February 9, 2021
UPCOMING EVENTS View all 2021 events here
Young Professionals Forum: Kickoff Get Together
February 25th | 11AM-12PM
Member Engagement Roundtable: COVID-19 Lease Negotiations
March 2nd | 11:30AM - 12:30PM
Get Connected / Speed Networking
March 9th | 3-4PM
partner event
Community Foundation Annual Shape of the Region
March 11th | 12:30-2:00PM
Mid-Atlantic Innovation Celebration Application Deadline
March 15th
CHAMBER ADVOCACY UPDATE
From PPP Tax Updates to Workforce & Education Programs, Virginia's 2021 Legislative Session is Moving Full Steam Ahead.
As the General Assembly approached the midpoint of the 2021 session last week, the Chamber continued its hard work on our members' behalf. True, the Assembly's virtual platform has made for an unusual session, but it has not inhibited our work to defeat business mandates like paid sick leave, a prohibition on the use of polystyrene to-go containers, and a bill that would restrict the ability for businesses to contract with the state. We additionally worked in support of more education funding and the G3 program, greater coordination of workforce development initiatives, against workplace discrimination of active-duty military, and for greater opportunities for returning citizens. 

Our biggest priority of the past week was to ensure businesses in Virginia that took advantage of Paycheck Protection Loans last year, and had those loans forgiven, would receive the same tax treatment at the state level as they do at the federal level. Unfortunately, the state has chosen to not allow full deductibility of expenses paid for using the proceeds from forgiven PPP loans...
Questions or concerns? Contact the Chamber's Clayton Medford, Vice President, Government Relations, at cmedford@novachamber.org.
MEMBER PSA
Virtual Work-Based Learning (WBL) Career Exploration Fair for High School Students Share Your Knowledge To Build Your Future Talent Pipeline
Arlington Public Schools (APS) and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) are teaming up to plan a system-wide multi-day virtual career exploration fair for all interested high school students during the last two weeks of April 2021. Volunteers from the business community are needed. If interested, share your availability by completing the interest form by no later than February 26th at 5PM. 
The Chamber has long been known as the Voice of Business in Northern Virginia® and we encourage all members to join the collective conversation through our ongoing events, programs, and communication opportunities.
Network and exchange ideas with peers in our Business Councils Engage with other members through our focused Business Councils: GovCon | Women In Business | Veteran & Military Business | Nonprofit & Association Management | Young Professionals

Promote your expertise in our Member Blog Share your name and expertise with 20,000 business leaders within our Northern Virginia Region. Details and to submit your own Blog topic can be found here.

Reach government leaders and officials through our Advocacy Work Details about our Advocacy work can be found here.
COUNCIL SERIES & NETWORKING
UPCOMING CHAMBER EVENTS
Registration is free for this members-only event
Young Professionals Forum: Kickoff Get Together
February 25th | 11AM-12PM
Engage with Young Professionals in roundtable events that are designed to strengthen a sense of community and culture. Share experiences, thoughts ideas, and struggles with peers. Learn from industry veterans as they share their stories of successes and insight on their own advancement.
Registration is free for this members-only event
Member Engagement Roundtable: COVID-19 Lease Negotiations
March 2nd | 11:30AM-12:30PM
The effects of COVID-19 have been felt everywhere, but especially in commercial leasing. Our next Member Engagement Roundtable will be a conversation with NOVA Business Law Group, LLP’s Associates Joe Kirkwood and Zainab Chaudhri, and Antonis Alexandris, Senior Associate, Scheer Partners to discuss issues related to commercial leasing post-COVID.   
Registration is free for this members-only event
Member Get Connected / Speed Networking
March 9th | 3-4PM
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 (virtually) while exchanging contact information and valuable information about their respective businesses.  
partner event
2021 Shape of the Region Conference Co-Creating a New Northern Virginia:
An Emerging Vision of a More Inclusive, Sustainable, and Equitable Region
March 11th | 12:30-2:00PM
All we see is an opportunity. Our region is more awake and alive, more committed to inclusion, sustainability, and equity than ever. Government, social, and private sector actors are leaning in together to address entrenched and complex local issues. We are coming together as a region to institute real change. 
Join us for the most interactive and participatory Shape of the Region Conference to date.
Submit Your Application for the Mid-Atlantic Innovation Celebration
March 15th
Applications are open for 2021’s Mid-Atlantic Innovation Celebration! Submit your video application by March 15th to be eligible for the Region’s zaniest event showcasing great minds and business creativity. NOVA Chamber membership is not required to apply or win.
MEMBER BENEFIT
MEMBER NEWS
The Children’s Science Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Bobbie Kilberg as a member of its board of directors. Bobbie Kilberg is the President & CEO Emeritus & Strategic Advisor of the Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) and led the organization for over 22 years to become one of the largest technology councils in the nation. 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