Better Together: Merchant Meetups Spark Collaboration Across the Highlands Covington, VA (June 2, 2025) - The Alleghany Highlands’ innovative Merchant Meetup series continues to gain momentum, with the most recent gathering held Thursday, May 29th at the Downtown Covington Pocket Park drawing approximately 64 attendees—including local business owners, community leaders, and special guest - Virginia State Delegate Terry Austin. Launched last fall by the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism & other community partners, in collaboration with the City of Covington, the Town of Clifton Forge, Olde Town Covington, and Clifton Forge Main Street, Merchant Meetups are monthly networking and business support events designed to strengthen the region’s small business community through collaboration, resource sharing, and relationship-building. Each event rotates between Covington, Clifton Forge, and locations throughout Alleghany County, and always features business spotlights—highlighting entrepreneurs from a different locality than the host site to broaden reach and visibility. Additionally, every Meetup includes a capacity-building or small business support component, such as regional calendar coordination, local e-commerce platform information, access to small business development resources through Chamber partners and more. "Our motto is ‘Better Together’, and these events are proof of what’s possible when our communities and leaders come together in support of our local businesses and nonprofits,” said Josh Taylor, Executive Director of the Alleghany Highlands Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. “Merchant Meetups are quickly becoming one of the most valuable tools we have to strengthen our local economy and elevate the voices of small business owners.” The May 29th event was the fifth Merchant Meetup hosted to date and featured live music by local musician Nathan McCallister, spotlights from Clifton Forge based businesses Fours Moons Designs and Livy’s Closet, as well as a special appearance by Delegate Terry Austin. Delegate Austin took time to speak to the crowd and praised the Chamber’s ongoing efforts to provide meaningful support for small businesses across the region. He also engaged directly with business owners and local officials throughout the evening, further reinforcing the event’s mission to create open dialogue and lasting connections. With consistent attendance ranging from 50–80 participants, Merchant Meetups have become a key venue for networking, visibility, and action-oriented collaboration. Local elected officials, municipal administrators, nonprofit leaders, and more regularly attend, offering a rare and valuable opportunity for face-to-face engagement across sectors. “These events aren’t just about networking—they’re about problem-solving, inspiration, and making sure every business in the Alleghany Highlands has access to the tools and connections they need to thrive,” said Taylor. “We’re proud of the momentum we’re building, and we’re just getting started.” The Merchant Meetup series will continue throughout the summer and fall at rotating locations. Business owners, nonprofit leaders, elected officials and community leaders are encouraged to attend and take part in these dynamic, inclusive events.

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