Business Appreciation Reception Draws Large Crowd at MGCC By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Clifton Forge, VA (May 20, 2026)— The Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism hosted a very special Business Appreciation Reception in the Moomaw Center at Mountain Gateway Community College (MGCC) this evening. The annual event ran from 5:30 p.m.—7:00 p.m. and was intended to bring local businesses together for collaboration and networking purposes. "I can't tell you how many connections that I've been able to make with other businesses and organizations because of the work I've done with my local chamber," Dr. Ben Worth said Wednesday evening. "...The Mountain Gateway Community College could not be the institution it is without the work that we do with our local chambers." "What an incredible turnout," Josh Taylor, Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce and Tourism, stated. "We ran out of name tags. You guys are awesome... You are the value in these events..." The hour-and-a-half-long event featured BINGO cards, collaboration cards, prizes, a gift of a coffee mug and sample of Old Dog Coffees (locally roasted in Clifton Forge), and a delicious taco bar, courtesy of Julie Carroll and The Friendly Fork. Jenny Oeltjen, alongside her husband, David, of Lily's Closet, were among tonight's guests. Every attendee at tonight's event received a coffee mug and sample of Old Dog Coffees, locally roasted in Clifton Forge. YMCA representatives (L to R) Lori Miller, Thomas Smals, and Taralee Wolfe, were all smiles during the Business Appreciation Reception held at the Moomaw Center.

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