You have seen the news that the General Assembly adjourned this weekend, leaving only the budget incomplete. Once House and Senate negotiators reach a compromise (or perhaps sooner), Gov. Youngkin will need to call a Special Session to finalize the first budget in his first term. In the meantime, negotiators must continue to make efforts to close a $3 billion …
Apprentice programs are a business win
Whether you call it the “Great Resignation” or simply a workforce shortage, the truth is there are simply not enough workers to go around, and that trend looks to be continuing well into 2022. Chamber member companies are innovating solutions to solve these workforce challenges by putting a modern spin on apprenticeship programs. Despite what you may think, apprenticeship isn’t …
In Praise of Historically Black Colleges and Universities
When I was 17 years old, I told my high school English teacher that I was going to Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, an all-female historically Black college. “But you’ve got the grades for Dartmouth!” he said. I knew he meant well, but I also knew Spelman was right for me. It helped that my parents are both alums of …
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: Talking DE&I in Northern Virginia with Jim Dyke
“If we want to operate in a global economy, we must respect and work with all religions and people, be that by race, gender, culture, physical ability, or sexual preference. We must focus on who people are and what they can do rather than what they are. Without that respect, it will be difficult to advance our business environment.” So …
Apply These Four Levers to Workplace Inclusion and Diversity
To some degree, the employee populations of most companies represent a microcosm of the larger world outside. And, as we all know, the world is facing some challenging times. In essence, we are repeating U.S. history. In the wake of ample socio-economic disparities, centuries-long suppressed anger, frustration, hurt, desperation, and fear is publicly visible to us all today. The corporate …
WORKFORCE UPDATE Bringing Apprenticeship Programs to the Government Contracting and Banking Industries: New GWAN Cohorts Announced
Workforce challenges is hardly a new topic these days, but sizzling negative headlines don’t tell the whole story, such as the many positive actions taken to attract and retain quality employees while improving diversity within our region. One such action that is brimming over with positive force is The Greater Washington Apprentice Network. In fact, the work of this program …
ADVOCACY UPDATE Kicking off this year’s General Assembly with changes within our Virginia Government
It has been a week of change in Virginia. Last Wednesday, Del. Todd Gilbert took the gavel as Speaker of the House of Delegates, marking a return to power for Republicans after two years of Democratic control. On Saturday, Gov. Glenn Youngkin was sworn in as the 74th Governor of Virginia. With promises of a more business-friendly Virginia, already the …
A Message From Our Board Chairman: A New Year’s Resolution for our Business Community
Looking for a New Year’s resolution that goes beyond the usual? Sure, I’ll no doubt resolve to lose weight and exercise more in 2022. And, as I reflect on the past year – eulogies of Senator Bob Dole praising his life while lamenting the demise of the bipartisanship he represented… public officials fearing for their personal safety…stories about the “anger …
A letter from Todd Gilbert, Speaker-Designee of the Virginia House of Delegates
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 …
