Diversity, Inclusion and Your Business

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Why Businesses that Embrace Diversity
Are Positioned to Thrive in 2021

Driven by the rapid diversification of the nation’s population and the rising demand by consumers and workers for a more just and equitable society, businesses of every size and industry are recognizing the need to adopt sound Diversity, Equity & inclusion (DEI) policies and practices. On October 23rd, the Loudoun Chamber is hosting a community dialogue with national and regional DEI experts to help Loudoun County businesses better understand the need, value and effective implementation of DEI initiatives.

This virtual Community Dialogue will feature a keynote presentation by Rick C. Wade, Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Wade will discuss the U.S. Chamber’s Equality of Opportunity Initiative, an effort to develop data-driven business and policy solutions to create equal opportunities for African Americans and other minority communities.

Following the presentation, Loudoun Chamber Chair of the Board Stacey Metcalfe of Inova Loudoun Hospital will lead a panel discussion focused on helping business leaders better understand how to adopt effective DEI policies and efforts.

Featured Panelists:

  • Alberto Garcia, Administrative Vice President; Business Banking, M&T Bank – A member of the Loudoun County Chamber’s Board, Al serves on the Diversity Council of M&T Bank and as the Diversity Liaison for the HOLA Resource Groups in Buffalo, Greater Washington and elsewhere.
  • Marvin L. Jones, Managing Partner, The Diversity & Inclusion Factor, LLC – A seasoned facilitator, trainer and strategist, Jones has conducted DEI seminars and workshops for 31,000+ military and civilian personnel at 48 U.S. Navy Medicine facilities around the globe.
  • Charlene Wheeless, Principal, Charlene Wheeless, LLC – Wheeless is a seasoned C-Suite leader and executive at several large, global organizations. Her skills and experiences position her to ensure anti-racist practices, inclusivity, and diversity in corporate environments.

Keynote

Rick C. Wade

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach

Panelists

Alberto Garcia

Administrative Vice President; Business Banking M&T Bank

Marvin L. Jones

Managing Partner The Diversity & Inclusion Factor, LLC

Charlene Wheeless

Principal Charlene Wheeless, LLC

Signature Events

Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards

The Loudoun Chamber will celebrate its 57th Annual Meeting & Community Leadership Awards on January 24, 2025. We will honor top community leaders as well as celebrate the success of the 2024 Board of Directors Chair, Angela Mitchell, owner of ARM Consulting LLC. We will also welcome our 2025 Board and the new Chair Scott Loftis, of Atlantic Union Bank. Event Page Here

 

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Annual DEIA Summit

The Loudoun Chamber will host its 3rd Annual DEIA Summit on October 17, 2024. Keynote speakers and workshops will focus on helping your business or nonprofit gain competitive advantages by leveraging diversity and accessibility tools. Event Page Here

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Chamber Classic

In the Summer of 2025, the Annual Chamber Classic will be held at The Club at Creighton Farms. This event has been Loudoun County’s premier business golf tournament for over four decades. The Chamber Classic offers our sponsors tremendous marketing exposure and an incomparable day of golf on this Jack Nicklaus-designed course. View the Event Page

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Small Business Awards

For 30 years, the Loudoun Small Business Awards have been the most prestigious honors celebrating the best small businesses, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations in our Loudoun community. We hope you join us on November 8, 2024, to congratulate finalists and winners in 10 categories, including the top prize, at the 2024 Loudoun Small Business of the Year. Winners are announced in front of a live audience of Loudoun’s top business and community leaders. Event Info Here

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Valor Awards

In the Spring of 2025, the Loudoun Chamber will celebrate 40 years of honoring our community’s real-life heroes, including several truly heroic citizens, for their courageous and often lifesaving actions. Join us at the 40th Annual Loudoun County Valor Awards. Event Page Here

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State of the Loudoun Market

The Loudoun real estate market has rarely experienced the number of challenges and opportunities it does today. It is difficult to make sense of these current market conditions and their impact on economic conditions. In 2025, the Loudoun Chamber will bring together the region’s top economic and real estate experts to examine how the economic and cultural forces influencing this market will impact your business. Stay tuned for more information.

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