FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 13, 2021
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MEDIA CONTACT: Thomas Fitzpatrick
Communications Coordinator
communications@arlingtonchamber.org
(703) 525-2400 ext. 205
High resolution images available upon request.
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ARLINGTON, Va. - Last Friday, December 10, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce held its 97th Annual Meeting at the Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel. This event featured a celebration of the Chamber's 2021 accomplishments, a preview of plans for 2022, presentation of awards, and a keynote speech from Dr. Gregory Washington, President of George Mason University.
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Dr. Gregory Washington, George Mason University, delivering his keynote. |
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Arlington Chamber 2021 Board Chair Todd Ihrig of Avantax Investment Services and President & CEO Kate Bates highlighted some of the Chamber's top achievements of 2021, including its robust business advocacy efforts, strong membership numbers, and successful execution of numerous new programs including the Early Childhood Education Financial Resiliency Accelerator
However, the meeting wasn’t all celebration. During the program, Kates Bates honored the late Rich Doud, previous Chamber President who passed away the day before with a moment of silence, acknowledgement of his many contributions to the Chamber and the Arlington business community, and a reminder that, as Doud always said, it continues to be a “great day to be in Arlington.”
The Chamber also recognized several organizations and individuals for their involvement in and support of the Chamber and Arlington community. The Committee of the Year Award was presented to the Chamber's Gala Committee, chaired by Patrick Algyer of the Northern Virginia Apartment Association, for their tireless work preparing for the 97th Annual Arlington Business Gala. VIDA Fitness received the Chair's Award for their significant support of the Chamber through sponsorships and community involvement. Flavia Sampaio of the Residence Inn by Marriott - Rosslyn received the President's Award for her outstanding involvement in Chamber advocacy and membership efforts for the hospitality community.
"2021 will be remembered as an unique year – but also as a year that showed what we as a business community can do when we support each other," said Kate Bates, Arlington Chamber President & CEO. "Businesses of all sizes have had to adjust to the new normal, but we continue to be inspired by how our membership and the larger business community worked together this past year."
The Chamber's Chair for 2022, Beth Borowski of CNA, introduced the 2022 Board of Directors and Executive Committee, including the announcement that Tina Leone of the Ballston BID will serve as the 2023 Chair of the Chamber Board of Directors.
Dr. Washington provided a powerful keynote speech during the event. He cited George Mason University's inclusive initiatives and how the university has successfully surpassed national graduation rates equally across students of all racial and ethnic backgrounds. "We admit close to 90% of students who apply to George Mason University," said Dr. Washington. "We graduate over 70% of students. Every single race and ethnicity, those groups graduate at about 70%, which is much higher than the national average." Dr. Washington further discussed the importance of the business community and educational institutions partnering to meet future needs in workforce development and technology.
The 97th Annual Meeting is made possible thanks to the support of its sponsors, including Grand Sponsor:
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ABOUT THE CHAMBER
Founded in 1924, the Arlington Chamber of Commerce is a nonprofit membership organization of more than 700 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.
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