Time flies when you are busy building business opportunity! 2009 was a busy year here at the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce. We took our members back to business basics, offering programming that focused on core principles for economic success—promoting business development, effecting public policy and supporting community development. On these pages, we have highlighted a few key ways that the Region’s Chamber connected our members to opportunity in 2009.
New Chamber Initiatives in 2009
Prince William Vision Coalition: Taking the lead among Prince William Business Organizations
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Science & Technology Business Council: Meeting the uniqe needs of this growing sector
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Young Professionals Network: Growing future leadership and more fully engaging younger members
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Enhanced Communications With Members:
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Launched pages on the major social media sites, including Linked-In and Twitter
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Began video casts of Hot Topics sessions
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NetBlitz: Offering “power networking” opportunities for business leaders
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Participated in “One Chamber” Initiative: Working to create a unified voice and enhanced services for all Prince William area businesses
Promoting Economic Growth
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Encouraged consumers to support local businesses through:
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Direct referrals
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Promotion of print and online directories
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“Buy Prince William” campaign
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Provided forums for sharing of ideas and learning from peers, including:
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Complimentary Business Consultation Sessions
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CEO/CXO Challenge series
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Industry-focused Business Councils
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Created networking opportunities, with more than 100 events
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Presented hands-on, practical business information
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Hot Topics and monthly luncheons on bottom-line topics such as “Social Media Marketing” and “Maximizing Your Workforce”
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Annual half-day management workshop, “Creating Customer W.O.W.”
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Committee and Business Council meetings featuring knowledgeable speakers
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Maintained Industry-focused Business Councils:
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Connected government contractors with procurement and networking opportunities
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Held consumer-focused Health & Wellness Expo
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Launched Prince William’s first Science & Technology Expo
Effecting Public Policy
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Built and maintained relationships with policymakers
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Ongoing dialogue with county staff and Board of County Supervisors about issues of economic concern
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Influenced positive outcomes in considerations on issues such as BPOL legal presence requirements and abstaining from Arlington County’s HOT Lanes lawsuit
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Participated in special public hearing for business on mixed-use development to promote economic success
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Provided business representation on Prince William County Advisory Groups
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Connected members with policymakers at all levels of government:
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Annual trips to Richmond and Capitol Hill
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Legislative leaders series featuring local, state and federal leadership
Enhancing the Region’s Quality of Life
Held the Twenty-third Annual Valor Awards
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Awarded scholarships to nine high school seniors
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Organized community drives, including “Tools for School” and “Presents for Prince William”
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Connected members to volunteer opportunities in our community
This is just a quick glimpse of Prince William Regional Chamber programs and services that helped to strengthen the business community in 2009.
