February 6, 2026
Sarah and Amy traveled to Richmond to represent the Culpeper business community at Chamber Day at the Capitol, ensuring our local employers and workforce are part of the conversation during the General Assembly session.
The day focused on priorities outlined in Blueprint Virginia 2035, including:
-Workforce Development – addressing labor shortages and strengthening talent pipelines
-Competitiveness – improving Virginia’s business climate
-Trade & Innovation – supporting economic growth and innovation
-Regional Development – advancing strategies that help communities like Culpeper thrive
The event included policy briefings, strategic discussions, and valuable networking with business leaders from across the Commonwealth.
While in Richmond, we also stopped by to visit:
• Gina, Legislative Assistant for Delegate Karen Hamilton
• James, Chief of Staff for Senator Bryce Reeves
It was great to check in, say hello, and pass along our appreciation for the important work they are doing supporting and representing Culpeper in the General Assembly.
We’re continuing to grow our advocacy efforts and were proud to bring Culpeper’s business perspective to the Capitol.
February 10, 2026
Did you know you can drop off food donations for the Culpeper Food Closet at our office, 629 Sperryville Pike? Here are this week’s needs. Every donation, big or small, makes a difference!
February 13, 2026
Sarah enjoyed attending the Morning Coffee Networking Event hosted by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Inc. in partnership with Grymes Memorial School. It was a fantastic turnout with many great conversations and new connections.
It was also a wonderful opportunity to spend time at Grymes Memorial School and learn more about their programs. For families in our area, Grymes offers convenient bus service from Culpeper to the school, making it an accessible option within our region.
February 16, 2026
The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce Futures Foundation is officially registered for Give Local Piedmont 2026! Thank you Northern Piedmont Community Foundation for coordinating this incredible day of generosity across our region!
The Culpeper Futures Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals in Culpeper County and beyond by funding scholarships and educational opportunities. Through strategic partnerships and investments, we support economic vitality and community well-being — because when education and professional development are accessible to all, our entire community thrives.
Mark your calendar: May 12, 2026
This is your chance to make a real, lasting impact by supporting organizations that are building a stronger future right here at home.
Are you a nonprofit in the region?
Now is the time to register and be part of this powerful day of giving!
February 18, 2026
Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Join us for the Chamber Travel adventure to Tuscany, departing October 6.
Save $100 when you place your trip deposit by March 31.
Your trip includes:
-Round-trip airfare
-Seven nights in one first class hotel
-Ten meals
-Sightseeing and admission per the full itinerary
-A professional tour manager
-Baggage handling
-The chance to build lasting friendships with fellow travelers
-You can also add an optional two-night extension to Rome.
Spaces fill quickly, so now is a great time to reserve your spot.
Learn more at CulpeperChamber.com/travel.
February 21, 2026
Culpeper Young Professionals: Thank you Wine & Design for hosting us! We had a great time! Ashley was so helpful and patient! We truly appreciate your support and kicking off our 2026 fundraising for Operation First Response!
February 21, 2026
What a special evening for our business community!
The Culpeper Chamber of Commerce and Rappahannock Media & Culpeper Times were proud to partner together to host the Community Guide Release Social and Retirement Celebration honoring Tom Spargur.
Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate the release of the new Community Guide and to recognize Tom for his incredible years of service and dedication. It was a fantastic night filled with meaningful networking, laughter, memories, and heartfelt appreciation.
Tom has been a true friend and champion of Culpeper’s business community. His commitment to telling our stories, supporting local businesses, and strengthening connections throughout our region has made a lasting impact.
We are so grateful to all who attended and helped make the evening so memorable.
Happy Retirement Tom and Thank you!
February 21, 2026
Lead Culpeper is on the move!
After our January retreat kickoff, our 2025 Lead Culpeper cohort hit the ground running with their very first touring day last Friday and what a day it was! February’s theme was Economic Development & Large Industry Day, and Culpeper delivered in a big way.
We kicked things off at the Culpeper Economic Development Office with an insightful overview from Director of Culpeper Economic Development Bryan Rothamel, then boarded the Virginia Rides bus for a day we won’t soon forget.
