November 2, 2021
UPCOMING EVENTS View all 2021 events here
Greater Washington Apprentice Network – November Employer Briefing
November 2nd | 2-3PM
19th Annual GovCon Awards
November 3rd | 5:30-10PM
Distinguished Service Awards
November 9th | 8-9:30AM
partner event
Stay Competitive in Today’s Cutthroat Recruitment and Retention Market
November 10th | 9-10:30AM
Speed Networking
November 16th | 3-4PM
Women in Business Signature Event: Leading Diversity
December 9th | 8:30-10AM
MEMBER BLOG POST
The three “T’s” to getting press that drives sales

By Dustin Siggins, Proven Media Solutions
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce members run the gamut of size, industry, and revenue. Some are one-person operations grossing a quarter-million annually; others employ thousands of people and earn millions of dollars per week. Many are government contractors, while others have nothing to do with the region’s largest industry.

But no matter where they differ, Chamber members share one common goal: To use scarce resources as effectively as possible to drive more sales with greater profits. And that’s exactly what great media coverage can do when combined with a surround-sound marketing and branding strategy.

Sometimes, getting in the press drives direct sales, such as more tickets for an event or more people eating at a restaurant. Other times, press improves brand positioning through:

  • Increasing the number and quality of your website hits.
  • Improving your marketing outcomes, such as more newsletter sign-ups and social media followings, and newsletter and social media engagement. 
  • Putting you in front of valuable potential influencers, investors, and partners.

All you have to do is...
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
It's Election Day: do you have a plan to vote today?
With more options than ever before, Virginians are voting early! But for those traditionalists who like to vote in person today, Election Day, you need a plan. Be sure you’ve got your photo ID with you when you head out, and leave yourself a little extra time since you’ll have all the statewide offices on your ballot this year. You can find out where to vote and what’s on your ballot by visiting the Virginia Department of Elections website. 

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.
Greater Washington Apprentice Network – November Employer Briefing
November 2nd | 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.
 
November Featured Resource: Northern Virginia Community College.

Additionally, this meeting will feature a briefing by Jonathan Aberman, Dean of Marymount University’s School of Business, Innovation, Leadership & Technology and Terry Clower, Director of the Center of Regional Analysis at George Mason University with key learnings and takeaways from their workforce research about adult learning and apprenticeship programs.
Distinguished Service Awards
November 9th | 8-9:30AM | Army Navy Country Club
Keynote: Alan Salisbury, Major General (Ret), Co-Founder and Chairman
Emeritus of the Code of Support Foundation

The Distinguished Service Awards honor individuals, companies, and non-profit organizations for their service to veterans in the Greater Washington business community. The Awards are presented in recognition of community stewardship and business leadership.

This event will be held at the Army Navy Country Club located at 1700 Army Navy Drive Arlington, VA 22202. 
Speed Networking
November 16th | 3-4PM | Virtual
Without solid networking, is it is harder to make connections. This members-only event holds the power to increase your business circle within a short period of time. During each session, participants will meet face to face (virtually) while exchanging business cards and valuable information about their business.

Come join our business networking event and cultivate a long-lasting business relationship that will allow you to: 
  • Maximize your time by putting you in front of several companies in one setting
  • Do more than just pass a card - Network one on one
  • Expand your network and increase your circle of influence
  • Perfect your 30-second pitch
  • Fun and fast paced
partner event
Stay Competitive in Today’s Cutthroat Recruitment and Retention Market
November 10th | 9-10:30AM | Chamber Offices
Employee Benefits play a key role in every employer’s competitiveness in today’s cutthroat recruitment and retention market. Northern Virginia Chamber Member, USI Insurance Services, will roll out their 2021 Benefits Benchmarking Study results during this informational session. With a focus on middle market employers in the DC Metro region, you will receive insights about how your competitors are handling:
  • Medical plan design and contributionsPaid and family leave
  • Employee communications
  • Wellness initiative
  • Ancillary benefits including emerging trends such as student debt repayment and tuition reimbursement

This will be a great opportunity to inform your 2022 benefits strategy. Everyone is welcome!
Women in Business Signature Event: Leading Diversity
December 9th | 8:30-10AM | Hilton McLean
Keynote: Natalie Madeira Cofield, founder of Walker’s Legacy and current Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women's Business Ownership, at the U.S. Small Business Administration

The Women in Business signature event is the Chamber’s premier networking and educational event geared toward top woman executives.

This year’s event will focus on women executives who are leading diversity initiatives in their respective companies in a moderated panel discussion This event will provide timely and operational takeaways for executives looking to lead and impact diversity at their companies.

MEMBER NEWS
Fairfax-based nonprofit Britepaths is seeking donations of funds and gift cards to help 500 local families in need enjoy festive holiday meals and gifts for their children. A great company or group holiday giving project. Learn more here.

Small Business Employers - Are you hiring? The Northern Virginia Return to Earn Initiative facilitated by the SkillSource Group continues through December 31st. Give your new hire a sign-on bonus or holiday surprise with an up to $500 incentive. Visit our website for eligibility criteria and funding application! Learn more here.

Aon has been named to Fortune’s 2021 Change the World list for their apprenticeship program. This program supports Aon in retaining diverse talent, preparing future leaders, and contributing to building a more future-focused, resilient workforce. Aon is a Founding Employer in the Greater Washington Apprentice Network. Learn more here.
Would you like to include your member organization's news in our next Doing Business issue? Sharing news is free for all members! All you have to do it complete the form on our website found here. The deadline to submit news is Friday at 12PM prior to our Tuesday newsletter.
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.
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
7900 Westpark Drive | Suite A550 | Tysons Corner | VA | 22102