The Business Voice | April 2019

THE BUSINESS VOICE

General Assembly Recap The Commonwealth shows no signs of slowing down Taking business global Reston-based videoNEXT takes advantage of a state program helping businesses make footprints internationally Karin’s Florist Where attention to detail and excellent customer service are always in bloom

$

GR W A E AT E R SHI NG TON

THE i-LIST SPRING 2019 | novachamber.org 1

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| SU M M ER 2018

MEET THREE OF THE REGION’S TOP BUSINESS INNOVATORS ON THIS YEAR’S i-LIST

Investment Investmentthat thatspeaks speaksvolumes. volumes.

Investment that speaks volumes.

Since 2006 we’ve invested nearly $2 $2 billion in our Virginia network because Since 2006 we’ve invested nearly billion in our Virginia network because Since 2006 we’ve invested nearly $2 billion in our Virginia network because connectivity is aisbusiness andand economic driver. connectivity a business economic driver. connectivity is a business and economic driver.

ButBut at aattime when ourour lives areare faster andand we’re more connected andand a time when lives faster we’re more connected But at a time when our lives are faster and we’re more connected and productive than ever before, wewe often confuse connectivity with realreal human productive than ever before, often confuse connectivity with human productive than ever before, we often confuse connectivity with real human connection. connection. connection.

That’s why at Cox, we’ve reimagined what it means to to be be your technology That’s why at Cox, we’ve reimagined what it means your technology That’s why at Cox, we’ve reimagined what it means to be your technology provider.

With more than 2,400 employees right here in Virginia, we’re ready provider.

With more than 2,400 employees right here in Virginia, we’re ready provider.

With more than 2,400 employees right here in Virginia, we’re ready to to empower youyou to to connect to to thethe things youyou love, butbut more importantly to empower connect things love, more importantly to tothe empower you to connect to the things you love, but more importantly to the experiences and people that make lifelife worth living. experiences and people that make worth living. the experiences and people that make life worth living.

We’re taking Northern Virginia to to thethe next level.

We’re taking Northern Virginia next level.

We’re taking Northern Virginia to the next level.

The infrastructure’s here, The infrastructure’s here, The infrastructure’s here, what will you choose toto dodo with it?it? what will you choose with what will you choose to do with it?

Kathryn Falk Kathryn Falk Vice Vice President, Northern Virginia Operations President, Northern Virginia Operations Kathryn Falk

Vice President, Virginia Operations Connect with uswith on Twitter @CoxVA or learn at cox.com Connect us onNorthern Twitter @CoxVA ormore learn more at cox.com Connect with us on Twitter @CoxVA or learn more at cox.com

THE RIGHT PARTNER MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE. For businesses in Greater Washington, United Bank is the partner who can help unite today’s vision and tomorrow’s greatness. As The Community Bank of the Nation’s Capital, we have a desire to connect with the people and communities we serve. Customers tell us how much they value these personal relationships with United’s local, accessible decision makers. Your goals become our goals, and this commitment to our customers’ success is what sets us apart.

Congratulations to our own Todd Rowley, 2019-2020 Chairman of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce

BankWithUnited.com | Member FDIC

1

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| SU M M ER 2018

AGENDA

spring 2019

Members Making News

$

New posts, big wins, exciting mergers and more from your fellow Chamber members.

TBV Q&A with Dr. J. Stephen Jones Inova’s new CEO, talks excellence, innovation, and his pre-med degree in… zoology?

10

12

Taking business global

Reston-based videoNEXT takes advantage of a state program helping businesses make footprints internationally. 14

General Assembly Recap

18

The Commonwealth shows no signs of slowing down.

16

The i-LIST

Meet three of the region’s business innovators

The i-List

Spotlight On Education: Virginia Tech’s new Innovation Campus

Meet three of the region’s business innovators

More than ‘Amazon University’

18

22

Small Business: Karin’s Florist

Inside this issue

Where attention to detail and excellent customer service are always in bloom

A letter from the Chair

Nonprofit: The Children’s Science Center

A note of thanks, and a call for involvement.

6

Message from the President and CEO Engagement opportunities, a celebration of innovation, and a request for feedback.

8

24

The Children’s Science Center seeks to reach more students with STEM

26

Signature Events

28

New Chamber Members

30

Change is t

We implement our c

Call your Century 21 Ne

4

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

Upcoming Chamber Events APRIL

26

Women Rising: Map Your Road to the Boardroom At each stage of our careers, what could we do to be Boardready? And how do we get the type of Board seat we want?

Join us for this educational panel session on the roles of Boards and Directors, how they differ, and much more.

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Location: Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce

30

The Value of Veterans and Impact on Virginia Business Join us for a fireside chat with Virginia Secretary of Veteran and Defense Affairs Carlos Hopkins and Veteran Service Foundation Chairman Frank Finelli as they discuss the significant impact the business community creates when supporting Veterans and their families, and in turn the value Veterans bring to our workforce.

Time: 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Location: Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce

MAY

1

The Greater Washington i-LIST Awards The i-LIST, powered by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, recognizes those companies that have demonstrated measurably innovative impact in the Greater Washington region.

Join us May 1 for a highoctane celebration and

countdown of the top 10 most innovative companies recognized on the i-LIST! Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Location: UVA Darden Sands Family Grounds, Arlington

14

Scale Your Business and Stop Working Nights & Weekends Learn the five elements to scale your business that will enable you to do less and gain more freedom to focus on other priorities. Join Mary Sue Dahill, founder, MSD Advisors, and discover how to cut back time on routine activities, while multiplying results and getting your nights and weekends back.

Time: 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Location: Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce

16

Women in Business Council Wine Time & Networking Come join us as we enjoy fine wines and great conversation presented by the Northern Virginia Chamber’s Women in Business Council. The Wine Time will be held at the Volkswagen Group of America’s office in Herndon. There will be refreshments offered while mingling on the show floor. We welcome all to join us for this event.

Time: 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

Location: Volkswagen Group of America, Herndon

JUNE

7

The Greater Washington Good Business Awards The Northern Virginia Chamber’s premier event of the year, bringing together more than 600 business and community leaders from across the Greater

To register for events visit : novachamber.org/events

Washington region. The event honors and celebrates the leadership of individuals, businesses, and nonprofits that serve as powerful champions for good in our community, and honors the Chamber’s incoming and outgoing Chair of the Board of Directors.

Time: 7:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

Location: The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner

13

Mix & Mingle, Meet & Eat Join us for a night of tasty bites and friendly networking. Held in the Silver Line Center Atrium in Tysons, restaurants will serve bite size samples of some of their best dishes.

Also coming soon...

JUNE 21 Building a Culture of Innovation in HealthIT Details to come.

