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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 6, 2019
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Communications Coordinator
(703) 525-2400
High-resolution photos available upon request.
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| ARLINGTON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CELEBRATES 2019 ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT 95TH ANNUAL MEETING |
ARLINGTON, VA -
Today, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce held its 95th Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel. This event featured a celebration of the Chamber's 2019 accomplishments, a preview of plans for 2020, a new logo unveiling, awards presentation and a keynote speech from Brian Huseman, Vice President of Public Policy at Amazon.
Arlington Chamber President & CEO Kate Bates highlighted some of the Chamber's top achievements this year, including its robust business advocacy efforts, strong membership and retention rate, and successful execution of numerous events. Among the Chamber's accomplishments in 2019, its advocacy efforts have made a real and lasting impact that strengthens the business community in Arlington. This year, the Chamber sent more than 20 public policy position letters and achieved a number of key advocacy victories, including championing the County to develop a process for the deployment of small wireless cells and providing a business voice on the Community Energy Plan, permitting processes, and scooters.
In addition, the Chamber also engaged in its first wide-scale grassroots advocacy campaign, launching an extensive letter writing campaign, convening meetings, and giving testimony to support Amazon's headquarters in Arlington.
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(L-R) 2021 Chamber Chair-Elect Todd Ihrig, 2020 Chamber Chair R. Scott Ritter, Chamber President & CEO Kate Bates, and 2019 Chamber Chair Greg Hamilton
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"It has truly been an exceptional year for the Chamber as we've made significant accomplishments within our four focus areas of Networking and Business Development, Community Engagement, Advocacy, and Educational Opportunities,"
said
Kate Bates
, President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. "This year, the Chamber adopted a new strategic plan
to guide our organization, continued our strong membership growth and retention, and saw a significant increase in attendance at our monthly networking
and signature events
. The many accomplishments we celebrated this year were a product of the hard work and dedication from our Board of Directors, Executive Committee, members, and Chamber staff. Our Chamber looks forward to building on all of these accomplishments as we move into a new year and prepare for a successful 2020."
As the Chamber continues to grow and evolve, this year, it explored a logo update to better match the mission of the organization. The 2019 Chair
Greg Hamilton of
Arlington Magazine unveiled the Chamber's new logo, whose design is intended to increase the prominence of Arlington and give the logo a more modern feel. The exciting updates continued as incoming 2020 Chair
R. Scott Ritter
of
United Bank
introduced the 2020 Executive Committee and announced that
Todd Ihrig
of
Avantax Investment Services
will serve as the 2021 Chair of the Board of Directors.
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Chamber President & CEO Kate Bates with Amazon's Vice President of Public Policy Brian Huseman
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This meeting also included the presentation of a series of awards to the 95th Annual Meeting award winners. The
2019 Chair's Award
was presented to
Arlington Community Federal Credit Union
for the company's outstanding contribution of resources to the Chamber and the business community in Arlington. The
2019 President's Award
was presented to
John Murphy
of
Washington Workplace
for his outstanding contribution of volunteer assistance to the Chamber. The
2019 Committee of the Year Award
was presented to the Membership Development Committee, chaired by
David Dockendorff
of
M&T Bank
, for doing an exceptional job of executing the mission of the Chamber membership and Arlington business community.
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Amazon's Vice President of Public Policy Brian Huseman delivers the keynote speech
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Following the presentation of the awards,
Brian Huseman
,
Vice President of Public Policy at
Amazon
,
delivered the keynote speech. Huseman shared with attendees his perspective of Amazon's first year in Arlington, its future here, and how Amazon's presence will continue to benefit those who live and work in Arlington. Amazon has been, and continues to be, an active participant in the Chamber as they build ties with local businesses and the broader Arlington community. At the meeting, Huseman shared that he's especially looking forward to seeing how Amazon will continue to partner with the Chamber and support local businesses. Huseman said, "
The Arlington Chamber has been an invaluable partner in helping Amazon build its next home in Virginia. We're here for the long haul and are approaching these next chapters in our story with the community in mind every step of the way. We want Arlington to maintain its forward-thinking, progressive, and business-friendly environment and look forward to our continued partnership as we work to attract world class talent, grow alongside our neighbors, and support local businesses.
"
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The 95th Annual Meeting was made possible thanks to our sponsors, including our Grand Sponsor:
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ABOUT THE CHAMBER     
Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of approximately 700 businesses committed to strengthening businesses and the economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington. The Chamber supports our members through networking, advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. For more information or to become a member, visit www.arlingtonchamber.org.
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