Aila Boyd
aboyd@mainstreentewspapers.com
The Salem-Roanoke County Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 90th anniversary last Thursday with at event called “Boots & Bling” at Habor Creek Farms & Venue.
The event was catered by Pumpernickel Pickle, with Ridge View Bank serving as the title sponsor. Mason Creek Bluegrass Band performed throughout the event. A live auction provided entertainment for those present, while also raising funds for the chamber.
During her remarks, Amanda Livingston, executive director, said that it has been her pleasure to work with the chamber’s members, board, executive committee and ambassadors. She also thanked Regan Tate and Lucie Benevise who have contributed to the organization in recent years.
“There is no way that we can execute our program of work without the involvement of each and every one of you here today. That is what makes our chamber so special—Our chamber is a community in and of itself where we lift each other up and support one another,” Livingston said.
She also highlighted the launching of the first annual “Community Day” this year, which aims to support a local organization in the community. This year, individuals, small businesses and large companies came together to do collect over 1,750 pounds of peanut butter to stock the food pantries in Southwest Virginia. Those involved donated food and worked alongside Feeding Southwest Virginia to help organize, sort and box food.
In addition to our volunteer work, Livingston said the chamber also prioritized professional development. “Our alliance with Cortex Leadership Consultants –a local boutique executive coaching firm enabled us to offer EPIC—Our5-month leadership program. This is a leadership program is designed for emerging leaders or seasoned professionals that want to improve their skills, Our second cohort begins this month! Look for cohort 3 this spring,” she said.
She later stressed how proud she is of the collaboration the chamber shares with educators, school administrators and businesses to create career pathways for students while helping companies develop new talent. She said, “We support the registered apprenticeship program year-round, and the chamber foundation offers annual scholarships to students pursing a non-traditional college degree and instead pursing a vocational career.”
