Featured Events
The Chamber hosts between 120 - 150 events each year and we promote these events on our calendar alongside the 100's of Community events hosted by various businesses, non profits and others.
Although each and every event is important and brings value with it, there a few that we like to ask you to pay a bit more attention to.
Our Featured Events are those that are designed to bring value to the entire business community by addressing issues that affect us all. These monthly events are also known as Lunch & Learns and you can read more about them below.
If there are topics not directly addressed but you feel they should, please don't hesitate to contact staff with your suggestions.
Doing Business with the Government
Tuesday April 18th
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
THIS PROGRAM AND PRESENTER IS CURRENTLY PENDING
11th Annual Valor Awards
Wednesday April 19th
6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Ahlstrom Farms Ribbon Cutting
Saturday May 6th
Time TBA
The Raw Truth About Dirt, Development & Construction
Tuesday May 16th
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Mr. Parker has more than 20 years of experience in geotechnical project scoping, geotechnical design, construction testing oversight, IBC Special Inspections, construction materials and special inspections project scoping, project management, and project development. As Regional Vice President, Mr. Parker is responsible for operational oversight of F&R Virginia offices in Fredericksburg, Chesapeake, and Columbia, MD. His activities include branch planning, loss prevention and risk management, direction of branch management, quality control, and various corporate initiatives to drive success.
Mr. Parker has designed geotechnical investigations, coordinated fieldwork and laboratory testing, developed technical report, technical specifications, provided construction oversight, and provided engineering design. In addition, Mr. Parker has more than three years of specialty geotechnical experience with regard to tunnels and underground structures.
Women's Business Council Event
Wednesday, June 21st
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
THIS PROGRAM AND PRESENTER IS CURRENTLY PENDING
Starting a Business 101
Tuesday Jun 20th
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Have you always dreamed of opening your own small business but you’re not sure where to start? Join us to learn:- How to figure out if it’s a valid business idea
- Common business structures
- What licenses you may need
- Financial steps to start a business
As the director of the Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center Christine leads a team of experienced business advisors and educators to help small businesses thrive and grow. We help people start, manage, grow, and sell their small businesses. We exist because we love to see people succeed and achieve their dreams!
Christine has over 25 years of business and industry experience. Christine grew up in a family of small business owners. She has a Masters degree in Human Resources and worked in Human Resources Management with Kraft Foods. Christine is a nationally recognized and certified trainer and public speaker. She has served as the Director of the Laurel Ridge SBDC for seven years. She was named top business consultant/director for the Virginia Small Business Development Center Network 2019.
Writing a Useful Business Plan
Tuesday July 18th
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
- Why investors/bankers want a business plan
- What investors/bankers are looking for in the business plan
- Why the business plan is important to your business success
- How to create a plan you can use to start or grow your business
As the director of the Laurel Ridge Small Business Development Center Christine leads a team of experienced business advisors and educators to help small businesses thrive and grow. We help people start, manage, grow, and sell their small businesses. We exist because we love to see people succeed and achieve their dreams!
Christine has over 25 years of business and industry experience. Christine grew up in a family of small business owners. She has a Masters degree in Human Resources and worked in Human Resources Management with Kraft Foods. Christine is a nationally recognized and certified trainer and public speaker. She has served as the Director of the Laurel Ridge SBDC for seven years. She was named top business consultant/director for the Virginia Small Business Development Center Network 2019.
The Importance of the Customer Experience
Tuesday August 15th
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
THIS PROGRAM AND PRESENTER IS CURRENTLY PENDING
Women's Business Council Event
Tuesday September 12th
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
THIS PROGRAM AND PRESENTER IS CURRENTLY PENDING
The Power of Branding
Tuesday September 19th
11:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Alisha Hathaway advises business-to-business clients on go-to-market leadership roles, specializing in Chief Marketing and Revenue Officers. She is a member of the Customer Activation and Growth Practice and partners closely with clients to identify and recruit leadership roles including CEO, CMO, COO and CRO across industries. With over 20 years of advising Fortune 500 executives, Alisha helps leaders build high-functioning teams and advises clients on leadership strategies such as succession and executive assessment. Alisha joined Russell Reynolds Associates after serving as Vice President of Integrated Media Programs at CNBC, where she focused on building the firm’s thought leadership powerhouse anchored in marquis events and councils, partnering with executives across some of the world’s most impactful companies and organizations. Earlier, at The Wall Street Journal she was an integral part of building and growing the hallmark leadership councils such as the CEO Council, CMO Network, and CFO Network. Alisha also founded the Hathaway Group, a strategic business and marketing consulting firm that specializes in thought leadership, strategic marketing and communications, go-to-market strategies and business development. She is based in Washington, DC