Louisa County Welcomes Chamber Executives from Across Virginia for 2026 Executive Retreat

LOUISA, Va. — The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed approximately 50 Chamber Presidents, CEOs and Executive Directors from across Virginia for the 2026 Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) Executive Retreat, held August 26–28 at Shenandoah Crossing Resort.

Representing local and regional Chambers that collectively serve more than 30,000 Virginia businesses, attendees gathered in Louisa County for three days of professional development, statewide collaboration and shared community experiences.

The retreat brought together Chamber executives and leaders from Virginia’s business, healthcare, energy and professional services sectors for executive-level discussions on issues affecting businesses and communities across the Commonwealth. Sessions addressed economic development, infrastructure and workforce needs, the changing energy landscape, healthcare affordability and effective business advocacy. Attendees also exchanged ideas, shared successful approaches and developed new connections across Virginia’s Chamber network.

The retreat’s guest speakers included:

• Emil Avram, Senior Vice President of Generation Development, Dominion Energy Virginia
• Bryan Fox, IOM, President and CEO, Lumin Strategies
• Brad N. Hall, President and CEO, Virginia Chamber of Commerce
• John D. Hewa, P.E., Dr. Eng., President and CEO, Rappahannock Electric Cooperative
• Michael K. Kelly, Director of Strategic Communications and Advocacy, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
• Elizabeth Rafferty, Director of Government Affairs, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
• Monica Schmude, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in Virginia
• Eric Sichau, IOM, President and CEO, Roanoke Regional Chamber of Commerce
• Courtney Thompson, IOM, President and CEO, Greater Augusta Regional Chamber of Commerce

Attendees were also joined by Dr. Lauren Walker, Virginia’s Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Resources, for a special appearance and conversation.

“There is tremendous value in bringing this statewide network together, and hosting the retreat allowed us to bring that value directly to Louisa County,” said Tracy Hale Clark, Executive Director of the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and 2026 Retreat Host. “The conversations and relationships developed during the retreat will help Chamber leaders better serve businesses throughout Virginia. It was also a tremendous opportunity for our members and partners to introduce Louisa County to leaders who promote businesses, communities and destinations across the Commonwealth.”

The retreat provided one of the first opportunities for Brad Hall, newly appointed President and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, to engage collectively with Chamber executives from across Virginia in his new role.

Hall joined Chamber and business leaders for the closing discussion, “The Power of the Chamber Network: How Advocacy Is Stronger Together.” The conversation focused on collaboration among local, regional and statewide Chambers and the importance of connecting local business priorities with Virginia’s broader business community.

“Local chambers are the front door to business in communities across the Commonwealth,” Hall said. “Bringing these leaders together creates opportunities to share ideas, strengthen partnerships and better serve Virginia’s employers. I appreciated the opportunity to meet with chamber executives from across Virginia in Louisa County and experience firsthand the leadership and collaboration helping communities succeed.”

Showcasing Louisa County

Louisa County’s opportunity to host the 2026 retreat followed Clark’s service as Chair of VACCE. Clark recently completed her term leading the statewide professional association and now serves on its Executive Committee as Immediate Past Chair.

The Louisa County Chamber intentionally extended the retreat beyond the conference setting, giving attendees opportunities to experience the county through the businesses, destinations and people who help shape its economy and quality of life.

The Louisa experience began with a reception at Cutalong at Tributor Resort, followed by a sunset cruise on Lake Anna to the North Anna Power Station with local small-business hosts and representatives from Dominion Energy. Attendees also visited the Town of Louisa for an excursion aboard the Virginia Scenic Railway, introducing them to another part of the county and its growing business and visitor community.

Louisa County Chamber member businesses supporting these experiences included Mac’s Kitchen, Cruise Rusty; Cutalong at Tributor Resort; Joyful Business Revolution; Lake Anna Wellness Studio; Lori Noland, Lakeside Real Estate Keller Williams; Laura Watts, Berkshire Hathaway; Sturgeon Creek Marina; Southern Revere Cellars; and Virginia Scenic Railway.

Their involvement gave attendees a firsthand look at the businesses, entrepreneurs, destinations and partnerships that make Louisa County distinctive.

“Creating opportunities for our businesses and community is at the heart of what we do,” Clark said. “This retreat placed Louisa County in front of Chamber leaders from across Virginia and created relationships that can continue well beyond the event. I am incredibly grateful to our members, partners and volunteers who helped us welcome our colleagues and share what makes this community so special.”

About the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives

The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE)  is an alliance of Chamber of Commerce professionals from across the state working together to improve the business climate in Virginia while developing ways to enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve. VACCE is the only organization in the state dedicated to the growth and development of Chamber of Commerce professionals.

About the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce

Established in 1927, the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce is a trusted voice for business, committed to strengthening the local economy and fostering a vibrant, connected community. Rooted in values of advocacy, innovation, and collaboration, the Chamber delivers programs and partnerships that drive workforce development, support entrepreneurship, and enhance regional prosperity. Learn more at www.LouisaChamber.org.

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