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The Chamber is Your Advocate
The Chesterfield County Chamber of Commerce originated out of a need to ensure area business had representation with the county government. As Chesterfield County became one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, populations swelled and demands for high-quality community services increased. County government began prioritizing initiatives and improvements, and the Chesterfield County Chamber became the advocate for business. Today the Chamber works hand-in-hand with the Board of Supervisors and county administration to ensure all aspects of our county prosper.
Accomplishments
Commercial Rezoning Fee Holiday
On August 26, 2009, the Chesterfield County Board of Supervisors adopted a temporary "Holiday on Commercial and Industrial Rezoning and Site Plan Fees." The Chamber has been working with County administration for over a year to have the fees lowered, and we are happy to announce new zoning request will have only a $200 fee, - a savings of up to $8,200.
Phosphorus Levels at Swift Creek
The Chamber worked to successfully stop a decrease in phosphorus loading levels in the Swift Creek Watershed which would have effectively required two to three times the amount of acreage to develop a site.
Site Plan Task Force
The Chamber completed an 18-month study of the commercial site plan review process. This definitive study has been embraced by the county and is currently being used to implement a number of improvements to the site plan process.
Business License Taxes (BPOL)
Working with the Board of Supervisors the Chamber succeeded in having the first $200,000 of business revenue per business license exempt from tax. This initiative removed over 65% of all businesses from the BPOL tax rolls.
Ordinance Revision
The Chamber played a major role in revising both the sign ordinance and the landscaping ordinance. In addition, we have been able to promote a number of minor changes that improve the business environment.
Issues at Work
Chesterfield County Comprehensive Plan
The Chamber is working closely with the County and Economic Development on the Comprehensive Plan to help insure adequate land is available for future commercial and industrial growth.
Economic Development Advisory Committee
The Chamber participates on the Economic Development Advisory Committee, along with 12 other business organizations, to discuss issues that affect all county businesses throughout the county and to work for positive results.
LED Sign
The Chamber strongly supports a 4 second message on LED signage and administrative approvals, saving members from the lengthy process of the Planning Commission.
Meadowville Interchange
The Chamber supports the construction of an interchange to serve the Meadowville Technology Park as a key to future development of the park.
State Stormwater Regulations
The Chamber’s Government Relations Committee is working on its position concerning proposed changes in the Commonwealth’s Stormwater Regulations that could affectively triple development costs.
Education
The Chamber has partnered with Chesterfield Economic Development to serve as an advocate for businesses going through the building, developing, rezoning, or expansion of their existing or new business. Our goal is present the positive economic benefits of the increased revenue generated through growth to the general public.
“The Chesterfield County Chamber is ahead of the curve in responding and acting on business and community issues. Membership is essential for business.”
--Joan Girone, Long & Foster
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