Learn how to get the most of your Chamber membership in this issue of "Your Chamber Connection"!

1. A17 ■ Prince William Chamber 703-368.6600 Spring 2015 pwchamber.org ■ facebook.com/pwchamber
Successful businesses start with a
comprehensive business plan. You have
a vision, a mission and set of objectives
…a road map leading you in the right di-
rection to achieve success. When a busi-
ness joins the Chamber, the same
strategy applies. The companies that get
the most from their Chamber member-
ship are companies that have a specific
strategic plan for their Chamber involve-
ment. First, define your expectations.
There are many reasons that companies
join: community involvement, advocacy,
consumer credit, business development,
leadership development and many more.
In most cases, it is a combination of a few
different reasons, so it is important that
you are clear about your expectations.
Secondly, understand all the benefits in-
cluded in your membership investment.
Attend a Chamber Orientation. They are
offered once a month and alternate be-
tween Chamber Headquarters and the
Woodbridge office. The seminar out-
lines all the Chamber benefits and
tools and how to use them. Request
a mentor. Our Ambassadors are
Chamber members that have been
trained on how to help new mem-
bers get engaged. They will meet
with you, learn about your
business and expectations and
help you put together a game
plan for your involvement.
Using the Chamber as your
marketing partner increases your
credibility and profile. There are
many, many options for all budgets.
Sponsoring events, advertising, an-
nual Partnerships, exhibit tables, etc.
Know your marketing objectives;
face-to-face with your customers,
public relations, increased credibility
with podium time or perhaps branding?
One of those options is advertising in
our very popular Business Resource
Guide. The Business Resource Guide is
full of information about the area and this
year will feature a dining guide and lodg-
ing guide. It has a minimum of a one year
shelf life and is distributed to all Cham-
ber members, economic development
departments, banks and other high
traffic areas. We’ll be reaching out to
Chamber members regarding the ad-
vertising opportunities available for it
very soon.
Once again, being strategic will en-
sure return on investment. Part of our
job in the membership department is
making sure you understand your bene-
fits so that you are making the best use
of your investments. Whether it’s know-
ing what events to attend or commit-
tees/councils in which to participate or
how to most effectively use the Chamber
as your marketing partner, we are happy
to meet with you to help you come up
with that strategic plan.
A MESSAGE FROM MEMBERSHIP
Develop a Strategic Plan for your Chamber Involvement
Chamber Developing
2016 Business Resource Guide
Visibility, advertising and credibility-
The Chamber’s Business Resource
Guide is published once a year and is full
of valuable information about our commu-
nity. Included in the Business Resource
Guide are demographics and information
on:
• Education
• Healthcare
• Community outreach
• Entertainment
•NEWdiningoutguideandlodgingguide
Distribution includes areas such as:
• 1500 Chamber members
• Economic Development Departments
• Hospitals
• Banks
• Hotels
Members are listed 3 different ways:
• Alphabetically by company or organiza-
tion name
• Category
• Who’s Who contact listing
Become a member by
April 30 and have your
company or organization
included in this valuable
resource. For more info
contact Kris Johnson at
571.765.1881 or by email at
kjohnson@pwchamber.org.
We invite you to belong!
#pwchamber

2. A18 March 25-31, 2015 Gainesville/Prince William Times
T
hank you to all that participated in our
annual Chamber Day on the Hill.
Chamber members were introduced on
the House floor by the Majority Whip,
Delegate Jackson Miller and were able to meet
with our entire Senate delegation. Thank you to
Delegate David Ramadan who was kind enough
to stop by and share his thoughts on this year’s
legislation and a bill he introduced aimed at
eliminating double taxation on businesses.
One of the many highlights of our day on the
Hill was when the group was able to meet with
Senator Toddy Puller to thank her for her many
years of service to the Commonwealth.
She will be retiring this year after spending
nearly 25 years in the state legislature.
CHAMBER DAY ON THE HILL
Chamber members visit State Capital
On April 20, Congresswoman
Barbara Comstock will be joining
Prince William Chamber of Com-
merce members for lunch to dis-
cuss the Northern Virginia
Business community and her role
as Chairwoman of the Science
and Technology Subcommittee.
