April 20, 2021
ADVOCACY UPDATE
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
SBA Budget Time in Fairfax County
The Chamber testified before the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors last week at their annual 3-day budget hearing. This budget, as currently proposed, includes $20 million for economic recovery. Last year the Chamber worked very closely with the Board to establish a small business grant program, and the opening up of more outdoor spaces for restaurants and retail businesses. Now, the Board is considering a new grant program aimed at the hardest hit sectors of the local economy (hotels, restaurants, retail and arts). We have asked that more of that funding be dedicated to hotels to match surrounding jurisdictions’ efforts and as a recognition that activities like business travel will not be coming back to pre-pandemic levels for some time. You can read more about the budget here.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) invites small businesses in the Washington Metropolitan Area to attend its virtual HUD Housing Contracting Opportunities Event, on April 30th, 1–2PM.  HUD welcomes all: small, small disadvantaged (8a), veteran-owned, disabled veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, women-owned, and HUBZone businesses. There is no cost to register here.

Play Fairfax County Cicada Bingo. Visit Fairfax is encouraging all of us to get outside and enjoy (or squeal at) this year's cicada brood. Download and use the Cicada Bingo card as you visit various places (with COVID-19 safety in mind). Find more details on how to play Cicada Bingo and how you can be entered to win a prize pack, including a custom cicada facemask, here.
COUNCIL SERIES & NETWORKING
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Registration is free for members
Veteran and Military Business Council
April 21st | 1:30-2:30PM
Our next Veterans and Military Business Council (VMBC) meeting will provide an insider's view of George Mason University's Military, Veterans & Family Initiative (MVFI) with Dr. Keith Renshaw, Professor & Department Chair, Psychology, and Director of the MVFI. This groundbreaking program has been heralded for its veteran-forward work.
Registration is free for members
Young Professional's Forum: You're Vaccinated, What Now?
April 22nd | 11AM-12PM
Join us with Helios HR's Cassee Ger, Senior Human Resources Consultant and Jenna Louis, Human Resource Management Consultant, for a discussion about returning to the office after working remotely during the Pandemic.
  • What are employers considering for physical and emotional safety?
  • What are you considering?
  • Is there a new company culture to learn and adjust to?
  • What special considerations might you be making as a new employee, onboarded in the last year?
Registration is free
Greater Washington Apprenticeship Network Launch
April 26th | 2-3:30PM
In partnership with Aon, Accenture, and Amazon Web Services, NT Concepts, Appteon, and the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Foundation invites you to attend the Greater Washington Apprenticeship Network’s next employer briefing. The Greater Washington Apprenticeship Network is an employer-focused, demand-driven network of employers in the region interested in exploring, building, and expanding the earn and learn approach to recruiting and training employees. At this meeting, you will learn more about the Network and begin to connect with other employers as well as apprenticeship resources available for employers in our region.
Registration is free for members
Member Roundtable: Mental Health During Crisis
April 27th | 11:30AM-12:30PM
After a year that has had a monumental impact on the world's economy and our health, it's no surprise that many of us are experiencing at least a little personal stress. The question is, will the stress we've experienced due to the COVID-19 pandemic have a long-term impact on our health? Join us for a discussion around the significant--and likely lasting--mental health impacts of the pandemic with a focus on how to stay resilient in these uncertain times. Cigna's Market President, Monica Schmude, will lead our discussion.
partner event
Well-Being @ Work: Key to Employee Retention & Business Sustainability
April 30th | 9-10:15AM
The global pandemic has required businesses to evaluate their positions on health, safety, and flexibility. As leaders consider what's next for office reopening plans or the permanency of remote work, the emphasis on employee well-being remains a top priority. From the increased risk of burnout and stress to the impact of business productivity and performance, you will hear from top leaders in the health industry provide you with key takeaways that work.  
Registration is free for members
NOVA Chamber's Mid-Atlantic Innovation Celebration
May 6th | 4-6PM
Join us on May 6th for the party of all parties, the Mid-Atlantic Innovation Celebration. We’ll gather to watch the finalist videos together and applaud their work before we announce, at long last, the 2021 Innovator of the Year. You’ll also have the opportunity to be part of the judging panel as all attendees will vote for their favorite Innovation. The winner of the attendee vote will be crowned the People’s Choice!

This event is free and open to the public, so grab your tickets early as we’re expecting this Celebration to sell out!
Doing Business is the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce's weekly e-newsletter focused on member-relevant news, Council Series updates, and upcoming events. Each month we will feature advocacy updates, a message from our President & CEO, and member-written blog posts. Subscription sign-up and past issues may be found on our website.