Roanoke Regional Chamber

06/17/2026

Day 1 of the 2026 YGM TRC Retreat is in the books.

Yesterday’s warm welcome offered opportunities to connect with chamber professionals from across the country and focused on collaborative learning and growth.

Our participants engaged in an in-depth Total Resource Campaign review and took part in interactive team activities designed to leverage diverse strengths, spark creativity, and demonstrate the power of working together toward shared goals.

As the retreat continues, we look forward to more innovative ideas and valuable connections that will help strengthen chambers, businesses, and communities nationwide.

Here's to a productive and inspiring Day 2 with this exceptional group of professionals!

06/16/2026

The Roanoke Regional Chamber is proud to welcome YGM Total Resource Campaigns and more than 30 chamber professionals from across the country to Roanoke for the 2026 YGM TRC Retreat.

Over the next few days, these chamber leaders will collaborate, share best practices, explore innovative ideas, and work together to strengthen the communities and businesses they serve. We are honored that Roanoke was selected to host this year’s gathering and to showcase all that our region has to offer.

A special thank you to the YGM team for their continued partnership and support of our IMPACT Campaign. We look forward to meaningful conversations, valuable connections, and a great retreat here in Virginia’s Blue Ridge.

06/16/2026

📣 Please join us in welcoming Cassie Johnson to the Roanoke Regional Chamber team as our new Executive Assistant to the President & CEO!

Cassie will play an important role in supporting the Chamber’s leadership, Board of Directors, and day-to-day operations while helping us continue to deliver exceptional service to our members and community partners.

As our organization continues to grow and evolve, we are excited to add talented professionals like Cassie who are committed to strengthening our mission and advancing the business community throughout Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Welcome to the team, Cassie! We are excited to have you on board. 👏

06/12/2026

Congratulations to the Roanoke Region of Virginia & City of Roanoke Department of Economic Development on securing another transformational economic development win for Virginia's Blue Ridge.

The announcement that RINGANA has selected the Roanoke Region for its U.S. headquarters and distribution operations is a testament to the Partnership's leadership, persistence, and commitment to growing our regional economy. Projects of this scale are only possible through strong collaboration among regional, state, and local partners working toward a shared vision for prosperity.

This investment brings new jobs, expanded opportunities for our workforce, and continued momentum for our region's economic growth. It also reinforces what businesses around the world are discovering: Virginia's Blue Ridge is an exceptional place to invest, grow, and succeed.

RINGANA, an Austrian life sciences company specializing in premium skincare and nutritional products, today announced plans to establish its first U.S. headquarters, production, and distribution facility in the City of Roanoke. The company will invest $85 million over five years and expects to creat...

06/12/2026

✨AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT✨

Meet Brandy Humpreys!
Brandy Humphreys is a Roanoke native and Strategic Account Executive with Lee Enterprises and Amplified Digital Agency, where she helps local businesses and organizations share their story, connect with the right audience, and grow their presence in the community.

Brandy began her career as an X-ray technologist before moving into marketing, sales, and community relations. Her background working with senior communities, local healthcare specialists, and small businesses gives her a unique understanding of how important trust, communication, and relationships are when growing a business.

As a Chamber Ambassador, Brandy enjoys welcoming new members, making meaningful introductions, and helping local businesses feel supported and connected throughout the Roanoke Valley.

Outside of work, Brandy enjoys traveling and spending time with her family and children.

A special thank you to our 2026 Ambassador Spotlight Sponsor: Olivia Marone Photography

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06/11/2026

Do you know an incredible woman leader making a difference in Virginia’s Blue Ridge?

Nominations are now open for the 2026 ATHENA Awards, presented by LewisGale Medical Center!

🏆 ATHENA Leadership Award
🏆 ATHENA Non-Profit Leadership Award
🏆 ATHENA Young Professional Award

Help us recognize the women who lead, inspire, mentor, and create lasting impact in our region.

✨ Submit your nomination today!

Leadership & Non-Profit: https://forms.gle/dZgNcpKvKasUJtXx6

Young Professional: https://forms.gle/FYVtesUqeqx88fun7

06/10/2026

📣 Leadership Announcement: Meet Our 2026 IMPACT Campaign Chair! 📣

The Roanoke Regional Chamber is proud to announce that John Lugar of Virginia Varsity Transfer & Self Storage will serve as the 2026 IMPACT Campaign Chair.

