The Business Voice | Winter 2021 by InsideNoVa

How Employers Make Working from Home... Work More than a Techie: George Mason’s Paula Sorrell is passionate about challenges, entrepreneurship and groundfloor technologies A Better ‘Second Half’ What’s behind James Coltharp’s KeePressingOn Project

Prosperity on the Horizon

Economists agree good things lie ahead for region after pandemic

WINTER 2021 | novachamber.org 2

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Creating a stronger Northern Virginia, together. 2020 was an unforgettable year marked by events that will impact our business community for years to come. But I know that together, we can overcome anything. At Cox, we proudly embrace the strength of our diverse communities because we believe that diversity improves our businesses, strengthens our communities and contributes to the economic well-being of our region. In fact, Cox Enterprises spends about $800 million annually with diverse suppliers offering high-quality products and services. So, if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a minority, women, veteran, disability, or LGBTQowned business, I encourage you to learn how you can do business with Cox and sign up for our Supplier Diversity Program at coxenterprises.com/about-us/suppliers.

Kathryn Falk

Vice President Northern Virginia Operations

/CoxVA /coxcommunications

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Join the effort to attract and retain the most talented workers and fill jobs in Northern Virginia. The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority is aggressively marketing our regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s companies to top talent across the nation, from New York to San Francisco Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s virtual career fairs, digital influencers or media relations, we offer the tools and messaging your company needs to land talent. And at no cost to you. Contact us to get involved. Visit www.workinnorthernvirginia.com.

AGENDA 16

winter 2021

A Prosperous Future is Ours to Lose

Inside this issue

Message from the Chair Your Chamber in Action Members Making News

6 8

Accolades, distinctions, digital successes, and more about your fellow Chamber members.

Employers Make Working from Home, Work

A Prosperous Future is Ours to Lose

Cover Story:

Spotlight on Education:

More than a Techie: Paula Sorrell brings a wealth of experience to George Mason’s Institute for Digital InnovAtion

Spotlight on Nonprofit:

ServiceSource: Pairing employees with disabilities with employers committed to inclusivity

Spotlight on Small Business

A Better ‘Second Half’: James Coltharp’s KeePressingOn Project helps companies take the right steps

Positively NOVA!

Companies and organizations making a difference across the region.

New Members

Local News that Affects Your Business Join over 500,000 unique monthly visitors – subscribe for daily headlines delivered to your inbox

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Upcoming Chamber Events To stay apprised of the events featured here and all upcoming events, keep an eye on Chamber emails and visit the website for complete details: novachamber.org. The Northern Virginia Chamber offers roundtable discussions and forums for members, in addition to its informational opportunities for the business community at large. Member engagement roundtables focus on topics of interest to a wide variety of businesses and are held monthly.* The Chamber also hosts forums for its government contracting, nonprofit and association management, women in business and veteran and military business councils. These are held quarterly and focus on topics specific to these interest groups. Following is the lineup of events for early 2021:

JANUARY

*Topic submissions for member engagement roundtables may be sent to Carmen Sevilla, Senior Manager, Member Engagement, at csevilla@novachamber.org.

FEBRUARY

Speed Networking Nonprofit and Association Management Council Forum: Strategic Planning

Government Contractor Council Forum

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Member Engagement Roundtable: Business in 2021 – Response to the Pandemic, Lessons Learned and Looking Ahead

New Member Onboarding

Member Engagement Roundtable

Published by

MARCH

Veteran and Military Business Council Forum

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

29th Annual Regional Economic Outlook 2021 This event will provide industry executives with insight into key market indicators economists are watching as signs of economic recovery continue to emerge. Unique to this year will be a deep dive into regional real estate indicators, and discussion about what the pandemic means for the commercial and residential markets. Featured speakers: Luke Tilley, Chief Economist, Wilmington Trust; Mark Looney, Partner, Cooley LLP; Lisa Sturtevant, Chief Economist, Virginia Realtors; William Collins, Executive Vice Chair, Cushman & Wakefield.

Chamber Policy & Advocacy 101

Speed Networking

TO ADVERTISE

Contact Bruce Potter bpotter@insidenova.com 571.333.1538 EDITOR

Susan McCorkindale

Annual Shape of the Region

•

ART DIRECTOR

•

Member Engagement Roundtable Women in Business Council Forum

Senatorial Roundtable

Kara Thorpe

To register and for more events visit : novachamber.org/events

Your source for tickets to events throughout Northern Virginia

InsideNoVaTix.com THE BUSINESS VOICE

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FROM THE CHAIR Lessons Learned From 2020

