Friday, October 11, 2024

Chamber Insights: November 2023

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce held our largest Business After Hours yet! Hosted and sponsored by Campana Waltz West in September, greater Williamsburg business professionals came together for an evening of networking, stellar food, beer, wine and community. We welcomed new members and caught up with old friends.

Sign up for the next networking event at connect.businesswilliamsburg.com/events.

Our education program – Pathways2Careers held their first company visit on Monday to business host Chesapeake Bank. Students enjoyed learning about the varied careers available at Chesapeake Bank to include banking, IT, marketing, and management. After dinner and a tour, students got to try out real situations to learn what the banking industry and company culture was all about.

Pathways2Careers is free to all public, private, and homeschool students grade 9-12 in the Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. Learn more at businesswilliamsburg.com/pathways-2-careers.

Part 2 of our Commonwealth Conversations series featured Carly Fiorina, Founder and Chairman of Carly Fiorina Enterprises and the nonprofit Unlocking Potential, and sponsored by Principle Advantage Government Relations Services, LLC & Southern Bank. Photos by our media partner, Consociate Media. Colonial Williamsburg is the Series Sponsor, and the President of Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, Cliff Fleet, leads in-depth discussions with trailblazers and thought leaders of our time.

Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce meeting with Carly Fiorina Wednesday November 1, 2023.

“I learned how to make a difference by identifying problems and helping to solve them,” she explained. “And I learned how difficult that can be. How hard it is to push against the status quo. But I also learned how many people are available to ally oneself with to make a positive difference.”

Read the WYDaily.com full article here.

Coming up at the Greater Williamsburg Chamber

New Local Businesses in the Greater Williamsburg Chamber

Join us in welcoming the newest members of the Chamber:

All Homes Real Estate Group LLC.
All Homes Real Estate Group enhances your real estate experience by offering you a seasoned professional Principal Broker and a Licensed Realtor! It is a valued service not to be overlooked. They will be your best advocates whether you are buying or selling a home in Williamsburg or the surrounding areas!

Blair Todd State Farm
Join us in welcoming Blair Todd State Farm to the Greater Williamsburg Chamber! As a former schoolteacher, Blair’s agency stands out because of their ability to educate their policyholders and desire to serve the community. At Blair Todd State Farm their customers gain an understanding of how to manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected, and realize their financial dreams.

Classic Party Rentals of VA
Classic Party Rentals of Virginia, Inc. is your premier destination for exceptional event solutions. With a legacy spanning over 25 years, we specialize in providing top-notch party and special event rentals—exquisite tabletop essentials like china, flatware, and glassware to luxurious linens, tables and chairs, tenting, and catering equipment. Our dedicated team ensures seamless and memorable experiences, making every occasion extraordinary

Divaris Real Estate, Inc
Divaris Real Estate, Inc. is the leading commercial real estate company on the eastern seaboard, managing and/or leasing over 35 million square feet of prime office, retail, and industrial space throughout the US. Headquartered in Virginia Beach, Va. with offices in Tysons, Newport News, Norfolk, Richmond and Roanoke, Va.; Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C.; Beverly Hills, Calif.; and Rockville, MD, Divaris Real Estate and Divaris Property Management Corp. are divisions of The Divaris Group, an international fully integrated real estate services, brokerage, and property management company.

Dog Rescue Flights
Dog Rescue Flights helps rescue dogs from overcrowded shelters and flies them to sanctuaries, no-kill shelters, and adoptive homes to receive the love and care they deserve.

DreamMaker of Williamsburg
DreamMaker of Williamsburg specializes in kitchen, bathroom, interior, and accessible remodeling. They also offer cabinet refacing, general contracting, and commercial remodeling. Their Owner/Operator Yusuf Atay, has his Class A contractors license, with a background in engineering. Yusuf is passionate about home remodeling and design, especially for Kitchens & bathrooms. Stop by to chat with Yusuf about his amazing professional journey to opening his own business.

Sands Anderson PC
At Sands Anderson, embracing a transparent, forthright environment is in their DNA — and they are there to provide the resources and guidance needed, today and every day. Sands Anderson is a midsize law firm that guides clients with united support for their complete legal needs. They work with clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region who have diverse legal objectives — and desire a thorough, steadfast ally.

Shaffer Evaluation Group
Established in 2013, the Shaffer Evaluation Group provides high-quality educational planning, research, and evaluation services to higher education institutions, school districts, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies. Together, they develop evidence-informed programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of underserved children, youth, and communities across the United States – from students attending schools on military bases to indigenous communities in some of our country’s most remote regions.

Non-Profit Spotlight: Williamsburg Area Meals on Wheels

Williamsburg Area Meals On Wheels was formed in 1974 to fight hunger and to serve the growing needs of our community. Delivering and preparing hot, nutritious meals daily to vulnerable adults and families in the Williamsburg area is at our organization’s core, however it is so much more than that.

Our volunteers provide companionship and ensure the health and safety of our clients, working collaboratively with complimentary organizations in the Williamsburg Area to further support as needed.”

For 49 incredible years, Williamsburg Area Meals on Wheels has been nourishing the hearts and bellies of our community. And guess what? 2024 marks their monumental 50th Anniversary!

With Winter’s Arrival they’re gearing up to send out their annual letter of appeal with the aim to raise the funds needed to cover the growing need for hot meals. No one in our community should ever have to wait for a meal.

Volunteer Power: Over 200 meals are delivered daily by their compassionate volunteers. They extend impact, offer vital support, and share heartfelt conversations with their clients. Your time, even just 1.5 hours a week, can be an invaluable gift to those who rely on Meals on Wheels.

Our Kitchen: Located at Williamsburg Indoor Sports Complex also has their social enterprise café, Good Food Provisions, where every penny goes right back into Meals on Wheels.

Learn more at williamsburgmealsonwheels.com.

Ribbon Cuttings & Celebrations

We have several ribbon cuttings coming up in our community, which the general public is usually invited to attend.

Ribbon cuttings are unique networking events. Unlike other events, you’re more likely to meet the owners, decision makers, and other key people you usually wouldn’t have access to! Check out the chamber calendar for upcoming events to attend.

Thank you for helping us celebrate these organizations (click for event photos on Facebook):

  • 1607 Coffee Company is a woman owned business with a focus on exceptional coffee and southern hospitality.
  • English Meadows – Williamsburg’s new Lavender Hills Memory Care Cottage is now open. This beautiful campus has a focus on providing quality care for residents and a rewarding & enjoyable workplace for their caregivers. Give them a call to book a tour!
  • Riverside Primary Care – Midtown has expanded to Williamsburg with a beautiful facility. Riverside System has been a strong partner in health in the Williamsburg Community for over 20 years and their board-certified family physicians and medical team provide a compassionate and caring environment.
  • StretchLab Williamsburg is now open – give them a visit to meet the team and experience their customized assisted-stretch sessions. Owners Jason & Jody know that each body is unique and that the right stretch routine can reduce pain, tightness, and increase mobility.
  • Top Dog Grooming is a family owned business providing non-rushed, detailed, and loving care to their customer’s animals. Top Dog also volunteers by providing grooming services to Homes for Hounds, a nonprofit pet adoption and pet rescue.
  • Waypoint Seafood & Grill – Williamsburg  is dedicated to their guests and providing the best possible dining experience to create memories that last a lifetime. They are open daily for lunch and dinner plus have a lovely private dining space available.

Looking to increase brand awareness? Flip through our 2023-2024 Greater Williamsburg Chamber Investment Opportunities & Program Calendar booklet.


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