The Botetourt County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the openings of two new businesses while preparing for a busy fall schedule that includes a new agriculture initiative, its annual golf tournament and other community events.
The Chamber held a ribbon-cutting Sept. 18 for UnWined Wine Bar, welcoming one of Botetourt County’s newest eateries. The Chamber highlighted the business for its food, atmosphere and addition to the county’s growing collection of dining options.
A day later, the Chamber celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of Pure Grass Farm on Sept. 19.
The farm brings together locally grown, raised, baked and handcrafted products while providing a place for area farmers, growers, bakers, makers and artisans to offer their goods. The Chamber said the business also provides another way for residents to shop locally and learn more about where their food and other products come from.
The Chamber highlighted both businesses in its Oct. 2 newsletter, which also announced the formation of a new Agriculture Committee aimed at strengthening connections between the Chamber and Botetourt County’s agricultural community.
The committee is expected to include representatives from farms and farm stands, wineries, breweries, agritourism businesses, producers, makers, suppliers and hospitality businesses, as well as other Chamber members interested in agriculture and economic development.
Among the ideas the committee plans to explore are an agricultural and agritourism trail, additional promotion of agricultural businesses, educational opportunities and partnerships, and collaborative events showcasing Botetourt agriculture.
The committee’s first meeting will also begin planning an Agriculture Roundtable designed to give members of the broader agricultural community an opportunity to help establish priorities.
The Chamber also has several events planned in October. Its next Chamber Ambassadors meeting will be held Oct. 7 from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at The Reserve at Daleville, followed by the Leader’s Lounge networking event Oct. 8 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Crooked Shoreline.
The Chamber’s annual golf tournament is scheduled for Oct. 16 at Botetourt Golf Club. Proceeds from this year’s tournament will support Food Lion Feeds and benefit area food banks.
Planning is also underway for the seventh annual Botetourt Tinsel Trail in Fincastle. Opening night is scheduled for Dec. 5, the same day as the Fincastle Christmas Parade. Businesses, schools, churches, civic organizations and individuals may sponsor and decorate trees for the trail. Proceeds from the event will be donated to Botetourt County nonprofit organizations.
The Chamber also welcomed Star City Signs as its newest member and used its October newsletter to highlight members of its Board of Directors, including new board member Taylor Adkins and former board president Maiya Ashby.
~ Fincastle Herald staff report
