Hopewell/Prince George Chamber Adds New Future Forward Forum
to the Annual Meeting & Mixer on Oct. 28
Hopewell, Va. (Oct. 15, 2026) – The Hopewell/Prince George Chamber of Commerce will host the Annual Meeting & Mixer at The Beacon Theatre, 401 N. Main Street in Hopewell, on Wednesday, Oct. 28 from 5-7pm. In addition to networking and making new connections while enjoying refreshments from local favorites and live entertainment from the Beacon Board Band, this year’s event also adds an exciting extra element to inform H/PG Chamber members and guests – the Future Forward Forum.
The Forum provides a unique opportunity for participants to hear from a panel of knowledgeable business leaders who will share insights on the regional growth, emerging trends and economic development opportunities that lie ahead for the City of Hopewell, Prince George County and surrounding areas.
Moderated by Stefan Calos, a former H/PG Chamber President and attorney at Sands Anderson, the Forum’s Media Sponsor, the Future Forward Forum features the following distinguished panelists:
- Matt Anderson, Executive Vice President, Range Commercial Partners
- Carrie Coyner, President, Emerson Companies
- Derrick Johnson P.E., Senior Principal, Timmons Group
- John Mason, Managing Director of Development, Lingerfelt
“Large regional projects like LEGO, Google’s Data Center, Live! Casino Virginia and the pharmaceutical campus anchored by Novo Nordisk are common knowledge, but there are more developments being contemplated as well as new investments that deserve attention,” said Becky McDonough, President and CEO of the H/PG Chamber. “That is why the H/PG Chamber decided to assemble its first-ever Future Forward Forum, championed by local business leaders who are bullish on the future of the region.”
Brandon Butterworth, 2026 H/PG Chamber President, added: “We appreciate the generous time given by the participants to prepare for this panel. We are excited to bring these insights, focused on our future, to our members who deserve up-to-date information that can help them make strategic decisions. Let’s pack The Beacon Theatre on Oct. 28 and move forward together!”
Marks & Harrison is the Presenting Sponsor of the event. “The company’s founding roots are in Hopewell and Prince George, as David A. Harrison authored the Articles of Incorporation in 1920 James G. Harrison, who served as 1970 H/PG Chamber President,” said Lee Bujakowski, 2026 H/PG Chamber Secretary and a partner at Marks & Harrison. ‘What an opportunity for the firm, with offices in the region, to make this Forum possible at the historic Beacon Theatre!”
To view all details, along with bios of the Future Forward Forum panelists and moderator, and to register for the Annual Meeting & Mixer & Future Forward Forum event, visit: https://www.hpgchamber.org/.
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About the Hopewell/Prince George Chamber of Commerce
The Hopewell/Prince George Chamber is a regional organization that serves a diverse membership of local businesses, serves as the destination marketing organization for the City of Hopewell and the County of Prince George and advisory to the Capital Region Military Alliance of VA, which it launched in 2023, and advisory to the 5andDime Trail. Learn more at https://www.hpgchamber.org/.
