2007 Accomplishments of the Region's Chamber
It has been an exciting year at the Region’s Chamber, one that has seen growth as well as challenges. Existing programs have grown, and new ones developed, as we continually evolve with the economic climate and needs of the business community. Following are highlights of the Region’s Chamber in 2007:
Organizational Growth
- Recognized by the Washington Business Journal as third largest chamber of commerce in Greater Washington, D.C. for the second consecutive year, preceded by D.C. and Loudoun County Chambers.
- Exceeded average annual new member growth, welcoming more than 200 new members
New Initiatives
Formed Government Contracting Business Council
- Meets the unique needs of this growing and hard-to-reach sector, featuring:
- Guest presenters and contracting opportunities
- Relationships with representatives of government entities such as Quantico Marine Base, Department of Homeland Security and the National Museum of the Marine Corps
Developed new programs based on member feedback
- Hot Topics Lunch & Learn, a free monthly seminar series, which “sells” out regularly
- Speed Networking, a quarterly ice breaker, which also sells out
Enhanced member communications
- Launched a new, more intuitive website
- Developed a monthly e-newsletter, the E-Link and other new e-communications
- Created a new directory format with greater distribution and mass appeal
Launched "Green" Resource Webpage
- Connects businesses to information on programs that are both environmentally-friendly and cost saving
Continued Development in Core Areas
Business Growth & Development
- Significant Growth in Business Consultations
- Efforts to Strengthen CEO/CXO Roundtables, increasing member access to this valuable program
- New Memorandum of Understanding with the Woodbridge Campus of Northern Virginia Community College, to support development of a Business Incubator
- Strong programming with substantive speakers, such as Congressman Frank Wolf, Alex Orfinger, Publisher of the Washington Business Journal and Dr. John McClain of the Center for Regional Analysis.
Public Policy
- Informative committee meeting presentations have led to increased attendance
- Successfully communicated with legislators on issues including:
- Business Recycling Plan - Demonstrated that requiring each business to develop and submit an annual recycling plan was not the most efficient way to promote increased recycling
- Proffer Increase - Organized testimony that spoke to the negative economic impact of a significant proffer increase
- Issue related action and testimony included an invitation to present business input to the Comp Plan Committee
- Strong Legislative Leaders Event series has featured such “heavy hitters” as Congressman Tom Davis, Virginia Speaker of the House Bill Howell and Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell
- Provided members with tools to make informed votes in 2007 elections:
- Sent questionnaires to candidates with results posted on website and in Business Link
- Held a Public Policy Committee meeting with open seat candidates and a Candidates for Chairman of the Board of County Supervisors public forum
- Following elections, met with new legislators
Community Development:
- Hosted engaging speakers on quality of life issues
- Scholarship Program grew by 20 percent, with 12 students receiving $1,000 awards
- Held successful drives to benefit children in need:
- Tools for School supply drive
- Collected toys for Un-Trim-A-Tree program
- Participated in activities to bring the Jamestown Settlement’s Godspeed ship to Prince William for an educational community experience
- Published articles to promote awareness of community issues and resources
