Prospective businesses in Chantilly have a new friend and neighbor. The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce has opened up shop on Centerview Drive, one block away from the intersection of Routes 28 and 50.
“It’s very important for businesses in this area to see that we have committed to them by a physical presence,” said Eileen Curtis, president and CEO of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Our new location is large enough to grow into and it will allow us to expand over time.”
With its 850 members, the Chamber is keeping its office in downtown Herndon as well, where it has been for more than 45 years. However, with roughly 200 members in the Centreville-Chantilly area, memberships have continued to grow and the Chamber realized the need to expand.
“THIS FACILITY gives us the recognition of a chamber that has been needed in this location for some time,” said Justin Exner, chairman of the board. The official grand opening and celebration will be held on March 28th.
The decision to put an additional office in Chantilly was practical for the Chamber and for the communities’ needs. “Chantilly-Centreville is arguably going to be the biggest growing business in the region,” says Exner.
Vice Chairman Mike DeMarco said that with the Chamber now located in the heart of Chantilly, there will be more networking opportunities for local and prospective businesses. “This is the best fit for the community so that we can help businesses grow and start up,” he said.
Communications Manager Suzanne Fulton added: “The Chamber contributes to the region economically by helping businesses succeed.” Having worked at the Chamber for the past three years, Fulton says she has seen the Chamber grow and its vision come to life with her own eyes. The new facility is a visible symbol of their outreach.
To give an example of how the Chamber contributes to the region economically, various charity events are frequently scheduled. For instance, on March 2, the Chamber will hold the first annual Corporate Challenge Putt and Party charity event at the Westfields Marriott in Chantilly. The proceeds will go to the Children’s Miracle Network, Chamber’s educational programs, and several others. Exner believes that events like these allow the Chamber to give back to the community.
MANY OF THE employees welcome the move to the new office. Vicki Walton who is the membership manager said, “It’s very exciting because we’re in a fantastic location. We have access to a huge business corridor and local businesses have better access to us.”
Curtis on her part is convinced that moving to Chantilly was the best thing for the Chamber and for Chantilly. The three entrances to the building, wonderful use of conference space, and short 12-minute drive to the other office in Herndon was just all icing on the cake.