What does the Chamber do?
Is the Chamber part of the government?
Why join the Chamber?
Why do large companies join the Chamber?
Why do nonprofits join the Chamber?
What does it cost to become a member?
What does the Chamber do for young professionals?
Are there mandatory monthy meetings?
How do I find vendors through the Chamber?
Where can I find visitor information?
When is the Chamber office open?
Where do I file complaints about an Arlington business?
Is your question not answered here? Feel free to email the Chamber or call us at 703-525-2400.
What does the Chamber do? The purpose of the Arlington Chamber is to achieve collectively what cannot be done individually. The Chamber:
- Offers the largest networking opportunities in Arlington
- Provides credentials via the membership plaque and numerous business awards
- Supplies businesses with numerous customers/clients, through referrals given by the
Chamber office, publications and our website
- Provides the only representation for Arlington business to state and local governments
- Encourages you to be active in the community where you do business
- Helps you establish closer ties to Arlington - as Arlington prospers, so does your business
- Builds bridges between the business and non-profit communities
- Provides business opportunities found nowhere else
- Supports public and private education
- Builds bridges between the business and education communities
- Provides informational publications and meetings
For detailed information on specific Chamber benefits, please visit our Member Benefits section.
Is the Arlington Chamber a part of the Arlington County government? No, the Chamber receives no funding from the public sector except in those few instances where a governmental agency chooses to join and become a member. In those instances, the agency makes an annual dues investment the same as other members.
Why do most companies join the Arlington Chamber of Commerce? Most list networking as their number one response. However, there are a variety of reasons businesses decide to join the Chamber, from community involvement through committee participation to educational opportunities for business development.
What can a larger company expect from the Chamber? Often, larger companies use their membership to promote themselves without aiming at specific selling opportunities. Or, they are looking for legislative support on issues important to them. Many also see membership as a way to give back to and participate in the greater business community and the community-at-large.
There are many nonprofit organizations that are members of the Chamber. Why would they want to join a business group? The Chamber highly values its nonprofit members; they are an integral defining component of the community. Nonprofits join the Chamber for a variety of reasons. They know that the Chamber is the avenue to the local business community. Further, the Chamber affiliation assists them in securing donations, volunteers, Board members and allows them ample opportunities to promote their cause and good work. The Chamber’s Community Action Committee is especially focused on the relationship between the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors.
How does the Chamber involve young professionals? Are there any YP programs? Nobody values their young professionals more than the Arlington Chamber. This highly talented group is too active and too involved to relegate them to a “junior” status in the Chamber with separate YP programs. Instead, we have young professionals on our Board, as Committee Chairs, and contributing throughout the organization. They’re ready for leadership roles and we all are benefitting from their competence and enthusiasm. We share our pride with all generations here and are grateful for everyone’s involvement.
What does it cost to become a member? The Chamber works hard to keep membership dues low and affordable for all types of businesses. Therefore, membership dues vary based on the size of business and industry. The best way to find out membership rates for your business is to contact our Membership Director. There are also options for monthly debit payment, for those interested in paying their membership dues in smaller increments.
Does the Chamber have a monthly meeting? We know your time is precious, therefore there are no monthly meetings. There are a number of monthly networking events we encourage members and non-members to attend in order to mingle with and build solid business contacts. Visit our calendar of events to view the Chambers many events and programs.
Is the Chamber a good resource for finding vendors? Indeed. For most types of businesses, you can find the vendor you are looking for. Some companies have even joined so they could find a good lawyer, a good plumber, or a good advertising agency. You can look up Chamber members in the Business Directory.
Where can I find information about sites and attractions and visiting Arlington? The Chamber of Commerce is a great source for hotel & dining referrals and we are happy to help you find answers to these questions. The best place to find information on what to see and do when you’re in Arlington is the Arlington County Visitor Information Center or click here for additional information from StayArlington.
When is the Chamber office open? What can I find there? The Chamber office is open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Exceptions are federal holidays and a rare occasion when the entire staff is at an off-premises Chamber event. To be certain, you are welcome to call our office at (703) 525-2400. At the Chamber’s office, you can find a variety of information about our member businesses, membership directories, a community guide and an Arlington map – all free! Directions to the Chamber office.
If I have a complaint about an Arlington business, should I send it to the Chamber? The Chamber does not process complaints it receives though you are welcome to copy us in on any correspondence that arises from your complaint. Complaints should be directed to the Better Business Bureau that serves our area, the BBB of Metro Washington. They can be reached at (202) 393-8000 or by email. You can also file a complaint online, by visiting the Better Business Bureau website.