ear Readers, We are all happy to leave 2020 behind but, as you flip your calendar to the new year, don’t forget to take with you the lessons learned during the past 12 months. Keep them close and allow them to help you become a better leader, partner and citizen… RELATIONSHIPS MATTER; STAY CONNECTED Take the time to invest in relationships. Though not in person, we can still connect on video conference, phone, email and text. Reach out and keep those relationships going – it is good for you and for others. And make sure you take advantage of the many opportunities to connect through the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce in 2021. SYSTEMIC RACISM IS BAD FOR OUR COMMUNITIES AND BAD FOR BUSINESS The tragedies of systemic racism were laid bare this year. We can no longer sweep this under the rug. Together we must move forward to create a place where every person and business is valued, included and given the resources necessary to succeed. When everyone succeeds, we attract top talent and increased investment. I am proud that the Northern Virginia Chamber has launched its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Board of Advisors to help us do more. GOOD HEALTH IS PRICELESS First, an enormous thank you to our healthcare workers especially at Carefirst, Cigna, INOVA, Kaiser Permanente, Reston Hospital Center, Sentara, the Virginia Hospital and Healthcare Association, VitTelNet, and Cox’s own Trapollo, a connected health company. Your hard work kept us safe, and your commitment to providing the best healthcare made me grateful to live in Northern Virginia.

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Second, you are the CEO of your health. You wouldn’t delay important decisions at work, so why would you do so when it comes to your health? Protect your most important asset. If there’s a silver lining in the COVID-19 cloud, it’s this: Now you can have a telehealth visit from home, so no excuses. Have your annual checkup, complete your screenings, get your vaccines, wash your hands and wear a mask. EDUCATION IS INVALUABLE As many of us pivoted this year to take on the role of home-school teachers, my gratitude grew for educators. While learning online is not the same, it is the best option we have at present. Teachers are superheroes, and having the best education system in the nation is key to having the best business environment. INNOVATE, INNOVATE, INNOVATE One of the biggest lessons from last year is that innovation and flexibility are the keys to survival. Many great organizations demonstrated this, including technology and GovCon companies in our region who ramped up to support businesses and governments. A shout-out also to my team at Cox Communications and Cox Business — as well as companies like ours — for their innovative efforts to serve customers despite the difficult circumstances. LEADERS NEED TO LISTEN This year we have seen our families, companies and teams touched by tragedy, loss and pain. We need to ask people how they are doing, not what they are doing. We need to listen with an empathetic ear and point them to the resources within our companies and our communities that support their needs. We need to lend a helping hand to others. One day, we might need that same help.

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GIVING IS GOOD FOR YOU Not in decades have so many needed so much. Organizations like Britepaths, the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia, Easter Seals, Food For Others, the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools, Northern Virginia Family Services, Shelter House, and United Way of the National Capital Area all need your help. It feels good to give, and it’s good for your health. And I believe I’ve already mentioned the importance of protecting your most valuable asset. GRATITUDE IS EVERYTHING When we’re grateful for all we have, we have even more. Many thanks to Julie Coons, CEO of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, and her team, including Clayton Medford, Jennifer Williamson, Jamal Sealey, Kevin Kelly, Carmen Sevilla, John Woodstock, and Homaria Sheikh for their tremendous work getting Northern Virginia businesses “Back to Work.” TIME IS PRECIOUS Time is the only thing you cannot buy, so never waste a moment. Spend time with your family and those in your bubble. Cheers, and my very best wishes for health and happiness in 2021! Sincerely, KATHRYN FALK

2020-2021 Chair, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors Vice President Northern Virginia, Cox Communications

www.pwcded.org

GOVERNMENT

In 2021, We’re Asking the Legislature to ‘Keep the Pedal to the Metal!’ BY C L AY T O N M E D F O R D Vice President of Government Relations, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce

ot off the presses! The 2021 Legislative Agenda for the Northern Virginia Chamber was released just before the holidays, and once again it is something of which members can be very proud – because you made it. The Policy Committee, led again by board secretary Matt McQueen of Peraton, met virtually six times in the fall to develop a new, more streamlined agenda for this year. I want to thank all the members who participated, some for the first time. The 2021 Legislative Agenda has a renewed focus on racial and social equity woven throughout the document. Chamber members strongly believe that our economic recovery must include equal opportunities for everyone, particularly historically disadvantaged populations. Even though we are facing a unique, two-part crisis brought on by the spread of COVID-19, the Chamber has not changed its priorities. A 8

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strong, diverse and equitable economy is still the goal, and we will get there by working together regionally; investing in education and workforce development; maintaining a safe, reliable and efficient transportation network; developing a taxing and regulatory system that is fair and predictable; utilizing affordable and reliable energy sources, and ensuring access to affordable healthcare. This General Assembly has shown that it has heard from the business community on education and transportation, making major investments in both the regular 2020 session and in education during last year’s special session. The 2021 agenda asks that the legislature keep its foot on the gas by creating Gov. Ralph Northam’s G3 community college program and build on the work of the 2020 session to align student requirements and expectations with workforce needs. We need to be creating, attracting and retaining talent to meet the workforce demands of today

