We are thrilled to introduce Mark Carrier, the newly appointed Chairman of NVC as of June, to our business community. With a career spanning over three decades in hospitality, Mark brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a forward-thinking approach that is set to steer NVC towards an exciting future. Mark’s leadership philosophy is rooted in continuous learning and …
Leveraging NVC Membership, Exclusive Opportunities
For nearly a century, NVC has partnered with Regional leaders to drive business growth and foster impactful advocacy in the Greater Washington Region. NVC’s success is rooted in the collaboration of visionary leaders and a diverse business community who are dedicated to shaping a dynamic and thriving economic landscape. Through these partnerships, we advance initiatives that support the long-term vitality …
Introducing the 2024 Distinguished Service Award Awardees and Finalists
Veterans of the armed forces have contributed significantly to innovation and the establishment of long-lasting, impactful businesses in our business community. In recognition of their unwavering commitment and selfless dedication to maintaining the stability and vitality of our community, NVC will once again host its esteemed Distinguished Service Awards on September 17th. The DSA is the premier event in the …
Regional Leaders Convene to Identify Solutions to Cyber Workforce Pipeline
On May 29th, NVC convened Regional business and academic leaders for the first in a round of exclusive meetings to identify federal, state, and local barriers to increasing the constrained availability of the cyber workforce. Facilitated by Dr. Liza Wilson Durant, Professor, Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Community Engagement, George Mason University, and Dr. Jerry McGinn, Executive Director, Center …
Navigating the Cybersecurity Job Market in 2024: Complex Systems Demand Traditional and Non-traditional IT Skills for the Cybersecurity Workforce
My work in the IT industry gives me a front-row seat in the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity. The year 2024 promises both rewards and challenges for professionals and organizations alike. While there is tremendous opportunity and growth within cybersecurity, budget constraints and a shortage of qualified professionals leave our complex IT systems exposed to constant threats. The costs of …
What is the Greatest Transportation Challenge Facing our Region Today?
On July 24th, NVC will host the popular Annual State of Transportation event. This year’s discussion will feature an esteemed speaker panel of elected and industry leaders whose daily work influences our Region’s transportation infrastructure, from planning through execution. They include Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance President, Jason Stanford; Virginia Passenger Rail Authority CEO DJ Stadtler; WMATA Board Member Matt Letourneau; Reason Foundation …
VA Business and Washington Business Journal Recognize NVC President and CEO with Awards
Julie Coons, President and CEO of NVC, has been honored with a 2024 Women in Leadership Award from Virginia Business, and a 2024 LGBTQ+ Business Award from the Washington Business Journal. Virginia Business awarded a select group of women who have consistently contributed to the Region’s growth and development. These extraordinary women have made a positive impact on the business …
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 …
A Message from our 2024-2025 Board of Directors Chairman, Mark Carrier
Dear NVC Members, The year ahead for NVC will build upon the strength and commitment of the membership and countless hours of member and professional staff engagement. I am energized to be granted the role of your Board Chairman and humbled to be so honored. NVC is poised to further increase its Regional impact in alignment with the organization’s strategic …
Last Week’s Remarkable Annual Members’ Meeting
held its Annual Members’ Meeting last Thursday, June 6th, at the Westwood Country Club. Known as “the best networking in the Region before 10AM,” the Annual Members’ Meeting welcomed business leaders across Greater Washington to network and celebrate our collective achievements for Regional growth. In addition to networking, attendees celebrated our Impact Award honorees, whose efforts have benefited our business community; induct …
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 …
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 …
What should businesses be doing now to prepare for the next big challenge in healthcare?
We are fortunate to have assembled a stellar group of experts for our upcoming Annual State of Healthcare in the Region event on May 4th. During the event, these leaders will cover a diverse set of region-related topics that impact your business, but we wanted to ask them ahead of time: “What should businesses be doing now to prepare for …
Advocacy Update: That’s a wrap; our takeaways from the 2022 Virginia General Assembly
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 …
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 …
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 …
