As we usher in 2025, we celebrate NVC’s 100th anniversary—a century of trailblazing advocacy, innovation, and leadership that has transformed Northern Virginia into a national economic powerhouse. From our early days as the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce, we have driven the growth of the Greater Washington Region, championing initiatives like Dulles International Airport, the Metro system, the Beltway, and the establishment of George Mason University. Today, our Region powers 46% of the DMV economy, ranks 13th in the U.S., contributes 6% of the nation’s GDP, and hosts 40 of Greater Washington’s 64 Fortune 500 companies. Our legacy of impact, progress, and dedication continues as we look ahead to an exciting centennial celebration.
Humble Beginnings
Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce members in Fairfax, Virginia, about 1934.
NVC’s journey began in the Fairfax County Clerk’s Office, evolving from a small, grassroots advocacy group into a key driver of Regional economic development. Early on, NVC focused on relationship-building and supporting local businesses, laying the groundwork for future achievements. In 1933, the Chamber and Fairfax County played a pivotal role in Virginia’s decision to end Prohibition, and in 1935, NVC successfully advocated for $250,000 in funding for the county’s road program. By 1939, NVC’s influence was recognized by Governor James H. Price, who highlighted its role in attracting 60 new businesses that contributed $61 million to the state economy, solidifying NVC as a vital force in Virginia’s growth.
Pioneering Advocacy and Infrastructure Development
George Mason College, aerial view from the southwest, March 1969. Photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Regional Library.
In 1958, retired Army Major General Robert W. Grow became NVC’s CEO, marking the start of a transformative era defined by new collaborations and influential community partnerships. Grow built strong ties with groups like the Federation of Civic Associations and the League of Women Voters, reinforcing NVC’s commitment to both its members and the broader Northern Virginia community. NVC advocated for key infrastructure initiatives, including supporting a $26 million school construction bond in 1960 to accommodate the rapid surge in students and backing George Mason College’s 150-acre campus in 1961.
The completion of Virginia’s 22-mile Beltway section in 1964, a $75.6 million project, laid the groundwork for Tysons Corner’s economic boom. NVC also played a crucial role in securing revisions to state highway allocations and relocating the U.S. Patent Office to McLean. By 1968, NVC supported three major bond referenda for schools, the Metro system, and higher education, cementing its ongoing influence. The decade ended with NVC’s endorsement of George Mason College’s separation from the University of Virginia in 1969, marking a key milestone in the institution’s growth and NVC’s impact on the Region.
Image of Emphasis! June 1989 edition. Photo courtesy of the Fairfax County Regional Library.
Shaping the Business Landscape
In 1989, NVC transformed its Emphasis! newsletter into a valuable resource for members and launched the High Technology/Defense Contractors Council, which later became the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC). This council played a key role in addressing the unique needs of the rapidly growing tech and defense sectors, showcasing NVC's ability to adapt to the evolving business landscape. That same year, NVC collaborated with other local business groups to form the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance (NVTA), focused on solving the Region’s traffic challenges.
Virginia Governor James S. Gilmore, III promoted his transportation package for Northern Virginia, at the NVC Board of Directors meeting, October 1999.
Additionally, NVC established Leadership Fairfax, a ten-month civic training program for emerging business and community leaders. Modeled after successful programs in Atlanta, Detroit, and D.C., it began with 29 participants. Together, these initiatives not only fostered economic growth but also established Northern Virginia’s distinct civic and economic identity, setting it apart from Washington, D.C., and surrounding areas.
Regional Leadership and Advocacy Recognition
At a luncheon hosted by NVC, weeks before L. Douglas Wilder (right) made history as the first African American to be elected Governor since Reconstruction, Wilder debates J. Marshall Coleman (left), 1989.
By the late 1980s, NVC was recognized as a leading advocacy force, with the Washington Post calling it “one of the most aggressive interest groups in the Virginia suburbs.” The organization also reached 2,000 members, reflecting its growing influence in shaping the Region’s business climate.
