By Rebecca Adcock, Director of the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce
Summer continues to be a busy season for the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce as we work alongside our members, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community partners to promote economic development, workforce initiatives, tourism, and quality of life throughout Patrick County. July was filled with opportunities to celebrate community successes, build new partnerships, and continue planning projects that will benefit our residents and visitors for years to come.
One of the month’s highlights was welcoming U.S. Senator Mark Warner to Patrick Springs, where he presented a federal funding check to Connect Health + Wellness. This investment represents another important step toward expanding access to healthcare services in our community and demonstrates the value of continued partnerships between local organizations and state and federal leaders. We appreciate Senator Warner taking the time to visit Patrick County and recognize the important work being done to improve the health and well-being of our residents.
Communities across Patrick County came together during the Fourth of July holiday to celebrate our nation’s independence with parades, festivals, fireworks, live music, and family-friendly activities. These annual celebrations not only strengthen community pride but also welcome visitors who experience firsthand the hospitality, natural beauty, and vibrant spirit that make Patrick County such a special place to live, work, and visit.
Keeping our business community informed continues to be a Chamber priority. Recently, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce hosted a webinar outlining several new Virginia employment laws that affect employers across the Commonwealth. To help local businesses better understand these changes, the Patrick County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the Longwood Small Business Development Center to offer an in-person Lunch & Learn on August 18th. The session will focus on employee handbook updates and an overview of Virginia’s newest workforce laws. The program is complimentary for Chamber members and available to non-members for a $20 registration fee. Light refreshments will be provided, and advance registration is required.
On July 8th, the Chamber proudly sponsored and attended the We Impact Virginia event hosted at Virginia Tech’s Reynolds Homestead. This program continues to bring together community leaders from across the region to discuss leadership, community engagement, and innovative ways to strengthen rural Virginia. We also enjoyed spending time with participants in Reynolds Homestead’s Career Trailblazers Camp, introducing students to local career opportunities, entrepreneurship, and the many rewarding ways they can become engaged in their communities. Investing in our future workforce begins by inspiring young people to see opportunities right here at home.
Tourism and workforce development intersected during the Southern Virginia Intern Familiarization Tour on July 15th. Chamber staff met with interns in Meadows of Dan, showcasing many of the unique experiences that Patrick County offers, from outdoor recreation and local businesses to arts, culture, and community life. These familiarization tours are designed to help interns develop a stronger connection to Southern Virginia and encourage them to consider building their careers in our region after graduation.
Progress continues on one of the Chamber’s signature quality-of-life initiatives, the Mayo River Rail Trail. We are excited to announce that the beautiful new water tower mural has now been completed, creating a colorful landmark that celebrates our community while enhancing the trail experience for residents and visitors alike. Attention is now shifting toward the next phase of improvements through the Virginnia Department of Forestry grant. This work will include invasive vine removal, survey work, and planning for future trail enhancements. As part of this grant, the Chamber is also receiving technical assistance from Virginia Tech’s Community Design Assistance Center (CDAC). Representatives visited Patrick County on July 28th to walk the trail, discuss long-term improvements, and begin developing recommendations that will help shape the future of this important community asset.
The Chamber also participated in a regional Zoom meeting to discuss the next phase of Blue Ridge Rising Trail Initiative, where communities across Southwest Virginia continue identifying priority trail projects and opportunities to strengthen outdoor recreation throughout the region. Regional collaboration remains essential as communities work together to create interconnected trail systems that support tourism, recreation, and economic development.
Preparations are well underway for the Fall edition of the award-winning Patrick County Magazine. Advertising sales are nearing completion, and work continues on feature stories highlighting local businesses, events, attractions, and the people who make Patrick County unique. The magazine will make its debut at the Patrick County Agricultural Fair in September before being distributed throughout the region, serving as an important tourism and economic development resource.
Throughout July, I also participated in several important regional meetings. I attended the Friends of Southwest Virginia Listening Tour, where stakeholders shared ideas to help update the Destination Southwest Virginia strategic plan. I also participated in the county’s FEMA meeting regarding proposed updates to Patrick County’s flood maps, ensuring local businesses and residents remain informed about changes that may affect future development and property planning.
One of the month’s most rewarding events was hosting the Rural Everywhere: Connecting Communities gathering. Thirty-eight participants representing businesses, nonprofits, education, healthcare, local government, and community organizations came together to discuss ways to strengthen connections throughout Patrick County. The conversations centered on identifying community connectors, breaking down organizational silos, increasing collaboration, and ensuring more voices are included in future community conversations. The event reinforced that when organizations work together and share resources, everyone benefits.
Building on this momentum, the Chamber is excited to partner with Virginia Tech’s Reynolds Homestead to present the Patrick County Nonprofit Summit on November 7th. The summit will provide nonprofit leaders, board members, staff, volunteers, funders, and community partners with a full day of professional development, networking, and collaboration designed to strengthen the organizations that serve our region.
Finally, we are pleased to welcome our newest Chamber members, High Hopes Dog Training and Wallace Legal, PLLC. We appreciate their investment in the Patrick County business community and look forward to supporting their continued growth and success.
As we move into August, we invite everyone to join us on August 3rd for the ribbon cutting celebrating the Disaster Relief Food Ministry’s new offices at 420 Woodland Drive. We also encourage our business community to register for the August 18th Lunch & Learn and nonprofit leaders to save the date for the November 7th Nonprofit Summit. Thank you to our members, volunteers, partners, and supporters for continuing to make Patrick County a stronger, more connected, and vibrant community. Together, we are building momentum that will benefit our county for generations to come.
