Connect. Build. Grow.
A Supportive Community Can Make All the Difference.
Founded in 1986 by a group of determined local business leaders, the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce was born out of a grassroots effort to advocate for the business community, starting with a successful campaign to prevent the implementation of the Business, Professional and Occupational License (BPOL) tax in Powhatan County.
Nearly four decades later , that same spirit of advocacy, connection, and collaboration remains at the heart of all we do.
Today, the Chamber is a growing network of over 260 members , guided by a Board of Directors , managed by an Executive Director and Member Coordinator , and supported by several engaged committees: Executive, Finance, Membership, and Wine Festival , and the newly forming Scholarship Committee .
Our Signature Event: Festival of the Grape
Launched in 2002 , the Festival of the Grape has evolved from a simple fundraiser into one of Central Virginia’s premier wine festivals — and a vital source of funding for our Chamber.
Proceeds from the festival sustain our annual operations , help us offer affordable membership dues , and support community-focused initiatives like our scholarship to Powhatan High School’s Career & Technical Education Fund , a direct investment in our future workforce .
Our Mission: Empower Local Businesses
At the Powhatan Chamber, we believe a connected business community is a stronger one. With the support of our festival revenue, sponsors, and active members, we offer:
- Networking opportunities to help local businesses connect, collaborate, and thrive
- Educational events that inform and empower business leaders
- Sponsorship and marketing opportunities that elevate member visibility
- Volunteer-driven initiatives that give back and strengthen our local economy
Whether you're a new entrepreneur, a growing enterprise, or a long-standing community anchor, we are here to help you connect, build, and grow — both in business and in impact.
Powhatan Chamber Future Leaders Scholarship
The Powhatan Chamber Scholarship is designed to support students of Chamber member businesses as they advance in their education. Open to homeschool, Powhatan High School, and Blessed Sacrament students, this scholarship is an extension of the Chamber’s commitment to supporting our members and their families.
As a business organization rooted in community, we believe supporting local students is a natural part of what we do. These students represent the next generation of our workforce, entrepreneurs, and community leaders. By investing in them, we are continuing to strengthen the foundation of Powhatan’s future.
This program enables the Chamber to support the families connected to our membership while encouraging continued growth, education, and opportunity. We are proud to support students as they take the next step in their education.
Eligibility
- High school seniors
- Student of a current Powhatan Chamber member business
- Includes homeschool, Powhatan High School, and Blessed Sacrament students
Join us.
Be part of a Chamber that believes in progress, celebrates community, and works every day to make Powhatan the best place to do business.
George Brauburger
President
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Versatile Merchant Solutions
Nate Young
Board Member
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C & F Bank
Mary Ellen Freer
Board Member
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DeSigns by Mary Ellen
Lindsay Harris
Vice President
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Leader Haven
Monica Sutton
Board Member
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Liberty Federal Credit Union
April Young
Board Member
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Courthouse Coworking
Jamie Timberlake
Treasurer
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Dynamic DJ Service
Roxanne Salerno
Board Member
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Powhatan Economic Development
Hope Swinter
Board Member
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INSERVICE
Deone Allen
Past President
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EPIC Fit
Margie Jurkuta
Board Member
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Powhatan Real Estate Settlement
Meghan Ellinghausen
Board Member
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Ellinghausen Grading
Chamber Staff
Nicole Riley
Executive Director
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Betty Davis
Member Coordinator
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Membership Committee
Betty Davis
Powhatan Chamber
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Nate Young
C&F Bank
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Teresa Melton
Berkshire Hathaway Home Services PenFed Realty
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Lindsay Harris
Leader Haven
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Anna Sothen
Sothen Enterprises
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Monica Sutton
Liberty Federal Credit Union
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Sandy Duncan
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Joy Matkowsky
Powhatan Real Estate Settlement
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Evans Hodges
Fortified Security Solutions
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Finance Committee
Nicole Riley
Powhatan Chamber
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Tera Johnson
Johnson Bookkeeping
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Jamie Timberlake
Dynamic DJ Service
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George Brauburger
Versatile Merchant Solutions
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Hugh Jones
First Citizens Bank
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Wine Festival Committee
Nicole Riley
Powhatan Chamber
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Betty Davis
Powhatan Chamber
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Tracey McClung
Village Concepts Realty
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Deone Allen
EPIC Fit
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Bryony Gills
C&F Bank
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Nate Young
C&F Bank
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Floyd Greene
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Powhatan Emergency Management
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Powhatan Sheriff’s Department
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Powhatan Fire Rescue
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Powhatan Economic Development
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Emergent Social Solutions
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Chamber Awards - 2025 Recipients
Kathy Budner Award
Jamie Timberlake, Dynamic DJ Services
Susan Ash Award
Nate Young, C&F Bank
Drive Your Business Forward
Unlock your business's potential by joining the Powhatan Chamber of Commerce. Seize the opportunity to connect with local leaders, build a robust business foundation, and maximize your growth in the community. Become a member today and propel your success.