JULY Get Connected Join us Wednesday, July 24, for this networking and luncheon session to learn about opportunities for engagement across a wide array of areas, how the Chamber’s advocacy efforts can support your business, the best ways to connect with the Chamber’s member base, and more. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce 7900 Westpark Drive, Suite A550, Tysons, VA 22102-3853 Phone: 703.749.0400 Fax: 703.749.9075 www.novachamber.org • To learn more about membership, please contact Jennifer Williamson: 703.752.7529 jwilliamson@novachamber.org

THE BUSINESS VOICE Published by

TO ADVERTISE

Contact Kate Sprague ksprague@insidenova.com 540.272.3596 • EDITOR

Susan McCorkindale • ART DIRECTOR

Kara Thorpe • InsideNoVa.com 1372 Old Bridge Road Suite 101 Woodbridge VA 22192 ©2019 Rappahannock Media LLC

e is tough, but not with Cartus.

nt our clients’ relocation programs with 100% satisfaction!

ry 21 New Millennium agent for information.

+

703.753.7910 c21nm.com/offices/gainesville/ THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

5

A LETTER FROM THE CHAIR Members of the Northern Virginia Business Community:

A

t the Northern Virginia Chamber, 2019 has already been busy and productive. In this issue of The Business Voice, you will hear from some of the innovative companies from across the region named to the Greater Washington i-LIST for advancements in innovation.

You will also read about the Children’s Science Center, an important local nonprofit providing interactive STEM programs to enrich the next generation of innovators and our future workforce.

As Chair, my goal has been to continue to strategically position the Northern Virginia Chamber within the region and the Commonwealth as a leader on issues and initiatives of regional importance, creating the space necessary to allow us to convene conversations and foster critical relationships that will benefit the region, its business community, and beyond.

We all enjoy the blessings and benefits of this region and we all share the responsibility of cultivating the next generation of business leaders.

In 2019, I challenge you to join me at one of the Chamber’s many valuable events and think of at least one other person in your organization who would benefit from that event personally or professionally. Whether you’re interested in the Chamber for networking and business development, thought leadership, business advocacy, or professional development, we have a great team at the ready to help you find the best place for you and your colleagues not only to get involved, but also to make a significant impact.

6

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

In addition to the i-LIST Awards on May 1, I hope to see you at all of the upcoming events the Northern Virginia Chamber has planned.

The networking and educational opportunities each provides are unparalleled and I certainly hope you’ll take advantage of many of them.

It has been my honor to serve as the 2018 – 2019 Chair of the Board of Directors as we continue to guide the Chamber to its next era of regional leadership. I would like to thank the Chamber staff, my fellow board members, and membership for an

excellent year of transformation and progress throughout our growing business community. We have much more work to do, but much to celebrate, and I am extremely excited for our future as we continue to work together to move the region forward.

Sincerely, JENNIFER SICILIANO 2018-2019 Chair, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Chief Communications and External Affairs Officer, Inova Health System

Ride Easy to Tysons Corner!

Looking for an easy commute to Tysons Corner? Here’s how.

Express yourself to Tysons Corner along the Express Lanes from Woodbridge on an OmniRide Express bus. Or ride a Metro Express bus from Linton Hall/Gainesville or Manassas to the Tysons Corner Metro Station. To reach other northern Virginia and Washington, DC locations, just transfer to the Silver Line. It’s time to get out from behind the wheel and enjoy a low-cost, stress-free commute. Who doesn't want that?

Save Time. Save Money. Save Your Nerves.

OMNIRIDE.com (703) 730-6664

OmniRide participates in the Guaranteed Ride Home and SmartBenefits Programs.

A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT & CEO Dear Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Members,

I

am honored to serve as the President & CEO of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. Since coming on board in late 2018, it has been wonderful to meet countless members and leaders in our community and hear how our committed volunteer leadership and staff can serve you as the Voice of Business in Northern Virginia™.

It is an exciting time to be a member of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

We have a number of refreshed events and opportunities for engagement planned for 2019. I invite you to attend the Greater Washington Good Business Awards on June 7. Formerly the Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Awards, the Good Business Awards honor and celebrate the leadership of individuals, businesses, and nonprofits that serve as powerful champions for good in our community. The breakfast event will also honor our outgoing and incoming Chairman and Board of Directors.

Additionally, the Greater Washington i-LIST awards, formerly the Greater Washington Innovation Awards, will be held May 1. The awards recognize the most innovative companies that have demonstrated measurable impact in the Greater Washington region and beyond. You can read more about those named to the i-LIST in this issue.

As we look forward in 2019, the Chamber has partnered with McKinley Advisors to conduct a professional membership survey. We value the voice of our membership, and your feedback is key to how we can better serve you and all of our members going forward.

This year, I encourage you to engage with us to experience the value that the Chamber 8 

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

has to offer. Please attend an event, read our newsletters and publications, volunteer, and connect with our Chamber staff. I encourage you to make the most of your membership; your active engagement makes an impact on our vibrant business community and region.

Please do not hesitate to reach out and connect with me. I look forward to hearing how the Chamber can best serve you and your business.

Sincerely,

JULIE COONS President & CEO Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce

MULTIFAMILY INCENTIVE PROGRAM F I N D A TRUSTE D PARTN E R IN WASHINGTON GAS

Learn more at NaturalEnergyPartner.com When developing a new multifamily project or repositioning an existing multifamily investment, partner with Washington Gas and receive: M U LT I FA M I LY INCENTIVES

C U S TO M I Z E D DESIGN S O LU T I O N S

C O M P L I M E N TA RY E D U C AT I O N & TRAINING

O P E R AT I O N A L C O S T S AV I N G S S O LU T I O N S

AbleVets Names Bradley Vice President of Technology AbleVets LLC, a leading provider of advanced IT solutions for government, has named PAUL BRADLEY to its executive staff as Vice President of Technology. A computer electronics engineer and technology executive with more than 20 years’ experience in the fields of healthcare IT, data analytics, cybersecurity, electronic design automation, automated testing, data communications and embedded systems, Bradley brings specialized expertise in program and operations management as well as business development to the award-winning health IT engineering and consulting company.

Volunteer Fairfax Opens New Headquarters On Thursday, January 31, Volunteer Fairfax CEO STEVE MUTTY and City of Fairfax Mayor DAVID L. MEYER cut the ceremonial ribbon at Volunteer Fairfax’s new headquarters in the Burkholder Center in Fairfax. City of Fairfax council member JANICE B. MILLER, Volunteer Fairfax board president RICK GARZA and Volunteer Fairfax board members CHERYLYN HARLEY LEBON, GINGER L. BRISTOW and CLAIRE M. S. MEADE

were also in attendance.

10

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

JPMorgan Chase Expands Entrepreneurs of Color Fund to the Greater Washington Region Recently, JPMorganChase announced Advancing Black Pathways (ABP), a new $6.65 million investment fund aimed at helping minority entrepreneurs access low-cost loans. As part of this, the firm is expanding its Entrepreneurs of Color Fund to Greater Washington, D.C., and seeding the loan fund with a commitment of $3.65 million, alongside a $2 million commitment from Capital Impact Partners and a $1 million investment from the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, for a total of $6.65 million.

The Fund will provide capital and other resources to local minority entrepreneurs from Northern Virginia to Baltimore.

