Blackstone Chamber Newsletter - September 2, 2024

Virginia Forum on Infrastructure and Its Impact on Economic Development

When: September 18, 2024 - 10:00am to 2:00pm

Where: The Williamsburg Lodge

The Virginia Chamber Foundation and Hampton Roads Alliance are pleased to present the 2024 Virginia Forum on Infrastructure and Its Impact on Economic Development. In its second year, the 2024 Forum will convene business leaders and industry experts to discuss the connection between energy and economic development, as well as the infrastructure challenges and opportunities in planning for future economic growth. Get More Info & Register!

Semi-Annual Job Fair

The semi-annual Regional Job Fair is being held on October 8, 2024, at the Golden Leaf Commons, 1300 Greensville County Circle, Emporia, Virginia from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. We welcome all employers and community-based organizations to attend this FREE EVENT. We urge all employers to take advantage of the opportunity to meet with job seekers and organizations providing information regarding their services.

Completing and returning a Job Fair Registration form will guarantee you lunch, one table, two chairs, free employer advertising, vendor location, and more! Please complete the attached Company Registration Form and email it to suzannedtaylor57@yahoo.com to reserve your table. We look forward to seeing you.

Celebrate Fall at the 9th Annual Blackstone Wine and Beer Festival on Oct. 26th

Enjoy tastings from six wineries and several breweries that includes lackstone’s Trippin’ Billie’s Brewery. Visit Historic Schwartz Tavern and the neighboring Robert Thomas Carriage Museum. Both will be open to visitors.

Music provided by: The Jokers

For more info contact: Bob Thomas at rthomas1rebel@yahoo.com

Upcoming Chamber Events

2024 Arts & Crafts Festival - Sept. 14-15
Chamber Golf Outing - Oct. 17

Community Travel Interest Survey

At Smith-Hairston Travel, we believe that travel enriches lives and strengthens our community. That's why we're thrilled to partner with the Blackstone Chamber of Commerce to bring new and exciting travel opportunities to you and your family! Your input matters—please take a few moments to complete our survey and let us help turn your travel dreams into reality.

Take the Survey!

Check Our News & Events Page

The educator expense deduction can help offset out-of-pocket classroom costs

The taxpayer must be a kindergarten through grade 12 teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide. They must also work at least 900 hours a school year in a school that provides elementary or secondary education as determined under state law. Read more on the Educator Expense Deduction.

Exciting New Business in Blackston

SHAWMAN Framing & Gallery

Blackstone is thrilled to welcome a new addition to our business community! SHAWMAN Framing & Gallery, co-owned by Thomas Bradshaw and Krisna Hoffman, opened its doors on August 24th with a grand opening celebration that featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, cake, coffee, and refreshments.

Located at 131 N Main St, SHAWMAN Framing & Gallery offers a wide range of custom framing services with state-of-the-art equipment and an impressive selection of frames and matting.

Whether you're looking to preserve a cherished memory or showcase a special piece of art, the knowledgeable and skilled staff at SHAWMAN Framing & Gallery are dedicated to helping you find the perfect frame and matting combination.

Stop by SHAWMAN Framing & Gallery today to explore their offerings and see why they are the go-to destination for all your framing needs in Blackstone.

SHAWMAN Framing Gallery Grand Opening

WiseChoice / Anthem Program

The Virginia Chamber is pleased to work with our VACCE members to inform and enroll the business community regarding the WiseChoice Healthcare Alliance.

If you are interested in receiving additional information on the WiseChoice Healthcare Alliance, or need tips on how to market the Alliance to your membership, please email Hannah Emerson.

Employer-offered educational assistance programs can help pay for college

An educational assistance program is an employer’s written plan to provide employees with undergraduate or graduate-level educational assistance. These programs allow employers to pay student loan debt and other education expenses tax-free. Read more on Employer Educational Assistance.

MBDA Newsletter

Check out the Minority Business Development Agency’s latest newsletter issue for August and learn about the Second Annual Access to Capital Summit and much more. Read the full newsletter.

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About Blackstone Chamber of Commerce

We support local businesses, promote community development, and encourage active engagement to create a thriving and vibrant town. Through our efforts in business advocacy, networking, and community events, we aim to make our area a wonderful place to live, work, and do business.

IRS reminder: Employer educational assistance programs can still be used to help pay off workers’ student loans through Dec. 31, 2025

IR-2024-227, Aug. 28, 2024

WASHINGTON — The Internal Revenue Service today issued a reminder that employers who offer educational assistance programs can also use them to help pay for their employees’ student loan obligations through Dec. 31, 2025.