(L-R) 2017 Chair Tina Walker, 2018 Chair Lindsey Rheaume, and 2019 Chair Greg Hamilton

2017 Chair Tina Walker of BAE Systems began the meeting by highlighting some of the Chamber's top achievements this year, including its powerful business advocacy efforts, increase in membership, and successful execution of numerous event updates. Incoming 2018 Chair Lindsey Rheaume of EagleBank then spoke about continuing the Chamber's growth and successes in the new year, and also introduced the 2018 Board of Directors. Walker also announced that Greg Hamilton of Arlington Magazine will serve as the 2019 Chair of the Board of Directors.

"The 93rd Annual Meeting embodied the remarkable spirit of the Arlington Chamber, our members, and staff, whose service and support made 2017 a huge success for our organization and the Arlington business community," said Chamber President & CEO Kate Bates. 

"We are so proud of the Chamber's achievements this year, which include championing legislation to protect Arlington property owners' right to remove illegally parked vehicles from private property -- an effort that ultimately influenced Governor McAuliffe to sign the bill into law ," Bates continued. "We also implemented a number of changes to our signature events . Though ambitious to do this in just one year, all of these events exceeded net revenue targets and were praised by our membership and the community. Our Chamber looks forward to building on all of these accomplishments, as we move into a new year and prepare for a prosperous 2018."

The meeting also included the presentation of the 2017 Chair's Award to the   Apartment and Office Building Association, the 2017 President's Award to  Christine Searle of Searle Business Solutions, LLC, and  the 2017 Committee of the Year Award to the   Ambassador Committee, chaired by Donna Hamaker of Buck & Associates. Arlington County Board Chair Jay Fisette  delivered the keynote speech, which focused on working together to overcome challenges, in order for Arlington to remain competitive, sustainable, and on the path towards a bright future .

For access to this release and other statements by the Chamber, click here.

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