CST Group, CPAs PC and Anne L. Stone & Associates, LLC Announce Merger The Reston-based accounting firm, CST Group, CPAs PC, merged recently with Anne L. Stone & Associates, LLC based in McLean. The merger strengthens CST's presence in the Washington, DC metropolitan area and was effective as of January 16. ANNE STONE, CPA , regarded as a premier provider of tax advisory and compliance services to individuals, entrepreneurs and business owners, will continue in her existing role as Partner in the combined firm, which will operate as CST Group, CPAs PC.

BDO Named 2018 Deltek Global Consulting Partner of the Year BDO USA, LLP, one of the nation's leading accounting and advisory organizations, has been selected as the 2018 Deltek Global Consulting Partner of the Year. Said DAVE SCOTT, Managing Director of BDO’s Industry Specialty Services Group, “Our relationship with Deltek is a true partnership that enables us to deliver quality results to our government contracting clients as one team. We look forward to another successful year of combining our industry knowledge and best practices with Deltek’s premier solutions.”

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

11

TBV Q&A Dr. J. Stephen Jones Inova’s new CEO talks excellence, innovation, and his pre-med degree in… zoology?

BY K A R I P U G H

D

r. J. Stephen Jones took the helm of the Inova Health System last year, succeeding longtime CEO Knox Singleton.

Jones, formerly president of Cleveland Clinic Regional Hospitals and Health Centers, now oversees Inova’s 17,500 employees, five hospitals and an integrated network of healthcare facilities that serve more than 2 million people annually.

He's also a nationally recognized leader in urological oncology and led a strategic transformation in Cleveland to improve quality and safety metrics, expand the healthcare system, increase the use of telemedicine, establish 24 express clinics and rebrand all hospitals under the Cleveland Clinic brand.

Weighty accomplishments, yet the medical field wasn't necessarily Jones' first choice in careers. He has a bachelor's degree in zoology, and once considered a career in journalism. Read on to find out more about Dr. Jones.

THE BUSINESS VOICE: You’re following in the footsteps of Knox Singleton’s long tenure, and you’ve said all the pieces are in place for Inova to become the premier health system on the East Coast. What are some of those pieces and how do you plan to expand on them?

STEPHEN JONES: First, I am especially grateful for Knox’s vision and leadership and for creating an environment we can build upon for years to come. After months of review, we have just recently announced our new mission, vision, values and strategic direction, which really starts by having our entire team understand and work toward the same goals. As the largest nonprofit healthcare provider in Northern Virginia, we have the advantage of superior clinical talent, comprehensive healthcare service offerings and a robust primary care foundation. In short, we’ve taken the 12

THE BUSINESS VOICE

|

steps to clarify our mission, vision and how we can provide the highest quality care for individuals in the community we are privileged to serve.

TBV: You’ve also said research is one of the reasons you were attracted to Inova, which has been a leader in integrating genomics into personalized medicine.

Do you anticipate continuing Inova’s expansion in that field? Are there any other areas of research you plan to explore?

SJ: Our mission at Inova is to deliver world-class healthcare. We know that leading health systems integrate clinical excellence, education and research, which is one reason that innovation and research continues as core to our strategy. Launched several years ago, the Inova Center for Personalized Health is our innovation hub where, for example, the Inova Schar Cancer Institute opening in April will be an integrated service line providing a unique model of clinical care. This is just one example of how our research has been integrated into our patient care model.

TBV: Coming from the much larger Cleveland Clinic system, how do you feel that experience will benefit the Inova family of hospitals, and Northern Virginia as a whole?

SJ: I love Cleveland and have the deepest appreciation for my years within

S P R I N G 2 019

the Cleveland Clinic system. It formed the basis for my commitment to excellence in everything we do. Here at Inova, this is already seen in our patient care and in how we interact with our patients and their families as members of our community.

All five hospitals at Inova are Leapfrog “A” graded, and CMS has acknowledged four of them with an outstanding care rating of five stars, the highest rating, and the fifth with a superior care rating of four stars. I am very proud of the work that is being done in our hospitals and our ambulatory areas.

TBV: How do you view Inova’s relationship with, and role in, the Northern Virginia region – now and in the future?

SJ: I have made clear that Northern Virginia is Inova’s home. We are committed to providing excellent care to the community and to being a strong corporate citizen. Kathryn and I have settled in and regard this as our home. I can’t imagine a better place to do so.

TBV: Do you have a five-year plan for the hospital system?

SJ: Yes, the strategic direction we have just introduced is a high-level path for the next three to five years. This provides the framework as we build out more specific strategies and plans over the coming months. Key driving elements include patients as a top priority and a deep commitment to our people and our culture. Overall, we are developing a unified clinical network to provide the highest quality care to patients and families here in Northern Virginia and, frankly, propel Inova to be among the leading health systems in the nation.

TBV: You have a bachelor’s degree in zoology. We’re interested to know what led to that choice as a major! Were you considering becoming a veterinarian?

SJ: My college degree seems to raise eyebrows from time to time, but it is actually a very common pre-med degree. At one time I had planned to be a journalist, but the call to medicine was stronger and I have been hooked ever since. But if you ask my staff, they’ll confirm the editor in me is most definitely still alive and well.

TBV: You’re an accomplished author and editor. What’s one of your favorite books – not related to the medical field?

SJ: I love to read and more commonly listen to books from Audible in the car.

“Cutting for Stone,” “Boys in the Boat,” and “Who says Elephants Can’t Dance?” are especially enjoyable.

Since 2005, KPS has established itself as one of the fastest growing providers of technology and Since 2005, KPS established Since 2005, KPS hashas established consulting services. itself of the fastest growing itself as as oneone of the fastest growing providers of technology providers of technology andand consulting services. consulting services.

Cloud / Data Cloud / Data Cloud / Data Center Services

Center Services Center Services

Cyber Security Cyber Security Cyber Security Application Application Services Services

Application Services IT Strategic IT Strategic Planning Planning

IT Strategic Program Program Management Planning Management Service Service Desk Program Desk

KNIGHT POINT SYSTEMS IS A SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS

KNIGHT POINT SYSTEMS A SERVICE-DISABLED KNIGHT POINT SYSTEMS IS A IS SERVICE-DISABLED VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS VETERAN-OWNED BUSINESS

WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THE Knight Point Systems has become WE PROUDLY SUPPORT WE PROUDLY SUPPORT THETHE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE theMEN premier end-to-end digital services MEN AND WOMEN OF AND WOMEN OF THETHE andU.S. solutions provider focused on U.S. ARMED FORCES U.S. ARMED FORCES ARMED FORCES modernizing technology, protecting Make the most of your military skillsskills and and Make the most of your military critical resources, and transforming Make the most of your military embark on your next next mission with KPS! embark on your mission with skills KPS! and theembark digital experience the with KPS! on your nextfor mission VisitVisit our careers page at careers page at U.S. Governmentour and its customers. www.knightpoint.com/join-our-team/ www.knightpoint.com/join-our-team/

Visit our careers page at www.knightpoint.com/join-our-team/

CYBER SECURITY PROVIDER OF THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS CYBER SECURITY PROVIDER OF THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Management 703.657.7050l |info@knightpoint.com info@knightpoint.com | 1775 Wiehle Avenue, Suite 101 | Reston, VA 20190 703.657.7050 l 1775 Avenue, Suite 101 l Reston, 20190 703.657.7050 | info@knightpoint.com |Wiehle 1775 Wiehle Avenue, Suite 101 | VA Reston, VA 20190

Service Desk

CYBER SECURITY PROVIDER OF THE WASHINGTON REDSKINS

TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS

Taking business global Reston-based videoNEXT takes advantage of a state program helping businesses make footprints internationally

BY K A R I P U G H

S

o many businesses want to go global, but don’t know how or where to begin. That’s where the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), created to stimulate and support the expansion of the commonwealth’s economy, comes in. Since 1995 the organization has made a big impact helping business leaders launch international trade, particularly in Japan, Europe and the Middle East.

