The Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Conference on Virginia’s Future heard a ringing defense of free markets. Publisher Tom Silvestri described the event in Sunday’s Commentary section. Unfettered markets remain not only generators of prosperity but guarantors of liberty. Although pure laissez-faire does not exist, an economic and political system that keeps state intervention to a minimum is a system most likely to produce happiness.

Last week’s Virginia Chamber of Commerce conference was focused on the future of Virginia and business, but it quickly elevated into a broader examination of the future of our country. No surprise here that Virginia’s distinction as the cradle of democracy is serving as the lightning rod for the defense of liberty and its mate free enterprise as well as a well-timed pushback on over-regulation that stifles innovation and creativity. Based on the state chamber’s confab at the Richmond Marriott on Wednesday, Virginia’s passionate business community is adding to the alarm that capitalism could well be at a crossroad.

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.

Two Richmond-area companies are on the Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Fantastic 50 list of the 50 fastest-growing privately held companies in the state. The awards ceremony was last night in Chantilly. Logistics Solutions Group Inc., an information-technology and logistics-support company in Hopewell, placed No. 24 on the list.

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.

International travel to the United States is declining, as is the money Virginia uses to attract visitors. And if fewer people visit Williamsburg, Richmond, the Shenandoah Valley and other locations, the ramifications could be severe. “It’s time to put the spotlight on tourism,“ Virginia Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Hugh Keogh said during a tourism conference yesterday. “We have a brilliant product. Now is the time to ask ourselves how we sell it better and what resources we need to do that.“