March 1, 2022
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
Potential Impacts of the Grocery Tax Repeal
As the General Assembly enters the final days of the 2022 session, the Chamber remains concerned about the long-term impacts of the grocery tax repeal (the Senate effectively killed the gas tax repeal). In the short term, due to a high-performing economy and high-quality planning by state, local and regional transportation agencies, the loss in revenue will not have a major immediate impact. However, should the economy take a wrong turn and future revenues fall short of estimates, we could be facing a situation where we are millions short for basic road maintenance (to say nothing of the threat to transit and other major investments). 

The House and Senate have approved competing proposals to repeal the tax – the House passed a full repeal (and reimburses localities for their 1% portion) and the Senate leaves in place the local option which funds education. The Chamber will continue to oppose any elimination of a dedicated source of revenue for transportation.
Keep up with the Virginia General Assembly through our weekly summaries
Stay up-to-date on the General Assembly Session in Richmond! The Chamber's Clayton Medford, VP Government Relations, maintains a full-time presence throughout the legislative session. Read his summaries from the first 5 weeks here.
IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL
UPCOMING EVENTS
Vaccination Requirement: The safety of our members and guests is always of the utmost importance. The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce requires all staff, members and guests who attend our events to be fully vaccinated. All attendees will be asked to provide their physical COVID-19 vaccine card, a photo of vaccination card, or Health Pass by CLEAR. For additional details see our individual registration pages.
The Greater Washington Apprentice Network March Employer Briefing
March 1st | 2-3PM | Virtual 
The Greater Washington Apprentice Network (GWAN) brings together employers, academic institutions, public and private sectors. Employers gain access to best practices from organizational peers, sources of prospective apprentice candidates, support services, academic institutions, and training resources. The GWAN meets on the first Tuesday of each month for an Employer Briefing.
New Member Orientation
March 8th | 12-1PM | Virtual
This informational networking session will teach you about opportunities for engagement across a wide array of industries and subject areas.

You'll learn:
  • How you can engage a broad spectrum of employees
  • How the Chamber's advocacy efforts and communications can support your business
  • The best ways for you to connect to the Chamber's base of innovative and influential member companies
and much more. This will be a great opportunity to network with other new members. This is a Virtual Event and will be provided through Microsoft TEAMS.
partner event
Shape of the Region
March 15th | 8AM - 12PM | In-Person at Capital One Hall and Virtual
A survey from Fall 2021 indicates that an estimated 545,000 adults in Northern Virginia (28%) are experiencing symptoms of clinical anxiety or depression, a sharp increase from pre-pandemic times. But complex barriers to basic mental health services—to therapy, helpful medications, and early interventions—abound.

Join us and our panel of state and national experts for a candid discussion of the challenges of accessing basic mental health services in Northern Virginia, and what innovative ideas and opportunities may exist to address this critical issue that impacts us all.
Mid-Atlantic Innovation Celebration
Apply by March 25th
Submit your 1-2 minute application video by March 25th for the region’s most forward-thinking event showcasing great minds and business creativity. We’re looking for any and all innovations that have made a positive business impact. It’s up to you to show us what that looks like and why it should be celebrated! Apply here
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.