Virginia Chamber of Commerce

10/29/2026

Great turnout of 350 leaders from government, defense, and business sectors today at the 2026 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Executive Forum held at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Many thanks to our partners Virginia Department of Veterans Services and Virginia Veterans Services Foundation and headlining speakers including Delegate Mike Cherry, Delegate Michael Feggans, Delegate Jackie Hope Glass, Virginia Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs. From panel discussions and breakout sessions, to the presentation of the Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Awards honoring companies with a strong record of hiring vets, the program offered an insightful look at the economic and national security benefit of our military community and the value of hiring veterans and military spouses to post-service civilian roles. Read more: https://vachamber.com/2026/10/29/press-release-legislators-join-350-leaders-from-government-defense-and-business-sectors-at-2026-virginia-veterans-and-military-affairs-executive-forum/

10/28/2026

We're one day away from there 2026 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Executive Forum on Thursday, Oct. 29, 2026 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. Join the Virginia Chamber, the Virginia Department of Veterans Services, the Virginia Veterans Services Foundation, elected leaders, and representatives from across government, defense, and business for a program focused on workforce strategies, hiring vets, and keeping Virginia strong and competitive in a shifting landscape. Our programming includes a marquee panel discussion with Delegate Michael Feggans and leaders from Avio and CACI International Inc on the "Military Talent Race." There's still time to register and join us: https://vachamber.com/event/virginia-veterans-and-military-affairs-executive-forum/

10/27/2026

Happening Thursday (10/29): The 2026 Virginia Veterans and Military Affairs Forum at the Greater Richmond Convention Center, presented in partnership with Virginia Department of Veterans Services and Virginia Veterans Services Foundation. The event features Delegate Mike Cherry, Delegate Michael Feggans, Delegate Jackie Hope Glass, as well as leaders from government, defense, higher education, and business leaders. Register: https://vachamber.com/event/virginia-veterans-and-military-affairs-executive-forum/

10/26/2026

ICYMI, Virginia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Brad N. Hall was quoted in a Richmond Times-Dispatch article about employment in Virginia, expressing support for policies to stimulate job growth and the economy at a time when hiring has slowed and labor force participation has dipped. In Virginia, private sector jobs account for more than 80 percent of employment. Read the coverage: https://richmond.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_057dc0d8-4093-490b-b770-13300385c219.html

10/02/2026

Nearly 600 leaders from across the Commonwealth joined us yesterday for the 2026 Virginia Education and Workforce Conference.

From strengthening connections between classrooms and careers to expanding work-based learning and aligning credentials with the needs of employers, the conversations throughout the day reinforced an important message: Virginia’s greatest competitive advantage is its people.

Thank you to our keynote speakers, moderators, panelists, spotlight speakers, and everyone who shared their expertise and perspective with us. And thank you to each of our sponsors whose support made this important statewide conversation possible.

We are especially grateful to our 2026 Conference Co-Hosts:
• Virginia Business Higher Education Council
• Virginia Economic Development Partnership
• Virginia Business-K12 Partnership

And most importantly, thank you to our sponsors and attendees who joined us. The energy and engagement in the room demonstrated the commitment that exists across Virginia to preparing our people, and our economy for the future.

09/17/2026

A great afternoon in Richmond bringing together local chamber leaders from across the Commonwealth for the Virginia Chamber’s Chamber Executive Luncheon.

Our local chambers are on the front lines of Virginia’s business community, and the partnership between local and statewide leaders is essential to advancing the priorities that keep Virginia competitive.

It was especially meaningful to welcome Virginia Department of Veterans Services Commissioner John Maxwell for a conversation about how we can work together to strengthen connections between Virginia’s business and veteran communities, an important priority of Blueprint Virginia 2035.

Grateful to everyone who joined us and continues to make Virginia’s chamber network such a strong voice for business across the Commonwealth!

09/14/2026

Today, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce released a statement regarding the announcement from NextEra Energy, Inc. Energy and Dominion Energy and the proposed merger.

The commitments outlined today, including new jobs and investment, workforce development, expanded energy infrastructure, and opportunities to strengthen Virginia’s energy supply chain, could provide meaningful benefits for the Commonwealth and its long-term economic competitiveness.

The Chamber will continue to evaluate the proposed merger and its implications for Virginia’s businesses, communities, and economic future.

Read the full statement: https://vachamber.com/2026/09/14/virginia-chamber-statement-on-proposed-nextera-energy-and-dominion-energy-merger/

08/20/2026

Josh Goyne took over as CEO of Roanoke-based Branch, succeeding Bob Wills and bringing decades of construction industry experience. bit.ly/4wzh16p

08/20/2026

08/18/2026

VEC is holding PUBLIC COMMENT SESSIONS.
We want to hear from you! Your feedback will help guide the development of Virginia’s newly enacted Paid Family and Medical Leave Program. Join us for the final two virtual comment sessions on July 18 and 20th, register here: https://ow.ly/HpwY50ZrZNN