One such success story is videoNEXT, a Reston-based developer of enterprise-class software and video surveillance solutions.

The Business Voice talked with vice president George DeVaux about growing a global business, and how the VEDP has helped.

14

THE BUSINESS VOICE

THE BUSINESS VOICE: Tell us a bit about videoNEXT. Who created it and how did that person’s background contribute to videoNEXT’s success as a high-tech video security company?

GEORGE DEVAUX: Christopher Gettings created the company in 2002.

Previously, he created businesses that provided telephone services and ultimately launched several that deal with internet technologies - including the capture and transmission of both voice and video.

TBV: Tell us about VEDP’s involvement in the development of videoNEXT. Were there programs that were particularly beneficial?

GD: videoNEXT has participated in a number of programs with the Commonwealth of Virginia. In fact, the first trip to Saudi Arabia preceded the official formation of the company.

Since then we have received investments from the region, and today it provides a material portion of our revenue.

The individual trade missions of VEDP have provided great value to videoNEXT. A recent mission to Saudi Arabia resulted in access to a number of potentially valuable prospects, which we might not have approached on our own. We are currently using trade missions (and VEDP local consultants) to improve our penetration of the South American and European markets.

TBV: Tell us about the clients you serve - where are they located?

GD: Our customers are concentrated in the United States and the Middle East. We have customers in Europe, Australia, Asia and South America.

Some customers, like the Air Force, DHS, Aramco, use our software at 40 to 100 sites. Telephone companies will have customers that use the software at thousands of sites.

TBV: How many people does videoNEXT employ?

GD: Nowhere near enough. As we grow, we are adding support personnel

| S P R I N G 2 019

close to the client and affiliated with specific accounts and resellers. Using this personnel leverage allows us to serve the most demanding customers in the world.

In order to deal with the difficulty of hiring technical personnel, we are considering hiring as interns hostcountry citizens who attend American universities in a technical major. Upon graduation, those experienced personnel may serve as resources for videoNEXT or our customers in the host country. We are also considering supplying our software products to American and host country universities to generate an additional supply of educated professionals.

TBV: Tell us about videoNEXT’s flagship products and what is in the works for the future. How does innovation play a role?

GD: The key to the development of videoNEXT products has not been our innovation. The needs and wants of current and potential customers have

driven videoNEXT to find ways to employ technology to economically and efficiently meet those needs. The constant customer refrain is, “Easier, cheaper, better, faster.”

Currently, videoNEXT offers three product lines – JetStreamVS, Stratus, and CAVU. In addition, we provide three ancillary elements – Avatar, VMX, and Mobile.

Telephone companies are the market for JetStreamVS. videoNEXT designed the software architecture to An example utilize the modern of the highcloud structure tech video of computing and surveillance and software storage. In addition, programming we created the offered by Avatar edge videoNEXT, a concept, which Reston-based allows effective company doing operations at the global business. sites of the end Courtesy photo

users with minimal impact on the wide area network of the telephone company.

The turnkey JetStreamVS allows a telephone company to economically provide video security services to its millions of subscribers.

CAVU is our most recently introduced product. CAVU is an acronym – Ceiling And Visibility Unlimited. The target market is small- and medium-size businesses. CAVU operates in the clouds of major suppliers such as Amazon, Google and Microsoft. The end user employs Avatar as an on-premise gateway to the Cloud. Currently, CAVU is only offered in America.

VMX ( Virtual Multi-pleXer) allows the creation of large, command walls in control centers using COTS (Commercial Off The Shelf) components. End users can add monitors without a software upgrade.

TBV: Exactly how does videoNEXT use this technology?

GD: videoNEXT has always employed embedded intelligence in its software. Accurate times and dates were the earliest forms of embedded intelligence. Now, geospatial location is common. Systems routinely classify detected objects as humans or vehicles. Extensive development efforts have resulted in reliable facial recognition and automatic number plate recognition.

Deep learning is no longer reserved for off-line training. It can be used on operational systems. Video data is the biggest of “big data.” videoNEXT has integrated more than three-dozen types of sensor systems. These additional data streams combined with primitive video data and derived data feed the big data analytic system to improve object detection and the analysis and prediction of behaviors.

For more information, visit videoNEXT.com.

When we understand your priorities, we can make them ours. Whether you’re looking to buy a house, a vacation home or an investment property, or you’re ready to renovate or remodel, your home is an important asset that should be part of your overall financial strategy. Speak with your Merrill Lynch financial advisor today about access to financing options to help you pursue the home — and lifestyle — you’ve always imagined.

de Bearn Gray Group

You’ll find the center of your financial life very close to home Let us help you pursue what matters most to you

Patricia de Bearn Senior Financial Advisor NMLS#: 700531 703.779.5367 • patricia_deBearn@ml.com Stephen Gray, CFP ® Wealth Management Advisor NMLS#: 639023 703.779.8745 • Stephen_Gray@ml.com Merrill Lynch 3 South King Street Leesburg, VA 20175

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management makes available products and services offered by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, a registered broker-dealer and Member SIPC, and other subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation.

Investment products:

Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed

May Lose Value

The Bull Symbol and Merrill Lynch are trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ in the U.S. © 2018 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. | AR9NTDT7 | AD-12-18-0320 | 471101PM-0118 | 12/2018 THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

15

GOVERNMENT

GENERAL ASSEMBLY RECAP L

egislators arrived in Richmond on January 9 prepared to address the state’s business over the course of the short, 45-day General Assembly session.

More than 2,000 bills would be filed addressing a wide range of issues, the vast majority of which would be relatively uncontroversial.

On February 1, however, the attention shifted abruptly from business as usual to controversies surrounding leaders in the executive branch. As national media turned its attention to Richmond for the final weeks of the session, the legislature pressed on with business as usual to conclude the people’s work in a timely fashion.

That “business as usual” focused on many issues. The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce maintains a fulltime presence in Richmond during the General Assembly session, advocating on behalf of the business community on issues outlined in the Chamber’s Legislative Agenda, monitoring the activity of the General Assembly for bills that affect the region’s business community and climate, and educating elected leaders across the commonwealth

16

THE BUSINESS VOICE

The Commonwealth Shows No Signs of Slowing Down

BY M I C H A E L F O R E H A N D

on the importance of Northern Virginia’s business community. There are many successes for the business community to be excited about as a result of the work over the “short” session. Following are some of the highlights:

in the years to come. Before any new Amazonians can be hired, however, the innovative incentive and investment package offered

by Virginia to Amazon had to be approved by the state and local government. In contrast to the consternation in New AMAZON York, the General Assembly Last year’s announcement overwhelmingly approved that Amazon would locate a the incentive package, with major headquarters at National the governor and legislators Landing in Arlington/ celebrating the effect of Alexandria injected excitement Amazon’s investment not just into our region about growth in Northern Virginia, but the

| S P R I N G 2 019

commonwealth as a whole.

