Committees

The Agriculture Committee serves as a vital platform for stakeholders in the agricultural sector to collaborate, share insights, and address challenges facing the industry. This committee comprises farmers, agribusinesses, policymakers, and industry experts who come together to discuss issues such as sustainable farming practices, market trends, regulatory changes, and technological advancements in agriculture.

During the Agriculture Committee meetings, members engage in open dialogue, exchanging ideas and strategies to enhance productivity and profitability within the agricultural community. The committee also advocates for policies that support the sector, ensuring that the voices of farmers and agribusinesses are heard in local and national discussions.

By fostering relationships and promoting best practices, the Agriculture Committee plays a key role in strengthening the agricultural economy and ensuring the long-term viability of farming in the region.

Volunteers from the Chamber Membership that act as the Chamber's goodwill arm and serve to promote member commitment and retention by helping keep close contact with our members throughout the year. Ambassadors are admired and recognized for their commitment to the Chamber! This group meets once a month on every first Wednesday from 8:30 - 9:30 am. Danielle Alexander is the Chair of this committee. 

Chamber Ambassadors are the face and heart of the chamber world! Join us to chat about plans, share tips, and find new ways to connect with local businesses. Interested in joining? Please review and fill out our Botetourt Chamber Ambassador Program Overview.Application.pdf.

The Botetourt Chamber invites you to Beyond Networking, an engaging opportunity to connect with local professionals, exchange ideas, and discover new business opportunities. This event goes further than a traditional networking mixer—it's designed to foster authentic relationships, spark collaborations, and highlight the success stories of our community.

🤝 About the Beyond Networking Group

The Beyond Networking group is a dynamic initiative of the Botetourt Chamber, created to support business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community members who want more than just surface-level introductions.

• Mission: To transform networking into meaningful connections that lead to collaboration, growth, and opportunity.
• Focus: Encouraging authentic conversations, celebrating local businesses, and providing a platform to learn from peers and guest speakers.
• Community Impact: By coming together regularly, members strengthen Botetourt's business ecosystem, fueling innovation and community prosperity.
• Join us at our next Beyond Networking event!

✨ Beyond Networking is not just about meeting people—it's about building partnerships, sharing knowledge, and creating opportunities that last.

Develop programming that most specifically addresses the needs of our member's businesses. The BizEd Committee develops the BOCOTALKS programming. This program is offered four times a year. 

A meeting convened by Chair to create amendment compilations submitted for approval and additions. A thorough review of the Chamber's by-laws will occur on an annual basis at minimum. 

The Leader's Lounge is a fresh, intentional gathering created for emerging leaders, young professionals, and growing businesses who are ready to expand their networks and sharpen their leadership skills. Hosted by the Emerging Leaders Committee of the Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce, this relaxed yet purposeful event offers an opportunity to connect with peers, share ideas, and build meaningful relationships in a casual setting.

Join us every Second Thursday, from 5:00–7:00 PM at Crooked Shoreline for your monthly installment of the Leader's Lounge series. Our next gathering will take place on February 12. Whether you're new to the business community or looking to deepen your local connections, this event is designed to foster conversation, collaboration, and community among the next generation of leaders in Botetourt and beyond.

Focuses on improvement in the Chamber through engaging the Board, Chamber membership, and the community through social media groups and exposure. Additionally, this committee will provide links to regional happenings and develop programs for Women owned business, small businesses, and minority owned businesses.

Works with the Chamber and the Board on the development and staffing of our Signature Events with the intention of generating revenue for the Chamber and offering increased value to our membership. It also works to support networking through events coordinated by the Chamber including our Coffee Connections, Lunch and Learns, and Cocktail Connection events. There will be subcommittees for specific Signature Events such as the Tinsel Trail or Golf Tournament. Allison Bancroft is the contact for the Events Committee.

Maintains oversight and promotion of financial responsibility for the Botetourt Chamber. Sandra Craft is the contact for the Finance Committee.

Identify and review pool of local High School applicants that desire and require assistance to pursue advancement in their education. Be an extension of tiered sponsorship growth - a portion of any sponsorship can be charitably contributed to the Scholarship Program. Continue to grow the applicant pool by canvassing for donations.

Work with the Botetourt Chamber's Executive Director on strategies that will ensure success of the Botetourt County Chamber and fulfillment of its mission and responsibility to the community. Examples include ensuring we have access to legal advice through dedicated counsel, driving sponsorship, necessary restructuring, use of innovative technology, relationship building and advocacy initiatives, and a financial plan for investments and savings. 

Use the strategy of strategic partnerships and alliances to develop and build on current relationships to increase a viable workforce in the community. Assist in facilitating development of needed skillsets for our area and its companies. Create relationships with developers, local government, educational institutions, corporations, and provide incentives for businesses coming into the area.