Every four years our Washington, D.C. Metropolitan region plays host to one of the most visible and impressive events in the world: our nation’s Presidential Inauguration. Traditionally this has been a peaceful, respectful day highlighted by a parade, tens of thousands of cheering people, and a series of celebrations. Tomorrow’s day promises to be a radically different event. Yes, there will still be thousands of people, but this time they will be in uniform and armed behind razor wire.
I had originally planned to write a more traditional message that wished our new President and his cabinet well and supported our own Northern Virginia community through our Chamber’s new year’s plans. I would have written that message regardless of who had won the election because showing respect to our political process is how democracy survives and thrives. Somehow, in a matter of hours, people supporting their own agenda rendered that kind of message completely inadequate to meet the demands of the moment.
Last week the Chamber publicly condemned the insurrectionists who stormed the U.S. Capitol. Our priority is always positive business opportunity...
Last week the Virginia General Assembly kicked off its 402nd Session. The House of Delegates is meeting online while the Senate is continuing to meet at the Science Museum of Virginia as it did during last year’s Special Session. This is another unique session: it’s election year for the House and statewide offices, beginning one week after a terrorist attack on the U.S. Capitol, and under threats of violence against state capitals around the country.
As you read here back in December, your fellow Northern Virginia Chamber members have produced a new Legislative Agenda for 2021. The top priorities are education, workforce development and transportation as they have been in the recent past. The goal of the Chamber’s business advocacy is still creating a strong, diverse and equitable economy for the Commonwealth of Virginia. The Policy Committee this year was led by Chamber Board Secretary Matt McQueen of Peraton. You can visit the Chamber’s website to download the 2021 Legislative Agenda.
Veterans and Military Business Council Forum: Veteran Business Owners' 2021 Resolutions
January 20th | 10-11AM
Shawn Gundrum, CEO of Cathexis, will help lead our discussion on making business resolutions for 2021. Have you thought about making a resolution for your business?
Getting back on track / Returning to best practices
Diversifying your business through new customer acquisition
Reexamining business strategy within shifting political and social landscapes
Continuing to find new and effective ways to engage your teams remotely
This event will provide industry executives with insight into key market indicators economists are watching as signs of economic recovery continue to emerge. Unique to this year will be a deep dive into regional real estate indicators, and discussion on what the pandemic means for the commercial and residential markets. Don’t miss your opportunity to be in the know in the new year! Speakers for this event:
Luke Tilley, Chief Economist Wilmington Trust
Mark Looney, Partner Cooley LLP
Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist Virginia Realtors
William Collins, Executive Vice Chair Cushman & Wakefield
MEMBER BENEFIT
MEMBER NEWS
Congratulations to Ashlee Sawyer Gilson on her promotion to counsel at Hogan Lovells. Ashlee focuses on advising companies across a diverse range of industries on buy and sell-side M&A, stock and asset transactions, and corporate governance matters. Learn more here.
There might be a vaccine available now, but no one has been immune to the economic and business effects of COVID-19. Join Employment Enterprises on January 28th for a webinar on "Remaining Competitive and Compassionate: 5 Trends in Employee Benefits for 2021." Learn more here.
The nonprofit leaders of BDO USA, LLP, Arent Fox & PNC invite you to a bipartisan panel discussion with a former Republican Congressman and Democratic Senator who will share their expertise in navigating the political uncertainty that occurs during a new administration. Learn more here.
George Mason University and the American Institute of Architects DC host a conference on "Remaking Our Third Places: Rethinking Retail" on Feb. 11th. Join experts on retail design, technology and new business models. Learn more here.
Announcing the George Washington Chapter of AUSA's 2021 Virtual Professional Development Series, proudly featuring guest speaker MG Matthew Easley, Chief Information Security Officer HQDA Office of the CIO. Thursday, February 4th, 12-12:45PM. Learn more here.
Refraction, Smart City Works, Girls in Tech, Fairfax County, Virginia Tech, and The Universities at Shady Grove are excited to launch the first-ever Smart City Challenge, a month-long virtual innovation competition for the best solutions to pressing urban challenges in transportation, housing, health, broadband, public safety, education, water, and more. Join us on Saturday, January 23rd at 10AM to hear from Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, US Senator (and former entrepreneur) Mark Warner, Virginia Tech Innovation Campus leader Lance Collins, MITRE Chief Futurist Charles Clancy, Dominion Virginia President Ed Baine, Cox VP Kathryn Falk, Fairfax County Deputy Executive Rachel Flynn, US Conference of Mayors President Greg Fischer, and Drexel University's Bruce Katz. 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
