News
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Charlottesville’s CAYIP Connects Youth to Paid Work Experiences and Career Pathways
Community Attention Youth Internship Program The City of Charlottesville’s Department of Human Services provides a paid, career-focused youth internship experience for local youth ages 14–21 through the Community Attention Youth Internship Program (CAYIP). CAYIP is designed to help young people move from potential to opportunity by providing access to meaningful employment experiences, individualized job coaching, career exploration, and supportive relationships with caring adults. Through paid
Critter-Guard: A Low-Cost Fix for a Common Virginia Solar Problem
Virtue Solar, a Virginia-based solar installer serving residential and commercial customers across the state, has published guidance on critter-guard, an add-on that keeps squirrels and pigeons from nesting underneath solar arrays.Virtue Solar has installed solar systems in Virginia for more than 10 years, and according to the company, critter-guard is one of the most frequently asked-about add-ons during sales conversations — right alongside topics like warranties and system pricing.Critter-guard is
Beyond the Deal: Showcasing Your Core Products and Services
A community deal should answer, "What do I get if I do business with you?" Read below to get started with your first community deal offering. Submit a member to member deal if you only want members to see your deal and not have it listed on your directory listing.Showcase Your Core Services First Before offering a promotion, make sure your directory listing clearly communicates what you actually sell every day. Local buyers searching the Chamber directory need to instantly understand your core products or
Newsroom or Community Deal? Here's Where Your Message Belongs
Members sometimes wonder why they should use different chamber features or how to choose between them. To make it simple: The Newsroom is for building awareness and trust, while a Community Deal is for creating an immediate reason to act. Use this quick guide to determine where your message belongs: If you want to...Use...Announce a new employeeNewsroomExplain a new serviceNewsroomShare an educational tipNewsroomTell your company's storyNewsroomAnnounce an eventNewsroomGive members 20% offCommunity
Why Your Chamber Directory Profile Matters in the Age of AI
When someone is looking for a local business, they may not always start with a traditional search engine. Increasingly, people are asking AI-powered tools questions such as: "Who are some good local landscapers?""What accounting firms serve small businesses in my area?""Where can I find a local restaurant that caters business lunches?" To provide useful answers, AI systems need to understand businesses: what you do, where you are, what you offer, and who you serve. That’s one reason your Chamber directory
Turn Customer Questions Into Newsroom Articles
Your customers' everyday questions are a ready-made source for powerful newsroom articles! Instead of struggling to brainstorm new topics from scratch, transform the questions you already hear every day into engaging content for your Chamber newsroom. Review the examples below to see how a simple question becomes a full article: Customer FAQ: "Do you offer Saturday appointments?"Newsroom Article: "5 Things to Know Before Scheduling a Saturday Appointment" Customer FAQ: "What should I bring to my
VirginiaSummerCamp.com Opens Reviews for 2026 Parent-Approved Camps
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEVirginiaSummerCamp.com Opens Reviews for 2026 Parent-Approved CampsVirginia parents can help their favorite summer camps earn recognition by submitting verified reviews through Oct. 15 CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. — Sept. 10, 2026 — VirginiaSummerCamp.com is now accepting parent reviews for its 2026 class of Parent-Approved Camps, a new recognition celebrating Virginia summer camps based on reviews from the parents who know them best. Parents can submit reviews from Sept. 1 through Oct. 15
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Net Metering Protected in Virginia: SCC's Final Ruling on Dominion's NEM 2.0
Virginia's State Corporation Commission issued its final order on April 30, 2026, rejecting the most consequential elements of Dominion Energy's proposed NEM 2.0 overhaul and preserving the 1:1 kilowatt-hour value of net metering for solar customers across Dominion territory. The ruling closes out nearly a year of hearings, expert testimony, and public comment that drew attention from solar advocates statewide. Dominion had proposed four major changes to the net metering program: switching from annual to
OakHeart Financial Group Earns 2025 Ameriprise Client Experience Award
Charlottesville, Virginia – February 23, 2026 – OakHeart Financial Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial, Inc. has earned the Ameriprise Client Experience Award for 2025. OakHeart Financial Group was honored with this award because of their ability to consistently deliver personalized, goal-based advice and exceptional client service. Award recipients earned an overall client satisfaction rating equal to or greater than 4.9 out of 5.0 and maintained stellar business results.
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Kristen Hardy Honored As One of the 2026 Best-in-State Women Wealth Advisors by Forbes
Charlottesville, Virginia – February 13th, 2026 – Kristen Hardy, CFP® a Private Wealth Advisor with Ameriprise Financial, Inc. in Charlottesville, was named to the list of “Forbes Best-in-State Women Wealth Advisors” published by Forbes. The list recognizes financial advisors who have demonstrated high levels of ethical standards, professionalism, and success in the business. The rankings are based on data provided by thousands of the nation’s most productive advisors. Hardy was chosen based on assets
Victory for Virginia Solar as State Corporation Commission Preserves APCo Net Metering
Virtue Solar, a leading solar installation company in Virginia, has released a new blog post titled "Victory for Virginia Solar: Net Metering Preserved!" analyzing the State Corporation Commission's landmark ruling on Appalachian Power's net metering proposal issued August 29, 2025.The comprehensive article examines the SCC's decision to largely reject Appalachian Power's proposed changes that would have reduced compensation for solar customers by approximately 70%. The ruling preserves the current net
What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Solar in Virginia
Virtue Solar, a leading solar installation company in Virginia, has released a new blog post titled “What the “Big Beautiful Bill” Means for Solar in Virginia”. It explores the implications of the recent "One Big Beautiful Bill" on the solar industry, particularly for Virginia residents. Signed into law on July 4th, 2025, this significant piece of energy legislation introduces several changes to solar tax credits and incentives, impacting timelines and options for both residential and commercial solar
