More than 50 chamber leaders will gather in Luray for Executive Retreat
By Randy Arrington
LURAY — Next week, the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce will be showcasing the Page Valley when it hosts the 2025 Executive Retreat for the Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives (VACCE) at the Mimslyn Inn in Luray on Aug. 13-15.
“It’s truly an honor to host the 2025 VACCE Executive Retreat right here in our beautiful hometown,” said Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce.
The VACCE Executive Retreat is designed to teach Chamber Executives new ways to solve management problems, motivate people, and increase knowledge to become more effective in supporting their local communities. VACCE represents more than 30,000 businesses in the Commonwealth, according to its website, and is the only organization in the state dedicated to the growth and development of Chamber professionals.
“Welcoming more than 50 chamber leaders from across Virginia to the Mimslyn Inn and the Shenandoah Valley has been incredibly special — not just for our community, but for me personally,” Hilliard noted. “My time serving on the VACCE Board has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career, offering opportunities for collaboration, growth and advocacy for the communities we serve.”
Formed in 1962, VACCE is an alliance of Chamber executives from across the state working together to improve the business climate in Virginia, while also developing ways to enhance the quality of life in the communities they serve.
A kick-off reception will be held from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13 hosted by Stover Hall and sponsored by Luray Caverns. The event will include live music and be catered by Hanks Grill & Catering, with wine provided by DuCard Vineyard.
On Thursday, Aug. 14, the official welcome will be given at 10 a.m. at the Mimslyn Inn by Hilliard and Tracy Hale-Clark of the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce and the 2025-26 VACCE Board Chair. The day will include sessions on:
- Virginia Chamber Legislative Update by Carter T. Whitelow, the Vice President of Government Relations for the Virginia Chamber of Commerce;
- Community College System Update by Virginia Chancellor David Dore;
- Keynote – Resilience by Design: Building Organizations That Thrive in Uncertainty by Crystel Smith of Crystel Clear Business Strategies.
Thursday afternoon includes a tour of Luray Caverns, including other attractions on the site such as the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum, Toy Town Junction, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village. Thursday evening includes a reception and awards dinner back at the Mimslyn Inn.
On Friday, Aug. 15, the Executive Retreat includes:
- Breakfast panel discussion “Ask Us Anything” featuring panelists Tracy Hale Clark of the Louisa County Chamber, Amy Frazier of the Culpeper Chamber, Regina Hilliard of the Luray-Page County Chamber, Eric Sichau of the Roanoke Regional Chamber, and Courtney Thompson of the Greater Augusta Regional Chamber;
- Keynote – Navigating the Future: Essential Executive Skills for 2025 and Beyond by Crystel Smith of Crystel Clear Business Strategies;
- Closing Keynote – Trusting Teams Breed Ownership by Sean Quigley of Knighthawk Consulting.
The mission of VACCE, according to its website, is to equip Chamber of Commerce professionals with leadership skills and tools to build innovative Chambers.
“This retreat brings together some of the most dedicated professionals in our field to share ideas, build resilience, and shape the future of chamber leadership,” Hilliard said. “We’re proud to showcase the charm and hospitality of our region, and I’m grateful to be part of such a meaningful gathering.”
For more information about the
Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives,
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