On Tuesday, more than 200 business, government and community leaders from across the region gathered at Marymount University’s Ballston Center for the sold-out Northern Virginia Elected Leaders Summit. With a keynote speech from U.S. Senator Mark Warner, the event offered the opportunity for elected leaders at various levels in Northern Virginia to discuss important economic and business topics facing the community.
The eighth in a series of summits that started in 2016, it serves as a collaboration between chambers of commerce from across Northern Virginia. These include the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, Prince William Chamber of Commerce and Northern Virginia Regional Commission.
“Marymount was proud to host the eighth annual Northern Virginia Regional Elected Leaders Summit and bring together our neighboring jurisdictions to address our region’s issues,” said Dr. Irma Becerra, President of Marymount University. “We look forward to our continued partnership with the Arlington Chamber and supporting businesses and the economic environment of Arlington and the Northern Virginia region.”
The program began with a moderated discussion with Arlington County Board Vice-Chair Libby Garvey, Prince William County Board of Supervisors Chair At-Large Ann B. Wheeler, Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeff McKay, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall and City of Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. NBC Washington’s News4 Today anchor Jummy Olabanji moderated the program.
The regional elected officials discussed commercial office vacancy, affordable housing, Metro, child care and economic and workforce development. Following the panel discussion, Sen. Warner delivered the keynote address, discussing his efforts in the U.S. Senate to affect policy regarding home ownership, transportation and investments in human capital. He also praised the dialogue between the local elected officials.
“You rarely see this quality of local elected officials anywhere.”
