The event was co-sponsored by the Fredericksburg Regional Alliance, Greater Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce, Fredericksburg Area Builders Association, and Fredericksburg Area Association of Realtors.
Each lawmaker was asked what they considered the biggest accomplishment of the session. Delegate Bobby Orrock pointed to increased education funding and roughly $1 billion in tax rebates coming back to Virginia families. Senator Tara Durant also highlighted education, calling the $222 million investment to eliminate the K-12 support cap “a real game-changer.” She also noted new funding for math instruction—a personal priority she’s worked on for years.
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MANASSAS, Va. — Democratic Congressmen Eugene Vindman (VA-7) and Suhas Subramanyam (VA-10) appeared before a packed audience Friday morning at the Prince William Chamber of Commerce’s new headquarters to reflect on their first 100 days in office.
The event, titled “The First 100 Days: Our Freshmen Congressmen’s Perspective,” was moderated by UVA Health Chief External Affairs Officer Jen Siciliano and offered a sweeping look at the challenges facing Northern Virginia and the nation.
Both lawmakers, elected in November 2024, emphasized the urgency of their work amid what they described as a time of national “chaos” and “uncertainty” that has rattled communities, economies, and institutions alike.
“We’re facing unprecedented circumstances — not just politically, but economically and institutionally,” said Subramanyam, a former state legislator and Obama-era White House tech advisor. “Even the most seasoned members of Congress haven’t seen anything like this, so in many ways, freshmen like us are just as prepared.”
Vindman: “Smart Growth” Vision and Focus on Democracy
In a one-on-one interview after the event, Rep. Vindman told Potomac Local News that his long-term vision for Northern Virginia centers on “smart growth through smart-funded infrastructure,” which includes bringing more industry to the region and capitalizing on the area’s strong schools and educational institutions. However, he cautioned that his immediate focus remains on “preserving the republic.”
That, Vindman said, means protecting Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, “especially for families like Shannon and Luca’s in Stafford County, who rely on Medicaid for 24-hour care,” he said. He also called for defending democratic norms and due process. “We have to hold the line on what America stands for,” he said.
Response to Book Spending Allegations
Vindman had no comment when asked about a New York Post report that his campaign spent nearly $39,000 at a Florida bookstore where his brother, Alexander Vindman, held book signings.
Chamber CEO Sweeney: “Fantastic Kickoff” to New Headquarters
Prince William Chamber of Commerce CEO Robert “Bob” Sweeney praised the event as a “fantastic kickoff” to the organization’s new home and called the conversation “refreshing and honest.”
“Having two freshman congressmen that serve in this unpredictable, uncertain time was wonderful,” Sweeney said. “They really shed light on what’s possible, what to look forward to, and what to be concerned about.”
While some attendees expressed concerns about immigration and workforce shortages, Sweeney said he hadn’t directly heard of businesses losing employees due to immigration issues. Instead, he highlighted how major industries — including healthcare and tech — are banding together to weather economic turbulence.
“Inova, Kaiser, Sentara, UVA Health, AWS, Google, and Iron Mountain were all in the same room this week trying to figure this out together,” he said.
One bright spot came from UVA Health, which Sweeney said has fully resolved its nursing shortage by training high school graduates for entry-level clinical roles and supporting them toward becoming registered nurses. “They’ve built a pipeline — no open nursing positions today,” he said.
On the other hand, retail businesses in Manassas City were described as “very, very concerned.” According to Sweeney, while the impact of tariffs hasn’t yet shown up on expense reports, foot traffic has dropped as consumers tighten discretionary spending. “We’ll see how it plays out, but our members are watching it closely,” he said.
Economic Warning Signs and Workforce Concerns
Both congressmen warned that tariffs, federal spending cuts, and efforts to relocate federal agencies to red states are threatening the region’s economic stability. Vindman, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said his district could lose billions in economic activity if current policies continue. Subramanyam added that unpredictability is deterring businesses from investing in innovation and long-term growth.
“You can’t plan if you don’t know what tomorrow brings,” Vindman said. “That’s the worst environment for business.”
Officials gathered on Thursday, January 30, 2025, to cut the ribbon on the new Westwood Center office just east of I-95.
