Business Community Mourns Rich LaFleur

On behalf of the Chamber's members and staff, we send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Rich LaFleur, who sadly passed away last week.

All who knew Rich experienced his dedication and drive on behalf of our Region's business and government contractor communities. Rich, partner-in-charge of Industries and Markets for GrantThornton, was deeply dedicated to the Chamber having served as an officer and Chairman of the Board. Rich co-founded the Greater Washington Government Contracting Awards nearly 21 years ago. His leadership and vision helped shape the event he co-emceed since its creation. Rich was known for his service to professional and philanthropic causes, and his legacy will be one of service, wit, and grace.

Rich, our friend, Chamber Board Member, and GovCon Awards Emcee Emeritus, will be greatly missed.

SBA releases interim guidance to 8(a) program participants in light of lower court ruling

On Friday, the U.S. Small Business Administration released interim guidance regarding the 8(a) Business Development Program. This guidance was brought about by the recent District Court ruling in Ultima Servs. Corp. v. Dep’t of Ag. which affects the program’s determination of social disadvantage. The updated interim guidance for 8(a) Program participants and applicants can be found on the SBA’s website, here.

C-Suite Roundtables by Invitation, Members-Only

September 6th

How have Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) impacted economic development within our Region? What does the future hold for commercial development?

We invite you to our next C-Suite Roundtable which will address these questions and more when Chris Clemente, CEO of Comstock, and Jeff McKay, Chairman, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, lead our next discussion on September 6th. We’ll start with a visit to the famed Reston Station model room at the JW Marriott Condo Sales Office for a glimpse into the future and talk about successful PPPs and strategies for economic development. Following the discussion, join us for a networking lunch at Davio's, just a few steps away. Our C-Suite Roundtables are for members only, at no charge.  

If you would like to add your name to our C-Suite Roundtable list, please contact Carmen Sevilla, Chamber Senior Manager, Member Engagement, at csevilla@novachamber.org.

Distinguished Service Awards

September 12th | 8:30-10:30AM | Army Navy Country Club

Unique within our business community, military veterans have innovated and created more enduring, impactful businesses than any other industry in America. In recognition of their sacrifices and ongoing contributions critical to our community's strength and stability, the Chamber hosts the Distinguished Service Awards, the Greater Washington Region's preeminent event honoring the leadership and contributions to veteran success demonstrated by veteran-owned businesses within the Greater Washington business community. Along with an elite keynote speaker, DSA winners are showcased at a powerful morning ceremony that draws a who's who of military and veteran business leaders.

Champions for Accountability

September 19th | 8:30-10:30AM | Chamber Office

SPEAKERS:

• Julie Coons, President and CEO, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
• Eileen Ellsworth, President & CEO, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
• Kendall Holbrook, Chief Executive Officer, Dev Technology Group, Inc.
• Elizabeth Hughes, Senior Director of Insight Region, Community Foundation for Northern Virginia
• Arthur E. (Bud) Morrissette, IV, CEO & Group President, Interstate Moving | Relocation | Logistics



MODERATOR: Laila Salguero, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, Peraton

Imagine your business with a stronger, more collaborative workforce. One that draws from a variety of perspectives and pools expertise sourced from diverse backgrounds. One that attracts the best talent and joins your team and mission together toward a successful future. 

That’s the power of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).

While the Greater Washington Region’s population may be diverse, our workforce has not always followed suit. The Chamber has partnered with the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia to create Champions for Accountability, a community of leaders who recognize that future Regional growth is unequivocally tied to bringing together employees from all walks of life. Through peer-to-peer discussions and groundbreaking research, the goal is to strengthen our Region’s workforce and generate greater business success for all.

On September 19th, we will host the Champions for Accountability event at the Chamber’s office. This event will be an in-person collaboration—a DEI Think Tank—on how to implement and integrate DEI within an organization. Led by Champions for Accountability leaders including Kendall Holbrook, CEO, DevTechnologies, and Bud Morissette, CEO, Interstate Moving | Relocation | Logistics, Champions for Accountability will be your opportunity to meet with and learn from companies already finding business success in recruiting and retaining diverse talent. 

In addition to generous networking and discussion time, this event will include the results of our 2023 Champions for Accountability survey, a landmark research project pooled from the Greater Washington Region. 

Workforce Network

August 22nd | 2-3PM

Speaker: Matt Goldstein, Director, Revature

Register Here by Noon Today

Greater Washington Apprentice Network Employer Briefing

September 5th | 2-3PM

Speaker: Ximena Harstock, Co-founder, BuildWithin

Register Here

Chamber 101 Members Only

September 12th | 12-1PM

Register Here

Speed Networking Members Only

September 19th | 2:30-4PM | Chamber Office

Register Here