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, and prejudice of any kind. No exceptions. The Chamber also reiterated its strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, making it clear that the Chamber’s commitment to diversity and equality would be reflected in its programming, including speakers, and its organizational relationships.
On June 28, former chairs of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce wrote to the Chamber asking the Chamber and its political action committee to withdraw its speaking invitation to Virginia State Senator Amanda Chase, an announced candidate for Governor of Virginia. In making this request, the former chairs also asked the Chamber to publicly repudiate Senator Chase’s recent actions and statements related to the removal of Confederate monuments, “white history,” statements about State Senator Jennifer McClellan, and Senator Chase’s actions to aggressively spread a hoax that rioters were crossing the James River to attack the white citizens of Chesterfield County.
The Chamber leadership team decided to cancel the event with Senator Chase, and subsequently sent a letter to our members announcing the cancellation and reiterating our core values. This was also shared on social media and our website. I’d like to take this opportunity to emphasize why the cancellation was necessary.
The statements and actions by Senator Chase are contrary to the Chambers’ core values. We condemn these statements and actions by Senator Chase and any person who attempts to divide us, playing on people’s fears and appealing to bigotry and hate. It is for these reasons that the Chamber withdrew its invitation to Senator Chase to speak to members of the Chamber and its political action committee.
Going forward, we want to make it clear to any candidate seeking office in Virginia that we will not tolerate, either overtly or subtly, any statements or actions that are inconsistent with the Chamber’s core values, our commitment to racial justice, and our efforts to stamp out racism, discrimination, and prejudice. Hate has no place in this Chamber, in Northern Virginia or in the Commonwealth.
Northern Virginia is one of the most vibrant economic centers in the world, home to 12 Fortune 500 companies and Amazon’s new H2Q. Our diversity is a core strength and competitive advantage. The Chamber is committed to our mission to attract, engage, and retain a diverse membership and leadership that fully reflects the diversity of the broader region.
During my term as chair, I intend for the Chamber to take the following actions:
- Convene a group of members on the topic of diversity and equity to propose actions for the Chamber to take to address issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace.
- Work with our Back to Work Leadership Task Force partners including educational institutions, economic development organizations, workforce boards, fellow Chambers of Commerce and other organizations to help promote and support investments in programs that advance stronger business opportunities for minorities.
- Support efforts by state and local governments to address equity issues, including educational and health disparities in the region.As an example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, minorities have been disproportionately impacted by the virus. In addition, virtual or distance learning has been difficult for students who do not have access to high speed broadband or technology devices. The Chamber is committed to working to address these disparities so that all our citizens can reach their full economic potential as part of a vibrant and growing regional economy.
Sincerely,
Kathryn Falk
Board of Directors Chairman
Officers
Julie Coons, President and CEO
Kathryn Falk, Chairman
Luanne Gutermuth, Vice Chairman
Matt McQueen, Secretary
Judith Kassel, General Counsel
Susan Moser, Treasurer
Todd Rowley, Immediate Past Chairman