Our first stop? Merchants Grocery Company, a Culpeper gem that has been privately owned and operated for an incredible 108 years! With 160 employees, 150,000 sq ft of warehouse space, and a reach that spans over 600 convenience stores, 500+ schools, and 20 restaurants!
Next, we headed out to Cedar Mountain Stone Quarry, where history runs deep. Founded in New York State in 1902 and now proudly managed by the 4th generation of the Dalrymple family, this operation produces crushed stone aggregates and manufactures hot mix asphalt!
After fueling up, we made our way back into town for a tour of Hexatronic Rochester Cable. Don’t let the charming 1940s university-style building fool you, behind those walls, a 24/7 operation is producing electro-optic cables for harsh environments, serving defense, ocean research, oil and gas industries, and more.
But perhaps the biggest takeaway from the day wasn’t a product or a process, it was the people. At every single stop, the positivity of the staff was undeniable. These businesses don’t just operate in Culpeper, they invest in their people, and it showed.
We are so proud of the incredible industries that call Culpeper home, and so grateful to the teams at each location for opening their doors to our cohort. This is exactly why Lead Culpeper exists — to connect our emerging leaders with the heart of what makes this community so special.
Stay tuned there are many more touring days to come!
February 26, 2026
What a fantastic night at the SAFE – Services to Abused Families, Inc Annual SAFE Mardi Gras Luxury Bingo Masquerade Ball!
It was truly an honor to attend and sit with Executive Director Lauren Wynn while enjoying an evening full of fun, fellowship, and a little friendly competition! From the festive décor to the excitement of each bingo round, the energy in the room was incredible.
Most importantly, it was all in support of an organization that does such vital work for individuals and families in our community. SAFE continues to be a beacon of hope, advocacy, and support for those impacted by abuse, and it’s inspiring to see our community rally behind their mission.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the night such a success — the organizers, volunteers, sponsors, and all who came out to play and give back. I had a blast and am grateful to support such a meaningful cause!
February 27, 2026
Today’s “More than a Logo: Branding for Non-Profits” educational luncheon, hosted by the Culpeper Chamber’s Non-Profit Council, was a tremendous success!
We were thrilled to welcome 26 attendees representing 25 incredible non-profit organizations from across our community.
Our presenters — Tony Rozwadowski of Rozwaduckie Design and Cody Banks of Banks Graphic Design — delivered an outstanding session on the power and purpose of strong branding in non-profit marketing. Their insights were practical, engaging, and inspiring.
Top takeaways:
Be consistent. Branding works when every touchpoint reinforces who you are.
Be authentic. Your brand should reflect your mission, your values, and the impact you make.
A special thank you to 2B-Q for providing the amazing catered lunch boxes — they were a huge hit and helped make the event even more enjoyable!
Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to such a meaningful conversation.
Not able to join us at the Library for the live event? Not a problem! You can watch the recording on the Chamber YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/URoqfkIpa_I
February 27, 2026
Today, we attended the Community Project Funding Award Ceremony, where Representative Eugene Vindman visited Culpeper to present two grants supporting local safety and connectivity
The Town received funding to install solar-powered call boxes in our parks and along trails. These call boxes will help reduce emergency response times and help people feel safer while enjoying outdoor spaces.
The County received funding for the Simms Drive Extension Project. This project will improve safety and walkability for more than the students and staff at Pearl Sample and A. G. Richardson. It will also help everyone who drives along Route 15 during school drop-off and pickup. More than 1300 students attend these two schools, so this investment will make a real difference.
A great day for the community and a meaningful step toward a safer and more connected Culpeper.
February 27, 2026
The 2026 State of the Community will be here before you know it.
Join us on March 18 for a morning of updates and insights on the issues shaping Culpeper, including Public Safety, Community Health and Wellbeing, and Childcare. Connect with fellow business and community leaders while staying informed on the topics that matter most.
Tickets are available now. Secure your seat today and be part of the conversation.
https://members.culpeperchamber.com/…/2026-state-of-the…