In addition to the postperformance incentive payments that will flow to Amazon as it hires its 25,000-plus employees, the commonwealth is making significant investments in transportation as well as workforce development to support a tech-talent pipeline of highly skilled workers.

These investments will have wide-ranging impacts beyond just Amazon and its National Landing HQ.

STATE BUDGET Virginia maintains a two-year “biennial” budget, with a new budget developed in even-numbered years.

For 2019, the governor proposed amendments to the budget reflecting his administration’s priorities as well as his proposal for handling surpluses as a result of economic growth. The General Assembly recognized some of the governor’s priorities, but set its own course by developing and passing a budget at the very end of the session.

For business across Virginia, highlights include increased funding for K-12 and higher education, workforce development, and economic development. For economic development, in addition to the Amazon and Micron incentive packages, the commonwealth invested additional funding into its business-ready sites program.

A key priority of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, this funding will enhance the VEDP’s ability to market sites across the state that are ready for quick investment and occupation by a business investor, supporting Virginia’s attractiveness as a place for investment.

The approved budget includes an $83 million increase in higher education funding over the governor’s introduced budget, and a significant amount of those dollars flow to Northern Virginia institutions and students. As part of the tech talent pipeline initiative, the commonwealth invested $168 million in Virginia Tech’s proposed Alexandria

Innovation Campus, which seeks to specialize in producing degrees in highdemand, tech-focused fields.

In addition to this investment, Virginia set aside over $40 million to increase computer science and STEM-H degrees across the commonwealth.

George Mason University and Northern Virginia Community College also fare well, with additional state funding for their ADVANCE partnership, an innovative degree pathway for students enrolled at NOVA to graduate from Mason in less time and at a lower cost. Mason will be able to access additional funds for IT infrastructure improvements, as well as tuition and financial aid assistance. For NOVA, an additional $4 million to the workforce credential grant program will help increase its ability to serve students seeking credentials in highdemand tech fields.

Finally, the budget directed additional funds to Virginia’s revenue reserves, totaling $1.45 billion by the end of 2020. This investment will be important to preserving Virginia’s coveted AAA bond rating.

PROFFER REFORM For decades, local governments across Virginia have worked with land developers to mitigate the impact of development through the proffer system.

Proffers fund infrastructure and other improvements so that services are aligned with community growth. In 2016, the General Assembly passed new restrictions on the proffer system that have stifled residential development across Northern

Virginia. According to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, our region will need over 200,000 additional housing units to meet workforce demand in the next decade. The status quo is unsustainable.

In 2019, the Northern Virginia Chamber’s top priority was to support a compromise solution that would ease the gridlock and provide a mechanism for local government and the development community to collaborate again. Local governments, the development community, and the business community worked together on a package that overwhelmingly passed the General Assembly. With this impediment removed, our region can move forward to address our housing challenge.

– there were two items of significant interest to the business community. A coalition led by a number of businesses across Virginia and supported by the Northern Virginia Chamber recommended the state preserve the deductibility of two items: Global Intangible Low Tax Income (GILTI) and net interest. Not doing so would result in a significant change in Virginia tax policy and would make Virginia less competitive in attracting and retaining businesses.

These two major business tax deductions were included in the final conformity bill, preserving full deductibility of GILTI and 20 percent deductibility of net interest.

THE YEAR TO COME There is no rest for the weary. At the conclusion of a TAX REFORM whirlwind General Assembly AND CONFORMITY session, the 2019 campaign As a “conformity state,” season begins. In November, Virginia annually conforms all 140 seats in the General its tax laws to the federal code Assembly are up for election. without fanfare. However with With the margins so close such a dramatic change at the in each chamber, these federal level last year due to the elections will be particularly “Tax Cut and Jobs Act,” the tax meaningful as they will policy questions this session determine which party holds were much more substantial. the majority in the House for Conformity is a critical step, as the next two years, and in it ensures a smoother tax filing the Senate for the next four. process for businesses and The campaigns and results individuals; however, there in November will give the was substantial debate over business community a sense of how Virginia would conform what pro-business initiatives this year because doing so it can expect to champion in without certain modifications 2020 and beyond, as well as would result in a state tax what anti-business efforts it increase for many Virginians. will have to defend against.

While much of the final 2019 has proven to be a tax conformity bill dealt fast-paced year of surprises with individual filers – in Virginia politics. As including an increase in the election season begins, the standard deduction and an commonwealth shows no across-the-board tax refund signs of slowing down.

Michael Forehand is Senior Vice President of Government and Public Affairs for the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce. For more information about the Northern Virginia Chamber’s advocacy efforts, and for detailed week-by-week recaps of the General Assembly, visit www.novachamber.org/2019-legislative-session

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

17

COVER STORY

THE i-LIST MEET THREE OF THE REGION’S BUSINESS INNOVATORS

BY K A R I P U G H

D

id you know the internet got its start right here in Northern Virginia? It all began with a 1969 Pentagon project called Arpanet, giving birth a few years later to internet protocols and, eventually, the World Wide Web. Today, up to 70 percent of the world’s internet traffic flows through Northern Virginia, where data centers dot the landscape and keep the information superhighway humming along, according to the State of the Commonwealth Report sponsored by the Virginia Chamber Foundation.

Innovation is part of the fabric of Northern Virginia, entwined in our history, our daily lives and the way we do business. It can take the form of new-tomarket offerings, breakthrough solutions addressing complex business or societal problems, or a revolutionary approach to a problem that improves the efficiency and effectiveness of

18

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

one business or our business community as a whole.

Many major advancements are taking place right here in our region, the result of the unyielding determination and brain power of many of your fellow Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce members.

The Chamber is celebrating innovation in our business community this year with the first Greater Washington i-LIST. The i-LIST recognizes the people and organizations introducing new methods, ideas and products that improve our lives and challenge the status quo.

Their innovations create new consumers and markets.

“The Greater Washington region has always been an innovative ecosystem. Our inter-relationships between corporations, academia, government – state and federal – foster creative solutions and incredible entrepreneurship.

We want to spotlight and honor

those who keep us on the edge of invention and impact,” said Jane-Scott Cantus, Northern Virginia Chamber Innovation and Entrepreneurship Chair and Managing Principal of the ILEX Group. “The i-LIST will change the narrative by spotlighting and promoting the innovations of the region.”

Read on to meet some of the Greater Washington i-LISTers, and join us in celebrating their important contributions.

OPTORO For Optoro, a reverse logistics company based in Washington, it's all about the returns.

