March 22, 2022
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mid-Atlantic Innovation Celebration Applications
Apply by April 5th
Greater Washington Apprentice Network April Employer Briefing
April 5th | 2-3PM
Speed Networking
April 12th | 2:30-4PM
Annual State of
Healthcare in the Region
May 4th | 8:30-10:30AM
Save the Date
2022 Mid-Atlantic Innovation Celebration
May 12th | 6-9PM
2022 Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards Nominations
Apply by June 3rd
MEMBER PROFILE
Why aren’t more women in the C-Suite and what it takes to become a successful woman entrepreneur: a conversation with Lovey L. Hammel
In honor of Women's History Month, we spoke with Lovey L. Hammel, co-founder of Employment Enterprises, Inc.
“When I started my company with my mother 43 years ago, most women-owned businesses were home-based. The prevailing wisdom was that a woman-owned business was a small business. Thankfully, due to women leaders who pushed for change, today’s business world is much savvier and those beliefs have been largely relegated to the past. In our modern world, there is an expectation that women can—and should—run a large company.”

So says Lovey L. Hammel, co-founder of the strategic workforce solutions and talent management company, Employment Enterprises, Inc., member of the Chamber Board of Directors, and past Chamber Chair (2012-2013). She has been a Chamber member for 35+ years. We sat down with Lovey and discussed her story, including her career as a woman entrepreneur within Northern Virginia’s business region.

“Being a woman in business when my mother and I started out required different expectations. I was only 20 years old and being young worked in my favor in some ways and was a burden in others. I had doors open to me, but I wasn’t able to successfully close the deal. I’d secure a meeting and then be challenged to win the contract award. Women struggled to win corporate work back then and had to work very hard for every new job. I found that to get anywhere, I couldn’t...
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT
NEWS YOU CAN USE
Changes made to the Innovation Celebration application process
Attention all innovators! Per popular request, we've made changes to our 2022 Greater Washington Innovation Celebration awards application process. Applicants for this year's awards are no longer required to submit a video to be in the running for 2022 Innovator of the Year (finalists will still need to submit one later on). Instead, applicants need only submit a written application by April 5th. For more details and to apply, click here. The awards are brought to you by the Chamber and The Big Idea CONNECTpreneur Community.
IN PERSON AND VIRTUAL
UPCOMING EVENTS
Vaccination Requirement: Upon review of both the CDC guidance on community levels of COVID-19 and its website listings showing our own Northen Virginia counties' positive case percentages, the Chamber has removed its proof of COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Additionally, the Chamber will no longer require masks be worn. You are welcome to wear a mask if that makes you comfortable. 
 
As always, if you are sick or feel you are getting sick, we ask that you please stay home.
 
The Chamber will continue to follow COVID-19 guidance from local health departments and the CDC for in person events.
Mid-Atlantic Innovation Celebration
Apply by April 5th
Submit your application by April 5th 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. 
The Greater Washington Apprentice Network April Employer Briefing
April 5th | 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.
Speed Networking
April 12th | 2:30-4PM | Chamber Office
Without solid networking, is it is harder to make connections. This event holds the power to increase your business circle within a short period of time. During each session, participants will meet face to face 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
Annual State of Healthcare in the Region
May 4th | 8:30-10:30AM | Chamber Office
We invite our members to join the Chamber on May 4th as we present our Annual State of Healthcare in the Region! Top officials from the region's largest and most influential health care companies will discuss equity in health care delivery, population health, and other issues that have taken on a renewed critical importance as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. We will also talk about the importance of a healthy workforce and healthy community, the impact of obesity, and more.  
2022 Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards Nominations
Submit Nominations by June 3rd
The Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards is the premier event honoring the leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence of the people and businesses in the region’s government contracting community. The event honors the leaders and legends of the government contracting community. Presented by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and the Professional Services Council (PSC).

MEMBER NEWS
Register to join the virtual Cox Business Executive Discussion Series on March 22nd at 10AM. The topic is "Blueprint Virginia 2030: A Business Plan for the Commonwealth". Hear how this will impact our region and bring business opportunities in the coming years. Register here.

Britepaths is seeking art submissions, volunteers, sponsors and donations of raffle and auction items for its Artful Living event on May 19th at the Country Club of Fairfax. Juried art show with art for sale. Proceeds benefit local families in need. Contact events@britepaths.org or 703.273.8829. Learn more here.

Please join us for Pillsbury’s Annual Government Contracts Summit on April 12th. Co-hosted with Aronson LLC, a nationally ranked top 100 accounting firm. We will cover issues and trends impacting companies that perform—or aspire to perform—business in the public sector. Learn more here.

Mindgrub has been awarded a GSA Schedule Contract and can now offer its services directly to the government as a prime contractor. This makes it easier than ever for government agencies to engage Mindgrub for their software development, UX/UI, and emerging technology needs. 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