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and the future. On transportation, the Chamber is working with other business groups through the Northern Virginia Transportation Business Coalition to help legislators understand the need to continue on the path we have set to expand capacity on roadways and support mass transit. With the pandemic disrupting commuting and other travel patterns, there is a risk that some may want to shift priorities from these critical investments. Getting people from their homes to their jobs safely and predictably remains a key component to economic growth and economic recovery. The Chamber continues to be a voice supporting fair and predictable taxing and regulatory systems in the state. In the 2021 agenda, we call on the legislature to begin the dialogue on comprehensive modernization of Virginia’s taxing system, which for too long has pitted regions of the state against one another to fight for resources. We believe our tax system should recognize economic drivers and support businesses and families trying to grow no matter where they are. It remains critical that businesses have access to

affordable and reliable energy sources such as natural gas. While the move to renewable energy is inevitable, we encourage our elected leaders to continue on the path cautiously and recognize the role that existing energy sources must continue to play in that transition. We also encourage them to recognize the need for climate resiliency standards that are costeffective and data-driven. Finally, the Chamber will continue to advocate for improved access to and greater affordability of healthcare in Virginia. We believe the private and nonprofit delivery of healthcare remains the best way to do that. We will also continue to work with the administration on its efforts to reduce costs through the Smarter Care initiative. By the time you read this, the General Assembly session will be underway. It goes without saying that this will be another challenging year for businesses, made all the more difficult by the pandemic. But I am confident that the economy of Virginia can remain strong and that the Voice of Business in Northern Virginia will continue to be heard. Visit the Chamber’s website to download the 2021 Legislative Agenda.

How can we help you and your business transform in 2021?

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Hogan Lovells joins The Valuable 500 and the American Bar Association’s ‘Disability Diversity’ Effort Members of the DC Retro Jumpers took part in the 2020 Heart Walk digital experience.

The Greater Washington Region Heart Walk Stepped to Success… Digitally! The American Heart Association, the leading voluntary health organization focused on heart and brain health for all, embraced the new normal, taking its iconic Greater Washington Region Heart Walk, traditionally held on the National Mall, online for a digital experience. Participants could complete all activities from their homes and neighborhoods and, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the campaign saw higher participation than 2019. A total of 470 teams and 3,149 walkers registered from 90 contributing organizations, with a record percentage of participants raising funds. Registrants were also actively engaged in the 30-Day Step Challenge presented by Sheehy Auto Stores. Nearly one third of participants downloaded the Heart Walk app and logged 88,847,052 steps. The Heart Walk’s Executives with Heart campaign, composed of local leaders who pledge to donate or raise $5,000, also broke Greater Washington region records. Over 100 people took part in the challenge, raising over $500,000. To date, the Greater Washington Heart Walk has raised $1.6 million in support of the American Heart Association. 10

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Hogan Lovells marked the International Day of People with Disabilities by announcing that it has become a member of The Valuable 500 – the largest network of global CEOs dedicated to diversity. As a member of The Valuable 500, the firm commits to drive change and embed disability inclusion throughout its business. The firm has also become a signatory to the American Bar Association’s “Disability Diversity in the Legal Profession: A Pledge for Change” effort, further affirming its commitment to disability diversity. Pledge signatories recognize that diversity is in the best interests of their organization, the legal profession as a whole, and the clients they serve. By becoming a signatory, Hogan Lovells commits to encouraging others in the legal industry to follow suit. Miguel A. Zaldivar, Jr., chief executive officer, Hogan Lovells.

ACT I Earns Designation as a Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company

George Mason School of Business presents Scaling the Cloud: The Hyper Evolution of Data Centers What does the future hold for data centers as the world’s generation and use of data evolves? Learn about the leading technologies and industry trends that are shaping Northern Virginia’s data centers and impacting our economy. Join featured speaker Dan Madrigal, Microsoft Global Head of Data Center Mergers & Acquisitions, Cloud Operations & Innovation, for this George Mason School of Business webinar on January 28 from 5 until 6:15 p.m.

Using validated employee feedback gathered with Great Place to Work’s survey methodology, ACT I’s certification confirms a consistently positive employee experience at the company. Said ACT I CEO Michael Niggel, “We are thrilled to be Great Place to Work-Certified™. Employee satisfaction is a leading metric at ACT I. This certification underpins our ongoing commitment to our employees and officially recognizes what our teammates across ACT I already know – that we truly are a great place to work.”

For Your Reading Pleasure: Kaiser Permanente’s The Next Normal Published in conjunction with The Washington Post, Kaiser Permanente’s article, The Next Normal, urges employers to stop focusing on a return to “business as usual” and consider how the workforce must change for good by placing an emphasis on three things: physical health, mental health, and social health. To read it, visit washingtonpost.com/brandstudio/kp/the-next-normal/ 12

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Michael Niggel, chief executive officer, ACT I.

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WE ASKED. YOU ANSWERED.

