President & CEO Kate Roche, former President Rich Doud, and 2015 Chair Kevin Shooshan.

Arlington, VA - The Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted its 91st Annual Arlington Business Gala on Saturday, January 31 at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. The Business Gala was the Chamber's first major event of 2015 and entertained over 300 area business leaders. 2015 Chamber Chair Kevin Shooshan of The Shooshan Company hosted the evening.

The event marked Chamber President & CEO Kate Roche's first Gala as the organization's leader. Kate was named President & CEO in June 2014 following the retirement of President Rich Doud in May 2014. 

"I'd like to personally thank everybody who made it to the 91st Annual Arlington Business Gala," said Shooshan. "What a great night for Arlington, the Chamber, and for everyone who made it to Arlington's Best Night Out. If January is a sign of things to come for the Chamber and our new leadership behind President & CEO Kate Roche, I'm excited for the next 11 months!"

Guests in the ballroom during the 91st Annual Arlington Business Gala.

Gala attendees enjoyed a delicious three-course dinner, mingling with fellow Arlington business leaders and music by the Odyssey Band, as well as some friendly competition with the Silent and Live Auctions. This year's Silent Auction featured over 200 items varying from all-inclusive tropical vacations and autographed sports memorabilia to luxury car rentals, yoga classes and more. During the exciting Live Auction, led by Vice-Chair of Member Affairs Joe Prentice, guests were able to bid on high-demand items like Capitals first-round playoff tickets, pastry lessons and a year of massage therapy. Guests also had the opportunity to win an iPad Mini, courtesy of Arlington Realty, Inc., during the Heads or Tails game, and the winning ticket for the Tropical Vacation Raffle to win an all-inclusive stay in St. Lucia was chosen before the end of the evening. The iPad mini was won by Howard O'Brien, and the St. Lucia raffle winner was Gus Thomas.

Jan Michael-Sacharko and Chamber Board Member Renee Aldrich

VIPs in attendance included Virginia Senator Barbara Favola, 

Virginia Delegate Alfonso Lopez, Virginia Delegate Patrick Hope, Arlington County Board Chair Mary Hynes, County Board Member Libby Garvey, Clerk of the Circuit Court Paul Ferguson, Commissioner of Revenue Ingrid Morroy, Sheriff Beth Arthur, Arlington Superintendent of Schools Dr. Patrick Murphy,l and newly appointed Director of Arlington Economic Development Victor Hoskins.

The Arlington Business Gala is typically the Chamber's most significant fundraising event, and this year's event has proven to be so again thanks to the gracious support of our members. The Chamber expresses our appreciation for all of our members who helped make the evening such a success through their generous donations and attendance. We hope all who attended the event had a wonderful evening, and we look forward to seeing you next year.