FAQs

What Does The Chamber Do? / FAQs

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 your business 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.
• Allows you to participate in the process of forming public policy positions.
• 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Does the Arlington Chamber have a monthly meeting? The days of having a meeting for the sake of having a meeting are long gone. Visit our calendar of events to view the Chambers many events and programs.

"What will you get from joining the Arlington Chamber? Membership in the Arlington Chamber gives you more than a sticker to put on your front door or a line on your website. It gives you a connection to people and businesses of all shapes and sizes - people who will welcome you and your business as friends and colleagues. You will have a chance to truly know Arlington and to take a hand in how its future is shaped. Your abaility to make a difference in your business community will be limited only by the amount of energy and interest you devote to Chamber activities."
- Barbara Nicastro, Attorney at Law, The Law Offices of Barbara E. Nicastro

Is there any charge for relocation information? No, the relocation packets are sent to you without charge. Member organizations may insert advertising material into all mailed relocation packets for a nominal fee. Contact the Member Services Administrator for more information.

Why do most companies join the Arlington Chamber of Commerce? Most list “networking” as their number one response. Several reasonable interpretations can be made. Small to mid-size companies (the bulk of any Chamber’s membership) are looking for customers and can find them within the Chamber membership by networking at events and committee meetings.  

What can a larger company expect from the Chamber? Often, larger companies use their membership to just promote themselves without aiming at specific selling opportunities. Or, they are looking for legislative support on issues important to them. Or they see it as a way to give back to (and participate in) the greater business community and the community-at-large.

"One of the best things about Arlington Chamber of Commerce is that it represents ALL businesses in Arlington -- for-profit and non-profit alike. The Chamber helps non-profit organizations partner with local businesses to find volunteers, board members, sponsors and reduced-price services. A Chamber membership is a great investment for any Arlington non-profit."
- Ellen Brown, Associate Director of Major Gifts, Hamilton College

There are many non-profits organizations that are members of the Arlington Chamber. Why would they want to join a business group? The Chamber values highly its non-profit members; they are an integral defining component of the community. Non-profits 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.

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 Stay Arlington.

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.

 If you have a question for the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, let us know.