From the Chamber Chief: January 2016

100 Years of Service to the Community

Susan Spears, President & CEO
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is a big deal this year.
We are celebrating our 100th year of service to the community!
Our Chamber of Commerce was first chartered in Fredericksburg in 1916 and
has continued to grow to include the counties of Stafford, Spotslvania, King
George and Caroline.
Dr. J.G. King, the first Chamber president said in 1916, The Chamber of
Commerce will be a city-wide organization composed of men of all creeds, all
parties and all lines of business, with its single purpose to make
Fredericksburg a better city in which to live and to do business.
This single statement completely encompasses the spirit and purpose of the Fredericksburg
Regional Chamber of Commerce in 2016. Indeed, we are here to encourage an environment that
makes the Fredericksburg region that better place in which to live and do business. This is
accomplished through a wide variety of things such as educational events, business roundtables,
political advocacy efforts, community volunteers and an excellent staff that supports all of the
aforementioned.
We believe that it is our job to continue on as the leader in the business community for the next
100 years by cementing the pillars of thought leadership, advocacy, reliable program delivery,
diversified membership and a strong network. These pillars will serve as the foundation for
building an even stronger business community.
Throughout 2016, the Chamber will focus on bettering the community through advocacy efforts,
nurturing old relationships and establishing new ones. Currently, the Chamber is laser-focused on
fixing transportation in the region. We will be meeting with leaders in Washington, D.C. as well as
in Richmond to demand action. We are also focused on the 2016 General Assembly Session,
which began on January 13. We will closely monitor legislation that has the ability to affect
business in the region.
The Chamber is also hosting a year-long Green
Business Challenge to bring awareness to the
community of little things that we can do to be
kinder to the environment and save money. All
businesses from Planning District 16 are
welcome to participate, so join us in this new
and fun competition!
In addition to these efforts, your Chamber of
Commerce is busily preparing for numerous
other projects and events in 2016, including a
full year of commemorating the Chamber!

From the Chamber Chief: January 2016

100 Years of Service to the Community
Susan Spears, President & CEO
We look forward to connecting with many of you in
the coming months and look forward to seeing you at our Centennial Open House and Ribbon
Cutting at our office on January 26 at 4 PM. Remember, together we make a difference.