ARLINGTON, VA - Today, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce held its 99th Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel. The Annual Meeting, sponsored by Comcast, is a key event for the Arlington business community and celebrated the Chamber's accomplishments of 2023, and looked ahead at what's to come in 2024. The event included the presentation of the Chamber's prestigious Chair's Award, President's Award, and Committee of the Year Award and a keynote speech from Robert M. Blue, Chair, President, CEO of Dominion Energy.

From left: Scott Reamy, Dominion Energy, Kate Bates, Arlington Chamber of Commerce,

Robert Blue, Dominion Energy, Kevin Broadhurst, Comcast

Photo by Alex Sakes Photography

Robert Blue highlighted the significant work that Dominion Energy has accomplished throughout the Commonwealth and in Arlington County. "Dominion Energy, Arlington, and Amazon were able to join forces in 2020 to advance our shared goals of increasing renewable energy deployment and reducing emissions. The solar farm that we built for that purpose in Pittsylvania County, Virginia supplies the bulk of the power the County Government uses, while also powering Amazon's headquarters and some of its other operations."

Blue also shared that "Combined with Dominion Energy's green power program, Arlington County now sources all its electricity from renewable sources - something it had achieved two years ahead of schedule."

In addition to the keynote address, Arlington Chamber 2023 Board Chair Tina Leone of the Ballston BID thanked Chamber Directors and Chamber members, and noting her theme as Chair of increased Board engagement. President & CEO Kate Bates reviewed the Chamber's top achievements of 2023, including business advocacy efforts, evolving events and programs, and community engagement work.

The Chamber also recognized several organizations and individuals for their support of the Chamber and Arlington community.

The Committee of the Year Award was presented to the Chamber's Government Affairs and Economic Development Committee, chaired by Tad Lunger of Impresa Legal and Scott Pedowitz of Apartment and Office Building Association, for their work providing access to elected officials and policy makers to the Chamber membership, and all of the successful advocacy efforts. Amazon received the Chair's Award for their continued dedication to the Arlington business community and strong support for Chamber initiatives such as Arlington Restaurant Week, our Job Shadow Day, and Young Professionals series. R. Doug Taylor of Bean Kinney Korman P.C. received the President's Award for significant contributions including sharing expertise with members through speaking at events, and volunteer service in several capacities.

The Chamber's Chair for 2024, David Kinney of Clarendon LLC, introduced the slate for the 2024 Executive Committee and Board of Directors, including the announcement that Steve Cooper of NextUp Solutions will serve as the 2025 Chamber Chair of the Board of Directors. David also shared some of the plans to celebrate the Chamber’s centennial in 2024, kicking off with 100^th Annual Arlington Chamber's Business Gala on January 27 at the Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City.

ABOUT THE CHAMBER

Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of more than 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.