Business calendar for the week of Jan. 8JAN. 8 MONDAY
Business After Hours, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Worley’s Home Services, 1210 George Washington Memorial Highway, Yorktown. The York County Chamber is hosting a networking event. $0-$10. Register at yorkcountychamberva.org.
JAN. 9 TUESDAY
Downtown Norfolk Council engagement with Virginia Arts Festival, 8-8:30 a.m., Robin Hixon Theater, Clay and Jay Barr Education Center, 440 Bank St., Norfolk. Downtown Norfolk Council is hosting Rob Cross, executive director of the Virginia Arts Festival, for an insider’s look at the upcoming festival season and diverse performances for the spring. $0-$25. RSVP by Jan. 8 at downtownnorfolk.wufoo.com/forms/january-dnc-member-engagement/.
Coffee Connection, 8-9 a.m., 716 Thimble Shoals Blvd., Suite C, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting a networking event at Heather Hughes Photography. $0-$5. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.
JAN. 10 WEDNESDAY
Commonwealth Conversations with BK Fulton, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Williamsburg Lodge, 310 S. England St., Williamsburg. The Williamsburg Chamber and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation are hosting BK Fulton, chairman and CEO of Soulidifly Productions for an in-depth conversation. Fulton is the chairman of seven companies and an award-winning filmmaker, media investor and author. $55-$80. Register at connect.businesswilliamsburg.com/events.
Restaurant Tips, 10 a.m.-noon, 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting Tiffany Boyle, Newport News commissioner of the revenue, for its next session of its “Start, Grow, Thrive: Succeeding in Business” series. Learn how the office supports new restaurants with tax preparation and other insights. $15. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.
Relay for Life Peninsula Kickoff, 5-8 p.m., Coastal Fermentory, 206 23rd St., Suite B, Newport News. Relay for Life Peninsula is hosting an event with food trucks to kickoff the fundraising year. Relayforlife.org/penva.
JAN. 11 THURSDAY
Investing in Yourself: Building Your Superpowers, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., 11850 Merchants Walk, Suite 110, Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting Karen Witherspoon of Elevate Leadership for its Pink Bag Lunch. $10-$15. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.
Business After Hours, 4-6 p.m., 4824 George Washington Memorial Highway, Yorktown. The Williamsburg Chamber is hosting a networking event at Habitat ReStore Yorktown. Includes hors d’oeuvres and wine from the Williamsburg Winery. $15-$25. Register at connect.businesswilliamsburg.com/events.
JAN. 12 FRIDAY
Hampton Roads Transit Career Fair, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 509 E. 18th St., Building 4, Norfolk. Explore opportunities in public transportation at Hampton Roads Transit’s career fair. The organization is hiring for multiple positions, from administration to operations. Several openings come with a service bonus of up to $5,000. Starting pay for bus operators, light rail operators and mechanics is more than $20 an hour. Free. Hamptonroadstransit.ourcareerpages.com.
JAN. 13 SATURDAY
BrickUniverse Lego Fan Expo, 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m., Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive. BrickUniverse is presenting a major exhibition of works by celebrated artists from around the country. Join thousands of fellow fans, meet professional artists, explore incredible exhibits and creations, build your own masterpiece, shop the Brick Market and discover hard to find Lego sets, mini figures and more. $12.99. Register on eventbrite.com.
JAN. 15 MONDAY
40th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Community Leaders Awards, 8 a.m., Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St. The Urban League of Hampton Roads is honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by recognizing dedicated leaders who make significant contributions to Hampton Roads. Award recipients include Charlie Hill of Hampton Roads Prostate Forum, Peter Blake of State Council of Higher Education for Virginia, Harry Lester, Alexis Swann of TowneBank, Norfolk Redevelopment Housing Authority, former Gov. Douglas Wilder, Nykita Doggette and Lisa Wise Chapman. Keynote speaker is Clint Smith, staff writer for The Atlantic and New York Times bestselling author. Includes breakfast. $60. Buy tickets at ulhr.org/mlk-awards/.
Deadline for Virginia Beach nonprofit community organization grants. The city is accepting another round of applications for grants to qualified nonprofit organizations. Access applications at budget.virginiabeach.gov/grants.
