For additional information contact the GRCC Staff Liaison via e-mail or by calling 703.707.9045. Make your membership dues investment pay off by getting involved in one of our committees and/or discussion forums.
COMMITTEES
Ambassador
Are you an extrovert? Do you love walking up to a stranger and saying hello? Do you want to meet new Chamber members for your own business development interests? Then you should consider this committee.
Committee Co-chairs: Kay Smith, Access National Bank (ksmith@accessnationalbank.com) and Brett Cole, Farmers Insurance (bcole1@farmersagent.com). Staff Liaison: Andra Portnoy (andrap@restonchamber.org)
Communications
Have a special expertise in communications? Like PR, advertising campaigns, branding campaigns, marketing, graphic design, etc?
Committee Chair: Eric Davis, Sans Serif Graphics (eric@sansserifgraphics.com). Staff Liaison: David Cavalieri (davidc@restonchamber.org)
Education
This committee connects with college and university Chamber members to respond to the educational needs of our members. The committee also works to harness the training resources and professional expertise of the region to provide relevant workshops and seminars.
Committee Chair: Donald Shandler, Marymount University (donald.shandler@marymount.edu)
First Responders
This committee works directly with the Reston District Citizens’ Advisory committee to recognize and support the critical First Responders in our community through public recognition of the service provided by our dedicated Fairfax County police, sheriff, fire and rescue employees.
Committee Chair: Kathy Hannon, Cassidy & Pinkard Colliers (Kathy.Hannon@cassidypinkard.com)
Government Contracting
A newly revitalized committee that it taking off! Get in on the ground floor of revitalizing this extremely valuable resource for so many businesses in the Reston area. More info.
Committee Chair: Linda Drake, Falcon Express (linda-drake@fxtran.com)
Incubator Advisory Council
Do you like to work with emerging businesses? Do you have a special expertise or vast business experience that would be of value to a frustrated entrepreneur? This Council is always seeking qualified mentors for a number of exciting new businesses.
INC.spire Director: Bruce Mancinelli (Brucem@incspire.com)
LeadShare
Designed to help businesses gain valuable advice, support and referrals to build their business. Each group has an exclusive profession policy so that your business has the full market share for your group. There is a limit of 25 companies per group, and groups hold twice a month meetings with mandatory attendance.
Committee Chair: Marybeth Henry, MaryKay (mbbeauty@cox.net.) Staff Liaison: Andra Portnoy (andrap@restonchamber.org)
Membership
Help us determine what member benefits (new and existing) are the most valuable to our members and then participate in our annual membership drive.
Committee Co-Chairs: Freddi Donner, For Health and Balance (freddi@forhealthandbalance.com) and Michael Ferraro, TRAINING SOLUTIONS, (ferraro@trainingsolutions.com). Staff Liaison: Andra Portnoy (andrap@restonchamber.org)
Public Policy
This is a number-limited committee but if you are already active in political circles and enjoy delving into complicated and pressing business issues, you should apply to be a member of this very important committee.
Board contact: Jen Sterling, Hinge (jen@pivotalbrands.com)
SPECIAL EVENTS COMMITTEES
Virtual Realty Tour
Join the committee that puts together the largest and most popular annual commercial real estate tour of the Dulles Business Corridor. This highly anticipated and attended event will be right up your alley if you're interested in the local area commercial real estate industry.
Staff Liaison: Andra Portnoy (andrap@restonchamber.org)
Taste of the Town
You already know what it is – and this is for the June, 2008 event. We are hungry for volunteers to dive into this project starting in December. It's the most fun you can have while you are working your tail off.
Staff Liaison: Andra Portnoy (andrap@restonchamber.org)
Chamber Cup
A special event committee that works hard for about 6 months a year (April to early October) putting together our annual golf tournament. Lots of fun and a great way to meet fellow golfers.
Staff Liaison: Andra Portnoy (andrap@restonchamber.org)
Ethics Day
This committee brings the resources of the business community to local schools. Activities include our formal School Partnership Program with South Lakes High School and Ethics Day, a day of ethical decision making held for all seniors at SLHS each November.
Staff Liaison: Andra Portnoy (andrap@restonchamber.org)
DISCUSSION FORUMS
Corporate Counsel Forum
An opportunity for the General Counsels from Northern Virginia's major businesses to discuss issues important to them, to learn from each other while earning CLE credits and to understand the legal challenges that may be coming on the horizon.
Board Liaison: Jen Sterling, Hinge (jen@pivotalbrands.com)
Nonprofit Forum
Want to give back to the charitable community in the greater Reston area? This committee works to help other organizations with their missions.
Staff Liaison: Andra Portnoy (andrap@restonchamber.org)
Executive Women Forum
Join a group of executive women who meet bi-monthly to discuss issues important to them, their careers and their businesses. A noted speaker is featured at each meeting, usually a published author and accomplished woman executive in her own right, who shares her expertise and experiences with the group. Attendance is open to women entrepreneurs or women who hold at least a management position with their firms. Significant Q&A time is provided to encourage personal interaction with the speaker and among attendees. Refreshments are served at each meeting.
Board Liaison: Jen Sterling, Hinge (jen@pivotalbrands.com)
The Systems Integration Forum
The Systems Integration Forum encourages exchange of ideas by supporting technology related activities and events.
Committee Chair, David Dastvar (hd@theinnovestgroup.com).