Please join us for the 2022 GMBA State of the Union hosted by GMBA President, Kevin Warhurst of Merrifield Garden Center.

Please RSVP here to receive the zoom link.

Have you met Alejandro, GMBA’s Junior Entrepreneur Member? When Alejandro was seeking ways to earn money for books and also set aside some money for his college, he decided on candle making to launch his business that he named Smell of Love. 

Founded in September 2020, thanks to the quality of his candles, his infectious personality, some wonderful PR, and a little help from mom Patricia, the business is doing better than he ever dreamed. He has made this a family affair by bringing little sister Valentina into the business. The business has been so successful that it donates some of its profits each month to charities. So not only is Alejandro able to save money for his own future, he also researches non-profits to be sure Smell of Candles is giving money to worthy causes. Smell of Candles believes that we are stronger when we take care of each other, a particularly admirable company motto during these pandemic times. 

Lest anyone think that candle making is easy, Alejandro can tell you from experience that it takes a lot of work to put out such a quality product. Using natural waxes, non-GMO soy waxes and essential oils, Smell of Love Candles are eco-friendly. Alejandro has a You Tube channel where he demonstrates his process for other Kidpreneurs.

Smell of Love has been featured in major news channels and local newspapers, and recently Vice President Kamala visited his booth at DC’s outdoor Downtown Market, giving his company another major press boost. There are now Smell of Love candles in the Vice President’s home, something that Alejandro is proud of.

Alejandro has a dream of attending Duke University when he graduates from High School, and we at GMBA believe he will achieve that dream. We’ll be able to say “We knew him when.”

Time is running out for you to purchase your own Smell of Love Candle in time for Valentine’s Day, so hurry to the website: https://smelloflovecandles.com/

The Arc of Northern Virginia’s Corporate and Community Team Challenge brings together companies and community to raise important funds to sustain and strengthen its vital programs, services, and advocacy for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. 

This year we're excited to return to an IN-PERSON 5K timed run and 2K fun walk. AND we are keeping the popular Virtual Team Total-Distance Walk to include more opportunities for individual walkers to participate and compete as a team no matter where they live.

For more info and to register: click here!

Join Food For Others in a fun and friendly outdoor competition to benefit food insecure families in Northern Virginia. The outing will be held at the award-winning International Country Club in Fairfax. 100% of proceeds will help Food for Others feed over 2,600 families and 2,400 schoolchildren each week. We have an ambitious goal to raise $50,000. We'll have a shotgun start at 12 PM and will be providing lunch and dinner for our golfers.

Please reach out to hwilson@foodforothers.org if you'd like to learn more!

The Arc of Northern Virginia: Account Coordinator

We are seeking a part-time Account Coordinator to support the work of our Special Needs Trust program. Under the supervision of the Account Manager, this staff member would provide effective disbursement management, and database support by ensuring timely and effective follow through, communication, and excellent customer service. More information

Please join GMBA Executive Director, Peggy James, for a hands-on training discussing all of the ways to get the best marketing benefits out of your GMBA membership!

For the full agenda and to register, click here!

GMBA is on the lookout for interesting speakers and meeting/mixer hosts for 2022 (both virtual and in-person).

We also want to make sure we are helping you celebrate your business openings and milestones!

If you are interested in speaking, hosting or having a ribbon cutting, or other celebration coming up, please contact Peggy at director@greatermerrifield.org.