NVC is thrilled to announce that registration for the 2025 Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards® (GovCon Awards) Gala is now open! As NVC celebrates its centennial year, we reflect on a legacy rooted in innovation, resilience, and the strength of our regional business community. Government contracting has long served as the backbone of Northern Virginia’s economy. According to the University …
Introducing the 2025 GovCon Awards Hall of Fame Inductee
The Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards® (GovCon Awards) Hall of Fame honors leaders whose careers exemplify professional excellence and significant contributions to the government contracting industry and community. In 2025, that distinction belongs to Joseph Kampf, Founder, CEO, and Chairman of CoVant Management. In his roles at CoVant Management (2007–2023), Joseph partnered with Madison Dearborn Partners to create leading national …
NVC and PSC Announce Finalists for the 2025 GovCon Awards
The stage is officially set for one of the most anticipated nights in the government contracting industry. NVC and the Professional Services Council (PSC) have unveiled the finalists for the 23rd Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards® (GovCon Awards) — an event widely regarded as the “Academy Awards of Government Contracting.” The announcement came during an invitation-only Finalists Reception …
Experience the Exclusive Hall of Fame and Program of the Year at the 2025 Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards® Gala
For 24 years, the Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards® (GovCon Awards) has stood as the premier celebration of the region’s thriving government contracting community. Each year, the awards recognize companies and individuals who demonstrate exceptional professionalism, innovation, and dedication in serving government clients. The GovCon Awards feature five key award categories, where members of the business community nominate government contracting …
Exclusive Q&A with Past Distinguished Service Awards Recipients: Stories of Service and Impact
The Northern Virginia Chamber (NVC) is gearing up for the Distinguished Service Awards (DSA) on September 18 from 8:30–10:30 a.m. at the Army Navy Country Club. This annual celebration spotlights leaders who have continued to serve with purpose long after their military careers, driving innovation across defense, healthcare, workforce development, and beyond. Since 2016, the DSA has honored over 43 …
NVC Announces 2025 Distinguished Service Awards Finalists
NVC is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 Distinguished Service Awards (DSA), a signature program that shines a spotlight on veteran leaders and mission-driven organizations across the Greater Washington region. These awards are a rallying point for the business community to uplift service, leadership, and collaboration. DSA celebrates those who continue to lead with purpose after military service, …
How NOVA Roadmap Will Transform Northern Virginia’s Economy
In its centennial year, NVC isn’t just celebrating history; we’re seizing the moment to redefine and strengthen Northern Virginia’s economy for the next 100 years. In partnership with Accenture, NVC has officially released the NOVA Roadmap: A Call to Action for Northern Virginia’s Economic Growth — a strategic framework designed to steer the region through a critical moment of transformation …
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 …
Honoring Those Who Continue to Serve: NVC’s Distinguished Service Awards Return This September
This year marks a monumental occasion for NVC. As we proudly celebrate our centennial, commemorating 100 years of dedicated service to our members and the Greater Washington region, we’re thrilled to announce another significant milestone: our 10th annual Distinguished Service Awards (DSA). We cordially invite you to join us on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the prestigious Army Navy Country …
Meet NVC’s Events Team
If you’ve ever attended one of NVC’s signature events, you’ve experienced the work of NVC’s Events Team. At the helm are Heather Ward, Director of Programs, and Rhea Ambanta, Program Coordinator. They’re the driving force behind the success of NVC’s events, skillfully handling everything from securing top-tier speakers and perfect venues to ensuring every last detail is flawlessly executed. To …
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 …
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 …
The Future of our Regional Transportation: a Q&A with our 2022 State of Transportation Panelists
On September 1st, the Chamber will host an exciting and dynamic group of top transportation leaders from around the region for our annual 2022 State of Transportation event. We asked our speakers to give us a sneak peek on the future of transportation ahead of this enlightening event. Read their answers below: 1. What are one or two things you see in the …
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 …