John has been a dedicated champion of the Chamber and our regional business community, consistently investing his time, leadership, and passion into initiatives that strengthen our region. His commitment to collaboration and community impact makes him the ideal leader to guide this year's campaign.

As Chair, John will help lead our volunteers and business leaders as we continue building momentum, creating opportunities, and investing in programs that support economic growth and regional prosperity.

Please join us in congratulating John on this important leadership role! We look forward to working alongside him as we prepare for another successful IMPACT Campaign.

👏 Congratulations, John!

06/05/2026

✈️ Exciting morning at the airport!

The Roanoke Regional Chamber was proud to join community and business leaders in celebrating the inaugural American Airlines flight from ROA to Dallas/Fort Worth.

This new daily service is a major win for our region, creating stronger connections to one of the nation’s largest airline hubs and expanding opportunities for business travel, economic growth, and regional accessibility.

Congratulations to the team at Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airport and everyone who helped make this long-anticipated route a reality. We’re thrilled to see our region continue to grow its connectivity and competitiveness.

06/05/2026

✨AMBASSADOR SPOTLIGHT✨

Meet Jess Chattin!

Jess is the Founder and Talent Manager of Jess Chattin Management Co. She has been working in talent management, influencer partnerships, and brand campaign strategy for several years. Jess Chattin Management Co. was built from the ground up and continues to grow through strong relationships and trust based partnerships.

What she enjoys most is helping people feel seen, supported, and confident in what they are building. She loves connecting brands and creators in ways that feel authentic and mutually beneficial. She is motivated by people. Seeing others succeed, grow, and step into opportunities they may not have had access to on their own is incredibly fulfilling. Jess believes meaningful work starts with genuine connection.

Anne Millehan, a fellow ambassador was also crucial with her success. She chose to get involved with the Roanoke Regional Chamber because she values community and collaboration. The Chamber brings together leaders and businesses who care about supporting one another and strengthening our region. Being an RRCC Ambassador means being a connector, an encourager, and a trusted presence. It is an opportunity to welcome others, build relationships, and help create a supportive environment where businesses can thrive.

One strength Jess is especially proud of is relationship building. She takes pride in listening well, understanding needs, and creating solutions that feel thoughtful and intentional. She enjoys introducing people to one another, sharing resources, and helping businesses find alignment. Making meaningful connections that lead to long term growth is something she genuinely loves.

Something people may not know about her is that she is deeply values driven. Faith, family, and integrity guide how she lives and how she does business. She make decisions from that foundation, not from outside opinions. And yes, when she saw all the professional headshots of the ambassadors, she felt like a little pink needed to be added. Staying true to who she is matters to her.

Outside of work, Jess enjoys spending time with her family, watching musical movies and being outdoors with people who matter most to her.

A special thank you to our 2026 Ambassador Spotlight Sponsor: Olivia Marone Photography

06/05/2026

Congratulations to Brad Hall on being named President & CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce!

Brad has been a valued member of the Roanoke Regional Chamber, serving as both a Board Member and Executive Committee member. Throughout his time with our organization, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to advancing business, strengthening communities, and supporting economic growth across the Commonwealth.

Having called the Roanoke region home for the past 14 years, Brad brings a unique perspective and passion for Virginia’s business community, and we are thrilled to continue working alongside him in his new role. We look forward to strengthening our partnership with the Virginia Chamber and collaborating on initiatives that help businesses and regions across Virginia thrive.

Congratulations, Brad! We wish you continued success as you lead this important organization into its next chapter.

The Virginia Chamber is proud to announce Brad N. Hall as our next President and CEO, effective June 29.

"It is an honor to join the Virginia Chamber and help move its mission forward," Hall said. "From day one, our focus will be clear: championing public policies that support a competitive business climate, listening closely to our members and expanding membership so that the Chamber continues to represent the full strength and diversity of Virginia's economy. I am thankful for Keith Martin's steady service as Interim CEO and for the exceptional work of the Chamber staff. Together, we will continue building a stronger future for businesses throughout the Commonwealth."

With more than 25 years of leadership experience and a deep understanding of Virginia's business community, Brad will help advance our mission and the priorities of Blueprint Virginia 2035.

Please join us in welcoming Brad!

🔗 Read the full announcement here: https://vachamber.com/2026/06/04/virginia-chamber-names-hall-as-new-president-and-ceo/