• Workforce & Education: We are advocating for expanded funding in high-demand programs, such as nursing and skilled trades. Our local community college, P&H CC does a great job expanding programming.

• Infrastructure & Connectivity: Ensuring Southern Virginia has the modern infrastructure required to attract new industry and support our existing business community. Expansion of Hwy 58 will help our business community.

• Active Advocacy: Through programs like Leadership Patrick County in partnership with Reynold Homestead, we are taking local voices directly to Richmond to meet with legislators and shape the policy outcomes of the 2035 plan.

• Hosted our Lunch & Learn on Employee Handbook and the new Workforce Labor Laws with Longwood Small Business Development Center

As the next Legislative session, the Chamber will be working to provide information regarding proposed new laws that will impact our business community.

Wage Transparency and Minimum Wage:

• Wage Transparency Act:  Employers are now prohibited from asking about or relying on an applicant's salary history.  Furthermore, all job postings must now include a "good-faith salary range"
• Minimum Wage Increase:  The minimum wage is currently $12.77 per hour.  It is scheduled to increase to $13.75 on January 1, 2027** and reach $15.00 by 2028.
• Commissions as Wages:  A new law explicitly defines commissions as "wages," making them subject to the same protections and penalties for non-payment as hourly or salaried pay.