Washington, D.C: The Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (NVBCC) is beginning 2023 with important news about its community impact and successes. First, the Chamber extends an invitation to all community members to spread the word and help grow our memberships at the NVBCC. In January, we experienced growth in individual and corporate memberships, and the Chamber desires to keep building on such achievements. The more Black business owners we have in the Chamber, the greater the impact the Chamber can have on the region. And please remember to renew existing memberships to help the NVBCC continue organizing its networking events, resources, training, and more among Black-owned businesses in Northern Virginia. Standing together makes us stand stronger. 

In celebrating recent achievements, the NVBCC received in January $300,000 in Federal funding from the Fiscal Year 2023 government spending legislation. The Chamber is gathering on Friday, February 17, at 9:30 a.m. at Jirani Coffeehouse in Manassas to celebrate this accomplishment! Come and hear from the NVBCC and keynote speaker Senator Tim Kaine regarding the initiatives this funding will support and the impact it will make in Northern Virginia. Registration and information about the event is available at the link above.

Further, the NVBCC attended Chamber Day at the Capitol, hosted by the Virginia Chamber of Commerce, on January 17 at the Omni Richmond Hotel. Participating with more than 30 local and regional chambers across Virginia, the NVBCC experienced a networking and policy-focused event working with Virginia business leaders; policymakers; and state, local, and regional elected officials. The legislative receptions included remarks from Governor Glenn Youngkin and Lieutenant Governor of Virginia Winsome Earle Sears. Lieutenant Governor Sears is a successful Black business owner and the first Black female elected to statewide office in Virginia. NVBCC Board Member/Advocacy Chair Michelle Jefferson and Executive Director Sheila K. Dixon appreciated hearing from this groundbreaking leader and working with peers and supporters of Virginia industries.  

Continuing with NVBCC accomplishments, the Chamber, member organizations, and member health care providers were recently honored by the Fairfax County Health Department for their outstanding response during the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 1,000 community leaders gathered on Saturday, February 4, to participate in this ceremony. Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay said, “Your organizations played key roles during the worst health crisis of our lives…We could not have done it without you. 

Lastly regarding Chamber successes, on Wednesday, February 22, at 6:00 p.m., the Chamber will gather at Busboys and Poets in Arlington for a Celebration of Black Excellence to honor the contributions and accomplishments of the Black community in Northern Virginia. It will be a fun evening of food, dance performances, Spoken Word, and networking opportunities for members. Plan to join us for this memorable event and connect with your member community over the legacy and future of African-Americans in the region.

Moving to the future of the NVBCC, a regular and important event in the life of the NVBCC is the Elite LeadShare Luncheon, occurring monthly and upcoming on Thursday, February 16, at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City at 11:30 a.m. This group is invested in helping you grow your business and providing mutually beneficial business networking. Come join this monthly luncheon to build business relationships and share referrals with other Chamber members. A recent testimonial shared how this member obtained a business contract for their HR and payroll services firm by networking at a LeadShare luncheon. Non-members also welcome, so bring a friend and expand your network!

The NVBCC Thrive E-magazine Team has also recently published the January/February 2023 issue. Look inside for the Chamber’s business news, upcoming networking opportunities, resources for growing your business, member business spotlights, and more!

Finally, but perhaps most importantly, the NVBCC is hiring a Director of Operations and Community Engagement to help chart the future of the Chamber. Would you or someone you know be interested in advancing the economic flourishing of Black-owned businesses in Northern Virginia? The link provided has more information and an application available. Feel free to contact the Chamber at info@northernvirginiabcc.org with any questions or for further information.

Media Contact: Tonya White, President of The Write Touch, LLC

NVBCC Board of Directors | Communications Chair

tonya.white@northernvirginiabcc.org

Phone: 703.442.4472

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