|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 26, 2019
|
|
|
Communications Coordinator
(703) 525-2400 ext. 203
|
|
|
Event featured elected leaders from Northern Virginia discussing important topics relevant to the regional business community.
|
ARLINGTON, VA. -
This morning, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Premier Partner the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and Co-Hosts Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, Prince William Chamber of Commerce, and Northern Virginia Regional Commission hosted the Fourth Annual Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit. Business, government, and community leaders from across the region gathered at George Mason University's Van Metre Hall for a moderated discussion among Arlington County Board Chair Christian Dorsey, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Penny Gross, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall, Prince William County At-Large Chairman Corey Stewart, and Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. NBC4's Northern Virginia Bureau Chief, Julie Carey moderated the program.
|
|
|
NBC4's Northern Virginia Bureau Chief, Julie Carey, led a moderated discussion with elected officials including Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson, Arlington County Board Chair Christian Dorsey, Prince William County At-Large Chairman Corey Stewart, and Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Penny Gross (left to right).
|
The elected leaders discussed the economic climate in the region, new and ongoing initiatives aimed at bolstering economic growth, and how each jurisdiction in Northern
Virginia can work together for the betterment of the regional economy.
The panel discussion opened with specific questions about the regional impact of Amazon's new headquarters in Northern Virginia. "The region has really displayed its attractiveness to any kind of significant economic development," said Arlington County Board Chair, Christian Dorsey. "The level of regional cooperation that we displayed in putting forth what we have to offer that ultimately resulted in Amazon coming to Arlington will be a model moving forward."
The conversation then moved into how colleges and universities contribute to talent and workforce development in the region. "21st Century employers are going to follow talent," said Alexandria Mayor, Justin Wilson. "Communities that invest in not only the traditional infrastructure of economic development -- transit, building, and roads -- but also the people infrastructure are going to be the ones that are successful."
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Vice Chairman Penny Gross noted that economic and workforce development must be broad-based. "W
e need nurses, and doctors, and dry cleaners, and all the things that make our community in addition to those big jobs," said Gross.
"Not all those jobs need a college degree. They may need certification and job experience."
The panel also discussed regional solutions to housing. "W
e have a hyper focus on talking about and meeting unmet housing need," said Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall. "We look at the philanthropic community, we look at the business community, it is an all-in approach right now for housing."
The elected leaders reflected on the strength of Northern Virginia's economy.
"I think economic fundamentals of the region are very strong," said Prince William County At-Large Chairman Corey Stewart. "However, as we have seen in the past, this region has become so strong because of its economic diversity."
This was the fourth in a series of summits started in 2016, as a collaboration of chambers of commerce from across Northern Virginia. "This summit seeks to drive collaboration across city and county lines by bringing together elected leaders from the five largest jurisdictions in Northern
Virginia to discuss regional issues pertinent to the business community," said Kate Bates, President & CEO of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. "We are proud to co-host this event with our fe
llow chambers to provide the regional business community with great insights into how we can work together to improve the business
climate across our region."
For access to this release and other statements by the Chamber, click
here.
|
ABOUT THE CHAMBER     
Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of more than 750 businesses committed to strengthening businesses and the economic environment for those who work, live, and do business in Arlington. The Chamber supports our members through networking, advocacy, professional development, and community engagement. For more information or to become a member, visit www.arlingtonchamber.org.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
