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From Boots to Business: Growing with Purpose in Central Virginia

I’m Dalton Brooks, part of the sales team at Bison Printing. I’m a former deputy, a believer, and someone who values hard work, the outdoors, and making real connections with people. Transitioning into the business world has come with plenty of lessons. Some have been tough, others rewarding, but every one of them has helped…

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Three CCEs, One Region: How the Alliance Sets the Standard for Chamber Leadership

In the world of economic development and chamber leadership, few credentials carry as much prestige as the Certified Chamber Executive (CCE) designation. It’s more than a professional milestone, it’s a national recognition of excellence, strategic leadership, and a deep commitment to community prosperity. That’s why it’s a big deal that the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance…

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Finding Clarity Through Internships: Lessons from my Summer at the Alliance

Internships offer college students something incredibly valuable: the chance to explore what life might look like after graduation. They provide a firsthand look into the professional world beyond the classroom, and offer insight into what kinds of environments, roles, and leadership styles you might thrive in (or want to avoid). Paid internships offer a unique…

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Stretch, Don’t Snap

Let’s be honest: change isn’t just a phase—it’s constant. In our fast-paced workplaces and personal lives, we are always adjusting to something. And whether we admit it or not, we’re either embracing change or resisting it. But resistance doesn’t always come from laziness or negativity. More often, it comes from something deeper: the fear of…

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Connected by Community

Starting a new job is both exciting and a little overwhelming, especially when it means diving into a new community. When I joined Luper Team Mortgage, I knew I wanted to succeed in my role and genuinely become part of Lynchburg. Thankfully, the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance and its Young Professionals of Central Virginia group…

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Why I Keep Showing Up: Leveraging My Alliance Membership Through Relational Leadership

As a solo entrepreneur, it’s easy to question every line item in your calendar and budget. When I joined the Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance, I wasn’t just looking to grow my network—I was looking to grow my impact. What I’ve found is this: when you lead with relationship, not transaction, your investment pays dividends. I’ve…

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Affordable Childcare: The Missing Piece in the Workforce Puzzle

The cost of raising children is expensive.  Since Covid-19, expenses on such things as diapers, food, clothes, housing, health care, and so on, continue to cost more.  For those that must work, the quest to find quality, affordable childcare is virtually impossible. This isn’t a new problem but with rising costs and the demand exceeding…

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Choosing Myself

People always say that junior year of high school is the hardest year. However, that wasn’t the case for me; sophomore year was the hardest. I struggled with my classes because I didn’t understand what I was being taught. I was always told I was gifted growing up. If I’m gifted, why can’t I be…

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The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Spring Conference

On March 20 & 21, 2025, Barry, Mercedies, Anna Grace, and Hayden attended the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) Spring Conference. This annual event brought together chamber professionals to exchange ideas and strategies for community advancement. The conference serves as a platform for chamber executives and their staff to collaborate on promoting…

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It Takes Talent

Let’s face it, most coffee shops offer similar menu options and have staff with the skills to fulfill drink requests. So why do many of us prefer one shop over others?  It turns out the deciding factor is typically not the product, but the people.  A warm greeting with a smile, making helpful suggestions, and…

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