“When we started Mr. Rooter here in Fredericksburg, we set out to create not just another plumbing service, but a local business that our community can trust — whether it is for routine plumbing repair, an emergency fix, or a major installation,” said Gilbert Mwenedata, owner of Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Fredericksburg. “We’re proud to be part of this wonderful community, and we look forward to building lasting relationships with our neighbors, customers, and other local businesses,” he said.
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The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced Michelle Caldwell Thompson, owner and President of CTI Real Estate, as the 2025 Chair of the Board. The Chamber also welcomes its new board members for 2025, including George Barnick of Fredericksburg Technology, Latasha Brooks of A&B Creative Events, Chip Boyles of the George Washington Regional Commission, Barbara Gustavson of Discover Next Step, and Werner Jansen of Bloomia. Additionally, Jennifer McGovern of Parrish Snead Franklin Simpson, PLC, has been named the Chamber’s legal counsel for the upcoming year.
The board officers for 2025 include Michelle Caldwell Thompson as Chair, Ginni Matern of Matern Staffing as Vice Chair, Kevin Dillard of LifeCare Medical Transports as Immediate Past Chair, Shawn Sloan of The Media Partners as Treasurer, and Susan Garnett Spears continuing as President and CEO.
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Susan Spears, President and CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce shared her enthusiasm during the ceremony. "The Publisher Hotel represents a major investment in our region," Spears said, commending Vakos Real Estate Services' consistent dedication to high-quality developments in Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford Counties.
Senator Tara Durant (R) highlighted the hotel's impact on the community. "This hotel is now the crown jewel of our historic downtown, enriching our community economically and culturally," said Durant. She praised the project as a symbol of growth and a testament to hard work.
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The event covered first responders from the Fredericksburg and Caroline, Stafford, and Spotsylvania counties, filling the main ballroom at the Convention Center. There were 19 awards given out to local Virginia State Troopers and county police officers from all over the area. Included in the 19 awards was a lifetime achievement award given to Fredericksburg Fire Chief Mike Jones, Caroline County Citizens Valor awards given to Shericka Twyner, Russell Trainer, and Desiree Dushane, and the Stafford County Fire and Rescue Citizens Valor Award went to Guillermo Shelton and Austin Leonard.
“We are a better region because of you,” added Steve Cox of Rappahannock Goodwill, one of the sponsors at this event, which the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce hosted.
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Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce: The Chamber’s Leadership Fredericksburg program graduated its seventeenth class during a May 17th ceremony at the Stevenson Ridge in Spotsylvania.
Donna Kraus, a graduate of LF 2010, was the keynote speaker for the event. Donna shared her leadership journey and how the program helped shape her into the leader she is today. Jaime Garza from Ignite Cinemas is the 2024 Class President. Jaime shared an inspiring message about the 2024 class’s experiences over the past nine months.
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Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce press release: The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce was pleased to award local businesses for their successes, entrepreneurial spirit, and community commitment at the 33rd Annual Awards Gala held Friday, April 12 at the Fredericksburg Convention Center.
With nearly 450 people in attendance including small and large businesses, nonprofits and representatives from state and local governments, the night was a massive success.
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In a momentous occasion attended by hundreds of community members and dignitaries, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce inaugurated its new headquarters at 1701 Fall Hill Avenue with a vibrant ribbon-cutting ceremony yesterday, March 13, 2024.
The event marked a significant milestone in the chamber's history, symbolizing a new chapter of growth and opportunity for the organization and the community it serves. Susan Spears, the CEO of the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, expressed her gratitude to all those who participated in the celebration and acknowledged the importance of their support.
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The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce has announced the opening of nominations for the 2024 Annual Awards & Gala: A Night at the Monte Carlo, scheduled for April 12 at the Fredericksburg Conference Center at 6:30 p.m. The event aims to recognize local businesses for excellence in categories including Small Business and Large Business of the Year, as well as Entrepreneur of the Year.
“The Gala is a night of tremendous celebration for our area’s business community,” remarked Susan Spears, President & CEO of the Chamber. “As the engine that makes our region run, it is important to spotlight the businesses and community leaders and thank them for all they do.”
