Upcoming Events
New Members
Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the partnership your Chamber has created with the Washington Nationals. Enjoy the excitement, noise and fun of the ballpark by taking advantage of the Nationals/Chamber discount ticket offer. Use ALEXCHAMBER as your code – please click here.
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce our partnership with GBS, the premier employee benefits administrator in the mid-Atlantic. GBS is offering exclusive discounts for our Chamber Members!
For more information, Click Here
INCREASE TRAFFIC TO YOUR WEBSITE:
It's no secret that the internet is here to stay. What's great about advertising on the Chamber's website is that it gives long term exposure for a very small investment.
Take a look at our advertising opportunities
Chamber Committees
The Membership Committee works with staff to recruit and cultivate new members and retain existing members. The committee advises staff in the formulation and assessment of membership programs developed to meet the needs expressed by members. Practically, this committee focuses on the monthly business networking events as way to encourage membership and participation- these include the professional networking breakfasts and business after hours receptions as well as the member-appreciation and member-guest events. Committee members are encouraged to serve as mentors to new and inactive members, advising them on how to become more involved for example in an advocacy role or serving on an event committee. They will help “break the ice” by introducing them to other members and encouraging them to attend a member orientation which the committee will help organize and promote. These members serve as the ambassadors to the rest of the Chamber membership in order to build strong retention.
The Development Committee contributes to Chamber programming by offering event and program sponsorships that give businesses visibility, targeted networking and promotional opportunities. They also develop 12-month packages for companies who prefer to plan their business outreach on an annual basis by sponsoring Chamber events and Leadership Alexandria.
The Government Relations Committee serves as the principal advocate for Alexandria business. They monitor local, state and federal legislation and stake out positions that support the rights of business owners against burdensome requirements that limit commerce. The GRC also develops the Chamber’s legislative agenda and position papers on issues. This committee is a highly active participant on matters affecting businesses such as the City of Alexandria’s budget, planning and zoning issues, special use permits or other regulatory issues. The GRC also maintains an awareness of this work among our membership and the general public and works closely with the City and other economic development organizations to encourage a viable, vibrant and sustainable business community in Alexandria.
The Finance and Administration Committee is responsible for helping the board fulfill its fiscal and oversight responsibilities including:
• Review and recommend approval of the annual financial budget prepared by the staff. The approved operating budget formally confers spending authority for operating costs to management, subject to the policies and procedures adopted by the board. The Committee may provide guidance on modifications to the budget for new projects that happen to occur during the year based on any particular methodology (e.g., provided that the necessary spending is particularly funded or provided that the overall budget is balanced or within particular parameters).
• Ensure that all financial reports (including the annual Form 990) are timely prepared by staff. Monthly, members of the Committee will receive and review financial statements consisting of the then current: 1) balance sheet, 2) income statement, 3) cash flow statement; and 4) other key reports that the Committee deems relevant from time-to-time. These financial statements will be accompanied by a narrative from management highlighting any financial issues and, where necessary, management actions taken. The committee will meet at least quarterly to discuss the financial statements.
• Maintenance and Policy Recommendations. Annually, the Committee will review any specific board policies regarding financial management and will make recommendations to the board of directors if necessary. These policies are with regard to the level and terms of indebtedness, cash management, investment policy, risk management, financial monitoring and reporting, employee benefit plans, signatory authority for expenditures and other policies such as conflict of interest and related party transactions, for inclusion in a Board Policy Manual that the committee determines to be advisable for appropriate financial management. The Committee will continually review and advise management regarding the form, content and frequency of all published financial information on the organization.
The Marketing & Communications committee is responsible for providing feedback to staff and approval/recommendations to the Board for any major marketing-related decisions (such as a new logo design, collateral materials, website design, member directory and an overall marketing and communications strategy). The Committee works to increase the Chamber’s visibility in the business and public sectors, giving special focus to attracting new members and potential corporate and community sponsors and partners. The Committee works with staff to devise and execute strategies for promoting the Chamber and enhancing our image through communications with the press and various media sources (radio, TV, and social networking).
The generous time and commitment of special committees make the Chamber’s signature events possible. Special Events committees with distinct leadership include the Chairman’s Gala, Valor Awards, and Annual Golf Tournament committees, among others.
Alexandria Restaurant Commission (ARC):
The Alexandria Restaurant Commission is comprised of Alexandria restaurant owners, general managers, operators, caterers and group sales professionals. ARC is dedicated to sustaining the economic vitality of the restaurant industry with the City of Alexandria. ARC meets quarterly on the second Monday of the second month of each respective quarter at different locations.
Want to Join a Committee? - It's a great way to get involved!
Contact: Jay Palermino, Director, Membership & Sponsorship Investments Jay@AlexChamber.com. Executive Offices Direct: (703) 739-3812 or Mobile Direct:571-259-1385.
