Dear Members of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce: The 2022 General Assembly Session is a little over one month away, and our House Republican Caucus is eager to return to Richmond and begin the task of governing set before us by the people of Virginia. As Speaker-Designee, I am excited about the opportunity to work in a bi-partisan fashion …
WORKFORCE UPDATE: Season of Thankfulness
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the spirit of thankfulness, gratitude, and friendship. I’ve witnessed this same generous spirit within our membership and business community in the way they give back, lend a hand, and support one another. This year I am feeling particularly grateful to be doing impactful and meaningful work within this same amazing community, including the …
MEMBER BLOG POST The three “T’s” to getting press that drives sales
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce members run the gamut of size, industry, and revenue. Some are one-person operations grossing a quarter-million annually; others employ thousands of people and earn millions of dollars per week. Many are government contractors, while others have nothing to do with the region’s largest industry. But no matter where they differ, Chamber members share one common …
WORKFORCE UPDATE: Apprentice programs are a workforce boon benefiting both employers and employees
Throughout history, the workforce has benefited from apprentice programs, business relationships that have been proven to benefit employers and employees alike. Apprenticeships offer an opportunity to “earn and learn,” meaning that employees receive needed on-the-job training while still earning a living. Through apprentice programs, Employers can impart key skills and train workers in their own methods and techniques, the cost …
Working for our Members toward a better Virginia
The Northern Virginia Chamber’s Policy Committee is wrapping up our annual Legislative Agenda drafting process next week. You will see many familiar principles included in the 2022 Agenda like urging leaders to focus on growing and improving Virginia’s workforce development ecosystem, expressing support for continued investment in major transportation projects like the American Legion Bridge replacement, and calling for a …
Supporting Northern Virginia’s Minority-Owned Businesses
Northern Virginia is home to an estimated 128,000 minority-owned businesses—42 percent of all businesses in the region—that represent a diverse cross-section of residents; 56,000 (44 percent) are Asian-owned, 40,000 (31 percent) are Hispanic-owned, and 27,000 (21 percent) are Black-owned. Racial-Ethnic Composition of Northern Virginia Businesses Racial-Ethnic Composition of Northern Virginia Businesses | Source: Hughes, E. 2021. Supporting Northern Virginia’s Minority-Owned …
A Message from the Chamber’s Board Chairman
This message is from Luanne Gutermuth, Chamber Board of Directors Chairman, 2021-2022 The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce continued its 30-year tradition last week in hosting a debate between the major party candidates for Governor of Virginia. It was a great event – and great television! We appreciate our partners who helped make the debate happen: NBC4 and Telemundo 44, …
Message from our Board Chairman and Chamber CEO
A joint message from our 2021-2022 Board of Directors Chairman, Luanne Gutermuth, LSG Solutions LLC, and Julie Coons, President and CEO, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Coronavirus vaccination concept. Top view of vaccination record card, syringes, and two vials of the COVID-19 vaccine, which are used in two stages. Pastel green background With summer wrapping up and our attention now …
8(a) certification and the Potential for Success
The SBA developed the 8(a) program to level the playing field in federal contracting to offer minority and disadvantaged business owners access to contract opportunities formerly only available to bigger entities. But given this knowledge, did you know that there is a stipulation within the 8(a) certification process that requires you to prove your potential for success in order …
A Message From Our Board Chairman: Strength Stems From Community, Community From Support
A message from our 2021-2022 Board of Directors Chairman, Luanne Gutermuth, LSG Solutions LLC As I embark upon my tenure as the Chairman of the 2021-2022 Board of Directors, I am struck by the power our organization brings to the Northern Virginia business community. A power that stems from our Chamber’s government relations work, as it advocates for business interests, …
