Hob Nob in the Valley

Hob Nob in the Valley is back — and it's still the most refreshingly nonpartisan political event you'll attend all year. Host Janet Michael sits down with Cynthia Schneider (CEO) and Taylor Coumes (Director of Event Management) from the Top of Virginia Regional Chamber, along with Brandon Lorey, President and CEO of Bank of Clarke, the event's presenting sponsor, to preview this year's Hob Nob happening Thursday, September 10th at Chilly Hollow Brewing Company. They dig into the 20-plus-year history behind the event, why barbecue and beer make for better civic conversation than a podium ever could, what a ticket actually gets you, and how the Chamber's Public Policy Committee works to connect small businesses with the legislators shaping their future. Whether you're a candidate, a curious neighbor, or just someone who wants to meet your elected officials somewhere other than the grocery store, this episode has everything you need to know before you register. EVENT DETAILS Event: Hob Nob in the Valley, presented by Bank of Clarke Date: Thursday, September 10, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM Location: Chilly Hollow Brewing Company, Clarke County, VA Presenting Sponsor: Bank of Clarke Food: All-you-can-eat barbecue from beef raised on Chilly Hollow's own farm, plus custom salads; cash bar for beer/wine Pricing: Candidate / political party / government agency table: $35 (includes a 6-foot table, chair, and event admission) Exhibitor booth — Chamber members: $100 Exhibitor booth — non-members: $150 General admission — Chamber members: $50 General admission — non-members: $60  Registration: Top of Virginia Regional Chamber website → Signature Events → Hob Nob in the Valley → Register as a guest Open to all: Not a members-only event — nonprofits, government agencies, and community members are welcome; early registration requested for catering counts LINKS & RESOURCES Top of Virginia Regional Chamber — regionalchamber.biz Hob Nob in the Valley event page — regionalchamber.biz/hob-nob-in-the-valley Bank of Clarke — bankofclarke.bank THE VALLEY TODAY with Janet Michael — A decade of conversations. New podcast episodes drop weekdays at 11 AM. Catch the show on The River 95.3 and Fox Sports 1450 AM weekdays just after noon. Subscribe and listen at thevalleytodaypodcast.com — available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please take a moment to leave a rating or review — it helps more listeners find us. Connect with us: Facebook — facebook.com/ValleyTodayFanPage Instagram — instagram.com/thevalleytoday