The company -- founded by self-described “scrappy entrepreneurs” Tobin Moore and Adam Vitarello -- works with big brands such as Jet.com, Target, Staples and Under Armour to streamline merchandise returns.

Simply put, Optoro is a technology company that helps retailers and brands manage,

“The Greater Washington region has always been an innovative ecosystem. Our interrelationships between corporations, academia, government – state and federal – foster creative solutions and incredible entrepreneurship.”

— JANE-SCOTT CANTUS, NORTHERN VIRGINIA CHAMBER INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP CHAIR AND MANAGING PRINCIPAL OF THE ILEX GROUP

$

Optoro co-founders, self-described “scrappy entrepreneurs” Tobin Moore and Adam Vitarello. Courtesy photo.

process, dispose and sell returned and excess inventory. The company’s returns optimization platform uses machine-learning and data science to determine what to do with every single returned or excess item.

The end result, Optoro says, reduces financial, operational and environmental waste.

“Our technology can be deployed at any part of the reverse supply chain, whether that’s a store or warehouse,” said Senior Director of Marketing Carly Llewellyn.

Optoro’s industry approach is disruptive, addressing a legacy industry that has long relied on a static procedure.

“Our technology is totally new and different for the industry, and has enabled retailers and brands to handle returns in a totally new way,” Llewellyn said. “By using machine learning and data science, we are able to have a huge impact on reducing harmful waste in the reverse supply chain.”

20

THE BUSINESS VOICE

The company is big on fostering creativity and rewarding employees, hosting events throughout the year to encourage innovation and collaboration.

“We have an annual hackathon where teams are formed across the company to solve unique problems or come up with new ideas and tools,” Llewellyn said.

“We also reward an individual every month who exemplifies one of our core values -- collaboration, resourcefulness, unconventional, sensible, and hungry.”

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL INC. In 2017, Forbes magazine named Bethesda-based Marriott International one of the World's Most Innovative Companies, ranking the travel giant 19th of 100 on the list – the only hotel company in the top 20.

Marriott started in 1927 with a root beer stand opened by John

| S P R I N G 2 019

Willard Marriott. The hospitality business suited him, and the family opened its first motor hotel, in Arlington, in 1957.

Today, Marriott International’s portfolio includes 30 brands, 5,700 hotels and 1.1 million rooms in more than 100 countries.

Innovation has been at the heart of the company’s continued growth.

After Marriott’s acquisition of Starwood Hotels and Resorts in 2015, the company launched a new loyalty program, allowing members to link all of their Marriott-based hotel accounts.

Marriott has also launched new brands aimed at attracting the next generation of travelers, including Moxy Hotels and app experiences with mobile checkins and mobile keys.

Forbes also recognized Marriott for leading the conversation around travel with its Content Studio, which publishes original content across digital platforms worldwide, and

John Willard Marriott, founder of Marriott International.

He started the company with a root beer stand in 1927.

Courtesy photo.

M Live, the company’s real-time social media command center.

The company has also joined forces with Accenture Interactive to launch the Travel Experience Incubator, a program designed to discover and foster startups working on innovative technologies and solutions to improve the travel experience.

KNONAP Created by George Washington University student Danya Sherman, KnoNap’s mission is to empower, educate and advocate against drug-facilitated sexual assault and crime. All with a simple cocktail napkin.

The KnoNap is a discrete way to test whether a drink has been tainted with rohypnol, otherwise known as the date-rape drug.

Sherman’s invention remains in its beginning stages, with a product launch slated this spring and a U.S. patent pending.

But Sherman has a big

following already and is working with universities, Title IX offices, sororities, fraternities and social institutions to raise education and awareness about sexual assault facilitated through drugs like rohypnol.

Sherman says her entrepreneurial spirit combines her passion for human rights with technological innovation to create “lasting, sustainable social change.”

But it all started with an unsettling, and not uncommon, experience. Visiting Spain, her drink was spiked. That incident led her to experiment with a string of solutions to prevent the same thing from happening to others.

KnoNap’s science is simple. Put a drop of your drink on the napkin.

If it changes color, the drink has been tainted with rohypnol.

Sherman hopes restaurants, bars and other venues will carry her napkins, which she says won’t cost much more than the regular version.

And she’s well on her way.

Since introducing KnoNap

KnoNap creator and George Washington University student, Danya Sherman. Courtesy photo.

in 2018, Sherman has been recognized as a Halcyon Fellow and a Future Founders Fellow.

She also has been named to Washington Life’s 2017 Technology 25 Innovators and Disruptors, as a Cafe 100’s 2018 Change Maker and as Toyota’s 2018 Mother of Invention.

We hope you have enjoyed and been inspired by the innovators showcased here, and that you will join us on May 1 to recognize and celebrate the important accomplishments of all of this year’s Greater Washington i-LIST honorees, each of whom is transforming the way we do business here in the birthplace of the digital age. To register, visit novachamber.org/events

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

21

SPOTLIGHT on education

Educating Virginia’s Future

Va. Tech’s new Innovation Campus is more than ‘Amazon University’

BY K A R I P U G H

T

| R E N D E R I N G S CO U R T E S Y V I R G I N I A T E C H

he Virginia Tech Innovation Campus in Potomac Yard, a $1 billion, 1-million-square-foot graduate school coming to Alexandria, played a key role in Amazon’s decision to bring an East Coast headquarters to Northern Virginia.

But don’t call it Amazon University.

The digital retail giant’s decision to build a $2.5 billion headquarters in Arlington County hinged on major tech education expansions in Northern Virginia.

In February, the Virginia General Assembly approved a $1.1 billion higher education package in an effort to “build a talent pipeline for Virginia to help attract Amazon and solve a critical shortage for the state,” Virginia Tech said in a news release. The university and the state have each committed $250 million to the project.

At its main campus in Blacksburg, Virginia Tech expects to add at least 2,000 undergraduate students studying computer science, computer engineering, and related disciplines over the next

22

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

five years, as well as hire up to 140 new faculty members. At the Innovation Campus, the first master’s degree students will enroll in either existing locations or temporary space within a year, with the campus hosting 500 master’s degree students within five years.

The school began planning years ago for a campus aimed at driving technology education and research across the state, and plans for an Alexandria campus were already in the works before Amazon came along.

“As the land-grant research institution, we stepped up to claim our role of driving economic development by leveraging our strengths in technology and engineering and building on our strong partnerships in Washington," university President Tim Sands said.

The school says that students and businesses across the region will benefit from the Innovation Campus, feeding an ongoing need for highly educated workers in computer science fields.

By the numbers

The Virginia Tech Innovation Campus will triple the university’s footprint in Northern Virginia.

It will include: 300,000 square feet of academic space and cuttingedge researchand-development facilities 250,000 square feet of partner space dedicated to startups and corporate facilities 350,000 square feet of housing space for students and faculty 100,000 square feet of retail and support spaces

Education offerings “The region will benefit from the Innovation Campus, feeding an ongoing need for highly educated workers in computer science fields.”

At a February event hosted by Bisnow to discuss Amazon’s impact on Northern Virginia, Matt Kelly, CEO of JBG Smith, said he believes National Landing and all it encompasses will have a lasting impact in changing the region’s economy by bringing in new business. JBG Smith is the developer of National Landing, where Amazon plans to locate its main campus.

