Business - Potomac Local News

Prince William Chamber Names Kristi Black CEO, Steve Danziger Board Chair as It Seeks Stability

Published June 5, 2026 at 9:27AM

Black / Danziger

The Prince William Chamber of Commerce announced new leadership at its annual meeting on June 4, with Kristi Black named President and Chief Executive Officer and Steve Danziger elected as incoming Chair of the Board of Directors, effective July 1. Danziger emphasized a desire for stability, stating a clear goal of a “drama-free” year following more than 18 months of internal upheaval that drew public attention.

The appointments come after a turbulent period for the organization. In September 2025, Jinnae Monroe, the first Black woman appointed as Board Chair, resigned shortly after her historic selection amid reported pressure from then-CEO Robert “Bob” Sweeney. Sweeney departed in early 2026. Potomac Local News previously reported on concerns regarding workplace culture and leadership transitions during that time.

Business Leaders Invited to Manassas Reception

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 9, 2026 at 11:00AM

[Courtesy of the City of Manassas]

The “Jive After Five Networking Reception” is scheduled for April 23, 2026, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Manassas Museum, 9101 Prince William Street in downtown Manassas. The event will bring together chamber members, business leaders, and entrepreneurs for an evening of networking and collaboration.

According to the Northern Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the gathering marks the chamber’s formal expansion into Manassas and Prince William County. The organization says the move is aimed at strengthening business connections and promoting economic opportunities across the region.

Salvation Army Relocates to Woodbridge Shopping Center

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 6, 2026 at 2:00PM

The Salvation Army has successfully relocated its thrift store from its former site in Gordon Plaza to a prominent new space at Woodbridge Shopping Center, strengthening its presence in the community.

The new location spans 19,000 square feet and occupies a highly visible corner position at the intersection of Route 1 and Occoquan Road—only two blocks from the previous Gordon Plaza address.

A New Grocery Store near Dumfries?

By Uriah Kiser

Published March 4, 2026 at 8:16AM

A ribbon cutting for Sprouts Farmers Market, at 8431 Sudley Road near Manassas on May 12, 2023.

“Sprouts is excited to bring our wide selection of fresh, local and better-for-you products to the Dumfries community as we continue to grow in Virginia,” Sprouts public relations manager Mychael Ramirez said in an email to the Prince William Times, the newspaper reported. “Sprouts offers a carefully curated assortment of products that inspire wellness naturally, including organic, gluten-free, plant-based and non-GMO favorites.”

Sprouts Farmers Market plans to open a new grocery store in 2027 inside the former Shoppers Food Warehouse space at Fortuna Plaza off Dumfries Road. The Phoenix-based grocer operates more than 480 stores nationwide and currently has four Virginia locations in Herndon, Manassas, Leesburg, and Haymarket.

Stafford Advances Plan for ‘High-End’ Grocer

By Uriah Kiser

Published February 4, 2026 at 2:00PM

Old Moncure Elementary School, at 75 Moncure Lane in North Stafford.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors has scheduled a Feb. 17 public hearing on the proposed conveyance of the former Moncure Elementary School property, where a high-end grocer could replace the shuttered school.

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Heritage Brewing Announces Pending Closure

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 27, 2026 at 7:52AM | Updated January 27, 2026 at 11:27AM

“It’s with an aching heart that we share the news of Heritage Brewing Co.’s pending closure,” Heritage Brewing Co. announced. “For over a decade, we’ve poured our souls into every batch, turning simple ingredients into stories shared over laughter, celebrations, and conversations in our taproom.”

“You’ve been more than customers—you’ve been our community, our inspiration, and the reason we kept brewing through thick and thin,” the brewery added, thanking its staff, musicians, and loyal patrons. “Here’s to the memories that will linger long after the taps run dry.”

Downtown Manassas Businesses Adjust for Snow

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 25, 2026 at 3:52PM

City officials said weather conditions are affecting staffing and operations, with some businesses able to open if employees live within walking distance. Others have chosen to close for the day due to road and safety concerns.

Repealing Virginia right-to-work law could cost billions

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 13, 2026 at 12:24PM

Photo: Virginia Department of Historic Resources

“Repealing Virginia’s right-to-work law could lower the state’s economic output by tens of billions of dollars over the next decade,” The Center Square reported. “The report, prepared by Mangum Economics and commissioned by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, projects that Virginia’s gross state product would be about $36.8 billion lower over 10 years if the law were repealed.”

Prince William Chamber CEO Robert Sweeney to Depart After Leadership Investigation

By Uriah Kiser

Published January 12, 2026 at 2:40PM | Updated January 12, 2026 at 3:13PM

Prince William Chamber of Commerce CEO Bob Sweeney, Delegate Briana Sewell (D-Woodbridge), and Ross Snare, Prince William Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chairman.

Prince William Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Robert “Bob” Sweeney is departing the organization after the completion of a leadership investigation that sources say raised concerns about workplace culture, staff treatment, and organizational risk.

Neither Sweeney nor the Chamber responded to requests for comment about the investigation or its findings.

Fredericksburg Regional Chamber names 2026 board leadership

By Mauriah Church-Barbour

Published January 9, 2026 at 9:00AM

Ginni Matern, Ryan VanderWijst, Cyndi Mack, Pete Humes, Brian Shanle [Submitted Photos]

“We are also pleased to welcome Ryan VanderWijst, Chief Financial Officer of SimVentions, as our 2026 Vice Chair of the Board,” the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce stated. “Ryan’s financial expertise and leadership will be a tremendous asset to the Chamber and our members.”

The Chamber also announced new board members for 2026, including Cyndi Mack of Universal Dynamics, Pete Humes of Atlantic Union Bank, and Brian Shanle of Kalahari Resorts and Conventions. Chamber officials said the board will help guide the organization and support the region’s business community in the coming year.

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