Chamber Insider Blog

Thank you to Ryan Thomas, of M&T Bank for serving as a Chamber Ambassador! 

What inspired you to become a Loudoun Chamber Ambassador Council Member, and what does the role mean to you?

I love being in the community and helping it grow. Learning about the businesses that keep our communities running is exciting and helping them in some small way, feels great.

How does your business or organization contribute to the Loudoun County community?

Ryan Thomas, Branch Manager/VP, M&T Bank

We provide many services to many different businesses in all stages, including startup, that can help them make their business more efficient and provide growth opportunities.

What is one memorable connection, moment, or experience you’ve had through the Loudoun Chamber?

Meeting a new member who really didn’t know exactly how to make their new business dream a reality. We were able to discuss the services I provide, but then also put them in contact with two other businesses that could provide services they needed as well. They are extremely happy now and doing what they love and being successful at it!

What advice would you give to someone looking to intentionally grow their professional network in Loudoun County?

Be involved and put yourself out there. It can be overwhelming and nerve racking, but you are not alone and everyone in the Chamber community is great and really wants to see everyone grow their business.

What Loudoun Chamber event or program do you never miss, and why does it stand out to you?

Business @ Breakfast, everyone is there with great, positive energy and starts your day off on a very positive note.

How has serving as an Ambassador Council Member helped you grow as a leader—both professionally and personally?

It has allowed me to speak with so many different people in various settings, which has helped me understand so much about the community and how to better serve it.

What is one tip or best practice you would share with new Loudoun Chamber members to help them get the most value from their membership?

Be proactive, strive to make connections. You only get out of the membership what you put into it, so make the most of it.

What leadership skill has been most valuable to you in your role as a Chamber Ambassador, and how do you apply it?

Being able to collaborate and communicate effectively to help as many members as possible.

How do you balance advocating for your own business while serving the broader mission of the Chamber and the Loudoun community?

I truly do start with how the Chamber can help and the resources it provides. What I do, really is secondary. My favorite part of the Chamber truly is helping businesses succeed and what I do can fit in where needed.

What is one fun, unexpected, or little-known fact about you that most people at the Chamber may not know?

I speak 4 languages, 2 of them at professional fluency.