“Amazon will always be one of the most important factors because it will have been the catalyst that kicked it all off,” he said at the event. “But over time I actually envision a day when the Virginia Tech Innovation Campus and the graduates it’s producing, and all of the other employers that fill in around it ... will be just as impactful and important in this market.”

Stephen Moret, president and CEO of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, said Amazon’s choice of Northern Virginia for its headquarters highlights the importance of higher education to the state’s long-term growth.

“Virginia’s biggest employment growth opportunity in the years ahead will be in tech – from artificial intelligence to cloud computing to cybersecurity, and everything in between,” Moret said after Amazon’s announcement. “Our success in growing the tech sector will be inextricably linked to our success in developing, attracting, and retaining world-class tech talent.

“In a knowledge-driven economy, competitiveness and success depend on universities being willing to step forward to do even more. Virginia Tech has done exactly that.”

Virginia Tech’s Innovation Campus will offer one-year master’s degree programs beginning this year, as well as Ph.D. programs, and conduct leadingedge research focused on four areas of computer science with the most workforce demand: Computational sciences and engineering Data science, analytics, and collective decisions Security and “internet of things,” the study of computing devices embedded in everyday objects Technology and policy

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

23

SPOTLIGHT

on small business

Karin’s Florist Where attention to detail and excellent customer service are always in bloom S T O RY A N D P H O T O S BY R O B I N E A R L

O

n Feb. 12, the atmosphere at Karin’s Florist could definitely be described as chaotic, but it was a beautiful, sweet-smelling, well-ordered chaos. Valentine’s Day – the biggest day of the year in the floral business – was only two days away.

Behind the scenes, teams of designers worked quickly and precisely with delicate piles of perfectly prepared flowers to create a variety of unique arrangements, while at the front of the shop, smiling, patient employees helped customers choose exactly the right floral message to send. During the regular season, Karin’s Florist employs a team of 30. But on busy days such as Valentine’s Day and around Mother’s Day, Easter and Christmas, the number balloons easily to 100. Not an achievement most florists can claim.

But then, Karin’s is anything but your run-ofthe-mill florist.

Owner Maris Angolia credits her floral designers with 24

THE BUSINESS VOICE

much of the shop’s success.

“We have world-class designers. There is nothing cookie-cutter about what we do here. We create unique designs, and we deliver locally or anywhere in the world.”

Angolia acknowledges that while she handles the business, she leaves flower designing to her experts, including general manager David Shover, and creative director and director of events, Bryan Swann. “When someone comes in for a consultation, our designers meet with them and design something that’s exactly right.

I do however know that this year’s color of choice is coral,” Angolia said with a smile.

Both Shover and Swann are heavy-hitters in the floral design field; Shover is the incoming president of the American Institute of Floral Designers, and Swann holds a European Master Certification in the specialty.

In business for 63 years and originally located at Seven Corners, Karin’s Florist is named for Angolia’s sister. | S P R I N G 2 019

For the first part of its history the business was operated by her father, William Dukas, and grandfather, George Raptis. Angolia grew up in the business and, after a 10year career in information technology, returned in 1995 when the shop moved to its current location. “Vienna welcomed us with open arms,” she said.

COMMUNITY-MINDED

Angolia has returned the favor. The business supports local charities with its Karin’s

Gives Back initiative. Three years ago, in celebration of its 60th anniversary, the shop donated proceeds from every event or wedding for which it supplied flowers to one of four causes – Inova Health System, Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, the Wish You Well Foundation for Literacy, and Jill’s House.

In 2019, Karin’s Florist will continue to contribute to these and other non-profits.

Karin’s Florist has earned several national accolades.

FROM FAR LEFT TO RIGHT: Owner Maris Angolia. Karin’s Florist employee Jazmin Cannady greets a customer with a special arrangement.

Flowers and bubbly, the perfect pair for Valentine’s Day. At Karin’s Florist, designers create floral arrangements perfect for any occasion.

“We have worldclass designers.

There is nothing cookiecutter about what we do here.”

— MARIS ANGOLIA

The shop was a recipient of the 2019 Wedding Wire Couple's Choice Award and, as part of its neighborhood awards segment, daytime television personality Steve Harvey named Karin’s the Best Florist in America.

At the local level, recognitions include the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Award for small business, and honors as Best of Fairfax and Best Florist in Northern Virginia.

Angolia herself has been recognized by the Washington Business Journal as one of its “Women Who Mean Business” honorees.

Last November, Bernhardt Wealth Management published 600 “Profiles of Success” about outstanding

business men and women. “I went to the event for the six finalists,” she recalled, “and when they called my name as the winner, I was so surprised.”

She said she is grateful to the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce for all of its support.

“I even met my husband, Mark, at a Chamber event.”

Angolia said the business is successful because of its approach. “I tell everyone who interviews with us that we focus on three things: Number one, you’ve got to do your job well. The other two are attitude and honesty.

If you lose the trust of your customers or co-workers, that’s a problem.”

She acknowledged that making sure customers are delighted with her flower designs and service

is not always easy. She remembered one party held in an outdoor venue on a river. “The arrangements were a little top-heavy, and they took flight!”

With a business as personal as flowers, Angolia said that excellent customer service is always her goal. Toward that end the shop uses “See What You Send,” an app that enables customers to receive a photo of an arrangement before it’s delivered. She remembered one occasion where the practice headed off a potential disaster for a client. “A man called in a panic and said, ‘It’s beautiful, but get those roses out of there! This is not that kind of relationship!’”

They did, of course, and the rest, as they say, is history -- 63 years of history that continues to blossom.

KARIN’S FLORIST WHAT: A full-service florist, delivering locally or anywhere in the world. WHERE: 527 Maple Ave. E, Vienna WHEN: Open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with same-day delivery. Sunday and late rush deliveries are available upon request. CONTACT: Call (703) 592-0952 ONLINE: karinsflorist.com THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

25

SPOTLIGHT

on non-profit

Science, technology, engineering and math…

The Children’s Science Center seeks to reach more students with STEM

BY J E N N I F E R E . G O L D M A N | P H O T O S CO U R T E S Y C H I L D R E N ’ S S C I E N C E C E N T E R

N

ot many nonprofits can say they serve 70,000 people annually, but while the Children’s Science Center can and does, the group isn’t content to rest on its laurels.

“It’s not enough,” said executive director Nene Spivy.

Spivy said the organization has a waiting list of schools eager to take advantage of the Children’s Science Center Lab at Fair Oaks Mall and the programs it delivers to Northern Virginia elementary schools, libraries and STEM festivals.

In 2004, a group of community leaders inspired by the Children’s Museum of Richmond and concerned about the lack of a museum or science center to serve the half million children in Northern Virginia set about filling that void.

Originally named the Children’s Museum of Northern Virginia, the museum turned its focus to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in 2008 and changed its name to the Children’s Science Center.

“We are so proud of opening Northern Virginia’s first science center,” Spivy said, “but we still have so much to do.”

