Blacksburg/Christiansburg, Virginia, May 18, 2022– On May 18, 2022 The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual “Leadership In Changing Times & Best Places to Work Conference” at the Inn at Virginia Tech. This program started in 2017 as the “Best Places to Work Luncheon” as a part of their talent retention and recruitment initiatives. The Chamber and the NRV Society of Human Resource Managers, aka SHRM, partnered to develop this program and raise awareness of our community's outstanding workplaces. In 2020, Best Places to Work was complemented by new recognitions for emerging leaders with the 40 Under 40 list and Hall of Fame.

"We are pleased to showcase so many local businesses, leaders, and emerging leaders in our community that are making a difference,” Mark Woolwine, 2022 Chamber Board Chair said, “and it is important that these recognitions were open to both Chamber members and non-members as it highlights why Montgomery County is a great place to live, work and play."

Those attending had the opportunity see all of these recognitions announced, as well as hear from two phenomenal keynote speakers: Dwayne Washington, Vice President for Merrill Lynch and Jay Caughron, Ph.D., Professor of Organizational Psychology for Radford University and Founder and CEO of Allied Consulting Network.

“Both provided insights on leadership and changes in culture that applied to business practices,” Steve Baffuto, President & CEO of The Chamber, shared, “I believe everyone left with new ideas and ways to make improvements within their organizations.”
The conference closed with the announcement of the three inductees to the 2022 Hall of Fame: Bill Aden, businessman, developer and REALTOR®; Dr. Noelle Bissell, Director of the New River Health District; and Bill Ellenbogen, Former President of Friends of the Huckleberry.
 
The Hall of Fame recognizes leaders who have influenced change in our community. Many factors determine the quality of life, and strong communities are built upon those leaders who dared to make a difference. This initiative was the brainchild of Jeff Mitchell, founder of Mitchell Law and former Chamber board member.

“These people are changemakers in our community” Jeff Mitchell said, “Many of these leaders were disrupters who have changed the way we look at business here or have changed our beliefs. It is only fitting that we find a way to celebrate their contributions.”

With so many recognitions to share, the Chamber encourage everyone to visit their website at www.montgomerycc.org to see the Top 25 Best Places to Work, Best Places Industry Winners, 40 Under 40 list, and 2022 Hall of Fame inductees. 

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce serves Blacksburg, Christiansburg, and businesses in all of Montgomery County. We support businesses through advocacy, marketing, and networking opportunities. The Chamber is not a government organization. For more information on the program or the Chamber of Commerce, visit the chamber website at www.montgomerycc.org, Facebook page, or call The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce at 540.382.3020.