The top executive for 17 years at one of Virginia’s most influential business groups is retiring next year. Hugh D. Keogh plans to step down June 30 as president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the group announced yesterday. Keogh has served since 1992 as head of the chamber, which promotes economic development and lobbies for business interests in the state.

The Virginia Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives has bestowed its lifetime-achievement award on Hugh D. Keogh. Keogh has been president and CEO of the Virginia Chamber of Commerce for 17 years. The award, presented Thursday evening during an event in Blacksburg, is given to a person who has made significant contributions to the advancement of the chamber profession.

Many Virginia businesses would welcome the U.S. dropping the embargo on trade with Cuba. “There would be some tremendous opportunities,“ one trade official says.