As outlined in our Legislative Agenda, the Chamber supports access to a broad energy portfolio that provides the ability for our Region to thrive and grow. According to Statista, over the past 20 years, the United States has continuously had a high demand for energy, coming in second place after China among the world’s main energy consumers. The growth of …
The Power of Networking
There is a well-established adage that people do business with people they trust and like. Networking is a perfect way to develop long-lasting, trusted connections and establish a strong reputation within the business community. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, 78% of start-up founders say that networking is an integral factor in business success. The Chamber offers numerous ways for …
Talent Up Fairfax: A Talent Recruitment Solution for Fairfax County Employers and Job Seekers
Talent Up Fairfax is an innovative demonstration project in work-based learning (WBL), made possible through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiative. The program launched on July 11, 2023, and has been marketed as a talent solution to Fairfax County business and job seekers. This program is particularly designed to forge vital …
CEO Message: Concerns on the Horizon for the Region’s Economy
by Julie Coons, Chamber President & CEO New data suggests that the Washington Region is in dire need of a laser focus on our pressing economic challenges. It reveals that Washington’s economy is hitting a plateau, with signs of long-term growth stalling in recent years. As noted in this chart, in a study conducted by Area Development and Patrick Clapp …
Conquering the Skills Gap in the Region with Veteran Employment
There is a massive skills gap in America, with a significant number of the 10 million unfilled jobs in our country going vacant – right here in Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington D.C. With these challenges, come unique opportunities for companies to brand themselves as employers that, not only understand the employment landscape, but also the macro and micro factors …
Member Profile: Inclusivity Champion Stephanie Turner
“Diversity refers to more than people; there are dimensions to it. I think of it as a noun that can represent a person, place, thing, or culture. Everything about us is diverse, as we are all unique and individual, just like places and things. Embracing inclusivity means acknowledging that we’re all different and can each offer something special. Therefore, we …
At the Midway Point: 2024 General Assembly Update
Our Region’s future growth and economic stability are top discussion points during this year’s Virginia General Assembly, which began January 7th and will run through March 9th in Richmond. Currently in Week 6, the General Assembly has seen its share of highs and lows, with critical bills centering around taxes, education, and workforce issues. The Chamber’s Vice President of Government …
The Paradox of Big Ideas and Paralyzing Caution
In today’s fiercely competitive and largely fragmented marketplace, you need more than entry-level, safe ideas. You need, shall we say, brass-like fortitude. Yet, when it comes to campaign ideas, many brands get caught at a crossroads. And not the one where you sell your soul to become a legend. (If you ask us, Johnny beat the Devil hands down.) This …
How ISO’s HR Standards Can Improve Your Workplace
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an independent, non-governmental international organization that develops and publishes standards focused on relevant, topical issues of importance to address market needs. Since 1946, ISO standards have evolved alongside the way work is conducted across the globe. The ISO describes these standards “as a formula that describes the best way of doing something.” You …
End of Year Wrap-Up, a Message From Deb Gandy, Chairman of the Chamber’s Board of Directors
As we approach this game-changing year’s end, I reflect on the extraordinary journey we, a dynamic Chamber community, undertook together. It is with great pride and gratitude that I extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you for your unwavering commitment, dedication, and support. Together, we have advocated for the growth of our Region, expanded workforce solutions, championed diversity …
