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 …
E-Waste to Green Profits: the Advantage of Electronics Recycling
As the year comes to a close, millions of us will be buying or receiving new electronic devices. Holiday gift-giving may mean new phones, drones, TVs, remote-controlled cars, and thousands of other items that contain batteries, printed circuit boards, mixed metals, and plastic. New technology is great, but what is the plan for your older items? Rather than hiding your …
2023 GovCon Awards Charity Partner: Hope For The Warriors
“We began as military spouses coming together to help each other stay strong during a crazy time. We supported each others’ families financially, emotionally, physically, and through life transitions so their service members could remain focused on their missions.” Seventeen years later, this year’s GovCon Awards’ Charity Partner, Hope For The Warriors, has become an international force supporting military families, veterans, …
Member Blog Post: 5 Tips For Planning Impactful and Memorable Employee-Centered Events
In our post-pandemic world, where organizations are striving to create authentic connections for their employees, some of whom may be working remotely, novel and memorable experiences can provide an invaluable workforce opportunity. Now that As our business world is entering 2023’s 4th quarter, it’s time to think about creating those opportunities in the form of year-end events. With today’s renewed …
