Committees

The Arlington Chamber of Commerce encourages all of our members to get involved in our organization. Committee participation is one of many ways to do this. Participation in one of our committees is a great way to broaden your network of contacts and learn about issues that impact your business. Time commitments vary by committee and the extent of your involvement. Most meet once a month and participation is free.

Did one of these catch your eye? Get involved! Click here to fill out the form.

Ambassador Committee

Communications Council
Chair: Meredith Dittmar, DittmarDesign

The Communications Council connects communications professionals in Arlington and serves as a source of knowledge. The communications field is huge; so to bridge the gap, the council serves as an idea and knowledge-sharing forum. Knowledge is key in our ever-changing technological environment. We can all bring information and an understanding to our proficiencies to the "communications' table" and learn from one another. Click here for committee updates, information and meeting information.   

Community Action
Chair: Greta Menard, Capital MarCom

The Community Action Committee works to strengthen the non-profit voice in the Chamber and utilize their relationship with businesses. It is responsible for planning and executing the annual Volunteer Arlington event that takes place in early May. Their goal is to increase participation in the event from both businesses and Arlington non-profits and to increase the level of visibility of the event. The Community Action Committee is also the host of the annual September Breakfast Connection, which spotlights non-profit/business partnerships. The Community Action Committee has recently compiled a list of Compassionate Vendors, businesses who have offered discounted services or rates to non-profits, in the past. The Compassionate Vendors document provides non-profits with contact information for each company and a brief description of previous/current offers. Click here to find out more about the Compassionate Vendors. Click here for Arlington County's Online Volunteer Connection.

Education and Workforce Development
Chair: Kim Durand, Arlington Public Schools

The Education and Workforce Development Committee coordinates "Changing Places", a program of one-on-one interaction between school administrators and top management of local businesses. Additionally, the committee supports the PRIME internship program and the Chamber's Scholarship Fund (Click Here for more information on the Chamber's Scholarship Fund). They are also striving to create better ways to integrate the Chamber’s member institutions of higher education into the committee with a meaningful and directed agenda. Click here for committee updates, information and meeting information.

Economic Development & Government Affairs
Chair: Sean Hosty, Smith Barney

The Government Affairs & Economic Development Committee serves as a forum for business executives, industry professionals, and, sometimes, government officials to exchange information and ideas on legislative issues and to become more aware of what is happening at the local and state levels. Representatives of the committee present the Chamber’s legislative positions to the Arlington County Board and the Arlington delegation to the Virginia General Assembly. The committee also produces the annual “State of the County” event. Click here for committee updates, information, and meeting information.

Higher Education Council
Chair: John Giancola, DeVry University

The Higher Education Council consists of representatives from each of the institutions of higher education that belong to the Chamber (over a dozen). The group is currently meeting to find common interests and determine a work plan. Membership is limited to individuals from institutions of higher education. Click here for committee updates, information and meeting information.

Hotel General Managers
Chair: Scott Nadeau, Crystal Gateway Marriott

The Hotel General Managers Committee works with Arlington County Visitor Services to provide support and input on the best use of marketing dollars to promote Arlington to the travel industry. The members of the committee represent the hotel community on the various issues that may arise from time to time within the County and the region. They also seize marketing opportunities that promote Arlington as a hospitality destination. Membership is limited to hotel general managers.

Membership Development Committee
Chair: Joe Prentice, New York Life Insurance