JAN. 18 THURSDAY
Aspire Showcase: Young Professionals’ New Year Expo, Spoke + Art Provisions, 3449 John Tyler Highway, Williamsburg. The Williamsburg Chamber is hosting a networking event for young professionals to learn more about Aspire and its events this year. Free. Register at connect.businesswilliamsburg.com/events.
JAN. 20 SATURDAY
Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation Gala, 6 p.m. to midnight, Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive. Chesapeake Regional Healthcare is hosting its signature black-tie philanthropic event to help fund program and equipment needs. The gala has raised $3.5 million to help the health system respond to the evolving needs of the community. The theme is “The Lights are Bright on Broadway.” $250. Buy tickets at chesapeakegala.com.
JAN. 23 TUESDAY
Morning Member Meetup, 8-9:30 a.m., iHeart Media Inc., 555 Belaire Ave., Suite 320, Chesapeake. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a networking event. Free. Register at hrchamber.com.
The Norfolk Forum with Amanda Knox, 7:30 p.m., Chrysler Hall, 215 St. Pauls Blvd., Norfolk. The Norfolk Forum is hosting Amanda Knox, who made international headlines in 2007 when she was accused of the murder of her roommate/fellow study abroad student in Italy. After nearly four years in prison and eight years on trial, she was finally acquitted of the crime but the scars left by the ordeal ran deep. Learn how she has spent her time since shedding light on the pervasive issues of wrongful conviction, public shaming and imperfect methods of seeking truth. $45. Buy tickets at TheNorfolkForum.org.
JAN. 24 WEDNESDAY
Retail Recess, 6-8 p.m., Scope Arena, 201 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk. The Retail Alliance is hosting a networking event in a designated area at the Norfolk Admirals hockey game. Includes cost of game, appetizers and one drink. $35-$55. Register at retailalliance.com.
JAN. 26 FRIDAY
Outer Banks Chamber annual meeting and awards reception, 8-10 a.m., Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant, 705 S. Croatan Highway, Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina. The chamber is hosting John Formica, the ex-Disney Guy, as keynote speaker for “Dream, Dare, Believe & Do.” Awards being presented include: Volunteer of the Year, Community Champion, Business Innovator of the Year, and Community Business Partner of the Year. $35-$45. Register at outerbankschamber.com/2024annualmtg.
JAN. 28 SUNDAY
Winter Engaged Bridal Expo, 1-5 p.m., Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton. ShowBride is hosting an expo where attendees can meet with potential wedding vendors and check out samples of their work. Free fashion show. $0-$12. Buy tickets at showbride.com.
JAN. 30 TUESDAY
Rising Tide: Innovators & Entrepreneurs, Holiday Inn, 980 Omni Blvd., Newport News. The Peninsula Chamber is hosting a panel discussion. $40. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.
JAN. 31 WEDNESDAY
Chamber Business Social, 5:30-7 p.m., LeMans Karting, 2882 Airline Blvd., Portsmouth. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a networking event with limited racing spots. Free. Register at hrchamber.com.
FEB. 3 SATURDAY
For the Love Annual Gala, 6:30-10 p.m., Colonial Heritage Golf Club, 6500 Arthur Hills Blvd., Williamsburg. The Williamsburg Chamber is hosting its annual black-tie gala with cocktails, live music, dinner and dancing. Includes three champagne toasts and silent auction to benefit Pathways2Careers and educational programming. $175-$225. Register at connect.businesswilliamsburg.com/events.
FEB. 6 TUESDAY
Retailpreneur Series: Navigating & Leveraging Trends, 8:30-9:45 a.m., virtual. The Retail Alliance is hosting a three-part workshop on retail trends with speakers Jenny Crittenden, CEO of Retail Alliance, and Stephanie Heinatz, founder of Consociate Media. Attendees will dive into consumer trends post-COVID, what brick-and-mortar retailers need to be aware of and how to be on point with the latest marketing and social media trends. Price includes all three workshops, including on March 5 and April 2. $30-$60. Register at retailalliance.com.
FEB. 13 TUESDAY
Morning Member Meetup, 8-9:30 a.m., Freedom Outdoors, 5070 Virginia Beach Blvd., Virginia Beach. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a networking event with coffee and continental breakfast. Free. Register at hrchamber.com.
