One of the paramount reasons the Heart of Virginia is such a business-friendly community is the strong chambers of commerce here.

The recent news that a study ranked Farmville 11th in best places to start a business in Virginia was no surprise to many, including me.

Government can only do so much to foster business and industrial growth in a locality. The best person to run and lure a business to a community is one with business experience.

Both the Buckingham County Chamber of Commerce and the Farmville Area Chamber of Commerce boast strong and healthy membership rolls.

The large number of businesses on their respective rosters says a lot about the role they play in the local economies.

Integral in bagging new industry and businesses, both have solid relationships with the local governments they work with, which is a must for a healthy business economy.

Small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy, are also the backbone of both chambers in Farmville and Buckingham.

At a recent chamber luncheon in Farmville, there was barely enough room to sit in the meeting room at Charley’s. Likewise, there was a packed house under the pavilion at Ellis Acres Memorial Park in Dillwyn during Buckingham’s annual chamber picnic.

Both chambers have created atmospheres of growth and development in their respective areas. While they may seem like small actions, organizing ribbon cuttings, giving monthly awards to well-kept businesses, holding social after-hours events, recognizing leaders in the community, sponsoring fundraisers and contests and hosting training programs are integral to keeping and attracting new businesses to Farmville and Buckingham, both big and small.

Jordan Miles is the managing editor of The Farmville Herald. His email address is jordan.miles@farmvilleherald.com.