Chamber Events
Annual & Ongoing Events
Special Events 2012
Connect For Lunch
It's All About Connections: Are you looking for a new way to meet people and grow your business? What if you could get to know between 6 and 12 new people each month? Really get to know them over lunch, not just a quick hand shake and exchange of business cards. Would you be interested? If you are, Connect For Lunch may be just want you're looking for. Connect For Lunch is the Roanoke Regional Chamber's newest networking program. Discover more about this exciting new program or register online.
Small Business Awards
Small business. BIG recognition. Network with over 600 attendees at this annual dinner recognizing outstanding small businesses in the region, including small business owners, managers, and business leaders. The program focuses on profiles and achievements of more than 100 nominated small businesses and small business advocates in 11 categories. The 2012 Small Business Awards Dinner was held on October 4 at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
Annual Meeting of the Membership
The Chamber's PREMIER networking event, this annual dinner draws more than 400 attendees each year, including prominent business leaders and government officials. The 123rd Annual Meeting of the Membership was held on December 6, 2012 at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
Business After Hours
This popular evening business networking event attracts more than 350 attendees and more than 10 exhibitors. It is limited to four regular events annually, held 5 - 7 P.M. Special Business After Hours events are held with Business and Technology Expo and the Roanoke Regional Chamber Cup golf tournament.
Business and Technology Expo
The Chamber's annual business-to-business and consumer trade show is the largest and most promoted event of the year! The event is open to the public with more than 1,000 attendees and nearly 80 exhibitors. Exhibitors include financial companies, insurance companies, health care industry, technology companies, not-for-profit organizations, media, universities, and others. The 2012 Business and Technology Expo was held on Tuesday, April 17, at the Roanoke Civic Center's Special Events Center.
Economic Summit
The Chamber's annual gathering of community leaders, business people, and opinion makers to examine current economic trends and look for ways to strengthen entrepreneurship in the region. Economic Summit VIII was held on June 2, 2011 at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center.
"Economic Summit VIII: Moving Forward in a Recovering Economy" was held on Thursday, June 2, at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. Presentations included: "Global Economic Outlook," by Dr. Raman Kumar, Pamplin College of Business, Virginia Tech; "Growth and Prosperity: The Roanoke Region, Virginia and Beyond - Where are We Investing?" by Dr. Terry Rephann, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service, University of Virginia; "21st Century Economic Development in the Roanoke Region," by Pete Eshelman, director of outdoor branding, Roanoke Regional Partnership; and "Creating Jobs and Economic Investment in Virginia" by Virginia Lt. Governor Bill Bolling, keynote speaker. For more information, contact Tori Williams at 540.983.0700 x229, e-mail twilliams@roanokechamber.org.
Entrepreneurial Success Stories - Videos by Brian Duvall
(Presented at Economic VII - June 8, 2010)
Bonz Hart, President and CEO of Meridium, Interview
Linda Balentine, President of Crowning Touch Senior Moving Services, Interview
Tamea Franco Woodward, President of East West DyeCom, Inc., Interview
Victor Iannello, President of Synchrony, Inc., Interview
Leon Harris, President of Keltech of Virginia, Inc., Interview
Ken Ferris, COO of Wireless MedCARE, Interview
Jonathan Hagmaier, CEO of Interactive Achievement, Inc., Interview
Amp Up Your Networking!
This quarterly high energy and fun speed networking event provides an intimate setting that promotes one-on-one contact. Attendees discover helpful tips on how to effectively network and then have the opportunity to put their knowledge to work.
Roanoke Regional Chamber Cup
This annual captain's choice golf tournament provides another opportunity for members to network, have fun, and grow their business. More than 200 business leaders participate in this tournament held each August. All players receive a complimentary ticket to the special Business After Hours for golfers and non-golfers at the country club following the tournament. Proceeds from the tournament help fund Chamber advocacy and educational programs. The 21st Annual Golf Tournament will be held on August 22 at the Roanoke Country Club. Click here for more information on the tournament and how you can promote your company to thousands of business people at the tournament.
State of the City / State of the County Address
The Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce hosts a State of the City Address in the summer and a State of the County Address in the fall to give regional leaders an opportunity to share important milestones that have been reached and plans for the future. Roanoke County Board of Supervisors Chairman Joseph B. "Butch" Church gave the State of the County Address on November 3, 2011. Click here to read the chairman's speech in its entirety or visit to watch the presentation.
Business and Cultural Excursion to China
Join the Roanoke Regional Chamber for a business and cultural excursion to China from October 8 - 16 for only $2,199! Attend an orientation meeting to learn the details, costs and travel arrangements. Click here for more informaiton concerning the trip and orientation meetings.
