I was honored to start my service as Chairman of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce on July 1. In June, in response to the brutal deaths of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, Rayshard Brooks, and all those who have come before them, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce issued a statement that the Chamber would condemn racism, discrimination, …
Five business lessons learned from the COVID-19 economic crisis
It’s fair to say that 2020 has been a business challenge. In addition to the emotional toll the COVID-19 pandemic and its related remote work requirements, lockdowns, and other challenges have taken, many businesses now find themselves facing financial hardships and potential closures. All is not lost and if there’s a silver lining to be learned from recent events, it’s …
The 2020 GovCon Awards: Are we honoring or celebrating? This Year We Broke a Record!
It was mid-March just a few months ago and the global Covid-19 pandemic was in its early days in the US. The applications process for the 18th Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor (GovCon) Awards was about to be kicked off and questions were asked, understandably, about how to shape this year’s awards program. Will the contracting community respond? Should we …
A Message From Our CEO
Dear Members, The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Chamber) believes we must move forward together to create a more equitable future for our region. The Chamber articulated our values in an Inclusivity Statement shared with all members last month. Earlier this year, the Chamber invited candidates for statewide office to join us for an ongoing “Policy Series” lunch for members to get to …
Establishing an impactful corporate responsibility program in times of uncertainty
The past few months, our country and our economy have been tested in profound ways. Business leaders have had to move quickly to address the shifting needs of their workforce, their communities, and their clients—ushering in a new era for corporate social responsibility. But in a time of so much uncertainty and change, how can businesses develop and maintain a …
Let’s Challenge Ourselves to Be Active Corporate Citizens, A Message From Our CEO
Now more than ever. This is a phrase that has been top of mind for many of us as we watch and react to 2020’s heartbreaking headlines. Fortunately many in our community are hearing the call and acting “now.” What we’re all learning from the economic and social challenges of today – notably the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on …
Maintaining On-Site Employee Safety During a Pandemic
With the Governor’s recent lifting of his “stay at home” order, many companies rushing to reopen facilities are facing a collective challenge: ensuring employee safety while the nation is still dealing with a pandemic. It’s a challenge made all the more difficult by the uncertainty surrounding the next few months and what will happen once they open the doors again. …
Northern Virginia Reopening, Guidelines For Now and Questions About the Future
by Clayton Medford, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce’s Vice President, Government Relations The Chamber has been heavily engaged in COVID-19 rescue and response advocacy since mid-March when our community went into lockdown. Those first few weeks were a chaotic sprint, with everyone working tirelessly to identify what needed to be done to keep the economy from collapsing and then to …
Keeping Employees Motivated, Engaged, and Supported During COVID-19
From a two-week original slowdown to the current over two-month shutdown, employers and managers are trying new and innovative things to keep employees engaged as their teams assume more responsibilities and fears about what will happen next. Working from home is not a new concept, of course; but being forced into this situation very quickly and to have massive numbers …
A Message From Our Chamber CEO
Dear Chamber Members, As the pandemic’s weeks have settled into months and what was once odd has become our new work and life normal, you can rely on the stability of your Chamber and our ongoing work on your behalf. I’m proud to boast that we have not missed a beat and continue our member advocacy work, including leading …