Small Business Saturday® is next week, and NVC is launching a campaign to support our small business members by increasing their brand visibility. With roughly 854,000 small businesses in Virginia, we have a duty to uplift and support this integral part of our region’s economy. Small businesses are essential to driving innovation, job creation, and sector diversification. In Fairfax County, …
Who Won a 2025 GovCon Award? Recap of the Region’s Largest Government Contracting Awards
NVC and the Professional Services Council (PSC) convened nearly 1,000 government contracting executives, policymakers, and industry stakeholders on November 5 for the 23rd Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards®. Held in a packed ballroom and anchored by a robust mix of networking, the evening showcased the depth, resilience, and competitive velocity of the govcon ecosystem. The program opened with a high-energy Gala Reception before transitioning to the awards dinner and …
NVC’s C-Suite Roundtable Series
NVC’s C-Suite Roundtable program brings together regional executives, policymakers, and innovators for the candid, data-driven discussions you can’t find anywhere else. This series showcases the power of leadership in action, featuring a lineup of regional executives, policymakers, and innovators tackling Northern Virginia’s most pressing business, policy, and workforce challenges. Each month, NVC brings together top decision-makers for candid, data-driven discussions …
NVC/Pinkston Q4 2025 Business Leader Survey Results
Once viewed as routine political gridlock, the latest government shutdown is now being felt in the boardrooms of Northern Virginia. Business leaders across the region are reporting slower performance, waning confidence, and rising concern about the months ahead. NVC, in partnership with Pinkston, has released the Q4 NVC/Pinkston Business Leader Survey. This survey captured the perspective of 120 CEOs, corporate …
NOVABIZPAC Endorses 3 Incumbents
Last week, the Northern Virginia Business Political Action Committee (NOVABIZPAC), the political arm of NVC, conducted in-depth interviews with candidates in three of Virginia’s most competitive races. Over the course of two days, NOVABIZPAC Trustees interviewed a total of six candidates, five on the first day and one on the second. After a rigorous review and discussion, NOVABIZPAC Trustees voted …
Announcing the 2025 GovCon Awards Charity Partner: The Code of Support Foundation
NVC is proud to recognize Code of Support Foundation (COSF) as the 2025 Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards® Charity Partner, an organization whose mission embodies the Chamber’s core values of service, leadership, and regional impact. We look forward to honoring COSF and its transformative work at this year’s GovCon Awards Gala in November. Join us in celebrating their commitment to …
Chamber Day 2025: How to Support NVC
Chambers of commerce are the backbone of our nation’s business communities, advocating for pro-business policies, fostering economic growth, and helping businesses thrive. For a century, NVC has been a driving force for growth in the Greater Washington region. On Wednesday, October 18, join us in celebrating National Support Your Local Chambers of Commerce Day by supporting NVC. Here’s how you …
NVC Executive Councils Form to Advance the NOVA Roadmap
Virginia’s future is being written today — and through the NOVA Roadmap, our members are holding the pen. The NOVA Roadmap is a call to action for Northern Virginia’s economic growth and sustainability. Since releasing the NOVA Roadmap report in July, NVC has launched three of seven planned Executive Councils, bringing together leaders from across sectors to align our four …
Challenges and Opportunities for Veteran-Owned Businesses
Veterans bring mission focus, adaptability, and resilience into the business arena. These are the qualities that continue to shape Northern Virginia’s economy. The region’s veteran-owned businesses reflect both entrepreneurial drive and a deep commitment to service, transforming military lessons into strategies that fuel growth and innovation. We’re proud to have celebrated them during our 2025 Distinguished Service Awards ceremony, hosted …
Amid Economic Disruption and Uncertain Labor News, Executives Should Lean Into Communications
“Amid Economic Disruption and Uncertain Labor News, Executives Should Lean Into Communications” is provided by NVC Member D.J. Jordan, Senior Vice President, Pinkston. The latest jobs report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics raised concerns about the economy and the labor market. Only 22,000 jobs were added in August, and the unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, the highest level since …
NVC Addressing DEI in the Region
According to a Pew Research study, only 30% of employees in the U.S. say that their employers put an emphasis on diversity in the workplace. With over 400 member companies—representing 500,000 employees—we believe that growing the rich diversity in our Region is crucial for long-lasting business growth. NVC has a range of strategic initiatives addressing diversity, equity and inclusion throughout …
