NVC, formerly known as the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, has been a cornerstone of Regional business advocacy since 1925, originally headquartered in County Clerk’s Office in Fairfax, Virginia.

NVC was originally founded as the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce and now serves a network of over 25,000 leaders across the Greater Washington Region.

NVC began delivering newsletters in the 1960s. During this time, the Chamber started using newsletters to inform its members about local business developments, policy updates, and upcoming events. Over the years, the newsletter has evolved to become a key communication tool, including digital formats like the current Doing Business newsletter, which now reaches over 20,000 viewers.

In July 1987, NVC launched its groundbreaking Doing Business newsletter, a fresh rebranding of its earlier publication, Emphasis!—marking a new era in business communication.

NVC played a significant role in the development of Dulles International Airport during the 1950s and 1960s. The Chamber advocated for the airport’s construction in the Dulles area, recognizing its potential to stimulate economic growth in Northern Virginia.

Between the 1920s and 1930s, the Chamber was driven by the dairy industry—which generated $2 million annually—and transportation needs. This led us to lobby the State Highway Administration for $250,000 to fund the county’s secondary road program and to influence a historic referendum that shaped Virginia’s road-building policy for generations.

In 1957, the Chamber welcomed CIA Director Allen Dulles at its Annual Dinner, coinciding with the construction of its new headquarters, highlighting the essential growth of federal jobs in the county. Dulles thanked the Chamber for the “chance to get to know my prospective friends and neighbors in Fairfax County.”

In 1958, Robert W. Grow, a retired Army Major General who led an armored division in Europe during World War II, became the Chamber's Executive Director. During his six-and-a-half-year tenure, he was credited with building the organization and established vital partnerships with the Federation of Civic Associations and the League of Women Voters, fostering inclusive community relationships across Northern Virginia.

Under Roland Tibbetts' leadership in 1968, the Chamber backed three major bond referenda: $67 million for building and renovating schools to support 121,000 students, $61.9 million for the Washington Metro system, and $67.2 million for Virginia's college buildings.

In 1969, the Chamber played a pivotal role in supporting George Mason University's expansion, advocating for its separation from the University of Virginia and its focus on offering specialized master's and doctoral programs to meet Regional business needs.

In 1970, the Chamber successfully opposed a building moratorium that threatened the business climate and housing affordability. This effort led to the creation of a task force focused on expanding Fairfax’s commercial tax base, resulting in membership growth from 584 to 685 companies a year later.

In 1977, during a severe drought, the Chamber partnered with the Northern Virginia Builders Association and Board of Realtors to launch a successful water supply campaign, prompting swift government action. Additionally, the Chamber also endorsed legislation that introduced a 4% gasoline sales tax, helping to fund Metro.

By the end of the 1970s, the Chamber's initiatives helped Fairfax County's population grow from 122,000 to 584,000, driving key policy changes that fueled the Region’s business and economic prosperity.

In May 1981, the Chamber hosted a high-profile banquet inside Dulles Airport’s terminal, bringing together corporate executives, local and state officials, and civic leaders to boost travel and revenue, ultimately enhancing airline service and securing more business for the Region.

During the 1980s, as a stagnant national economy impacted businesses in Fairfax, the Chamber's leadership proactively advocated for growth-stimulating policies under the current president, Florence E. Townsend. In a pivotal luncheon in March 1981, they engaged directly with the Board of Directors to foster a more positive business climate.

In 1987, NVC marked a milestone by welcoming their 2,000th member—Patti Brownstein, the visionary founder of LGP Promotional Group, Inc., whose innovative spirit embodies the entrepreneurial heart of the organization.

The Washington Post acclaimed that the Chamber “has emerged in recent months as one of the most aggressive interest groups in the Virginia suburbs” amidst Fairfax County’s major growth, which was referred to as a “mini-city,” “mega county,” and “boom town” in March 1987.

In 1988, the Chamber recognized the growing significance of the technology and defense sectors by establishing the High Technology/Defense Contractors Council. This initiative laid the groundwork for what would eventually become the Northern Virginia Technology Council, a key organization dedicated to addressing the unique needs of businesses within these dynamic industries.

NVC is the largest Regional chamber in Virginia, representing over 500,000 employees from more than [add number of companies] member companies across a wide range of industries, including technology, healthcare, government contracting, real estate, and finance.

Nearly [add percentage] of NVC's members are small businesses, with resources dedicated to helping them scale and succeed that include Greater Washington Apprentice Network (GWAN), DEI Connects, and Speed Networking.

NVC serves as a critical liaison between Northern Virginia’s business community and government entities, ensuring that member companies’ voices are heard at all levels of government. [add data on government-centered member companies]

Since 1958, NVC has had the honor of welcoming 69 distinguished Chairmen to its leadership, with the current Chairman, Mark Carrier, President of B.F. Saul Hospitality Group, continuing this legacy of excellence.

From January 1st to September 30th, 2024, NVC achieved remarkable media coverage, reaching over 1.85 billion in news exposure—a 63% increase from 2023. NVC was also mentioned more than 3,500 times across various platforms, reflecting an impressive 84% year-over-year growth.

NVC has a notable presence in the C-SPAN Video Library, with 9 featured events, including a memorable 1999 speech by Kenneth W. Starr reflecting on his role in the Whitewater investigation.

In January 2016, Jim Corcoran, then President & CEO of NVC, spearheaded a pivotal moment in the organization’s history by transforming the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce into the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, signaling a broader Regional focus and growing influence. Fast forward to June 2024, under the leadership of current President & CEO Julie Coons, the organization embraced a new chapter with a streamlined name—NVC—further solidifying its position as a dynamic and forward-looking force in the Region.

In January 2016, Jim Corcoran, then President & CEO of NVC, spearheaded a pivotal moment in the organization’s history by transforming the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce into the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, signaling a broader Regional focus and growing influence. Fast forward to June 2024, under the leadership of current President & CEO Julie Coons, the organization embraced a new chapter with a streamlined name—NVC—further solidifying its position as a dynamic and forward-looking force in the Region.

At the establishment of NOVABizPAC in late 2002, the Chamber’s Board of Directors dictated that all contributions by the PAC be directly tied to the Chamber’s approved legislative principles. At their first meeting of 2005, NOVABizPAC’s trustees also voted to support a bipartisan group of state legislators, all of whom have demonstrated their solid support for the pro-economic prosperity, quality of life legislative agenda championed by the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce.

Mailed to 5,000 subscribers every month as of February 2005, now reaching over 20,000 subscribers in 2025, Doing Business continues to reach a diversity of business leaders at the Region’s premier companies, an excellent target market for your products and services.

The Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards™ started in 2003 with just about 600 people in attendance, now hits closer to 900 members of our business community.

In May of 2001, FBI Director Louis Freeh headlined the Chamber’s March FAME program, where he addressed the Bureaus efforts to combat computer crimes and cyber-attacks against U.S. businesses throughout the world.