Employers Make Working from Home, Work Before the pandemic, did you have a home office? Legions of us didn’t, and many of us still don’t. But that doesn’t mean our employers haven’t tried to make us comfortable and keep us productive. Just how are they doing that and what are their thoughts on our return to the office? For answers to those questions we sent a quick survey to Chamber members. Our thanks to those who took time to respond. 14

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The Business Voice (TBV): Certain companies are providing employees working from home with things like noisecanceling headphones, partitions and cameras. What, if anything, is your company doing to help employees working from home be as productive as possible? Lisa Whetzel, Britepaths: We’ve provided headsets/earbuds, green screen backgrounds, speakers, printers, video cameras and chairs. We’ve also offered a membership to the WellnessCoach app to promote self-care, plus we’ve offered flexible schedules and more holidays. Vinod Negi, UFX Travel: We have offered state of the

art headphones such as Bose noise-canceling headphones and flexible hours. Mark Ruszczyk, Kaiser Permanente: We’ve provided headphones, HD cameras, computer support (docking stations, monitors, dual monitors), and training (Zoom, Microsoft teams, etiquette training). Frank Sturgeon, ADG10: As an architectural firm, we are considering offering art lessons, specifically in watercolors and clay sculpture. Marisa Krasfig, IntelliDyne, LLC: Very early in the pandemic we gifted tablets to every employee so they could engage with each other over video during meetings and social events to help foster inclusivity. We’ve also provided gift cards to employees for food delivery services or groceries and are offering a subsidy to employees who purchased items to work from home. Kelly Nighland, Lexell Blue, LLC: Nothing extra. They already had the equipment to work from home effectively. Marc Caposino, FuseLab Creative: Nothing that we didn't already offer. Barbara Richardson, WMATA: We provide all equipment (laptops, tablets, cell phones, external monitors, docking stations, system access to various databases via VPN, etc.) necessary to facilitate an employee being fully productive in telework mode. We also provide furnishings, specialized equipment (for those who are hearing impaired or visually impaired, etc.) on an as- needed basis based on reasonable accommodation requests for those who have certain qualifying disabilities. Dawn Bailey, Aronson

LLC: We have focused less on physical items and more on supporting our team members with engagement, training and enhanced technology and communication tools. We have implemented Microsoft Teams (a collaboration and communication tool) and provided virtual training to get all team members up to speed. We have provided engagement activities and tools for our managers to help keep team members actively participating and productive. TBV: A number of companies are eager to get employees back into the office. To entice them, firms are offering things like free lunch, discounted parking, and learning "pods" for employees' children. If your company would like employees to return to the office, are you offering any perks to entice them and what are those perks? Lisa Whetzel: For those who would prefer to work at the office, we've outfitted their desktops with video conferencing equipment: headset, video camera, and speaker. Staff have been very productive working from home, and the majority will continue to do so for the foreseeable future. When we do go back to the office, it

will be a hybrid approach; a lot more time spent working from home. Vinod Negi: We are not encouraging employees to return to the office until COVID-19 is taken care of. Mark Ruszczyk: We are striving to maintain a virtual work environment where possible. Frank Sturgeon: We are considering brainstorming sessions, libation hour on Friday, and cooking lessons from local chefs. Marisa Krasfig: We have provided two â&#x20AC;&#x153;Above & Beyondâ&#x20AC;? bonuses to essential employees who remained onsite throughout the pandemic. The bonuses were tiered based on total hours between March and November of 2020. Kelly Nighland: We are not returning to the office anytime soon. Marc Caposino: We are completely remote for the foreseeable future. Dawn Bailey: We remain open-minded about post-COVID and envision a more flexible arrangement than prior to the pandemic. We foresee enticing team members to come to the office for events, special occasions, opportunities to interact, and learning sessions.

MANY THANKS TO: Dawn Bailey, Director of Human Resources, Aronson LLC / 301.231.6200 / dbailey@ aronsonllc.com / aronsonllc.com Marc Caposino, CEO/ Marketing Director, FuseLab Creative / 540-360-1024 / marc@fuselabcreative.com / fuselabcreative.com Marisa Krasfig, Chief Human Resources Officer, IntelliDyne, LLC / 703.575.9715 / mkrafsig@intelliDyne-llc.com / intellidynellc.com Vinod Negi, UFX Travel / 703-591-3544 / vnegi@ ufxtravel.com / ufxtravel.com Kelly Nighland, Co-Founder and Managing Member, Lexell Blue, LLC / 888-986-6726 / kellynighland@lexellblue.com / lexellblue.com Barbara Richardson, Chief of Staff, WMATA / 202.637.7000 / brichardson@wmata.com / wmata.com Mark Ruszczyk, Vice President, Kaiser Permanente / mark.ruszczyk@kp.org / kp.org Frank Sturgeon, Co-Founder, ADG10 / 703-938-5226 / frank@adg10.com / adg10.com Lisa Whetzel, Executive Director, Britepaths / 703.273.8829 / LWhetzel@britepaths.org / Britepaths.org THE BUSINESS VOICE

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COVER STORY

A Prosperous Future is Ours to Lose

TERRY CLOWER Northern Virginia Chair and Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University. He is also director of GMU’s Center for Regional Analysis.