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 …
6 Reasons Why Your Company Should Prioritize Volunteering Beyond it Being the Right Thing to Do
When we hear the word, “volunteer,” many of us instantly consider the recipient who will benefit from donated time and support rather than the advantages to the person giving away his or her time. After all, the long-held belief that volunteering is, “the right thing to do,” has been the backbone of the non-profit and support community. Yet numerous studies …
Creating a Culture of Support: Why We Need Employee Wellness Programs in the Workplace
The Chamber recently spoke with LeVar Johnson, a Community Activist working within the Pharmaceutical Industry, about employers’ roles in handling obesity within the workplace ahead of his participation in our Wellness in the Workforce Part 2 event on April 25th. Physical health is a personal mission for Johnson, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 4. …
A New Year Message From Our CEO: The Chamber in 2023… And Beyond
By Julie Coons, CAE, Northern Virginia Chamber President and CEO Happy New Year! 2023 is a year of exciting activity and opportunity for our region. This year, the Chamber’s 98th year, we see more businesses coming together to advocate for regional growth, to invest and grow a business-directed skilled workforce, and to advance policies and practices that accelerate a business …
DEI Research: Introducing the Northern Virginia Champions of Accountability Project
Recognizing and highlighting businesses that are developing and implementing inclusive practices is a priority of the Chamber as we seek to promote best practices for attracting and retaining a diverse workforce. To advance this effort, we have partnered with the Northern Virginia Community Foundation to launch the Northern Virginia Champions of Accountability Project. A groundbreaking initiative, the Champions of Accountability …
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 …
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 …
NOVABIZPAC Endorses 3 Incumbents
Last week, the Northern Virginia Business Political Action Committee (NOVABIZPAC), the political arm of NVC, conducted in-depth interviews with candidates in three of Virginia’s most competitive races. Over the course of two days, NOVABIZPAC Trustees interviewed a total of six candidates, five on the first day and one on the second. After a rigorous review and discussion, NOVABIZPAC Trustees voted …
A Century of Driving Northern Virginia’s Transportation & Infrastructure Forward
For a century, NVC has been the trusted voice for business, and nowhere is that legacy more evident than in its lasting impact on transportation and infrastructure across the region. Since the 1920s, NVC has championed investments that connect communities, fuel economic growth, and make Northern Virginia a premier place to live, work, and play. From the earliest days of …
Impact and Innovation: NVC Members Shaping the Future of Government Contracting
As November begins and we look toward 2025, NVC is focused on strengthening our advocacy and support for the vibrant business community we serve. In the rapidly changing world of government contracting, NVC members lead the way in advancing innovation and economic growth. With the prestigious Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards® tomorrow, we are thrilled to honor our members’ remarkable …
Concluding NVC’s Policy Committee Meetings for 2024 and Shaping Our Vision for 2025
Last Friday, on October 18th, NVC concluded its final Policy Committee meeting for 2024. This meeting marked a significant milestone in the organization’s ongoing commitment to addressing pressing Regional issues. The focus of this gathering centered on two critical topics: Affordable Housing and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Prior gatherings, which began on September 18th, explored various themes, including education …
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 …
Chamber Statement on Metro, July 5, 2023
The transit system survived the past three years using nearly $2.4 billion in federal aid, staving off severe cuts and recently returning to pre-pandemic service levels. But with aid running out by July 2024, Metro leaders have undertaken a desperate search for sustainable funding to fill a financial hole projected to grow annually to as much as $1.2 billion later …
Bipartisanship: Working Together to Build a Better Virginia
The Chamber recently spoke with Larry Roberts, Director of the Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership at the University of Virginia, who offered the following thoughts on the benefits of bipartisanship to Virginia government and its business community. The Sorensen Institute and the Chamber have formed an Advancing Civics partnership to promote bipartisanship and civil discourse as means toward effective public leadership. …
2023 Virginia General Assembly Workforce Update
