Two representatives of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce got an opportunity to speak to Gov. Bob McDonnell last month to promote the local business community.

Executive director Makalia Records and chamber president Paul Martin were invited to attend a reception at the Executive Mansion in Richmond on Tuesday, Jan. 24. Records said she was not certain how they got invited, but noted the reception guests included various business leaders and representatives from some of the many chambers of commerce around the commonwealth.

"We talked (to McDonnell) about the overcrowding of Route 17," Records said, emphasizing how that main artery is critical to the local business community. McDonnell referred them to the state transportation secretary, whom Records said they plan to contact.

Also, Records said she and Martin asked the governor for support of Gloucester’s small businesses, including the need for some small business incentives.

As the governor’s w...