MEMBER UPDATE

NVC’s New Chairman Leading with Vision, Experience, and a Commitment to Growth

We are thrilled to introduce Mark Carrier, the newly appointed Chairman of NVC as of June, to our business community. With a career spanning over three decades in hospitality, Mark brings a wealth of experience, strategic insight, and a forward-thinking approach that is set to steer NVC towards an exciting future.

Mark's leadership philosophy is rooted in continuous learning and personal growth. With an abundance of educational and professional experience, he combines strategic insight with a commitment to development, fostering company excellence and innovation.

As the Chairman of NVC, Mark Carrier is at the helm of innovation and leadership. But beyond the boardroom, who is the man steering the ship? We sat down with Mark for a Q&A to dive into his background and leadership style, which makes him uniquely qualified to lead NVC into the future.

Q: What is your vision for NVC and what are some of the goals you hope to achieve during your tenure?

NVC has experienced incredible growth and strategic alignment over the past five years, building on a strong legacy. NVC is reaching its centennial and continues to serve as a leading Regional voice for the business community. This includes a wonderfully diverse range of organizations, including the educational and non-profit communities. NVC’s membership and board reflect this diversity, working collaboratively with a range of Regional organizations and engaging productively with Chambers of Commerce throughout Northern Virginia.

My goals align with the strategic focus of the organization, with a further objective of building resources and infrastructure to strengthen the impact and influence of NVC. The three resource pillars are: memberships and partnerships, the NVC Foundation, and the NOVABIZPAC. In each area of focus there will be measurable goals that are realistic but requiring...

Influence Workforce Solutions, Participate in the 2024 Workforce Index Survey Before October 18th!

Northern Virginia businesses have faced unprecedented disruptions, from the pandemic to supply-chain issues and labor shortages. NVC, in partnership with Northern Virginia Community College, urgently needs your input for the 2024 Workforce Index Survey to understand and address these pressing workforce challenges. This is a crucial opportunity for every business—big or small—to influence the future of our local economy. Complete the survey by October 18th to ensure your voice is heard. Results will be revealed at the Annual Economic Conference in January 2025, and together, we can build a stronger workforce for Northern Virginia. Take the survey here.

Hunger Report Survey Released, Featuring Remarks from NVC President and CEO

The Capital Area Food Bank’s 2024 Hunger Report, based on a survey of nearly 4,000 Greater Washington residents, highlights rising food insecurity due to inflation, employment challenges, and the end of pandemic-related supports. While upskilling workers below a living wage is part of the solution, financial instability often hinders workforce training. Essential wraparound services—such as housing, food, and childcare—are needed to ensure success. Effective collaboration between employers, workforce development, and social sector organizations is crucial for building a diverse, skilled talent pipeline. Find remarks from Julie Coons, NVC President & CEO, and read more here.

Business Leaders Convene to Discuss Regional Issues

Last week’s Regional Collaboration Meeting brought together key members of NVC’s business community for a pivotal discussion on Regional challenges. Clark Mercer, CEO of Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG), led the conversation, focusing on identifying and addressing critical issues while paving the way for future success.

This engaging session underscored the strength of collaboration as we explored innovative strategies to boost our Region’s economic outlook. By aligning our efforts and sharing valuable insights, we are not only tackling today’s challenges but also setting the foundation for a thriving future for our business community.