Chamber of Commerce celebrates 35 years

LAURA MCFARLAND Managing Editor

POWHATAN – Moving forward in 2023, the word the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce leadership most wants to define the year is connection.

Connecting with fellow business people and the community is what Teresa Melton, president of the Powhatan Chamber Board of Directors, said she wants to drive the year ahead for members as individuals and businesses.

“My vision is that we are going to connect with each other and more people in the community, grow our businesses in the community and surrounding areas, and just be relational and help each other grow,” Melton said Thursday, Jan. 19 at the Chamber’s annual celebration.

Dozens of local business people attended the annual event held at new local business Classic Granite and Marble. The event was special this year both because 2023 marks the 35th anniversary of the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce and because it honored three individuals for their service above self.

The biggest award given out at the annual meeting was the 2023 Kathy Budner Award of