The 2023 Virginia General Assembly wrapped up on February 25th in Richmond. The Chamber’s Vice President of Government Relations, Nick Clemente, was in attendance all 46 days (and then some!), advocating on behalf of our Region and Chamber membership. Chamber members were kept up-to-date throughout the session through Nick’s weekly emails and member advocacy calls. He was also always a …
Kicking Off the 2023 Virginia General Assembly
Editor’s Note: The Virginia General Assembly kicks off its annual legislative session this week lasting for 46 days. Staying connected to legislators and policymakers is critical for the Northern Virginia business community to ensure that we have a voice in the legislative process. The Chamber’s Nick Clemente, Vice President of Government relations is representing the Northern Virginia business community every …
A New Year Message From Our CEO: The Chamber in 2023… And Beyond
By Julie Coons, CAE, Northern Virginia Chamber President and CEO Happy New Year! 2023 is a year of exciting activity and opportunity for our region. This year, the Chamber’s 98th year, we see more businesses coming together to advocate for regional growth, to invest and grow a business-directed skilled workforce, and to advance policies and practices that accelerate a business …
Mental Health Matters: Creating Awareness in the Workplace
Mental health, once brushed aside or whispered about in hushed tones, is moving to the forefront of organizational discourse. Why? According to the National Institute of Mental Health, one in five adults grapples with a mental health condition, navigating the balance between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. Mental health is not just a matter of individual struggle—it is a collective …
Talent Up Fairfax: A Talent Recruitment Solution for Fairfax County Employers and Job Seekers
Talent Up Fairfax is an innovative demonstration project in work-based learning (WBL), made possible through funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Fairfax County Department of Economic Initiative. The program launched on July 11, 2023, and has been marketed as a talent solution to Fairfax County business and job seekers. This program is particularly designed to forge vital …
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 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 …
Teamwork is everything: veterans understand that we all find success by working together. A discussion with James Schenck
“How can we ever do enough to thank and serve through our actions those who volunteer to go into harm’s way to fight our nation’s wars? I live with that question every day.” That’s the mantra of the 2023 Distinguished Service Awards’ Lifetime Service Award Honoree James Schenck, President & CEO, PenFed Credit Union. We sat down with James to …
10 Common Mistakes with Form I-9 (and how to avoid them)
The process of completing Form I-9—which confirms an employee’s eligibility to legally work in the United States—has gone through major changes in recent years. Many of these changes were driven by the pandemic, which made it difficult for employers to perform in-person document checks. Pandemic-era regulation is now winding down, and the Department of Homeland Security is taking this opportunity …
6 Reasons Why Your Company Should Prioritize Volunteering Beyond it Being the Right Thing to Do
When we hear the word, “volunteer,” many of us instantly consider the recipient who will benefit from donated time and support rather than the advantages to the person giving away his or her time. After all, the long-held belief that volunteering is, “the right thing to do,” has been the backbone of the non-profit and support community. Yet numerous studies …
Creating a Culture of Support: Why We Need Employee Wellness Programs in the Workplace
The Chamber recently spoke with LeVar Johnson, a Community Activist working within the Pharmaceutical Industry, about employers’ roles in handling obesity within the workplace ahead of his participation in our Wellness in the Workforce Part 2 event on April 25th. Physical health is a personal mission for Johnson, who was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes at the age of 4. …
Employee Health & Benefits trends for 2023
In America’s professional landscape, there is a diverse workforce comprised of five different generations. While it is true that having a multigenerational workforce presents some challenges to employers, we encourage business leaders to view this as a benefit rather than a challenge. As the workplace evolves, talent acquisition and retention strategies will become increasingly more important and the evaluation of …
2023 Virginia General Assembly Workforce Update
The 2023 Virginia General Assembly wrapped up on February 25th in Richmond. The Chamber’s Vice President of Government Relations, Nick Clemente, was in attendance all 46 days (and then some!), advocating on behalf of our Region and Chamber membership. Chamber members were kept up-to-date throughout the session through Nick’s weekly emails and member advocacy calls. He was also always a …
