Virginia Chamber of Commerce

06/18/2026

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗮
VA250 and its local committees and partners are hosting a series of events in honor of the nation's 250th anniversary. Whether it’s by ✈️ air, 🚄 rail, 🚌 bus, or 🚗 road, there is a connected network to get you to these events across Virginia and be a part of this once-in-a-generation commemoration.

Click here to see how you can get around to celebrate the 250th: https://buff.ly/8ZysxYV

Virginia Passenger Rail Authority | Amtrak Virginia | Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation | VirginiaDMV | Virginia Department of Transportation

06/18/2026

Virginia employers are facing one of the most significant shifts in employment law in recent years. The 2026 General Assembly enacted a sweeping package of new employment legislation, with many provisions taking effect July 1.

Join the Virginia Chamber Legal Institute on July 7 at 10:00 AM for a complimentary virtual briefing on these developments and their implications for your organization.

Charlie Meyer, Partner at O'Hagan Meyer and Co-Chair of the Virginia Chamber Legal Institute, will share an overview of the new laws and outline practical steps for compliance. Topics include pay transparency, paid sick leave, noncompete restrictions and expanded wage liability.

Registration is complimentary and required. Register now: https://web.vachamber.com/events/Webinar-New-Virginia-Employment-Laws--1287/details

06/17/2026

The Port of Virginia is a proud sponsor of Sail250 Virginia! This signature event, to be held June 19-22 in Norfolk and affiliate harbors, celebrates Virginia's rich maritime history and commemorates America’s 250th anniversary. The event will bring a fleet of international tall ships, military ships, and historic vessels to our region for a multi-day waterfront festival, showcasing Virginia’s role as a maritime gateway to the world and bringing together visitors from around the globe. Learn more about Sail250 Virginia at https://sail250virginia.com/!

06/17/2026

Today, Interim President and CEO Keith Martin released a statement on the proposed Digital Infrastructure Tax and what it could mean for the Commonwealth's business reputation.

Reversing long-standing agreements puts private investment and local jobs at risk, along with the tax revenue that funds schools and public services across Virginia.

At a moment when states are competing harder than ever for investment, reliability is an advantage Virginia cannot afford to give away. Full statement below.

06/15/2026

Watch Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) Vice President Debbie Melvin on CBS 6 discuss how InternshipsVA connects businesses with student talent, and learn how your company can get involved: https://vedp.org/internshipsva?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23596337753&gbraid=0AAAABC9WGa78NkMr1ueiP4mVQVCTeFeTw&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3K7RBhDJARIsAKRtP5QiWtajUSvoS5d3MROwBtbU2mQDvJrFHGRua82mrSwNgncB7d2U414aArBBEALw_wcB

Watch Virginia This Morning each weekday from 9 to 10 a.m. Find the show on Facebook and Instagram at .

06/15/2026

The House recently shared its $74 billion budget draft for the upcoming 2026–2028 biennium ahead of the June 30 deadline, putting forward a balanced framework designed with 's economy in mind.

The proposal features funding to market the state for business, tourism, and talent. It expands support for paid student internships and work-based learning to connect education with real jobs, while addressing workforce challenges by introducing a public-private employer match for childcare to help companies use it as a hiring tool.

An on-time, growth-focused budget provides the predictability our business community needs

Click to see the specific items the Chamber is tracking and view the proposal here: https://hac.virginia.gov/conference-proposal/

06/13/2026

Virginia's competitiveness rests on the trust that made us a national leader for business investment and job creation.

Former Secretary of Commerce and Trade Todd Haymore writes in Virginia Business on why honoring our business commitments matters. Read more: https://virginiabusiness.com/will-virginia-data-center-fight_scare_other_industries/ Hunton

06/12/2026

06/12/2026

Virginia continues to attract major investment. Google is putting new dollars into thousands of local jobs, skilled-trades training, and lower energy bills for families across the Commonwealth.

The new $15 million Energy Impact Fund will help bring down utility costs, and funding for electrical apprenticeships aims to train 2,741 more apprentices by 2030.

This kind of investment keeps Virginia competitive and creates more opportunities for workers and families. Learn more: https://blog.google/innovation-and-ai/infrastructure-and-cloud/global-network/virginia-community-investments/

We’re helping build the state’s next-generation workforce and investing in energy programs.

06/12/2026

Yesterday, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce was proud to join Gov. Spanberger for the ceremonial signing of bipartisan legislation expanding state internship opportunities for Virginia students.

This new law (HB 54 / SB 286) establishes a state internship coordinator to connect more students with career-building experiences across the Commonwealth.

Internships are one of the most powerful tools we have for strengthening Virginia's talent pipeline. Thank you to the bipartisan patrons and partners who made this possible. We're proud to support a Virginia where every student has a pathway to opportunity.

Interested in getting more involved and supporting internships? Learn more at: https://vedp.org/internshipsva?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23596337753&gbraid=0AAAABC9WGa78NkMr1ueiP4mVQVCTeFeTw&gclid=Cj0KCQjw3K7RBhDJARIsAKRtP5QiWtajUSvoS5d3MROwBtbU2mQDvJrFHGRua82mrSwNgncB7d2U414aArBBEALw_wcB

📷 Photo Credit: Governor's Office

Abigail Spanberger