TELLY TUCKER Director, Arlington Economic Development

LUKE TILLEY Senior Vice President, Chief Economist, Wilmington Trust

BY M I L E S F R I E D M A N

S 16

ome people – yes, even some economists – believe that every cloud has a silver lining. But these days most of us struggle to find that sparkly streak. There is no way to convince those who lost loved ones or those whose businesses failed that something good will come from the COVID-19 pandemic. And yet there are reasons for hope and positivity.

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There is Light at the End of the Tunnel Dr. Terry Clower, renowned economist and professor of public policy at George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis, believes that better days are ahead. “Once we feel that there is some measure of safety, customers will surge back to restaurants,” Clower said. He predicts that businesses that were successful and well-funded before the pandemic will resume prospering once a vaccine is available and consumer confidence is restored. It helps that our region is gifted with advantages that promote long-term stability. These include a federal government that continues to employ people and spend billions of dollars on goods and services right here, as well as a robust workforce of highly skilled, amply motivated individuals who can sustain the location and growth of key local industries.

What Economic Developers Think Professional economic developers also are fairly optimistic about our chances for economic success in the region. Telly Tucker, director of economic development in Arlington County, believes businesses will evolve and adapt to change, rather than wilting beneath it. “This is an opportunity for economic developers,” Tucker said. “We must be creative in the ways we view business, sites, and the workforce.” He also agrees with Clower on the need for the government to do more to encourage entrepreneurs, and sees failed

Conclusion

“This is an opportunity for economic developers. We must be creative in the ways we view business, sites, and the workforce.” TELLY TUCKER, DIRECTOR, ARLINGTON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

businesses as a potential breeding ground for the rise of new companies. Tucker also cites the fact that the region is becoming more and more “tech-centric,” noting that it’s “a solid rock upon which to build a strong economy.” The real challenge may be to see how businesses adapt, and how those adaptations affect profitability and jobs. Most of us know of businesses that have found new ways to generate revenue. Whether that involves outdoor dining with tents and heaters to allow restaurants to operate through the winter, or companies moving more of their sales and marketing to the internet to reach more people, creativity and flexibility are key. This raises the question of whether there may in fact be a real “silver lining” as companies find their adaptations to be more efficient and more productive than the “old ways” of doing business. While the effects of such re-engineering will vary from firm to firm and industry to industry, an overall move toward higher productivity could have a salubrious effect on the regional economy.

The Mother of Invention Luke Tilley, chief economist at Wilmington Trust, sees this as the most positive potential change that the pandemic may engender. As the saying goes, “Necessity is the mother of invention.” He believes that the urgency wrought by the pandemic may have stimulated a significant long-term upgrade to business in general. “We are somewhat optimistic regarding investment in this region, as several factors point to more stability and predictability for the private sector,” Tilley said. As others have done, Tilley sees the split-party control of the federal government along with the arrival of a vaccine as factors that can minimize the likelihood of government or disease inflicting drastic changes on the economy. Safe investment drives confidence, and confidence for investors and consumers will be a big factor helping to restore and stabilize our regional economy.

There are some strong arguments to be made for optimism, and Clower, Tucker and Tilley seem to agree. A robust, educated, motivated workforce, a surging tech sector, a growing small-business community, pro-business local governments, and a track record of enormous successes can all help propel Northern Virginia’s economy as the virus recedes. The very facts that local governments have turned far more attention than before toward both existing businesses and new locations and have more fully recognized the importance of smaller businesses as the “beating heart” of local economies help make a powerful argument for an optimistic future. Needless to say, we will only know for sure how this all plays out as the local and regional economy moves through 2021. Will we warm to the changes in ways of doing business as winter turns to spring? Can we create an environment that encourages our wonderful workforce to remain and grow here in Northern Virginia? Can government at all levels step into a role as a catalyst of positive business health and growth? There are challenges ahead, no doubt. But with a strong underlying regional economic base that no longer depends solely on federal government spending and an array of sterling institutions of higher learning to build and maintain a superior workforce, winning the battle for a prosperous future is, as the sportscasters might say, “ours to lose.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Miles Friedman is an economic development expert with more than 25 years of experience in Northern Virginia,

including seven as director of economic development in Fauquier County. He has served as president of the National Association of State Development Agencies and was the director of legislation and policy for the National Council for Urban Economic Development. THE BUSINESS VOICE

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SPOTLIGHT on education

18â&#x20AC;&#x192;

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One asset Sorrell believes makes her a great fit for the position she’s held since May is her ardent support of entrepreneurs, especially those often overlooked and underfunded, such as women and people of color. Photo by Ron Aira, George Mason University

More than a Techie Paula Sorrell brings a wealth of experience to George Mason’s Institute for Digital InnovAtion

