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"No matter what the topic we're focused on, our responsibility is to tell stories," said Alexander. "Our vehicle is storytelling no matter what." Alexander elaborated on the need in mass media to treat an audience with respect, and the need to build a relationship with your audience.
Starling built on this observation, noting the shift in how audiences consume media. "People made appointments with their evening news, whether it was local or evening network news; they knew their anchor people, they had a favorite weatherman. And people get their news on their phones now," said Starling. She noted the contrast between how positive social media can be in local news and how negative it can be at a national level.
Alexander and Starling also shared insights and anecdotes from their careers in national and local news. Alexander has covered four presidential administrations, four Supreme Court confirmations, and four presidential campaigns; Starling served 20 years as a main local news anchor in the nation’s capital before her current role as host and co-producer of the Women’s Health and Wellness podcast Living Well with Alison Starling, in partnership with VHC Health and the Washington Business Journal.
In addition to the keynote address, attendees heard from the Arlington Chamber's 2025 Board Chair, Steve Cooper of the Exelaration Foundation. Cooper highlighted the Chamber’s role as a platform for collaboration and community engagement, particularly important during a period of economic and policy uncertainty. He thanked members for their contributions and concluded by discussing how "business" encompasses many different forms of interactions, just as the Chamber's role in the business community is multifaceted.
President & CEO Kate Bates provided an overview of the Chamber’s top achievements of 2025, including robust business advocacy efforts, the evolution of events and programs, and deepened community partnerships. Bates outlined the impact of significant federal shifts in Arlington, but emphasized that Arlington is a "caring, resilient community, strengthened by collaboration" that can meet new challenges and situations head on.
The Committee of the Year Award was presented to the Chamber's Community Action Committee, chaired by Jennifer Davies of the Animal Welfare League of Arlington, for their steadfast work in raising the business community's awareness of nonprofit organizations, convening conversations through our Nonprofit forums, and organizing the Chamber's annual Volunteer Day.
Nestlé received the Chair's Award, sponsored by George Mason University - Costello College of Business, which is presented to a business that made an exceptional impact on the Chamber. Nestlé was honored for their continued dedication to the Arlington business community and for their partnership in securing Gerber's support for the Arlington Child Care Alliance pilot.
Scott Reamy of Dominion Energy received the President's Award, sponsored by Walsh, Colucci, Lubeley & Walsh P.C., for outstanding contributions to the Chamber in the past year. Reamy has served on the Chamber Board of Directors as its Vice Chair of Communications, and led strategic initiatives to enhance the Chamber’s reach and member engagement.
Following the awards, Arlington Chamber 2026 Board Chair Bismah Ahmed of the Apartment and Office Building Association introduced the newly elected 2026 Executive Committee and Board of Directors. She also announced that Andrea Fava of
Amazon will serve as Board Chair in 2027.
As the event concluded, Bates emphasized the Chamber's commitment to advancing Arlington’s economic vitality, strengthening partnerships, and supporting a resilient and thriving business community in 2026 and beyond.
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