May 13, 2020 – Gov. Ralph Northam extended the current regime of business closure and restrictions for Northern Virginia to May 29. Other regions of Virginia will enter into Phase 1 of Gov. Northam’s  Forward Virginia  reopening plan on Friday (May 15). Today’s action follows the Northern Virginia elected leaders and health directors notifying Gov. Northam that the region had not yet met the criteria for entering Phase 1. More details about that criteria, and yesterday’s Executive Order, can be found at the links below.

Northern Virginia Chamber members have continued to do everything in their power to remain open, retain employees, and continue to serve customers and clients during this crisis. Health officials in Northern Virginia have determined that their localities do not meet the public health criteria established by the White House and Gov. Northam, particularly the requirement that new positive COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations are declining over a 14-day period. While we need to begin the slow, safe and staggered reopening of our economy, we cannot risk reopening only to return to the current status quo because an outbreak occurs. We will be working closely with Northern Virginia elected officials and Gov. Northam over the coming days to ensure we are ready and able to open as soon as the health data shows it is safe to do so.

Northern Virginia Chamber CEO, Julie Coons, has joined the Connected DMV's new COVID-19 Strategic Renewal Task Force. The Task Force includes a rich mixture of commercial, academic, and community leaders and will work closely with Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, their respective administrations, and local governments across the DMV. Scheduled to convene monthly through October, the Task Force will first address near-term priorities, then transition to longer-term opportunities for building a resilient and sustainable economic recovery.  Learn More .

The Chamber has partnered with Brown and Brown Insurance and GMU Business School to bring Sheryl WuDunn, author or the book, Tightrope, for a special speaker event focused on the plight of America's working class and its critical role within the American economy and society, particularly as essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now more than ever it's important to recognize members of our community who have achieved greatness and give back to others. We recognize this, which is why our flagship annual awards will continue throughout 2020. Join us for the 2020 awards season by participating in our first three awards programs:

Held June 29th, the Good Business Awards honor and celebrate the leadership of individuals, businesses, and nonprofits that serve as powerful champions for good in our community.

Who will be named the 2020 Innovator of the Year? We'll all find out at our Greater Washington Innovation Celebration on September 16th.

Your Chamber has been working hard to keep you up-to-date on the latest resources, including funding links, news, important links, and webinars given by our government leaders. We encourage you to visit our own COVID-19 Resource Center and, for ways you can help your fellow Members, our NOVA Member Connector website. If you need a dose of good news, see these stories of how your fellow members are stepping up and helping others during this unprecedented time.