News Release

Northam Announces Grant Award To Bring Broadband To 41,000 Valley Homes

WEYERS CAVE — In two years, every home without internet in Rockingham and surrounding counties is slated to be connected through a regional broadband project. The state is awarding $722 million in grant funding to connect 278,000 homes without internet service across the commonwealth, Gov. Ralph Northam announced Monday at the campus of Blue Ridge Community College. “These funds will bring coverage to 70 Virginia counties from Lee, the farthest county to our west, to Accomack, which is where I’m from,

Rail Trail Funding In Northam's Final Proposed Budget

Gov. Ralph Northam has proposed $245 million for outdoor recreation — with funding earmarked for the much-talked about 48.5-mile rail trail connecting Broadway to Front Royal. “As long as it is able to remain in the budget and become appropriated, we feel like it would be a game changer for this project so this trail can come to fruition,” said Brandon Davis, executive director of the Northern Shenandoah Valley Regional Commission and chair of the Shenandoah Rail Trail Exploratory Partnership. The

Shoppers Hit The Streets, Markets On Small Business Saturday

LOCAL FOCALShoppers Hit The Streets, Markets On Small Business SaturdayDNR 11/29/21  Sometime around 10:15 Saturday morning, downtown Harrisonburg’s cold sidewalks slowly morphed into a dervish of leashed dogs, pushed strollers and shoppers armed with credit cards, cash and shopping lists.It was here, her breath visible in the morning air through her James Madison University mask, that Jennifer Riggle was in search of a hidden treasure, preparing to open the door to Agora Downtown Market.“But not until I

10 under 40 | Stay-At-Home Mom to Chamber of Commerce

New Clean-Eating Franchise Opens In Former Food.Bar.Food Spot

White décor awash in sunlight seemed to glow with the excitement of new restaurant Village Juice and Kitchen's grand opening on West Bruce Street on Monday.Visitors working on laptops had already made themselves at home at high-top bar seats in the large windows of the space formerly home to Food.Bar.Food during the grand opening, along with groups of college students and community members including Sara and Connor Williams, a young married couple who said they were excited to try Harrisonburg’s newest

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Adopts Diversity Statement

Commitment to diversity and inclusion Harrisonburg, VA – November 1, 2021 – The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has adopted the following organizational statement on Diversity:The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce is committed to diversity and inclusion at all levels of our organization as well as the community at large. We believe that cultivating an environment that promotes, and lives by, inclusive values is a core component of a vibrant economy. These values

Economic development program B-Cubed once again honored with grant

HARRISONBURG, Va. – One week after learning the Black- and Brown-owned business growth program B-Cubed would receive $50,000 from a Virginia grant, the innovative local economic development program is being recognized with another $100,000 in support. Harrisonburg Economic Development and the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce recently partnered with the Staunton Community Capital Fund (SCCF) to seek funds under the Small Business Administration’s Community Navigator Pilot Program. SCCF was

Two local programs honored with Virginia economic development grants

HARRISONBURG, Va. – Two local initiatives will soon have more help in supporting local businesses thanks to $100,000 in funds awarded to the City of Harrisonburg from the 2022 Virginia Statewide Business District Resurgence Grant. The grant, which was announced Wednesday by Gov. Ralph Northam’s office, will provide $50,000 to the Bricks & Clicks program, and another $50,000 to the B-Cubed: Black- and Brown-Owned Business Growth Program. Bricks & Clicks, led by Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance (HDR), is

Governor Northam Announces More Than $4.4 Million to Revitalize Communities Across Virginia

Governor Northam Announces More Than $4.4 Millionto Revitalize Communities Across Virginia ~ Grants will support entrepreneurs and boost local economies ~    RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that local business owners and community organizations will benefit from more than $4.4 million in grants for 33 investment projects across the Commonwealth.  These projects will create and support business development, economic recovery, and the redevelopment of industrial and

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Announces Policy Priorities

The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Announces Policy PrioritiesTransportation, Affordable Housing and Childcare are key to workforce issues Harrisonburg, VA – October 4, 2021 – The Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors has officially adopted, as immediate policy priorities, the areas of Transportation, Affordable Housing and Childcare. These three issues, through the Chamber Public Policy Committee, have been identified as key workforce concerns and will allow the

