VIRGINIA BUSINESSES AND BUSINESS LEADERS URGE GENERAL ASSEMBLY TO PROTECT STATE’S ECONOMY AND REPUTATION IN STATE BUDGET
More than 50 Virginia businesses and Virginia business organizations from across the state urge budget writers to exclude Senate’s termination of Data Center Retail Sales and Use Tax Exemption from final budget A statewide coalition of more than 50 prominent Virginia businesses and business organizations from across the state today asked Virginia legislators to protect […]
Virginia Business Opinion: Making the business case for InternshipsVA
In a Virginia Business opinion piece by Dennis Treacy and Jennifer Siciliano, they argue that the new statewide InternshipsVA initiative will help Virginia employers develop and retain talent by expanding high-quality, paid internships through public-private collaboration. The program offers practical guidance and matching grants to make internships more affordable for small and mid-sized businesses, while giving […]
Governor Spanberger Announces Expansion of Paid Internship Opportunities with Virginia Businesses
InternshipsVA Helps Businesses Create Internship Programs RICHMOND, VA — Governor Abigail Spanberger today launched InternshipsVA, a new statewide program to help Virginia employers design and launch high-quality, paid internships for higher education students in Virginia. The Commonwealth has committed $14.5 million each year to support this program. The Governor was joined by leaders of the Virginia […]
Jennifer Siciliano, Chief External Affairs Officer of UVA Health, Elected Chair of Virginia Chamber Board of Directors
RICHMOND, VA–February 4, 2026–The Virginia Chamber of Commerce today announced the election of Jen Siciliano, chief external affairs officer of UVA Health, as chair of the Virginia Chamber’s Board of Directors for 2026. Siciliano was elected during the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and brings over 30 years of leadership and public policy experience to the role. […]
Hopewell/Prince George Chamber of Commerce Announces New President, Officers & Board Members
Brandon Butterworth tapped to lead H/PG Chamber as President Hopewell, Va. (Jan. 20, 2026) – The Hopewell/Prince George Chamber of Commerce (H/PG Chamber) is excited to announce that Brandon Butterworth, Head of School at West End Christian School in Hopewell, Va., has been elected President of the organization’s board of directors. He succeeds Kerrick Loyd, […]
Right-to-Work Powers Virginia’s Jobs and Wage Growth
Independent study commissioned by the Virginia Chamber shows law supports economic prosperity across Commonwealth Richmond, Va. – A new report from Mangum Economics commissioned by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce finds that repealing Virginia’s Right-to-Work law would have long-term negative consequences for Virginia’s economy. The report examines the economic performance of Right-to-Work states compared to […]
Virginia Chamber Foundation Releases Statewide AI Landscape Assessment
New report finds up to 1.5 million Virginia jobs could be impacted by AI; identifies major opportunities for competitiveness, workforce readiness, and business growth Richmond, VA – January 6, 2026 – The Virginia Chamber Foundation today released its landmark Virginia AI Landscape Assessment, the most comprehensive study to date examining how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping the Commonwealth’s workforce, business, and economic future. Prepared […]
December Government Affairs Spotlight
Governor Youngkin Releases Proposed Budgets On December 17, Governor Youngkin released his budget proposal for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, as well as amendments to the budget for the FY2025–FY2026 biennium (the caboose budget). While the both the new budget and the caboose budget are expected to be revised to reflect the priorities of Governor-elect Spanberger and the General Assembly, items of interest to the business community include: Economic Development $30 million in FY2027 and $20 million in FY2028 for the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program $35 million to complete design and perform site improvements for the planned inland port in Washington County Nearly $50 million total funding for custom and discretionary economic development incentive grant programs $50.6 million for the Virginia Growth […]
Virginia Chamber of Commerce forms Government Affairs Council to amplify business advocacy
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Chamber of Commerce has announced the creation of the Government Affairs Council (GAC), a new initiative designed to enhance coordination, collaboration, and strategy among Virginia’s leading business advocates. The formation of the council follows feedback from Chamber members and partners who emphasized the importance of a more coordinated and strategic approach […]
Virginia Chamber Unveils Blueprint Virginia 2035 at 16th Annual Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade
The Commonwealth’s Next Comprehensive Business Plan Presented to Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger Richmond, VA – December 5, 2025 – The Virginia Chamber of Commerce officially unveiled Blueprint Virginia 2035 during the 2025 Virginia Economic Summit and Forum on International Trade, co-hosted by the Virginia Chamber Foundation and the Virginia Economic Development Partnership. The comprehensive business plan was presented to Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger and marks the culmination of […]