“This will be her first event
with the Chamber since being
elected last November and we are
very excited that she is able to
join us.” said Brendon Shaw,
Chamber Director of Govern-
ment Relations.
NOVEC-Northern Virginia
Electric Cooperative is the Pre-
senting Sponsor. Limited spon-
sorship opportunities are
available. Benefits include a pre-
mium seat with Congresswoman
Comstock and a display table.
Please send an email to
BShaw@pwchamber.org if you
are interested in participating in
this event. To register, please call
703.368.6600 or go online at pw-
chamber.org.
CHAMBER ADVOCATE
Chamber
Luncheon with
Barbara Comstock
COURTESY PHOTO
U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock (R-10th)
PrinceWilliam Chamber of Commerce
announces date for its Annual LegislativeWrap-Up
On Thursday, May 14, from 8:00-10:00
a.m., the Chamber will host its Annual Leg-
islative Wrap-Up at Old Hickory Golf Club.
State elected officials of both the House of
Delegates and the State Senate will be in at-
tendance to hear how the Chamber’s legisla-
tive priorities faired in the 2015 legislative
session. Elected officials will also be pre-
sented with their annual Prince William
Chamber Scorecard that measures how sup-
portive they were of the Chamber’s 2015
Public Policy priorities.
Prince William Chamber members are
encouraged to register for the Legislative
Wrap-Up through the Chamber’s website,
www.PWChamber.org or call 703.368.6600.
The Legislative Kick-Off was very crowded
in December so register early!
The Prince William Chamber of Com-
merce and the City of Manassas invite the
community to mix and mingle with the
members of the Manassas City Council,
featuring newly elected members: Ken
Elston, Sheryl Bass and Marc Aveni. This
is a great opportunity to meet the individ-
uals who make policy decisions for the
greater good in the City of Manassas. Find
out what drives them to public service
and help them understand the issues that
matter to our business community. Not
only will attendees meet the members of
the City Council, they’ll also sample hors
d’oeuvres prepared by Okra’s Cajun Cre-
ole’s new chef! This event is free to at-
tend. Register online at pwchamber.org
or call 703.368.6600.

3. March 25-31, 2015 A19Gainesville/Prince William Times
The Prince William Business
Academy is a results-oriented,
hands on series of workshops, fo-
cused on providing information
on topics business owners face
daily that can be immediately ap-
plied.
The sessions are ideal for
small growing businesses, entre-
preneurs, and employees seeking
professional development.
Mike Hoover, President of
TML-A Xerox Company says of
the program, “Each 2 hour ses-
sion features topic experts who
delve into challenges we as busi-
nesses face every day. You are
being introduced to proven
strategies for business success.
My staff and clients regularly par-
ticipate and they leave energized
with actionable steps for growing
their bottom line!”
Sponsored by TML-A Xerox
Company, Apple Federal Credit
Union and UMUC-University of
Maryland University College
For a quick preview, check
out these Spring Workshop top-
ics:
• How to Make 6 $Figures
Using Social Media
• Money Smarts for Small
Business
• Networking: It’s Not About
You and Creating Your Elevator
Speech
• Be a Media Magnet v Help-
ing Companies Do Business with
the Government
Reserve your seat today!
Prince William Chamber’s
Business Academy Spring 2015 Term
REGISTRATIONNOWOPEN!
Small Investment. Incredible Return.
All workshops take place from 8:15 a.m.-
10:30 a.m. at Chamber Headquarters, 9720
Capital Court, Suite 203, Manassas.
Detailed class descriptions can be found at
PWChamber.org/business-resources/pw-
business-academy.
For more information contact Suzanne Lewis,
slewis@pwchamber.org or call 571-765-7753.
The cost per session is $25 for Chamber
members, $50 for non-members, which in-
cludes breakfast and materials. Call
703.368.6600 or go online at pwchamber.org
to reserve your seat today!
local
talent.t.lenta
local
JOB FAIR 2015
local jobs. local talent.
