Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce

10/23/2026

AI is changing the way we work, but are we thinking big enough about what it can actually do for our businesses?

Yesterday, our first ChamberWorks Business Academy cohort explored that question with Dr. Anand Rao from the University of Mary Washington during our Technology & AI Tools session.

One of the biggest takeaways was a shift in how we approach AI. As Dr. Rao explained, “If you just have it act the same way you did, then you've really limited the capabilities of what that work could be.”

Rather than simply using AI to complete everyday tasks faster, he challenged participants to rethink their workflows, ask better questions and explore opportunities they may not have considered before. Through hands-on exercises and thoughtful conversations, our cohort put those ideas into practice while also discussing the importance of security, accuracy and human oversight.

A special thank you to Dr. Rao for sharing his knowledge and encouraging our participants to think differently about the future of their businesses!

Thank you to Shore United Bank for sponsoring our delicious lunch and for supporting the ChamberWorks Business Academy. We're grateful to our Academy sponsors, SimVentions and Shore United Bank, for investing in this inaugural cohort and helping us bring these learning opportunities to our business community.

10/23/2026

We're finishing 2026 strong, and there are still plenty of opportunities to connect before the year comes to a close!

From networking at Network at Nite to important conversations about veterans, business and our region's legislative priorities, our remaining events offer opportunities to build relationships, exchange ideas and be part of the conversations shaping the Fredericksburg region.

We'll wrap up the year with our CNEW Awards & Silent Auction, bringing together incredible women in business and community leadership for an afternoon of recognition, celebration and giving back.

And don't forget about our upcoming ribbon cuttings! There's always something worth celebrating in our business community.

Connection, collaboration and celebration. That's what our region is all about, and we'd love for you to be part of it.

Visit www.fredericksburgchamber.org to explore our remaining 2026 events, register and make the most of the year ahead!

10/23/2026

“It's important to execute the mission, but it's more important to care for the people.”

What makes someone a leader worth following?

For Dr. Terrance Sanders, leadership has always been about influence, character, and the people we choose to invest in.

In the latest episode of Leader 2 Leader, Chamber President & CEO Susan Spears sits down with Terrance to talk about his journey from Army private to Lieutenant Colonel, the mentors who changed the course of his life, and the experiences that inspired him to establish A Father's Legacy.

Their conversation is a thoughtful reminder that sometimes the greatest impact we make as leaders comes from recognizing potential in someone else and taking the time to help them see it, too.

Listen to the latest episode of Leader 2 Leader and discover why the legacy we leave is often found in the people we've helped along the way.

🎧https://tr.ee/CydEK7

10/21/2026

10/21/2026

Veterans bring leadership, experience, and valuable skills to the workplace. Is your business making the most of this incredible talent pool?

Join us for Regionalism Matters: Veterans & Business, in partnership with the Fredericksburg Regional Military Affairs Council (MAC), as we explore how businesses can connect with veteran talent, strengthen their workforce, and create meaningful career opportunities for those who have served.

We're bringing together regional leaders for a conversation on veteran employment, workforce development, and the opportunities available to businesses across our region.

Our panelists include:
• Dale Sisson, Fredericksburg Regional Military Affairs Council (MAC)
• Leonard Kenon, Fawn Lake Veterans Group
• Steve Cox, Rappahannock Goodwill Industries

Moderated by Joe Caliri, President & CEO of SimVentions and Chairman of the Fredericksburg Regional Military Affairs Council.

Whether your business already hires veterans or is looking to expand its talent pipeline, this is a conversation worth being part of.

Tap the link to register today and join us in building a stronger workforce for the Fredericksburg region! https://tr.ee/qQUWPI

Tickets: $40 Members | $65 Future Members | $25 Students

Special thanks to our Regionalism Matters Series Sponsor, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, for supporting these important regional conversations.

10/19/2026

AI is becoming a bigger part of how we do business, but are you making the most of it?

This Wednesday, join Dr. Anand Rao from the University of Mary Washington for our ChamberWorks Business Academy session on Technology & AI Tools. Learn practical ways to use AI and technology to save time, improve marketing, make better decisions, and grow your business.

Today is the last day to register! You don't have to be enrolled in the full academy to participate. You can audit this individual session for $150.

Wednesday, October 21 | 9 AM to 1 PM

Special thanks to our Business Academy sponsors: SimVentions, Shore United Bank, Matern Staffing, Marshall Accounting, and The UPS Store.

Register today: https://tr.ee/b5ZlFJ

10/17/2026

10/17/2026

What a way to wrap up three incredible days in Lynchburg!

Our final stop of the 2026 Regional InterCity Visit brought us to Liberty Mountain Snowflex, where we spent the afternoon learning how Lynchburg is bringing schools, employers, and workforce organizations together to create more opportunities for its community.

We started with remarks from Steve Cox, President & CEO of Rappahannock Goodwill Industries, who introduced Dr. Scott Hicks, COO of Liberty University. Dr. Hicks welcomed our group and shared how Liberty is preparing students for their future careers. Jacob McCaleb of Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board also joined us to speak about the importance of building a strong talent pipeline.

Our final panel was moderated by Christine Kennedy of the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and featured Tori Gilmartin of the Alliance, Ashley Wilson of Campbell County Public Schools, Dr. Jason Ferguson of Central Virginia Community College, Alisha Meador of Framatome, and Dennis Coan of Lynchburg Beacon of Hope.

We learned how their region is connecting students with internships, apprenticeships, and career opportunities while making sure schools and businesses are working toward the same goals. There were plenty of ideas that felt relevant to the work happening right here in the Fredericksburg Region.

After the panel, we gathered for one final group debrief to reflect on everything we'd experienced over the past three days. And of course, we couldn't leave Snowflex without having a little fun tubing down the mountain!

A huge thank you to the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, all of our wonderful hosts and speakers, and everyone who helped make this trip such a memorable experience.

We also want to recognize the sponsors whose support made this experience possible:

All-Session Presenting Sponsor: Bay Consortium Workforce Development Board, Inc.
Platinum Sponsor: Rappahannock Goodwill Industries
Welcome Reception Sponsor: Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
Welcome Dinner Sponsor: Obsidian Solutions Group
Breakfast Sponsor: SimVentions
Briefing Book Sponsor: Discover Next Step

And a special thank you to Bloomia for providing the beautiful flowers for our panel!

We're coming home with new friendships, fresh ideas, and plenty to think about as we continue working to make the Fredericksburg Region an even better place to live and work.

Leverage What You've Got!

10/16/2026

Transportation plays a vital role in connecting our communities, supporting businesses, and driving economic growth across the Fredericksburg region.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Regionalism Matters: Transportation Forum! The conversations highlighted the importance of regional collaboration as we look toward the future of transportation, infrastructure, and continued growth.

A special thank you to our speakers and panelist for sharing their insights, our attendees for being part of the conversation, and Rappahannock Electric Cooperative and Omniride for sponsoring this event.

Together, we're building a stronger, more connected region!