Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

08/21/2026

Ten years. Five localities. One region coming together to honor those who serve.

On August 19, we celebrated a decade of gratitude at the 10th Annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast, recognizing the extraordinary individuals and teams who serve Caroline County, King George County, the City of Fredericksburg, Stafford County and Spotsylvania County.

From life saving actions and acts of heroism to innovation, mentorship, emergency communications and careers dedicated to public safety, this year’s honorees reminded us that keeping our communities safe takes a team.

Thank you to our first responders, public safety agencies, sponsors, business leaders and community partners who joined us for this milestone celebration. And congratulations to each of our 2026 award recipients. Your courage, dedication and commitment to serving others make a lasting impact on our region.

We are proud to have spent the last 10 years bringing our business community together to say one very important thing: thank you.

We’re also incredibly grateful to the many sponsors whose continued support helps make this celebration possible. And a special thank you to Larry Stone Photography and Pint Sized Productions for helping us capture the moments, stories and people that made this year’s event so memorable.

Read more about this year’s award recipients: https://tr.ee/Mvuy9R

View and download photos from this year’s celebration:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/6uBoVj9rPQCRnbTx7

08/20/2026

This is a great opportunity for our business community to get involved with and support our local schools. Strong partnerships between businesses and educators help create meaningful opportunities for students and strengthen our region as a whole.

🤝 Together, We Can Build a Stronger Community

Local businesses play a vital role in preparing students for success. By partnering with Spotsylvania County Public Schools, you can help create meaningful learning experiences that connect the classroom to the real world.

08/19/2026

Join us tomorrow at 4 pm to celebrate 50 years with the Virginia Youth Soccer Association! See you there!

08/17/2026

Leadership Fredericksburg is looking for its next Community Action Projects for the Class of 2027!

Nonprofits, small businesses, and other organizations throughout Planning District 16 are invited to submit a project that gives Leadership Fredericksburg Fellows the opportunity to put their skills into action while making a positive impact in our region.

Selected projects should address a meaningful community need, offer valuable learning opportunities for Fellows, and have a manageable scope that can be completed in less than six months. Teams of Fellows will work alongside selected organizations and conclude the experience with recommendations designed to support the organization’s continued success.

Organizations in Stafford, Spotsylvania, King George, Caroline, and the City of Fredericksburg are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due October 2, 2026.

Have a project that could benefit from a team of emerging regional leaders? Submit your proposal and be part of the Leadership Fredericksburg Class of 2027 experience.

Tap here to read more: https://tr.ee/BfRgsC

08/17/2026

Three weeks ago, Susan Spears and Wendy Zelazny were at Villanova University for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organization Management Northeast Institute, serving in leadership roles that supported chamber, association, and nonprofit professionals throughout their IOM journey.

Wendy served as a Class Advisor, while Susan served as Vice Chair of the Northeast Institute Board of Regents.

IOM is a four year professional development program designed to strengthen the leadership and management skills of professionals in the chamber, association, and nonprofit industries.

We are proud to see Susan and Wendy giving back to the program and supporting Northeast Institute participants at every stage, from first year attendees to this year’s graduates.

Congratulations, Susan and Wendy, and thank you for representing the Chamber while investing in the leaders who serve communities throughout the Northeast!

08/17/2026

Wednesday morning, our business community will come together for the 10th Annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast and Awards, and we could not make this special morning happen without the support of our incredible sponsors.

Thank you to our Title Sponsor, LifeCare Medical Transports, and to all of our event and in kind sponsors whose support helps make this meaningful morning possible.

Your partnership allows us to come together as a region to recognize and celebrate the fire, EMS, police, sheriff’s departments, and first responders who serve and protect our communities every day.

To every sponsor supporting this year’s event, thank you for helping us show our region’s first responders just how much their service, sacrifice, and dedication mean to our community.

We look forward to celebrating with you Wednesday morning!

08/17/2026

Ribbon cuttings are filling up our calendar, and we want you there to celebrate with us!

From August through October, we have plenty of opportunities to come together and support local businesses as they open, grow, expand, and celebrate exciting milestones.

Ribbon cuttings are also a great way to network with fellow Chamber members, meet local business and community leaders, and show your support for our region’s business community.

Check out the dates on the graphic and make plans to join us. More ribbon cuttings are always being added, so be sure to regularly check our Events page for the latest additions and event details.

View upcoming Chamber events: https://www.fredericksburgchamber.org/events/

08/14/2026

“Servant leadership with a megaphone.”

That’s how Dori Stewart describes her approach to leadership, using her platform to celebrate others, create opportunities and strengthen the community around her.

Hear more about Dori’s journey, the lessons she’s learned along the way and her perspective on leadership in the latest episode of Leader 2 Leader.

Listen here: https://tr.ee/xD5KGA

08/12/2026

We are proud to welcome Cory McGookin, Executive Director of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation, as the keynote speaker for our 10th Annual First Responders Appreciation Breakfast!

McGookin brings extensive leadership and public safety experience to the stage, including a distinguished career as a Special Agent with the FBI and leadership of the FBI’s National Academy program. Today, his work focuses on developing strong leaders and strengthening law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth.

Join us as we hear from Cory and come together to recognize the fire, EMS, police, and sheriff’s departments that serve and protect the Fredericksburg region every day.

Learn more about our keynote speaker: https://tr.ee/tu9qWo

Register or sponsor a first responder: https://tr.ee/pgAYRO

*Last day to register is Friday, August 14th.

08/11/2026

Last Thursday, members of our Chamber team joined community leaders in downtown Fredericksburg to celebrate the grand opening of the beautifully restored Goolrick’s building on Caroline Street!

Congratulations to Chamber member Jarrell Properties Inc. on bringing new life to this iconic piece of Fredericksburg history. From the return of the historic soda fountain to a sneak peek inside the future Section 7 speakeasy, it was exciting to see the care and vision behind this restoration.

Wendy even got a little behind the scenes look at Section 7 before it opens to the public. We’ll leave the rest for you to discover!

Congratulations to JPI on this incredible investment in downtown Fredericksburg and our community.