Chamber Staff

Favorite Chamber Event
Since starting with the Chamber on December 1, I’ve only been to one program, which was The Annual Meeting.  I was amazed by all the hard work and dedication from staff, members, and volunteers to put it on.  Everyone in attendance couldn’t have been more welcoming to me as I take on this new role.

Why I love this job
The best part of this job, so far, is seeing how every member wants to help their fellow business owner succeed and grow which results in win-win for the community.

Favorite Community Event
My wife and I enjoy attending the Christiansburg Wilderness Trail Festival each year.

Why I love our community

This is a great place to live and work.  It has everything a large metropolitan area would offer but maintains the small-town feeling.   

Something that would surprise people about me

I’m a fan of the show The Office.  My wife will see my watching an episode and say, “didn’t you see that one?”

Hobbies

I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, geocaching, and fishing. 

Where do you go for the most scenic views

Almost anywhere you go in this area will provide some of the best scenic views.  You could be traveling on 460 or 81 or even standing in your backyard.  That’s what makes this area so unique.

What’s your favorite Chamber program or event
I’m looking forward to the Business Showcase, because the event provides an opportunity for local businesses to connect with people they normally may not interact with. 

What do you love about the job
As a part of the Chamber I get to know both incredible businesses and individuals, all working to support our local community.

Favorite community event
As a graduate of Virginia Tech I always enjoy a good football game. Plus, I am really looking forward to Christiansburg’s Food Truck Rodeo to try some truly unique eats. 

Why I love the community
While I grew up in Roanoke, Montgomery County has always felt like a second home to me. The community here is so inviting and has some truly involved and dedicated members.

Something that would surprise you about me
I have an identical twin brother, but we look nothing alike.

Hobbies
Whether I am on walking my dog, hiking new trails, playing tennis or going to the gym I enjoy staying active and trying something new. 

Where do you go for the most scenic views
When the fall colors are in peak season, a scenic drive on U.S. Route 460 provides some refreshing views.

What is your favorite Chamber program or event? Our Women’s Leadership Conference. The event celebrates women in business, acknowledges their accomplishments, and all their hard work. 

What do you love about the job? I love getting to know our members.  I grew up in this area. I am passionate about supporting our local community and seeing it thrive.

Favorite Community Event: 4^th of July festivities like the Shawsville parade, music, and fireworks.

Why I love the community: I love how our community has a lot to offer such as two large well known universities, but maintains a welcoming small-town feeling.

Something that would surprise you about me: I don’t have any siblings.

Where do you go for the most scenic views? This area offers some of the best spots for scenic views, like US Route 8 and US Route 460.  

Hobbies: I enjoy live music, dancing, riding Harley motorcycles, boating, and volunteering in the community.  

What is your Favorite Chamber program or event?
I love our Golf Tournament. It is awesome to see our members make great business connections through a game they enjoy!

What do you love about the job?
I love making a positive difference in the community and getting to know our members. I grew up in this area and am very passionate about seeing it flourish.

Favorite Community Event
The Pumpkin Festival at Sinkland Farms. They have so many fun activities and the Kettle Corn is amazing!

Why I love the community
The people in this community are outstanding. I love how family oriented the community is and that people genuinely care about each other.

Something that would surprise you about me
I hated dolls as a child and would instantly start crying if someone told me they were going to buy me one as a gift.   

Hobbies
Riding Horses, working out, hiking, kayaking, honestly anything outdoors.

Where do you go for the most scenic views?
The New River Junction in Blacksburg. It is so relaxing to rent a tube for the day, grill out, and enjoy the scenery.

Margaret Appleby is a fourth year Ph.D. student in the Planning, Governance, and Globalization program based at Virginia Tech's Arlington campus. She also received both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Tech in International Studies and Political Science, respectively. Before starting her PhD, she worked as a Congressional staffer. She lives in D.C. with her husband and their dog, Nino.

Favorite Community Event:

The Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival! Going to the festival became an annual tradition for my friends and I during our time in school. This tradition was disrupted because of COVID, but I look forward to going back next year. I can't wait to bring my husband and show him where I made some of my favorite memories while in the NRV. 

Why I love the community:

Everyone you meet is incredibly kind and generous. They won't hesitate to treat you like family, even if you've just met! 

Something that would surprise you about me:

As a child, I was diagnosed with severe ADHD and did not have the best grades. Now I have worked on Capitol Hill and am pursuing a Ph.D. in a subject area I am passionate about. 

Hobbies:

I love working out and hiking with my dog. My husband is also a great cook and I enjoy my role as official taste tester. 

Where do you go for the most scenic views?

In the D.C. area, I love to go to the National Arboretum as well as Manassas National Battlefield to hike. My favorite places in Southwest Virginia include McAfee's Knob and the town of Floyd. 

Favorite Community Event:

Although Blacksburg has a lot to offer in the way of community events, nothing beats a Virginia Tech football game. VT tailgate’s are legendary and bring together good friends and strangers alike with one thing in common: Hokie spirit.

Why I love the community:

Blacksburg is a small town with a big spirit! It feels to me what a college town should feel like. I like the people, I like the sports, I like the food, and I love the scenery. One doesn’t have to do much more than look out their bedroom window to see something beautiful.

Something that would surprise you about me:

I was born in Yokosuka Japan.

Hobbies:

I love working out, going to see movies, biking, hiking, and basically anything outdoors!

Where do you go for the most scenic views?

I think it is hard to find a bad view around these parts! One of my favorite trails to hike is Dragon’s Tooth. I love all the opportunities to climb.