Community Leadership Program: A Leader’s Perspective

community leadership program

The conversation for The Valley Business Today with host Janet Michael featured Kory Campbell, Director of Marketing & Communications and Vanessa McAllister, Director of Programs and Events for the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber to talk about the chamber’s recent move to Winchester Regional Airport and the Community Leadership Program. Click here to listen to the conversation.

The Community Leadership Program – now entering it’s 26th year – is a nine-month program that runs from September through May. The program begins with an orientation, followed by monthly sessions studying specific topics including:

  • Leadership/Teamwork
  • Non-Profits
  • Community Culture
  • Agriculture
  • Media
  • Government/Economic Development
  • Education
  • Health Care
  • Public Safety
  • Simulated Society
  • Community Problem Solving

The sessions are led by a combination of community leaders, professional facilitators, and specialists in the respective fields. This program is designed to provide insight into the challenges and opportunities that exist in the City of Winchester, Clarke County, and Frederick County, Virginia. Applications are being accepted through June 30 and can be found here: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/community-leadership-program/

Joining them for the conversation was Ben Savory, owner of Summit Events and a recent graduate of the Community Leadership Program who gave his perspective on the importance of programs like this. He told about the things that he learned about the community and explained what he plans to do with his newly obtained knowledge and insight.

Before they wrapped up the conversation, Kory gave details for the chamber’s move from Old Town Winchester to their new offices located in a hangar at Winchester Regional Airport. This move is temporary – 2 years – while a new business terminal is being constructed which will become the chamber’s new permanent home. He also talked about a few upcoming chamber events including: Business After Hours on June 29, 2022 at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club from 5:30pm – 7pm; Business After Hours on July 13, 2022 at Market Street United Methodist Church from 5:30pm – 7pm; and a Lunch & Learn about leasing standards on July 26, 2022 from 12pm – 1pm via Zoom.

For more information about chamber membership, programs and events, visit their website: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/ and follow them on Facebook.

A Conversation with a Few Greater Good Award Winners

greater good awards

Today’s conversation for The Valley Business Today with host, Janet Michael was recorded on location at Shaffer’s BBQ & Market in Middletown. Shaffer’s owner, Matt was recently named the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber’s Small Business of the Year at their Greater Good Awards which took place on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Shenandoah Valley Golf Club. You can listen to the show by clicking here.

Vanessa McAllister, Director of Programs & Events for the chamber was Janet’s co-host today. Joining them for the conversation was Frederick County Sheriff, Lenny Millholland who was recently named Citizen of the Year, and Barry Lee who received the Lifetime Community Impact Award. The group talked about the event and what being winning meant to each of them. The conversation was full of stories and laughter.

The purpose of the “Greater Good Awards” is to celebrate outstanding individuals and businesses for the contributions they make to the quality of life and economic stability of our region through genuine community commitment, dedication to excellence, and ethical and creative business practices. Award winners are chosen by an impartial committee of past Chamber board chairs. Awards include Large Business of the Year, Small Business of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Non-profit of the Year, Citizen of the Year, Emerging Leader Award, James R. Wilkins Sr. Legacy Award, and Lifetime Community Impact Award.

Other award winners from the event were:

Katrina Smith – RE/MAX Synergy | Entrepreneur of the Year

Valley Proteins, Inc. | Large Business of the Year

David Kent | Emerging Leader

Winchester Rescue Mission | Non-Profit of the Year

Vanessa also talked about the newly named Legacy Awards. Before the conversation wrapped, Vanessa gave a few details for some upcoming events: Corporate Challenge, Valor Awards & Valley Business Women‘s Night Out.

For more information about the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber or to watch the replay of the Greater Good Awards, visit their website: https://www.regionalchamber.biz/  and follow them on Facebook.

 

Top of Virginia Regional Chamber: The Voice of Business

Our conversation for The Valley Business Today included Cynthia Schneider, CEO of Top of Virginia Regional Chamber and her Chairman of the Board, Scott Harvard (CEO of First Bank.)

We talked about the board’s role in moving the chamber forward & the diverse backgrounds an institutional knowledge it provides to Cynthia. Scott explained his role as the Executive Committee Chair and talked about how important it is to our entire community to have a strong chamber of commerce.

Cynthia filled us in on the new website and reminded us that nominations are still being accepted (through January 31) for the Greater Good Awards. She also gave us a bit of information about a new marketing vehicle they’ll be launching soon in partnership with NewsTalk 1400.

For more information about the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, visit their website: https://www.regionalchamber.biz and follow them on Facebook.