Chamber Blog - Arlington (VA) Chamber of Commerce | Arlington, VA 22201

What Can I Do?

10/20/2020

Sarah White, Chief Operating Officer, Cowboy Cafe, Lost Dog Cafe - South Arlington, McLean, Dunn Loring

“What can I do?” It seems like I get asked this several times a day in the world of restaurants. “I want to support my local restaurant, but don’t know how I can help.” I get it. We all want to support our local restaurants, but some of us just aren’t ready to dine in, or cannot afford to eat out all the time. That is why I would like to take a minute to tell you how you can be supportive no matter your situation.

How COVID is Changing Your Electric Usage, Creating a Disaster for the Unprepared

10/14/2020

Scott Reamy, Manager Electric Distribution Design, Dominion Energy

COVID is changing how business is conducted across the Commonwealth. As the weather begins to cool, and temporary accommodations are made to adhere to local guidelines, businesses, such as bars and restaurants, may begin to install electric heaters, lighting, audio equipment, and other electronics that require additional electricity. It is important to understand how much available load you have in your panel box and whether any additional work needs to be done to accommodate new electric load.

Phishing Scams: Understanding, Detecting, and Avoiding

10/7/2020

Jack Pittas, Co-Founder of PK Cyber Solutions Inc.

While the increased use of teleworking has created stress and additional headaches for employees, it’s generated nothing but opportunities for cyber criminals, specifically the “Online Scammers.” That is why the use of “phishing” has absolutely skyrocketed within the last 6 months.

Excellent Virtual Impressions

9/30/2020

Rhoda Wheeler, Owner, Agents in Style

As many of us continue to work from home, and utilize virtual meeting spaces, consider polishing your look a bit for the change in season and to make the best impression possible. According to a recent Greater Washington Partnership survey of 430 businesses, more than 70% of DC area offices report they may not return to work full-time until next summer. This means even if you begin a gradual return your office building, Zoom and other virtual meetings will be a large part of most people’s work life, not to mention the networking, seminars, and other groups that rely on virtual meetings to maintain contact.

Take a Mindful Pause to Help Manage Multiple Demands of Work and Family

9/18/2020

Asya Haikin, MA, C-IAYT, Peaceful Mind Yoga Therapy

Since school resumed earlier this month, many of us have been dealing with an added challenge of juggling work responsibilities while helping our kids navigate digital learning. As we are called to answer multiple demands, how do we stay present and respond in the best possible way, without becoming stressed out or reactive?

How Do You Communicate?

9/15/2020

Ann Rosser, Principal, Finding Resolution Consulting

The first step in getting what you want is to communicate your thoughts so you are understood.
How you communicate and interact is at the heart of your success.

Supporting Fellow Members through the Business Directory

9/9/2020

Morgan Cooper, Communications Coordinator, Arlington Chamber of Commerce

Have you ever found yourself in need of a service, like legal assistance or printing services, but you didn’t know where to find options that have the credibility of being recommended by a friend rather than whatever pops up on Google? The Chamber’s Business Directory can help you find those credible businesses! You can utilize the Business Directory for either your needs, or as an easy way to recommend local options to someone else. Either way, it is a great way to give back to the community by supporting your fellow members.

Zoom Meetings: Best Practices & Tips

8/24/2020

Olivia McKay, Operations Manager, Arlington Chamber of Commerce

With COVID-19 changing the nature of meetings, we have all quickly been learning how to use Zoom. Whether to stay connected to friends & family, or to ensure all your business meetings and presentations go smoothly, it has become essential that everyone becomes fluent in virtual meetings. The Chamber hosts a multitude of Zoom events on a weekly basis; in order to be successful, we follow best practices that allow all of our meetings to flow smoothly.

Embracing Arlington Arts Offering Diversity and Cultural Equity Podcast Series This Fall

8/20/2020

Janet Kopenhaver, President, Embracing Arlington Arts

Cultural equity is consistently cited as a major problem in the arts and theater industry. The recent “Black Lives Matter” protests and calls for theaters to put their “statements of support” into action has focused even more light on this issue. A major impediment to achieving more diversity in the arts and culture industry is that while all agree that concrete changes must be made, there has been a lack of insight into how and what these changes should entail to garner results. Embracing Arlington Arts wants to fill that gap.

The return to the workplace begins and ends with the commute

8/11/2020

Zara Seastrunk, Business Development Manager, Arlington Transportation Partners (ATP)

How will your employees commute safely back to work, and how will their transportation options change as the region re-opens? Employers can proactively prepare for a safe, sustainable, and equitable reopening by offering flexible workplace policies, benefits, and commuter resources to help employees navigate their new commute.