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About
the Chamber
MISSION AND HISTORY
As
the "Voice of Business in Northern Virginia," the mission of the
Fairfax
County Chamber of Commerce is to protect and promote the interest
of businesses through proactive legislative advocacy, public policy
initiatives
and valuable networking and professional development opportunities.
Mission
Statement: We are committed
to bringing value to your membership by helping you expand and enhance
your business, and to bringing value to our community by working
to protect economic prosperity and our quality of life.
Our Program of Work focuses
on these initiatives:
1.) ADVOCACY
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Through focused, independent,
full-time lobbying, we are watchdogs who protect your business
interests.
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Through local, regional
and state alliances, we bring 21st century systemic solutions
to transportation, education, workforce and tax issues.
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Through long-standing
relationships and coalitions, we have the credibility and clout
to negotiate with elected officials on behalf of the business
community.
2.) NETWORKING
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We provide hundreds
of diverse networking opportunities so you can grow your businesses
and develop valuable relationships with other Chamber members.
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We increase your visibility
and name recognition through a variety of marketing opportunities,
including sponsorships at well-attended, high-profile events
and initiatives.
3.) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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We offer seminars
and workshops designed to provide cutting-edge information about
topics that affect your bottom line.
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We offer leadership
development for our volunteers through chairing committees,
task forces and events.
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We offer opportunities
for Chamber members to work with other members and elected officials
on issues of importance to our community.
4.) MEMBERS-ONLY
SERVICES AND BENEFITS
- Members receive special deals on
business products and services through the ChamberPlus
program.
- Exclusive advertising and marketing
opportunities are offered to enhance your visibility and help
you expand your client base.
- Get free personalized business advice
and guidance through the ADVICE Forum and Executive Forums.
History:
It all began in 1925, when a group of local business and professional
leaders
gathered at Fairfax County Courthouse to create an organization
to protect and
promote the interests of business in a county that was beginning
to outgrow its
agrarian roots. The Fairfax Herald reported the Chamber's
founding in a May
29, 1925 article that began, "The Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce
has been
launched."
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Members
of the Fairfax County Chamber of
Commerce, in front of the Chamber headquarters
in County Clerk's office in about 1934.
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The
Chamber's founders envisioned
an organization that would bring economic prosperity to a county well
positioned within sight of the nation's capitol. In the years since,
the makeup of the county's business
community has changed radically, but the mission of the Chamber remains
virtually the same. Just as in 1925, when the Chamber's
marketing brochure stated, "Let us help you measure Fairfax County's
advantages and opportunities," the Chamber of today continues to |
