to the shared mission of building a better future for our region’s working families.
May 20, 2025
Sarah had a great time visiting UVA Community Credit Union‘s Business Block Party today! Local businesses had the chance to showcase what they do and connect with the community. It was also a great opportunity to learn about the Credit Union’s Elevate Small Business Banking Toolkit.
This toolkit offers flexible banking options, business loans, access to a business resource network, and cool swag when you open an account!
May 21, 2025
Yesterday, Amy had the opportunity to spend the day in Richmond representing our Chamber and connecting with Chamber leaders from across the Commonwealth at the Virginia Chamber’s CEO Executive Luncheon. The highlight of the day was meeting Cathie Vick, the new President & CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce!
Cathie brings incredible knowledge and passion to this role, with over a decade at the Port of Virginia, and leadership roles at Virginia Natural Gas and Transurban. She shared her vision for the future with local chamber leaders, followed by key legislative updates from the Virginia Chamber team and an insightful overview of the ongoing Blueprint Virginia 2035 process.
She also took the time to meet with the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Board of Directors, getting to know the group better and working together to strategize ways to strengthen our efforts and partnerships across the state.
It was a day full of meaningful conversation, collaboration, and forward-thinking ideas — and we’re excited to bring that energy back to Culpeper!
May 21, 2025
We are so excited to see our ads on the Virginia Regional Transit buses around town! Have you seen them yet? Don’t forget to get your Free CulpeperFest tickets at CulpeperFest.com!
May 22, 2025
On a soggy Wednesday morning, the BDA Council made their way to the Culpeper Regional Airport (CJR) for a field trip meeting! While the rain kept us grounded from our planned tour, we still had a great session thanks to an engaging presentation from Chris Godart.
Chris shared valuable updates on:
-East Side Development plans
-Airport operations
-Signature events hosted at the airport
-Future growth initiatives
-And how the community can support impactful programs like AirFest!
Did you know? The Culpeper Regional Airport (CJR) is a public-use, general aviation airport operated by Culpeper County. It serves as:
-An engine for economic development
-A transportation hub for local businesses and residents of Culpeper and surrounding communities
-One of the best general aviation facilities and services in Virginia
Huge thanks to Tanya, Chris and the airport team for their hospitality and commitment to moving Culpeper forward — rain or shine!
May 23, 2025
Planning to attend or vend at CulpeperFest? Make the most of your day by checking out our brand-new FAQ page—your one-stop shop for everything from parking and pets to booth setup, Wi-Fi, food, and more!
Attendee info
Vendor details
What to bring, when to arrive, and what to expect
Get all the answers here: CulpeperFest.com
May 28, 2025
𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗿𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗴𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿! The deadline to sign up for the French Riviera trip is 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝟯 — don’t miss your chance to join this unforgettable Chamber Travel adventure in October 2025.
Spend 9 incredible days exploring charming villages, iconic landmarks, and stunning coastlines—all with the ease of expert guides and seamless planning.
For just $3,799, your trip includes:
Round-trip airfare
Comfortable hotel accommodations
English-speaking guides
11 delicious meals
Guided tours and hidden gems
May 29, 2025
We had an incredible evening last Thursday at the Culpeper County Volunteer Fire Department Co. 1 Annual Parade! The energy, community pride, and dedication on display were nothing short of amazing. We’re so grateful to everyone who entered and helped make this event such a success — your spirit truly lit up Main Street!
We were especially excited to spot so many of our Culpeper Chamber of Commerce members in the lineup — thank you for showing up and representing your businesses and organizations with pride!
Thank you to Culpeper County Volunteer Fire Department for hosting this beloved tradition. We’re already looking forward to next year!
May 30, 2025
Building Success — One Brick at a Time!
Today’s Chamber Nonprofit Council Educational Luncheon, “Building Success: A LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Educational Luncheon”, brought together an incredible mix of nonprofit leaders and board members from across our region.
Through hands-on creativity and deep conversation, we explored:
How nonprofit teams self-identify and connect internally.
The shared mission that links each nonprofit to Culpeper’s vibrant nonprofit culture.
A collective vision for our region’s nonprofit ecosystem — one where collaboration, innovation, and shared values are supported by strong relationships and open communication.
Special thanks to the Culpeper County Library for hosting us in a space that truly embodies life-long learning and communication. With its wide array of free resources, the Library remains a vital support hub for nonprofits looking to grow and thrive.
Together, we’re not just building stronger organizations — we’re building a stronger, more connected community.