• FREE SPACE
• WIFI ACCESS
• INTERVIEW ROOMS
• FREE BREAKFAST AND
LUNCH
• LOCAL TALENT FEATURING
ALL AGE GROUPS AND
SKILL SETS
VENDOR REGISTRATION DEADLINE:
APRIL 1
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
AVAILABLE
Provided by the Prince William County
Development
IT’S JUST THAT SIMPLE.
PWCGOV.ORG/JOBFAIR

4. A20 March 25-31, 2015 Gainesville/Prince William Times
OnApril14,thePrinceWilliamCham-
ber’s Education & Innovation Committee
willholditsannual,“FutureofEducation”
Luncheon,whichfocusesoneducationas
it relates to workforce development,
STEM, elementary, secondary and
higher education in our community.
Each year the luncheon features the
presentation of scholarships to three out-
standing high school seniors who
demonstrate academic excellence, clear
career goals and community involve-
ment.
To qualify, applicants must be the de-
pendent of a Chamber member, or be a
member themselves-just one more ben-
efit the Chamber offers its membership.
Additionally, the City of Manassas
Park will highlight some of their out-
standing educators.
We give credit to Apple Federal
Credit Union, Minnieland Academy,
Lockheed Martin MTCI, Management
and Training Consultants, Inc., and The
Virginia Lottery, for their sponsorship
and support in making this event a suc-
cess.
Anne Holton, the Virginia State Sec-
retary of Education, will be the keynote
speaker of the luncheon addressing the
audience on the topic of “Developing our
Future Workforce.”
Secretary Holton is a lifelong advo-
cate of children and families.
Over the years, her commitment has
focused on providing legal aid to low in-
come families and securing educational
opportunities for children at risk.
Holton championed successful ini-
tiatives on behalf of Virginia’s foster
youth focusing on foster care systems
reform.
She has equally devoted time to im-
proving access to and success in higher
education for foster youth and alumni.
She is the wife of U.S. Senator Tim
Kaine.
The Prince William Chamber Educa-
tion & Innovation Committee provides its
members with ongoing access to one of
the most essential elements of business
success: a ready workforce.
Members of the media and business
community are invited to learn more
about how the work force of the future is
being educated and how they can partic-
ipate.
The luncheon is will be held at the
Manassas Park Community Center (99
Adams Street, Manassas Park, 20111)
from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday,
April 14.
To register contact the Prince
William Chamber of Commerce at 703-
368-6600. Registration is also available
online through PWchamber.org.
PRINCE WILLIAM CHAMBER : EDUCATION AND TOURISM
Va.Education Secretary
Holton to keynote Education
& Innovation luncheon
The Prince William Chamber of
Commerce and Discover Prince
William & Manassas will co-host a
luncheon on Friday April 10 from 11:30
a.m. – 1:30 p.m. to highlight the impact
of tourism on the local community as
well as Virginia as a whole. The panel
discussion will feature four guest
speakers and cover tax revenue in-
creases, job statistics, as well as addi-
tional contributing factors directly
related to our state and local govern-
ment.
“As chair of the Prince William
Chamber of Commerce, it is our pleas-
ure to partner with Discover Prince
William & Manassas to present a new
luncheon this spring focused on
tourism,” commented Debbie Bennett
of Bennett, Atkinson & Associates P.C.
“We will learn how the ‘impact of
tourism’ affects our businesses and
our community. We are looking for-
ward to hearing from the tourism ex-
perts on how our Chamber
membership can help spread the mes-
sage, as well as, how they can incorpo-
rate tourism initiatives into their busi-
nesses.”
Panelists include:
• Rita McClenny, President & CEO
of Virginia Tourism Corporation
• Eric Terry, President, Virginia
Hospitality and Tourism Association
• Ann Marie Maher, President &
CEO of Discover Prince William &
Manassas
• Dr. Maggie Daniels, Academic
Program Coordinator for the Tourism
and Events Management program at
George Mason University
The Prince William Chamber and
Discover PW and Manassas invite you
to attend the “Impact on Tourism
Luncheon” on Friday, April 10 from
11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Stonewall
Golf Club. Sponsored by AAA Mid At-
lantic Car Care, Insurance and Travel.
To learn more about each panelist or
to register, visit our website at pw-
chamber.org or call 703.368.6600.
‘Impact ofTourism’Luncheon