April 2025 SFCC Newsletter |
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Casey Whitmarsh
SFCC Chair |
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As a Chamber, we are entering our busiest time of the year, with membership renewals, new businesses and nonprofits joining each month, regular networking events, and a variety of brand awareness opportunities for our members. Additionally, we are actively preparing for our prestigious Achievement Honors Gala and annual meeting on May 8 at Gunston Hall.
If your membership is up for renewal, we strongly encourage you to renew in a timely manner. Our Executive Director dedicates significant time to managing membership invoices, payments, social media content, and event planning. We would much rather see her efforts focused on promoting your business or nonprofit than on sending out payment reminders. |
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If you haven’t yet taken advantage of the brand awareness opportunities we currently offer, now is the perfect time. These initiatives not only support the Chamber but also provide excellent value for members seeking to increase their visibility. One such opportunity is the upcoming Commerce Carnival at the Lorton Spring Fling on April 26 at South County High School, an ideal event for community outreach. We invite you to join us at the Chamber's booth, where you can introduce your business to the public. The Chamber will be hosting complimentary games of chance, and we encourage members to supply branded prizes or promotional items. Please see the details below for full participation information.
We are also deep into the planning of our Achievement Honors Gala, which serves as both a celebration of excellence and our annual meeting. Sponsorship opportunities are available for the event as well as Table Sponsorships. If you are interested, please review the details below.
Finally, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to Dave Kyle and Trademasters, as well as our newest SFCC member, American Legion Post 162, for joining me in sponsoring our inaugural Student Scholarship Awards. At the Gala on May 8, the Chamber will award four scholarships—two for students attending a four-year university or college and two for students pursuing trade school education this fall. We are thrilled to launch this initiative, and I would also like to thank SFCC Vice Chair Brian Gottlieb of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices / PenFed Realty for his leadership in making this program a reality.
If you know a high school senior who could benefit from this opportunity, please share the application link with them before the April 15 deadline.
We appreciate your continued engagement and support, and we look forward to celebrating with you at these upcoming events! |
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Connect & Grow with Chamber Networking |
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Chris Warner, American Legion Post 162; Christian Whitmarsh, State Farm and Eddie Alfaro, Lorton Volunteer Fire Dept |
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SFCC member American Legion Post 162 recently hosted Chamber members and guests at their Lorton facility. Commander Chris Warner and Post volunteers welcomed the SFCC, provided complimentary appetizers and showed off their recent ballroom renovation.
Attendees enjoyed this valuable networking opportunity which fostered meaningful connections, collaboration, and business growth. |
Dr. Swathi Reddy, Kitty Greenstein, Elena Jordon |
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Thank You for Your Support! |
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Boost your brand’s visibility in the South Fairfax community by becoming a Commerce Carnival Patron!
This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase your business or nonprofit and connect with local residents.
Join us at the Chamber’s booth for a day filled with engaging games, exciting prizes, and high-impact networking—all while increasing awareness of your brand in a fun and interactive way! |
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Join us for an unforgettable evening as we celebrate excellence in our community at the Achievement Honors Gala on May 8 at the historic Gunston Hall.
This prestigious event brings together business and community leaders for a night of networking, recognition, and celebration. Enjoy a cocktail reception, elegant dinner, and awards ceremony honoring outstanding businesses, nonprofits, and individuals who have made a significant impact in South Fairfax.
We are also proud to present our inaugural Student Scholarship Awards, supporting local students pursuing higher education and trade careers. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, celebrate, and support our community’s success!
Thursday, May 8, 2025 7p-10p
Gunston Hall Tickets & Sponsorships Available
Secure your spot today! Purchase your ticket now to be part of this special evening.
We look forward to celebrating with you!
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We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their generous support of our inaugural Student Scholarship Awards. Their commitment to education and community development is making a meaningful difference in the lives of local students.
At the Achievement Honors Gala on May 8, the Chamber will proudly present four scholarships—two for students pursuing a four-year university or college and two for students entering a trade school this fall.
If you know a high school senior who could benefit from this opportunity, please help us spread the word! Share the application link and encourage students to apply before the April 15 deadline.
Together, we can invest in the future of our community! |
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Big Thanks to Potomac Music, Friends of the Fairfax County Animal Shelter, Brian Gottlieb Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices/PenFed Realty and Casey Whitmarsh, State Farm agent for supporting the Chamber's full-page ad in the South County Athletic Booster Sports Program! |
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Member input is essential to the growth and success of our Chamber. Please take a few minutes to complete our Chamber Member Survey and share your thoughts. Your insights will help us enhance our offerings, create better experiences, and better serve your needs. |
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