Like the many small and large businesses in our county and region, the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce has been buzzing with energy and momentum — all in the name of strengthening businesses.

The chamber of commerce looks very different from when first formed as the Buckingham Business Boosters in the 1970s. We’ve come a long way, but our mission has not changed, and that is to connect, encourage and grow business in Buckingham County.

The chamber currently has more than 150 members, and we’re continually growing. Chamber membership includes promotion, discounts, networking, education, advocacy and learning.

The chamber has been working hard to not only promote Buckingham and our members businesses and what they have to offer, but to bring more people to Buckingham and to allow those who live here opportunities to better enjoy their community.

This has come in many forms over the years. Most recently, we began our “Chamber Business of the Month,” where the chamber selects a member business each month, promoting that business on social media throughout the chamber and community. Often times, the selected business will offer a discount on services or goods when consumers mention “the chamber special.”

We host monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of each month at the VFW Hall on Route 60 in Buckingham, where we gather, enjoy a meal, and talk business in an informal manner. We have a speaker each month who talks about their business or an event in the community.

There’s much more. We’re holding our annual Christmas House Tour Sunday, Dec. 16, which features five homes in the county decked with Christmas trimmings, bows and ribbons, along with the newly dedicated Adams Museum on Route 60 behind the Housewright House. It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit and get a look in many beautiful homes.

Monthly, we bestow our Community Pride Award to a business in the county, rewarding them for keeping their business tidy, neat and clean, while offering great services to customers. Our most recent award winners are Buckingham Branch Rail Road, Special Touch Florist & Gifts, and Nancy’s Gift Shop.

We facilitate the publication of the annual Guide Book, one that includes telephone numbers, contact info for election and appointed officials, stories of local interest, and discounted advertising for chamber members.

We’ve also contributed financially to clubs and organizations in the county that involve our youth, including teams in the Buckingham County Youth League.

We recognize the hard work of those in our community through our annual awards banquet, which will be held Tuesday, Jan. 15, this year. We’re accepting nominations for Lifetime Achievement Award, Volunteer of the Year, Business of the Year, and Youth Achievement Award.

Most recently, we agreed to take ownership of the four “Welcome to Buckingham” signs located on Routes 60 and 15, which feature logos representing Buckingham’s civic groups. We have already formed great partnerships to continue to promote our hard working volunteer organizations.

Here’s the best part — for a small annual fee, you can be a part of this thriving and growing chamber in the rural Heart of Virginia, attending our monthly meetings and networking with other business owners, serving on committees, receiving chamber discounts, and supporting other businesses in the chamber — many of which lie outside Buckingham County.

For more information on the chamber, becoming a member, or any of these programs and events, call (434) 983-2372 or email us at info@buckinghamchamberofcommerce.com.

JORDAN MILES is a member of the board of directors of the Buckingham Chamber of Commerce, where he also serves as chairman of the community pride award committee. His email address is thomas. jordan.miles@gmail.com.