The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce Wednesday, Aug. 26, held its first recognition program for young talent or emerging leaders with its “30 under 30” program to enhance its talent retention and recruitment initiative started in 2017.
Recommendations and nominations were open to members and non-members in Blacksburg, Christiansburg and all of Montgomery County in July. Supervisors were asked to identify young talent and recommend these young leaders for this recognition.
Aaron Harris-Kirby, 2020 chamber board chair, said about the program, “Every business advocacy group has created initiatives to keep young talent in our community. The chamber’s Leadership New River Valley program introduces young talent with established talent as they explore bright spots and challenges within the community. Our data indicates this is not enough to keep young talent; many move from our community and return later. We want to reduce this trend.”
Harris-Kirby said, “The chamber has examined data through its Best Places to Work for three years and determined we should be highlighting this young talent. We want to connect and engage this talent so they can prosper in our community. Two of the nominees formed a local run club, another cluster of young talent through the chamber has worked together to improve social justice issues. Plants thrive in an environment with nutrients; we should apply this same principle to our young talent. This program begins to recognize this talent.”
The “30 under 30 recognized in 2020 were Jonathan Roberts of Baseline Solar; Amanda Rogers of Movement Mortgage; Jessie Richards of Virginia Tech’s Alumni Relations Division, Daniel Haller of MemberOne Federal Credit Union, Lindsay Shaw of Domino’s Pizza, Autumn Waish of United Way of the NRV, Katey Roshetko of New River Media, Megan Turner of Poppy Plum Media, Arlena Gillespie of The Inn at Virginia Tech and Skelton Conference Center, Irene Kilmer of The Regional Tourism Office, Kassidy Gilmore of Residence Inn of Blacksburg/University, Ethan Bass of Tuxedo Pandas Robotics Team, Riley Schmidt of Community Housing Partners, Tara Talerico of the Hampton Inn – Christiansburg, George Perkovich of Lefty’s Restaurant, Meghan Kuczmarski of Edward Jones, Nate Destree of Christiansburg Aquatic Center, Casey Jenkins of Downtown Blacksburg, Inc., Leo Priddy of The Chamber of Commerce, Jenna Phillips of The Chamber of Commerce, Bella Steinle of Blacksburg Fit Body Boot Camp, Tyler Garapola of Tuck Chiropractic of Christiansburg, DJ McAnich of Tuck Chiropractic of Blacksburg, Conner Jackson of State Farm Insurance – Eric Johnson, Morgan Corl of Core Physical Therapy and Samantha Holtzscheiter of Town of Christiansburg.
Alan Fabian, past chair of the chamber, said about the program, “For our first year and in the middle of a pandemic, we are very pleased to have so many business leaders participating by nominating or recommending their emerging leaders for recognition.
“We believe the more connected these young professionals become the more support they provide across the community. They understand the challenges we face and can help solve problems. They are smart and hard-working. They want to make a difference. These are the future leaders of our community. Let’s give them the support they need and mentor them.”
The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce serves Blacksburg, Christiansburg and businesses in all of Montgomery County through advocacy, marketing and networking opportunities. The Chamber is not a government organization.
For more information on the 30 under 30 program or the Chamber of Commerce, visit the chamber website at www.montgomerycc.org, Facebook page, or call The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce at 540.382.3020.
