This month, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (NVBCC) is launching an Ambassador Program to network and connect Black-owned businesses in the region.  Chamber members can join this initiative and serve Chamber businesses and fellow entrepreneurs.  Ambassadors participate in quarterly committee meetings, Chamber events and networking socials, and Chamber recruitment efforts.  Volunteer commitment includes a private Ambassador training and approximately two hours of volunteer time monthly.  The first training opportunity will take place on September 29 at Kitchen Kray in Alexandria.  For more information, please contact the Chamber. 

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There will also be the Inaugural Chamber Night Out at Kitchen Kray in Alexandria on September 29, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.  The Night Out is open to all Chamber members and prospective members, so please come and bring a friend or business associate interested in joining the Chamber. 

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On October 31, the Chamber has planned a combination golf tournament and business conference titled “Business on the Green” at the Chantilly National Golf Club.  Golfers and non-golfers alike are welcome, as the agenda includes full day of community networking, educational speakers, Chamber 2022 highlights, and relationship-building activities.  Whether your business is established or you are in the beginning stages, there is value in this investment with your peers and Chamber partners.  Register at the link provided; lunch and a happy hour at 5:00 p.m. are included in the registration.   To sponsor the event or participate as a vendor, contact the Chamber via email or phone: (703) 442-4472.

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The NVBCC will host “Breakfast with the Board” at the American Center (8300 Boone Boulevard, Tysons Corner) on September 30 at 9:00 a.m.  This event allows NVBCC members, prospective members, and community partners to meet the Chamber leadership team.  Come join us to discuss how we can work together to achieve the mission and vision of the Chamber in 2022 and beyond.  If you would like to attend, email info@northernvirginiabcc.org

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The Chamber also recently received certification as a participant in the Virginia Values Veteran program.  As a certified employer, the Chamber completed education and training to implement nationally-recognized best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining highly-skilled and dependable veterans.  The Chamber appreciates and looks forward to this partnership to continue collaborating with our servicemembers and to create new job opportunities for professional development.  In other collaboration news, new Black-owned businesses have recently opened in Northern Virginia, and the NVBCC proudly attended their community ribbon-cutting events.  Restocked Sneakers of Leesburg and Mason’s Famous Lobster Rolls of Arlington are valued members of the Black-owned business community, and the Chamber looks forward to supporting their economic flourishing. 

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The Chamber celebrated Black Business Month in August, and events throughout the region made this year’s festivities a success.  NVBCC kicked off the month with a sold-out concert by The Charles Cannon Group at Jirani Coffeehouse in Manassas.  Mayor Michelle Davis-Younger of the City of Manassas encouraged the audience with the achievements of Black-owned businesses and the inspiration to keep moving forward.  The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors also presented a proclamation to the Chamber recognizing August as Black Business Month.  Both events underscored the contribution of Black-owned businesses to Northern Virginia and championed further economic development in the Black business community. 

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