BY S U S A N B A L DA N I

ith a passion for challenges, entrepreneurship, and ground-floor technologies, Paula Sorrell was more than ready to dive into her new role as associate vice president of innovation and economic development for George Mason University. She knew that with Amazon’s decision to build its second headquarters in Northern Virginia, big changes would be coming to the region, and she wanted to be a part of them. During her tenure as director of the Economic Growth Institute for the University of Michigan, Sorrell kept an eye on what was going on with Amazon. “What was really compelling was how Amazon changed the narrative around site selection in economic development,” she said. “They put a heavy emphasis on public transit and talent pool development. I realized that wherever HQ2 ended up, it was going to change the landscape.” When that area turned out to be Arlington, George Mason University decided to develop its Institute for Digital InnovAtion at its Virginia Square campus. It will house, among other things, the new School of Computing. The university’s next move was to hire Sorrell, and one of her responsibilities is to determine how the space will be best utilized. George Mason is the largest public research university in the state, and its Institute for Digital InnovAtion is just a short drive from downtown Washington. Because of this, the school is determined to take advantage of not only its stature but also its geography to partner with technology companies moving to the region to do business with the behemoth e-commerce company. “One thing I always appreciated about Mason is that it participates in the community and sees the value of being an economic driver,” said Sorrell. Mason is unusual, she adds, in that most of its students are from the region and upon graduation, they stay in the region, so it’s an extra win on the economic development side. One of Sorrell’s major goals at George Mason

is to build internal teams and infrastructure. “There’s already a great team here, but our research has grown more than 110% in the last few years and our invention disclosures have grown 53% during the same time period, so those technologies are starting to mature and now it’s time for infrastructure building to support the market transfer of those technologies.” When asked if she has what it takes to lead the university’s transformation into a technological powerhouse, Sorrell points to her well-rounded background. “I’ve been very fortunate to have had the experiences of working at early-stage tech companies getting products to market, to working in government designing policies and programs that foster early stage tech development, and then working at the university level to build the support system so that lab-tomarket activities positively impact the economy.” Before her role at the University of Michigan, Sorrell was vice president of entrepreneurship, innovation and venture capital for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. While there, she developed programs that encouraged the state’s universities to work together, an initiative she’d like to begin at Mason. “All of the universities in Virginia bring different things to the table and all have different assets that can be leveraged.” Another asset Sorrell believes makes her a great fit for the position she’s held since May is her ardent support of entrepreneurs, especially those often overlooked and underfunded, such as women and people of color. “One of the challenges is that backers typically invest in people who look like them,” Sorrell said. “So I’m very interested in diversifying, not only on the tech entrepreneur side of things but the investor side to make sure that people find funding and mentorship from those who can best support their growth.” “I’ve had wonderful bosses along the way,” Sorrell said, “people who were encouraging and supportive. I hope to be that type of supporter for lots of entrepreneurs now.” THE BUSINESS VOICE

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SPOTLIGHT

on non-profits

ServiceSource: Pairing employees with disabilities with employers committed to inclusivity

ServiceSource quickly provided the personal protective equipment necessary to keep essential workers like Rufus, a maintenance worker in Alexandria, safe. Photo by Cade Martin.

BY A N A L I E S E K R E U T Z E R

hen James lost his job at the start of the pandemic, he could have been in trouble. Instead, he worked with the supported employment team at ServiceSource and quickly found a new position at Lowe’s. “We worked with James to discuss work responsibilities, brainstorm solutions to challenges, and review safety protocols,” said Jessica Woody, director of supported employment. “James received a significant wage increase and loves and appreciates his new job.” Fifty years young and going strong, ServiceSource provides employment and rehabilitation programs for individuals with disabilities. It’s also a trusted resource for their families and local businesses who seek a diverse and talented workforce. “Our collaborative approach helps foster a more inclusive and supportive community where individuals with disabilities can succeed and thrive,” said Lisa Ward, executive director of the 20

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ServiceSource Foundation. Last year, ServiceSource and its nonprofit affiliates served more than 29,000 individuals nationwide and more than 4,000 through a variety of programs offered by ServiceSource Virginia. And while ServiceSource administers a number of programs, employment is the cornerstone of the organization. In 2020, ServiceSource Virginia helped nearly 1,500 individuals secure competitive employment through third-party businesses committed to employing a

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diverse workforce or through service contracts it operates with local and federal government entities. HOW IT WORKS ServiceSource works with its corporate partners to learn about job openings and candidate expectations and then matches individuals with those jobs. If needed, ServiceSource provides both the job seeker and the employer support throughout the interviewing, hiring and onboarding process and with on-the-job training after the candidate is hired.