In the 1990s, NVC tackled Regional economic challenges, including a tax revolt and office space surplus, by collaborating with Senators Warner and Robb, and Congressman Wolf to drive policies supporting recovery. NVC focused on reducing vacancy rates and attracting new businesses, with the Fairfax County Government Center symbolizing the Region’s infrastructure growth.
By decade’s end, NVC played a key role in securing transportation solutions like the Woodrow Wilson Bridge replacement and advocating for tax system reform, ensuring fairer revenue distribution, especially given Fairfax County’s disproportionate contribution to Virginia’s income tax.
A Legacy of Leadership Diversity
Image of James W. Dyke Jr. Photo courtesy of James W. Dyke Jr.
Deb Gandy Photo courtesy of Deb Gandy.
NVC has also made strides in promoting diverse leadership within its ranks. In 1999, James W. Dyke, Jr. made history as the first African American man elected as NVC Chairman, serving until 2000. More than two decades later, in 2023, Deb Gandy broke another barrier by becoming the first African American woman to hold the prestigious position of NVC Chairwoman, continuing the legacy of groundbreaking leadership that NVC has embraced.
Embracing Change: From Local to Regional Influence
Jim Corcoran, former NVC President and CEO, July 2016.
In 2016, under the leadership of then-President and CEO Jim Corcoran, NVC rebranded from the Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce to the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, a reflection of its growing Regional influence. This transition was not merely cosmetic; it symbolized a commitment to embracing the broader business community in Northern Virginia. Current President and CEO Julie Coons, who took the helm in 2018, further streamlined NVC's identity to simply “NVC” in June 2024, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to modernization and continued growth.
Modern-Day Success and Milestones
Today, NVC champions initiatives that reflect its diverse membership and the evolving needs of the Greater Washington Region. To support their growth, NVC offers impactful programs such as the Greater Washington Apprentice Network (GWAN) and DEI Connects, driving workforce development and inclusivity. Key achievements include the 2018 Metro funding initiative, which strengthened critical infrastructure, and the creation of Virginia Works, a new workforce agency addressing Regional talent demands.
These milestones have laid the foundation for continued success, as reflected in a 63% surge in media presence in 2024, generating over 1.85 billion in news exposure and more than 3,500 mentions. This unprecedented visibility underscores NVC’s leadership and relevance in fostering a thriving business community.
As NVC celebrates its 100th anniversary, it looks forward to the future with confidence, armed with a legacy of advocacy, leadership, and collaboration. The journey of NVC is a testament to the power of community, and as it embarks on its next century, NVC remains dedicated to championing the interests of its members and driving growth across the Region at large.
A Message to Our Members
Look around you.
Look at everything Greater Washington has become in the past 100 years.
It didn’t just happen. People made it happen.
With sweat. Grit. Early mornings. Late nights.
With dedication and imagination.
Over the past century, NVC has empowered our Region’s doers to get more done and unified the business community to amplify our best ideas above the din.
We have paired a shared vision for the future with a commitment to shepherd it into being.
We have delivered the leadership to move business forward and speak with one voice to those who matter most in order to make the most difference.
The growth and development we have achieved in the Region during the past 100 years is remarkable.
But it didn’t just happen. People made it happen.
And together with our partners and donors, we’re going to do it again in the next 100 years.
Join our community of the brightest minds as we come together to spawn new ideas, learn from each other, and solve our most pressing collective problems.
Join us in navigating an uncertain future with agility and charting our shared path toward greater progress.
Join us as we convene the people building the future of business—not only in our Region—but in the world.
Join us.
A Special Thank You to Our Longest-Standing Members!
United Bank 6/1/1979
Dewberry 1/1/1980
Bank of America 1/1/1980
ServiceSource 3/1/1980
Dominion Energy 4/1/1980
George Mason University 5/1/1980
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority 6/1/1980
Washington Gas 7/1/1980
PNC Bank 8/1/1980
Truist 9/1/1980
Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts 9/1/1980
Wells Fargo Bank 10/1/1980
Northern Virginia Community College 11/1/1980
Fairfax County Public Schools 12/1/1980
