“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 …
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 …
A Message From Our Board Chairman: A New Year’s Resolution for our Business Community
Looking for a New Year’s resolution that goes beyond the usual? Sure, I’ll no doubt resolve to lose weight and exercise more in 2022. And, as I reflect on the past year – eulogies of Senator Bob Dole praising his life while lamenting the demise of the bipartisanship he represented… public officials fearing for their personal safety…stories about the “anger …
A letter from Todd Gilbert, Speaker-Designee of the Virginia House of Delegates
Dear Members of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce: The 2022 General Assembly Session is a little over one month away, and our House Republican Caucus is eager to return to Richmond and begin the task of governing set before us by the people of Virginia. As Speaker-Designee, I am excited about the opportunity to work in a bi-partisan fashion …
WORKFORCE UPDATE: Season of Thankfulness
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. I love the spirit of thankfulness, gratitude, and friendship. I’ve witnessed this same generous spirit within our membership and business community in the way they give back, lend a hand, and support one another. This year I am feeling particularly grateful to be doing impactful and meaningful work within this same amazing community, including the …
MEMBER BLOG POST The three “T’s” to getting press that drives sales
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce members run the gamut of size, industry, and revenue. Some are one-person operations grossing a quarter-million annually; others employ thousands of people and earn millions of dollars per week. Many are government contractors, while others have nothing to do with the region’s largest industry. But no matter where they differ, Chamber members share one common …
WORKFORCE UPDATE: Apprentice programs are a workforce boon benefiting both employers and employees
Throughout history, the workforce has benefited from apprentice programs, business relationships that have been proven to benefit employers and employees alike. Apprenticeships offer an opportunity to “earn and learn,” meaning that employees receive needed on-the-job training while still earning a living. Through apprentice programs, Employers can impart key skills and train workers in their own methods and techniques, the cost …
Working for our Members toward a better Virginia
The Northern Virginia Chamber’s Policy Committee is wrapping up our annual Legislative Agenda drafting process next week. You will see many familiar principles included in the 2022 Agenda like urging leaders to focus on growing and improving Virginia’s workforce development ecosystem, expressing support for continued investment in major transportation projects like the American Legion Bridge replacement, and calling for a …
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 …