ServiceSource also works with job seekers to explore their career interests and skills. Corporate partners, including Marriott, Cushman & Wakefield and Capital One, provide invaluable opportunities for job shadowing, informational interviews and training partnerships. “By facilitating employment opportunities for people with disabilities, ServiceSource helps the individual and area businesses fulfill their goals of an inclusive workplace,” Woody said. Other local businesses that have partnered with Service Source include Mod Pizza, Lowe’s and AMC Theatres. “We encourage businesses to contact us about their labor needs.” In addition to its employment placement services, ServiceSource offers such business solutions as administrative support; contract management; manufacturing, assembly and packaging; food service operations, and document management. Beyond that, ServiceSource offers participants benefits counseling, family support services, senior services, long-term community integration programs, and more. ADAPTING FOR 2020 In response to COVID-19, ServiceSource launched Assistance from a Distance to support participants with significant disabilities. Activities include sensory projects, virtual exercise classes, computer training and various therapy programs. The classes are held in virtual support studios using green screens to create the look and feel of the environment participants are familiar with and provide the opportunity to

engage with each other as well as with ServiceSource staff. ServiceSource also established and implemented a corporate-wide response to the pandemic using the latest protocols to ensure essential workers received the necessary personal protective equipment. ServiceSource has several contracts to provide essential services to a variety of federal agencies and multiple branches of the military, so the organization has more than 1,000 employees on the frontlines, working in facility maintenance, logistics and administration, custodial operations and dining hall services, among other lines of business. To learn more about the services and programs provided by ServiceSource, make a donation, or get involved as a community employer, visit www. servicesource.org or contact communityengagement@ servicesource.org. ABOVE, TOP: ServiceSource community integration coordinators like Cynthia McKoy conduct virtual program sessions using green screen technology to create the look and feel of the environment participants are comfortable with. Photo by Joel Pace. ABOVE, BOTTOM: After losing his job at the start of the pandemic, ServiceSource helped James find employment in the garden department at Lowe’s. Photo Courtesy ServiceSource.

WE’VE BEEN HERE AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE HERE FOR YOU For over 180 years, United Bank has served as an unwavering partner to businesses in our community. Our commitment to excellence in service enabled us to provide thousands of small businesses with critical funding when they needed it most. During times of uncertainty, the one thing our customers can always rely on is responsive and dependable service from bankers you know and trust.

BankWithUnited.com | Member FDIC

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WINTER 2021

SPOTLIGHT

on small business

A Better ‘Second Half’

James Coltharp’s KeePressingOn Project helps companies take the right steps BY K R I S T I N E M E L D R U M D E N H O L M

ames Coltharp never thought he’d have his own business. He liked the team approach too much. But now here he is, coaching teams as his business. When the Oxford, Ohio, native and economics instructor at Miami University (OH) became an economist for the Federal Communications Commission in the early 1990s, he moved to Washington, where he advised two commissioners and 22

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James Coltharp, KeePressingOn Project. Photo by Tom Hogeback, Village West Photography, Oxford, OH.

eventually became the chief economist. In 1997, Coltharp, who now lives in Arlington, joined Comcast as its first employee in the region. He says he was thankful to learn from Comcast founder Ralph Roberts and son Brian (now chairman and CEO). He helped build the office here, representing Comcast on Capitol Hill and before the FCC, later becoming chief policy advisor.

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“The company was growing into big acquisitions, and a new place in the industry, rolling out new services,” Coltharp said. “It was very exciting, lots of growth, a great way to learn about leading people.” He loved motivating people, thriving in this intensity of growth. “There were very exciting, historic things that were happening… It’s great we went through

services and challenges; we learned to compete. We learned to become better and our company became more competitive.” But several years ago, he started thinking intentionally about his life. Helping a seriously ill friend in his last weeks changed him, and Coltharp grew contemplative. Sitting with his friend, Coltharp kept a journal. In the corner of each page, he jotted “second half,” envisioning what it would look like. “I wanted to get better, and I wanted to help others.” He had already founded Bright Lights Tutoring in 1993, for fourth- through sixth-graders in Washington. He served 18 years with the organization, creating a reading library and coaching volunteer tutors. He found personal fulfillment helping to connect children with professionals; the kids loved that the tutors came “from big jobs to teach them.” He also helped single mothers facing homelessness with job searches. So he assessed. People had said he’d make a good coach, but he’d never thought about pursuing the field. Eventually a challenge pushed him to greater clarity. He’d been practicing ballroom dancing with his partner, Olga Chekhova, for years, focused on being a team, and entering competitions. Headed to a competition in the winter of 2015, while hauling a suitcase, he slipped on sleet and ice covering his porch. Pain shot through his foot. He hobbled to his car, driving to get an x-ray — stopping to beg for crutches from a pharmacy drivethrough window in the snowstorm. The doctor pronounced his foot fractured, saying it would take 14 weeks to heal. Coltharp showed the doctor dance pictures on his phone. “She doesn’t have 14 weeks,” he said, pointing to Chekhova. “This is her profession, and I’m a part of that. What else can we do?” They formed a team strategy, working with a physician, physical therapist, trainer, Coltharp’s partner Chekhova, a boot, and practicing 12 hours a week. (“I learned I could spin with a boot!”)

