Chambers help area businesses grow to success

/ Potomac News
Published: July 31, 2008

Two chambers of commerce have worked to improve the region’s quality of life and have served their respective business community for many years.

The Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce have more than 2,300 members who work to stimulate economic growth and to make the Prince William region a better place for businesses and residents.

Members benefit from the many chamber programs that help them promote their businesses as well as the chambers’ efforts to advocate economically sound public policies.

The chambers conduct many events where members may network to make valuable business contacts, including trade shows.

Speakers at chamber functions,  business seminars and publications help members stay informed about general business issues as well as obtain practical business information.

The chambers work with Prince William County Public Schools with training sessions and offer college scholarships. They also provide services for area nonprofit groups.

The Regional Chamber also recognizes public safety heroes annually with its Valor awards.

Both chambers work closely with representatives to the Virginia General Assembly to promote public policies that benefit the community, such as education and transportation. The top priority of the two chambers is to help their members succeed.

The two chamber also engage in a friendly game of softball each summer with a picnic to follow.

Rick Hendershot is chairman of the board of the Greater Manassas Chamber, at 8963 Center St., Manassas, 703-368-6600.

Rebecca Barnes heads up the Regional Chamber at 4320 Ridgewood Center Drive, Woodbridge. The telephone number is 703-590-5000.