Currently the organization serves 55 of the region’s Title I elementary schools (schools with a student base where at least 40 percent come from low-income families) with its Science Night program. Spivy hopes to ultimately serve every Title I school in Northern Virginia, nearly double the number it’s serving now.

Although she is thrilled with the center’s accomplishments, Spivy acknowledged that the current 5,000-square-foot space isn’t nearly large enough for the level of interest in its offerings. A new, larger center is on the horizon, however; in February, the 26

THE BUSINESS VOICE

General Assembly included funding for the future regional science center in its 2020 budget. This, along with the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors’ $15 million commitment to the endeavor, brings the organization to within twothirds of the funding needed to build the new center, which would be near Dulles Airport in Loudoun.

Spivy said the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce was a critical part of this success, serving as a strong voice of support and including the center among its priorities for the General Assembly. A site has been donated, and the new center will be the result of a “private-public partnership committed to building a world class science center and museum.”

Recently, the organization also received a grant that enabled it to refurbish several of the center’s exhibits, add some new exhibits that will debut this spring, and launch a new school program called Science on Stage.

The center caters to school field trips

| S P R I N G 2 019

and underprivileged youth but is also open to the public. Visitors can explore their curiosity through completely interactive exhibits and experiments focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematical themes.

Each hands-on experience has been designed specifically for children ages 2 through 10.

“We want to inspire all children to love learning,” Spivy said, “and our overarching goal is to be the region’s goto STEM resource for hands on STEM learning.”

Toward that end, the Children’s Science Center offers STEM experiences that are accessible to all. Beyond its interactive center and the programs it delivers to schools, the organization has a wealth of information and at-home experiments on its web site, which allow students to enjoy hands-on STEM learning from anywhere.

For more information, visit ChildSci.org or call 703.648.3130.

A HISTORICAL VENUE FOR ALL OCCASIONS EXPERIENCE AMERICAN HISTORY AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF MARINES

TO BOOK YOUR EVENT, PLEASE CALL 703.649.2350 OR EMAIL EVENTS@MARINEHERITAGE.ORG NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MARINE CORPS 18900 Jefferson Davis Highway, Quantico, VA| 32 miles south of Washington, DC

MARINEHERITAGE.ORG

Proud to support

We celebrate the Chamber's commitment to the Northern Virginia Business Community Howard Rothman Vice President - Wealth Management 202-942-2871 howard.rothman@ubs.com

The Washingtonian Group 1501 K Street North West Suite 1100 Washington, DC 20005-1410

ubs.com/team/washingtonian ©UBS 2018. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. D-UBS-CFB979E9

1

2

3

27th Annual Economic Conference: Looking Back, a Decade of Transformation; Looking Forward, a Future of Opportunity

On Thursday, January 31, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, United Bank, George Mason University, and the Washington Business Journal co-hosted the 27th Annual Economic Conference: “Looking Back, a Decade of Transformation; Looking Forward, a Future of Opportunity.” The event focused on the major wins of 2018 and several distinguished speakers and panelists discussed key economic drivers, workplace trends, the effects of Amazon HQ2, and how each will affect and shape the regional economy in the coming year and beyond.

1 | Keynote speaker: Tamika L. Tremaglio, Managing Principal for the Greater Washington Area, Deloitte.

2 | Panel (from left to right) Moderator: Peter Abrahams, Market President and Publisher, Washington Business Journal; Jordan Goldstein, Principal & Global Director of Design, Gensler; Marc Wilson, SVP Global Partnership & Industries and Co-Founder, Appian; Kim Horn, President, Kaiser Permanente Health Plan of the Mid-Atlantic States, Inc.; and Catherine Meloy, President and CEO, Goodwill of Greater Washington.

3 | Featured Speaker: Stephen Fuller, Director, Stephen S. Fuller Institute for Research on the Washington Region’s Economic Future.

1 1

2

VIVA VA 2019

On January 24, the Northern Virginia Chamber and partners from across the region continued the tradition of the annual Viva Virginia reception in Richmond. This VIP event has been a tradition for legislators, policy makers, cabinet secretaries, and Virginia’s business community for many years.

We hope you will join us next year for this private, premier networking opportunity and legislative reception in our state capital!

1 | Todd Rowley, United Bank, Delegate Kathleen Murphy, Scott Ralls 2 | Gary Nakamoto, Nakamoto Group, Jennifer Siciliano, Inova, Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn 28

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| W I N T E R 2 019

2

3

2019 Shape of the Region Conference, The Business Case for Economic Mobility

On Thursday, March 7, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, in partnership with the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and the Northern Virginia Technology Council, presented the 2019 Shape of the Region Conference, The Business Case for Economic Mobility.

The well-attended event included strategy discussions and keynote presentations by Nisha G. Patel, Managing Director, Narrative Change and National Initiatives at Robin Hood, and Brent Orrell, Resident Fellow at American Enterprise Institute.

1 | Julie Coons, President & CEO, Northern Virginia Chamber; Jeff Grass President and CEO, Hungry 2 | Bobbie Kilberg, President and CEO, Northern Virginia Technology Council; Steve Partridge, Northern Virginia Community College; Ken Eisner, AWS; John Wood, Telos; Ray Khuo, SVP, Chief Human Capital Officer, Altamira; Lauren Recinos, Northern Virginia Community College 3 | Julie Coons; Jeff Grass, President and CEO, Hungry; Karla Bruce, Chief Equity Officer, Fairfax County; Matt Erskine, Booz Allen Hamilton

GIVE TO T H E P E R M A N E N T F U N D F O R N O RT H E R N V I R G I N I A

and support our neediest neighbors 1

2

41st Annual Valor Awards Honoring Public Safety Heroes

On Friday, March 22, more than 500 guests including award recipients and their families, area business leaders, community residents, public safety professionals and elected officials, attended the 41st Annual Valor Awards. Hosted by popular News4 anchor Leon Harris, this year’s event once again honored heroes from the Fairfax County Police Department, Fairfax County Fire & Rescue Department, Fairfax County Office of the Sheriff, Herndon Police Department, and Vienna Police Department who have put their personal safety at risk to keep our community and businesses safe.

1 | Leon Harris, Anchor, News 4 at 4, NBC4 2 | Fairfax County Police Officer Nicholas Kirsch and Fairfax County Chief of Police Edwin C. Roessler Jr.

At the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia, we are wholeheartedly devoted to our neediest neighbors and most marginalized populations.

LET’S HELP ONE ANOTHER

www.cfnova.org/permanentfund 703-879-7640

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| W I N T E R 2 019

29

NEW MEMBERS Let’s give ’em a warm welcome

30

THE BUSINESS VOICE

| S P R I N G 2 019

Ad-NOVA Chamber of Commerce-March 2019-PRINT.indd 1

3/19/19 12:56 PM

Bring the Outside In For your next off-site meeting, choose a venue that sparks ideas, inspires action and champions progress.

And where nature never fails to inspire — even when you’re inside.

airlie.com

Warrenton, VA

Our 300-acre property is also a perfect setting for company picnics. Visit our website to submit an RFP or call 540-341-3288 for more information.