‘Coworking’ business partners with Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce

ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) - Broadway Coworking had its official ribbon-cutting ceremony Wednesday afternoon. The coworking business is a shared professional workspace for professionals and small businesses to use. Broadway Coworking began in 2019 after co-founder Eugene Bare had the idea was born out of his own need to have a workspace outside of his home. “One of the biggest appeals of coworking is the community,” Bare said. “There is also the aspect of professionalism. Having a professional space

Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce & Broadway Coworking Announce Partnership Agreement

Small Business Game Changer

Small Business Game Changerpresented by Appeal ProductionSeptember 4- November 21, 2021   What is it: Owning a small business can be tough, but it is extremely rewarding. And sometimes, you just need the right kind of marketing to make your business a step above the rest. As Andy Vanhook, owner of Appeal Production states, “It’s the most satisfying and difficult thing I’ve ever done. The opportunity to choose your own adventure.” JMU Athletics & Appeal Production have teamed up to create a marketing

Warner Should Oppose PRO Act

DNR 7/24/21There is congressional legislation that could have a serious, negative impact on a number of major industries that support Virginia’s vibrant economy, including farming and agriculture, particularly important to us in the Valley. The Protecting the Right to Organize Act (PRO Act), prioritizes growing union power and influence rather than the rights of workers to choose or not chose to organize. Fundamentally, this act threatens the viability of Virginia businesses, including local agricultural

Virginia wins CNBC Top State for Business in 2021

Virginia wins CNBC Top State for Business in 2021State repeats victory of 2019 PUBLISHED JULY 13, 2021BY KATE ANDREWS / KATHERINE SCHULTERalph Northam appears on CNBC on July 13, 2021. Virginia was named CNBC’s top state for business for the second time in a row, beating out North Carolina and Texas, as well as being the first state to win the honor five times, the network said Tuesday morning. The state won the news network’s competitiveness rankings for a second time as well. In 2020, CNBC did not rank

In Depth with Chris Quinn - Kline May Realty Word on the Street Harrisonblog

We had the chance to sit down and chat with the new president and CEO for the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce, Chris Quinn. We asked how his work history and career led him to this type of work. He comes to the Chamber with experience in government, trade associations, and non-profits. His work in legislature and working with constituents from varying backgrounds that have different wants and needs is similar to working at a Chamber, with different industries, businesses, and priorities. He

Coldwell Banker Returns to the Harrisonburg Area

Harrisonburg, VA – Coldwell Banker Premier, the #1 real estate company in a 9-county footprint, recently opened a new office in Harrisonburg. This office is located at 1950 Evelyn Byrd Ave, Suite A and will be managed by Sheila (Jenkins) Hall, a long-serving agent/manager in that market. The addition of this location brings the company’s regional office count to 8. Founder and CEO, Steve DuBrueler, is passionate about the growth and success of his company. “We are honored to have been asked by the iconic

Virginia Enacts First-in-the-Nation Permanent COVID-19 Workplace Safety and Health Standards Amid Pandemic

    Commonwealth of VirginiaOffice of Governor Ralph S. Northam     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE · January 27, 2021    Office of the GovernorAlena.Yarmosky@governor.virginia.gov    Virginia Enacts First-in-the-Nation Permanent COVID-19 Workplace Safety and Health Standards Amid Pandemic  ~ Governor Northam approves standard recently adopted by Safety and Health Codes Board, rules are effective beginning today ~    RICHMOND—Virginia’s permanent COVID-19 workplace safety

10 Under 40 - Shenandoah Valley Business Journal

Meet 10 Valley Business Leaders who have gone above and beyond  - all before the age of 40.  Congratulations to all 10 of these amazing people for their hard work and dedication.  Side note we are proud to mention that ALL 10 are Chamber Members.   Here is the link to the Daily News-Record:Shenandoah Valley Business Journal - November 2020 by Daily News-Record - issuu