Issues & Actions

Legislative Events

Legislative Wrap-Up

This breakfast is held annually at the close of the Virginia General Assembly session. Area legislators answer audience questions on how legislative changes will affect business.

DC Day for Western Virginia

Join the business community as it heads to the nation's capital for meetings with senators, representatives, and government agencies. This trip is an excellent opportunity to let our elected officials hear about the issues that are important to the Roanoke regional business community.

Candidate Forums

The Chamber regularly sponsors forums with candidates running for local, regional, and statewide office to help members make informed decisions on the candidates and issues affecting business.

Business Dinners

This program is held annually in the fall and brings educators into member businesses to help them prepare students for the jobs that will shape their future and the future of the region's economy. Business Dinners is a six-week program in which guidance counselors, teachers and administrators visit local businesses to learn about their expectations for employees and job opportunities.

The information helps educators guide students in career planning and course selection. Participating businesses have included Carilion Clinic, RR Donnelley & Sons, Gentry Locke Rakes & Moore Attorneys at Law, the City of Roanoke, Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, and Bank of America.

Career Focus Dinners

This program is held annually in the spring and is designed to bridge the gap between college students and the business community. The nine-week program provides an opportunity for college students to visit regional businesses to learn about employment opportunities, discover what skills businesses value, and to make contacts with local business people.

Participating businesses have included WDBJ-7, Novozymes Biologicals, Wachovia Bank, the City of Roanoke, Lewis-Gale Medical Center, Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center, and Carilion Clinic.