History of the South Hill Chamber of Commerce

Our History

On Tuesday, May 26, 1942, twenty-five business and professional men met at the South Side Furniture Co. on South Mecklenburg Avenue and after discussion voted to organize a Chamber of Commerce.

On June 9, 1942, forty-five representatives of local businesses and professional organizations agreed to become members of the South Hill chamber of Commerce.

J. B. Crews, manager of W. S. Peebles & Co. was elected the first president.

Other officers were: Walter Crowder of W. H. Crowder & Sons, Vice-president

M. D. McBride, South Hill Publishing Co., Secretary Howard D. Warren, R. H. Crews & Co., Treasurer

The Board of Directors consisted of: S. P. Anderson, C. V. Montgomery, Jr., Leslie Rutledge, W. E. Jolly, and Meredith C. Dortch.

The Group voted to meet the first Monday of the month for an evening meal with the annual meeting on the first Tuesday of July. The first official meeting in July was held at the Nordan Hotel Restaurant.

Our Mission

Provide leadership for regional business development and positively influence our quality of life.

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Leadership

Meet the dedicated 2026 - 2028 South Hill Chamber Board members and staff committed to supporting and advancing our business community.

Full name
Job title

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Felicia Young
Honorary Board Member since 2025

Walbridge (Honorary Board Member)

Sandra F. Tanner
Executive Director

Gretchen Hayes
President

Paint + Lighting & Design

Michelle Warner
Vice President

Microtel Inn & Suites South Hill

Sheldon Barr
Secretary

VCU Health Community Memorial Hospital

Tammy Manning
Treasurer

First Citizens Bank

Jean Edwards
Board Member

Parker Oil Company

Kim Smiley
Board Member

Pointe Realty Group South Hill

Krystal Patton
Board Member

Southside Virginia Community College

Tiffany Bacon-Broadnax
Board Member

Southside Virginia Community College

Michael Smith
Board Member

Top Fuel/BP/Pizza Hut/Quiznos Bracey (2883 State Route 903, Bracey, VA)

Shelly Dagner
Board Member

Rebuilding Transformation Center

Teri Newman Walker
Immediate Past President

Airtec, Inc.

Lisa Clary
Chamber Staff

Charlie Guerrant
Facility Maintenance Coordinator

Sarah Paige Fajna
Marketing Manager

Calista McFeaters
Finance and Administrative Coordinator

Economic Growth

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