Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce Growing in the New Year- Chamber Shares Community Achievements and Plans for the Future

Washington, D.C: The Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (NVBCC) would like to highlight
several recent events recognizing and supporting our mission of helping Black-owned businesses flourish
in the region. First, the NVBCC celebrated with Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner the
accomplishment of receiving $300,000 in Federal funding from the government spending legislation for
Fiscal Year 2023. The Chamber gathered with both senators at Jirani Coffeehouse in Manassas on Friday,
February 17, and discussed the significance of this funding and the impact it will make on NVBCC
businesses and members.
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The NVBCC also attended an event with the Senators and Members of Congress to commemorate Black
History Month. The Chamber was invited with African-American leaders throughout Virginia to a
Commonwealth Coffee at the U.S. Congress on Tuesday, February 28. During the event, Senators Kaine
and Warner, Congressman Bobby Scott, and then-Congresswoman-Elect Jennifer McClellan each gave
remarks as they discussed the victories and contributions of Virginia's historical Black lawmakers.
Further, the NVBCC received a proclamation from Fairfax County recognizing the Chamber’s work
during a celebration of Black History Month on Friday, February 17. NVBCC Executive Director Sheila
K. Dixon also presented remarks at the event, which explored Black history in Fairfax County and
honored African-American leaders who have made an indelible mark on the area. The Chamber also
hosted a successful Celebration of Black Excellence at Busboys and Poets in Arlington on Wednesday,
February 22. The evening honored the contributions and accomplishments of the Black community in
Northern Virginia with food, dance performances, Spoken Word, and networking opportunities for
members. Lastly, Executive Director Dixon spoke at a Black History Month event hosted by
Congressman Gerry Connolly, and she imparted to the student audience the importance of chambers of
commerce and their voice in building communities of professionals. Speakers at the event also shared
their stories of being Black and the progress they made on their personal journeys.
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In other Federal news, the NVBCC, along with other prominent leaders in Northern Virginia, stood
alongside elected officials and Governor Glenn Youngkin on Wednesday, February 15, to support the
relocation of FBI Headquarters to Springfield. A bipartisan news conference highlighted the mutual
advantages of such a move. The Chamber and its members believe the regional economy and Black-
owned businesses will see future economic development, job growth, and prosperity if selection were
made in Northern Virginia.
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Regarding upcoming events, the NVBCC is hosting with the Multicultural Chambers Alliance and the
Fairfax County Economic Development Authority a workshop featuring the Virginia Department of
Small Business and Suppliers Diversity. On Wednesday, March 15, Chamber members can attend and
hear an in-depth tutorial of the process to become certified as a Small, Women-owned, or Minority
(SWaM) business in Virginia. For additional information and registration for the event, please follow this
link.

Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce
8300 Boone Boulevard, Suite 450
Tysons Corner, VA 22182

The NVBCC is also hosting a LeadShare Elite networking luncheon on Thursday, March 23, at the Hyatt
Regency Crystal City. The monthly luncheons allow Chamber members to expand their networks and
ultimately grow their businesses by making contacts with fellow Chamber members. Register at the link
above for the opportunity to promote the economic development of Black-owned businesses in the
region!
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Lastly, two community opportunities allow Chamber members to represent and support the NVBCC. The
Chamber has partnered with the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia to present the Foundation’s
“Shape of the Region” Conference on Thursday, March 23. This year’s conference highlights “Aging in
Northern Virginia” and features presentations from regional partners like Northern Virginia Community
College, NBC4, and more. More information and registration for the conference are available at this link.
The Community Foundation of Northern Fauquier and Loudoun Counties are also organizing a “Give
Choose” fundraiser. The Chamber community can give to the NVBCC and help us achieve our $25,000
goal by using the above link. These funds will directly support our Chamber resources for business
development, certification assistance, education, access to financial funding, financial management,
advocacy, and mentorship. The NVBCC can help Black-owned businesses achieve sustainable growth
and expansion, which will result in more jobs in the region. Please consider donating today and joining us
in this pursuit!

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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