He also put a freezer in his office to ice his foot eight times a day. “It could’ve stopped me, but it didn’t,” he said. “We got stronger.” By May 1, the couple was dancing in Los Angeles, placing high at the Emerald Ball Dance Competition. But Coltharp doesn’t like to talk about that. Instead, he speaks about how they worked together on the waltzes and tangos. “After a significant injury, the goal was to come back stronger than before and perform as a strong team.” Mission accomplished. During that time, the phrase “Keep Pressing On” became stuck in his mind. “There are times when things don’t look good. You need a conviction that helps drive you to press on.” The phrase, he said, “fit with a coaching mindset, with a desire to help people get better.” “Challenges people experience are similar,” Coltharp said. “They may struggle with how their company is taking off or with public speaking or with how to deliver their best at the moment they need it. Peak performance. What is it that separates someone who’s good and someone who’s a champion?” Coltharp thought more about coaching. He left Comcast in October 2019 and earned an Associate Certified Coach certification from the International Coaching Federation in 2020. Now 60 years old, he’s found his “second half,” helping teams, entrepreneurs and companies “get better, deliver peak performance, and grow.” Naming his new coaching business the KeePressingOn Project (his consulting business is James Coltharp Policy Solutions), he sold the vision, hired four employees and found clients nationwide. “I care about building a positive view of the future, a champion’s mindset, and communicating hope. It’s not about winning but being clear with needs, goals and approach. It’s about excellently executing,” Coltharp said. Adds the dancer, who wears cufflinks engraved with his late friend’s initials during each performance: “Even small steps matter.”

ADVICE FOR BUSINESSES TODAY Coltharp’s KeePressingOn Project launched during the pandemic. Following are his thoughts on leadership during tumultuous times.

This is a time for courage

Coltharp recommends adaptability and hope, pivoting and flexibility in tumultuous times. He also recommends validating the deep losses. Leaders need empathy and intuition to understand that people deal differently, he says. Besides uncertainty and working remotely, in the long run people are dealing with weariness, discouragement and depression. “This is a time for courage. It’s not about feeling good because many may not, but it’s about hope, to believe there are opportunities, and begin to run to those. It may involve focusing differently.”

Ask yourself these questions

When people say they want to get back to normal as soon as possible, he explains it may not come in the way they think it will. Ask yourself “how do you get better, grow, find courage and hope during this time? In business, how can you lead, motivate, and engage teams in a different way? How will you grow?” Companies who understand this will enter into a new time much stronger and with a different posture.

For best results, build trust

People don’t need lists of things to do, he says; they need compassion. For motivating teams during crises, he suggests engagement and trust. Understand your teams—what will help them in their remote environment? One employee might be juggling schooling online for a child; another may be out of state helping elderly parents. Caring, keeping folks together and building trust is important. That will affect results.

Play to your strengths

He says it’s not about working harder but intentionally thinking about “using your natural strengths.” He cites the story of Ethiopian marathon runner, Abebe Bikila, in the 1960 Olympics. Breaking in new shoes, his feet blistered. So, he took them off, running barefoot through Rome’s cobblestone streets. “This is how we run in my country,” he is reported to have said, crossing the finish line 25 seconds ahead of the favorite, and setting a world record.

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WINTER 2021

POSITIVELY NOVA Food For Others’ Power Pack Program feeds hungry kids With kids at home all day, parents need more food than usual to keep their children well-fed and focused on school. To help parents of students in 20 Fairfax County schools, Food for Others is providing Power Packs filled with six meals, two snacks, and two drinks to kids in need. Food for Others’ volunteer drivers deliver Power Packs to Fairfax school personnel, who in turn deliver the food to students. To help Food For Others feed hungry kids through the Power Pack Program, visit foodforothers.org/p3-2

Capital One Center gives back

Photo by Rassi G. Borneo

Movies were shown in the parking lot of the McLean Metro station.

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American Heart Association receives fund matching Through the end of last year, Harrity & Harrity LLP doubled all American Heart Association donations and registration fees up to $100,000 for its Lawyers Have Heart 10K Race, 5K Run, and Walk. Donations to Lawyers Have Heart assist the American Heart Association in furthering its efforts to create a world in which people live longer, healthier lives and can help fast track research and train front-line workers. “As a person who had his life saved by the AHA’s science,” said John Harrity, managing partner, Harrity & Harrity LLP, “this cause is beyond important to me and my family. Our firm wanted to give in a big way and we hope this inspires others to do the same.” Photo by Scott Webb

Last summer, Capital One Center hosted 12 nights of free drive-in movies at the McLean Metro parking lot. The event was conducted in partnership with Second Story, a local youth homeless shelter that provides food, shelter and therapy for vulnerable community members affected by COVID-19. In addition to offering free movie nights for the community, Capital One Center’s movie series raised $15,000 for Second Story.

Virginia Heart Medical Center volunteers packed and donated 1,800 pounds of power packs for Food for Others. Photo Courtesy Food for Others.

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