A Message from Casey Hollins Board Chair, Louisa County Chamber of Commerce (2023–2025)
Dear Chamber Members, Partners, and Community,
It has been my sincere honor to serve as your Board Chair for the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce over the past two years. As I reflect on all we’ve achieved together, I’m overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible team of individuals who make our Chamber strong—our Board of Directors, our staff, our volunteers, and each of you who believe in the power of local business.
This past year especially, we’ve laid a powerful foundation for future success. Guided by our 2023–2026 Strategic Plan and the core values it established—Advocacy, Innovation, Collaboration, Integrity, and Leadership—we’ve aligned our work with purpose and made meaningful strides in driving economic prosperity for Louisa County.
Together, we:
- Grew membership revenue, allowing us to expand and strengthen the services we provide.
- Hosted our second annual Spring Swing Invitational, raising funds for scholarships and supporting workforce development.
- Expanded Leadership Louisa, securing a $10,000 AWS In Communities grant and awarding six scholarships to rising local leaders.
- Became one of only five chambers in Virginia to host the National Civics Bee, in partnership with Louisa County Public Schools, to advance civic education.
- Rebranded and expanded Love Louisa, implementing advanced technology tools like an automated community calendar, job listings, and business directories to better serve our members and community.
- Transformed our Board into a strategic leadership body, positioning us not only to respond to today’s business needs, but to lead long-term economic growth.
We’ve also grown our Chamber staff, welcoming Sarah Close as our Member Services and Office Assistant. Sarah has already proven to be an invaluable addition, supporting our Executive Director, Tracy Hale Clark, in delivering high-quality programs and member support. Together, they form the heartbeat of our Chamber’s daily operations, and I’m thankful for their energy, talent, and dedication.
To our Board of Directors, thank you for your vision and commitment. To our retiring board members—John Pope, Ron Bricker, and Valerie Washington—thank you for your years of service; your leadership has left a lasting mark.
To our sponsors and partners, especially our Progress, Prosperity, and Pinnacle Partners—your investment amplifies our impact and directly empowers the connections and resources that help Louisa businesses thrive. You are essential to our success, and we are truly grateful for your support.
Finally, to our many volunteers—thank you for stepping forward to lead, serve, and contribute your time and talents. Because of you, small actions have sparked big ripple effects, and together we’ve built something that is both impactful and lasting. You are the engine behind the Chamber’s momentum.
As I pass the gavel to the incredible and inspiring Melanie Baker of Shenandoah Crossing, I leave you with this challenge: Get involved. Share your ideas. Invite someone into the Chamber family. The more engaged we are, the more we grow our value—enhancing services, expanding opportunities, and shaping a more connected and resilient business community.
To our incoming Chamber leadership—you have my full confidence. And to every member and supporter of this Chamber: thank you for the opportunity to serve and for believing in the power of collaboration, connection, and community.
Sincerely,
Casey Hollins
Board Chair, 2023–2025
Louisa County Chamber of Commerce