Register for an in-depth discussion featuring BK Fulton & Cliff Fleet for The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce’s third installment of the Commonwealth Conversations on Jan. 10. Click here to register.
BK Fulton is the chairman and CEO of Soulidifly Productions , which he founded in 2017. Soulidifly Productions is a film, stage and TV investment company designed to promote more inclusive narratives in media. The company has produced 18 feature films, 16 books and two #1 shows on Broadway since its inception.
BK is also the chairman of 7 other companies and a principal with Ralph Sampson in Winner’s Circle Ventures – a $100 million dollar strategic investment company targeting all entrepreneurs, especially women and minorities.
Prior to becoming a full-time author and entrepreneur, BK was Vice President of the MidAtlantic Region for Verizon Communications, Inc. and President of Verizon Virginia and West Virginia. He has held senior leadership, media, technology, and policy development posts with the U.S. Department of Commerce, AOL, Time Warner, Verizon, and the National Urban League. BK is considered one of the most influential African Americans in technology. He is a Computerworld-Smithsonian Laureate (2000) and his influential writings on technology and the underserved are permanently archived at the Smithsonian Institution.
Meet the New Greater Williamsburg General Assembly Delegation. The people have spoken, and our delegation has some new and some familiar faces! The 2024 Pre-Session Legislative Forum will take place on Wednesday, January 3rd, 2024 beginning at 8 AM in the Williamsburg Regional Library Theater , located at 515 Scotland Street, Williamsburg, VA . Doors will open at 7:45 AM.
The forum will focus on the 2024 Legislative Priorities set by members of the Greater Williamsburg Chamber based on their responses to the 2023-2024 Legislative Survey. In order to be most efficient with the time allotted, we request that attendees submit questions related to the 23-24 Legislative Priorities no later than December 20th . There is no cost to attend the forum; however, you must register in advance to attend.
Presenting Sponsor Principle Advantage Government Relations Group understands the importance of engagement with our elected officials and decision makers. Angie Bezik, President and CEO, encourages Greater Williamsburg Chamber members and the broader community to participate in opportunities to let their priorities be known.
The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host the National Civic Bee, a first-of- its-kind civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. We are calling all 6th, 7th and 8th graders to enter in and flex your civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. To learn how to enter, click here.
Our education program – Pathways2Careers had students visit the Ball Corporation Packaging facility where they learned about the Ball Corporation and its manufacturing process. Students were able to tour the factory and learn about the different career paths available. Throughout the tour students were able to engage with the staff while witnessing firsthand how aluminum cans are made.
Pathways2Careers is free to all public, private, and homeschool students grade 9-12 in Williamsburg, James City County, and York County. Learn more here.
Coming up at the Greater Williamsburg Chamber:
- Dec. 13: Travel to the Amalfi Coast Info Session
- Jan. 3: 2024 Pre-Session Legislative Forum
- Jan. 10: Commonwealth Conversations with BK Fulton
- Jan 11: Business After Hours Habitat ReStore in Yorktown
- Feb 3: For the Love: Annual Gala
New Local Businesses in the Greater Williamsburg Chamber:
Join us in welcoming the newest members of the Chamber:
Join us in welcoming StretchLab Williamsburg to the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce! StretchLab helps increase flexibility, range of motion, reduce pain and prevent injury for people no matter their age, body type or fitness level! StretchLab offers life improving one-on-one assisted stretching provided by a team of Nationally Accredited Flexologists. Along with StretchLab’s proprietary MAPS technology, the Flexologists develop a custom stretch program to help members reach their fitness/wellness goals.
Join us in welcoming the Whisk & Ladle Kitchen Store to the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce! Whisk & Ladle is your locally owned and operated kitchen store in the Williamsburg Premium Outlets. They have a great selection of cookware, bakeware, food storage, cutlery, kitchen towels, oven mitts, aprons, small electrical appliances, gadgets galore and more!
Join us in welcoming Water Street Grille to the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce! At Water Street Grille, they pride themselves on offering a laid-back atmosphere paired with a menu that caters to all tastes. Their menu is a celebration of culinary craftsmanship, featuring a variety of dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. From succulent seafood to mouthwatering pizza, crisp salads, and satisfying sandwiches, our culinary offerings span a wide spectrum, ensuring there’s something delightful for every palate.
Join us in welcoming Soundscapes to the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce! Soundscapes is a youth development non-profit that uses music education to invest in the community by providing immersive, engaging music-making and ensemble performance opportunities for young people to strengthen social, emotional, creative, and critical thinking skills. Soundscapes programs include FREE daily after-school programs at Title I elementary schools, FREE week-long summer camps, and the Peninsula Youth Orchestra offered on a sliding scale. Soundscapes is making music education accessible to youth from underserved communities and changing lives through music.
Join us in welcoming Monkees of Williamsburg to the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce! Monkees of Williamsburg is a Women’s boutique featuring a beautiful collection of designer clothing, shoes, and accessories. Their goal is to provide a personalized shopping experience with outstanding customer service. Opening Spring 2024.
Non-Profit Spotlight: The Avalon Center
The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce our November Nonprofit of the Month , the Avalon Center! Through education, prevention, shelter, and support services the Avalon Center has been working to end domestic and sexual violence for the last 47 years throughout the greater #WilliamsburgVA and #MiddlePeninsula communities. The Avalon Center is in the process of partnering with local businesses in an effort to launch a prevention education program.
The Avalon Center recently received notice from the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services and has been awarded full accreditation as a dual agency by the VA Sexual and Domestic Violence Program Professional Standards Committee. The Professional Standards Committee established voluntary accreditation standards and procedures by which local sexual and domestic violence programs can be systematically measured and evaluated. The Avalon Center is honored and humbled to receive the accreditation as they continue to respond to the needs of our community.
Click here for more information, or call (757) 258-5022.
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):
- Starbucks opened a new location at 327 Richmond Rd. This beautifully remodeled former residence has a cozy indoor and outdoor seating area and is serving us all of your Starbucks favorites. Stop in for a delicious seasonal treat!
- Selby Professional Bookkeeping Solutions, LLC has seen tremendous growth and success in the past six years. They service industries such as restaurants, salons, plumbing companies, realtors, counselors, voice actors, jewelers, property managers, and more. Give them a call for your accounting needs!
- Good Food Provisions opened over at The WISC ! Your business with Good Food Provisions is your donation as all purchases made at the café go directly to supporting Williamsburg Area Meals On Wheels and its mission to provide warm meals to those in need. Along with excellent food, Good Food Provisions has partnered with Aromas Specialty Coffees & Gourmet Bakery to serve fresh hot coffee. While being a creative and sustainable form of fundraising, CEO/Director of WAMOW Cathie Upton said the café will also provide training, and the continued education for those employed in its daily operation.
- A new LOVEworks at Pecan Square was unveiled in New Town! This new addition will bring excitement and LOVE to the area, further supporting VA tourism & the community.
Looking to increase brand awareness? Flip through our 2023-2024 Greater Williamsburg Chamber Investment Opportunities & Program Calendar booklet.
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