FEB. 21 WEDNESDAY
Coliseum Central Annual Meeting, 8:30 a.m., Hampton Roads Convention Center, 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton. Coliseum Central will provide a review of the previous year, status reports from key constituents and a look at the year ahead. This year’s event includes an awards ceremony to recognize standout district businesses and owners. Open to all members of the district. Free. Coliseumcentral.com.
FEB. 22 THURSDAY
56th Annual Humanitarian Awards, 6:30-9:30 p.m., Newport News Marriott at City Center, 740 Town Center Drive. The the Virginia Center for Inclusive Communities is presenting its annual awards to those individuals who have demonstrated a personal commitment to the promotion of respect and understanding among people of diverse racial, ethnic, and religious backgrounds. Honorees are Xavier Beale, Syed Ismail, Eugene Jordan II, Nick Vlahakis, Gwendolyn Williams and Peninsula Pastoral Counseling Center. $175. Buy tickets at inclusiveva.org/awards/peninsula/.
FEB. 23 THURSDAY
Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s 76th Annual Antiques Forum, Williamsburg Lodge, 1-6 p.m. Feb. 27, 310 S. England St., Williamsburg. This year’s conference will examine public and private collections, new research and revitalized spaces from London to Nova Scotia and across the United States. Virtual option available for $175. $490-655. Register at colonialwilliamsburg.org/antiques-forum.
FEB. 24 SATURDAY
First Citizen Gala, 5:30-9:30 p.m., Newport News Marriott, 740 Town Center Drive. The Peninsula Chamber is honoring Alan Witt as the 2023 First Citizen. $70. Register at virginiapeninsulachamber.com.
FEB. 25 SUNDAY
Retail Therapy: A Women’s Wellness Retreat for You and Your Business, 4 p.m. Feb. 25-2 p.m. Feb. 26, Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Waterfront, 2800 Shore Drive. The Retail Alliance is hosting a conference with workshops with experts from the retail industry on their strategies for success, networking events, complimentary headshots and wellness sessions including yoga, meditation and mindfulness activities. $275-$350. Register at retailalliance.com.
FEB. 27 TUESDAY
Tidewater Job Fair, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive. Employers are hiring. Register at tidewaterjobfair.com.
FEB. 28 WEDNESDAY
Commonwealth Conversations with Tom Barkin, 8:30-10:30 a.m., Williamsburg Lodge, 310 S. England St., Williamsburg. The Williamsburg Chamber is hosting Tom Barkin, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond for an in-depth conversation. $55-$80. Register at connect.businesswilliamsburg.com/events.
Chamber Business Social, 5:30-7 p.m., Scope Arena, 201 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting a networking event with the Norfolk Admirals before the game. Appetizers provided. Free. Register at hrchamber.com.
MARCH 13 WEDNESDAY
Virginia Beach State of the City, noon to 2 p.m., Virginia Beach Convention Center, 1000 19th St. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting Mayor Bobby Dyer, who will highlight key business development initiatives, provide strategic municipal progress updates, address challenges and opportunities and provide a glimpse into the city’s future. $60-$80. Register at hrchamber.com.
MARCH 23 SATURDAY
ForKids Art Auction, 6-10 p.m., Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive. ForKids is hosting a fundraiser with a goal of $1.7 million to support its mission to end family homelessness in the region. Guests will bid high on children’s art. Get info at forkids.org/2024-art-auction.
MARCH 24 SUNDAY
Spring Engaged Bridal Expo, 1-5 p.m., Chesapeake Congerence Center, 700 Conference Center Drive. ShowBride is hosting an expo where attendees can meet with potential wedding vendors and check out samples of their work. Free fashion show. $0-$12. Buy tickets at showbride.com.
MARCH 27 WEDNESDAY
Chesapeake State of the City, noon to 2 p.m., Chesapeake Conference Center, 700 Conference Center Drive. The Hampton Roads Chamber is hosting Mayor Rick West, who will highlight key business development initiatives, provide strategic municipal progress updates, address challenges and opportunities and provide a glimpse into the city’s future. $60-$80. Register at hrchamber.com.
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