Chamber Events
Annual Events
Small Business Awards
Small business. BIG recognition. Network with over 550 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 2008 Small Business Awards was held held on September 30 at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. Virginia Prosthetics was named the 2008 Small Business of the Year. For more information on the winners, please click here. View photographs taken at the event by Jim Markey Photography.
Annual Meeting of the Membership
The Chamber's PREMIER networking event, this annual dinner draws more than 550 attendees each year, including prominent business leaders and government officials. The 119th Annual Meeting of the Membership will be held at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center on December 2, 2008, featuring keynote speaker Wick Moorman, President, Chairman and CEO of Norfolk Southern, and recognizing key volunteer accomplishments. To register for the 119th Annual Meeting of the Membership, send in this form or register online.
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 - 7:30 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 100 exhibitors. Exhibitors include financial companies, insurance companies, health care industry, technology companies, not-for-profit organizations, media, universities, and others. Click here for more information on the 2008 Business and Technology Expo.
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 the region's economy. In addition to revealing the results of the annual Business Climate Survey, recognized speakers share their expertise on economic issues.
"Economic Summit V: Can Going Green Enhance Your Bottom Line?" was presented on June 3, 2008, at The Hotel Roanoke & Conference Center. The presenters and presentations were: "Annual Business Climate Survey" - Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce Interim President Joyce Waugh; "Economic Trends" - Dr. Christine Chmura with Chmura Economics and Analytics; "Conservation and Culture: Fresh Perspectives on Economic Development" - Scott D. Martin, Franklin County Commerce and Leisure Services; and "Sustainability and Your Bottom Line" - Dr. Sean McGinnis, director, Virginia Tech Green Engineering Program.
Ready...Set...Network!
This quarterly high energy and fun speed networking event provides an intimate setting that promotes
one-on-one contact. Attendees make more connections in one hour than they usually do in a month!
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. Players may choose from morning or afternoon flights. 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 18th Annual Golf Tournament was held August 25 and 26 at Hunting Hills Country Club.
535 Mixers
NewVaConnects is a young professional organization devoted to making the NewVa region a talent capital and a great place for young professionals to live and work. The 535 Mixers are monthly gatherings for young professionals to mingle and network in a casual setting. The mixers also feature a local hot topic of importance to young professionals to voice their opinions. For more information on NewVaConnects, call 983-0700, ext. 231 or visit www.newvaconnects.org.
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 Richard Flora gave the 2008 State of the County Address on October 28. Click here to read the chairman's speech in its entirety.
