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Last week's Workforce Series session focused on the connection between childcare and workforce participation in the region.
Families need affordable, dependable care to stay employed, while employers rely on a stable workforce. On October 6, 2026, NVC's expert panelists pointed to high costs, limited awareness of available resources, nontraditional work schedules, and shortages in backup care as ongoing challenges.
Thank you to our panelists:
They also emphasized the important role family childcare providers and early childhood educators play in expanding access to care. As Dennis Deloach noted, “People can't go to work if they don't have anywhere safe for their children to go.”
Employers were encouraged to make childcare resources more visible to employees, build flexibility into workplace policies when care disruptions arise, and consider participating in the proposed childcare cost-sharing pilot by completing the nonbinding employer interest form.
*Want to attend NVC's last Workforce Series session? Free for NVC members, join us on October 20, 2026, from 12:00 - 1:00 pm, to hear how organizations can prepare their workforce and accelerate readiness as AI integration transforms skills demand and organizational structure. Register today!
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NVC welcomes Ryan Keedy as new Senior Vice President of Membership and Strategic Investments.
In this role, Ryan will focus on strengthening the member experience and connections across our diverse business community. He's ensuring every member understands the full value of being part of NVC. Ryan will help our members turn those opportunities into action, ensuring organizations are connected to the people, resources, programming, and benefits that can help them succeed.
"I've seen firsthand what chambers can achieve when business, government, and community leaders work together. I'm proud to bring that work to the community I call home as part of the Northern Virginia Chamber. I'm especially excited to join at a time when NVC is leading the region through the NOVA Roadmap. I look forward to supporting that vision as we move into year two of this landmark initiative."
We encourage you to give Ryan a warm welcome at an upcoming NVC event and connect with him one-on-one. He’s ready to hear what matters to you and help make your NVC membership work harder for your organization.
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The 2026 Q3 NVC/Pinkston Business Leader Survey reveals growing pessimism among executives.
NVC hosted an Executive Member Forum (EMF)* on Friday, October 9, featuring research partner Pinkston. We presented findings from our seventh quarterly Business Leader Survey.
36% of respondents expected the Northern Virginia economy to grow, down from 40% the previous quarter, while optimism about their own companies fell from 76% to 66%.
Hiring plans were steadier, with roughly one-third planning to hire and 5% expecting to reduce headcount.
Housing affordability ranked as business leaders’ top priority for both state and local government for the first time. On data centers, 53% of respondents saw a positive impact on Northern Virginia’s economy, while 34% saw a negative impact.
*If you're an executive interested in joining our next EMF call on Friday, October 23, 2026, contact the NVC Membership Team today!
| | | | | Northern Virginia’s economy has long been driven by one of its greatest strengths: its people. But as employers navigate talent shortages, evolving workforce policies, rising costs, and rapid technological change, the conversation around workforce development is becoming more complex than ever... | | |
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Thursday, November 5, 2026 | 5:30 - 9:30 pm
The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, 1700 Tysons Blvd, McLean, VA 22102
| | Last Day to Purchase Tables and Tickets: Friday, October 30 | | | | Join Easterseals for Walk With Me on October 24 at National Harbor. This fully accessible event welcomes wheelchairs, strollers, and dogs (leashed). Every step supports our Child Development Center in Northern Virginia, as well as children and adults with disabilities, seniors, veterans and military families, and caregivers. | | |
Hire your next great team member at George Mason University's Internship Fair 2026 on Wednesday, October 28, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm in Dewberry Hall (Johnson Center) on the Fairfax Campus.
Employers from all industries can tap into George Mason's network of talented students who bring the latest knowledge and technical skills to your team.
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Step out for the Greater Washington Region Heart Walk on November 7 for a fun-filled celebration of the American Heart Association’s lifesaving impact!
Walk 1 or 3 miles around the Washington Monument with music, games, CPR demos, a pet parade, and more. There is something for everyone! Each step advances health and hope for everyone, everywhere.
| | Comcast Business has released its 2026 Cybersecurity Threat Report. The fourth annual report finds AI pressurizing every stage of the threat landscape, from the speed of initial access to the identities attackers use to move once inside. | | The Venable Foundation has granted $1,175,000 to 128 nonprofits across the nation to support operations, programming, and other community-focused initiatives. Grants are given to nonprofits that align with one of the foundation’s focus areas. | | | | |
