Frequently Asked Questions
About the Proposed Creation of One Prince William Chamber
What is being proposed?
The Boards of Directors of the Prince William County-Greater Manassas Chamber of Commerce and
the Prince William Regional Chamber of Commerce voted unanimously on October 29 to sign a Letter
of Intent to explore a legal merger of our two organizations, forming a unified Prince William Chamber
that will create many new opportunities and enhance resources for members.
What is the benefit of a unified Prince William Chamber?
The business resources and support provided by a singular organization will exceed those of the
existing Chambers of Commerce, and the new, stronger voice of a united business community will
more effectively champion the assets of the greater Prince William region, promoting economic
development and a high quality of life. The new Chamber will also provide members with increased
networking opportunities in a variety of settings, giving members unprecedented access to business
leaders from throughout the Northern Virginia region.
What role will members of both organizations play in the decision?
Feedback and needs of members were a driving factor in the Boards’ decision to sign the Letter of
Intent. Now members of both Chambers are urged to become engaged in the process, sharing ideas,
asking questions and volunteering to serve on the Transition Steering Committee or the task forces
that will work on the details of the operations of a merged Chamber. Additionally, after the Boards’
recommendation to merge, the members of each Chamber will have a final vote on whether to merge.
Is the new Chamber being formed for financial reasons?
No. Both existing Chambers are financially strong, with a tradition of responsible budgeting and
meeting or exceeding net revenue goals. Additionally, both Chambers have significant reserves. The
Letter of Intent to merge the Chambers, however, mandates that the new Chamber execute a
balanced budget and not rely on reserves to fund its activities.
Is the new, expanded Chamber fiscally feasible?
The preliminary fiscal feasibility of the merger has been assessed by a financial team lead by the
treasures of both Chambers. Pro forma revenues were established by combining existing revenues
and removing duplicate dues from businesses that belong to both Chambers, approximately 10
percent of dues revenue. Likewise, pro forma expenses were based on existing expenses less those
that were duplicative. Additionally, two new positions were included: the salaries of a new CEO and
a government relations manager. The pro forma budget does not anticipate additional membership
growth at the outset and develops several founding sponsorships to offset a slight increase in
expenses. Following the tradition of conservative financial projections, the pro forma budget reflects
no membership growth in the first year.
How will my dues be affected?
Dues for the One Chamber will be comparable to those of the existing Chambers, with the new dues
structure based on that of the existing Chambers. Companies with membership in both Chambers and
existing sponsors will be treated in a manner that is fair and equitable.
Where will the One Chamber’s office be located?
As envisioned, the new organization will initially have a combined central office and ultimately a
signature headquarters with district offices to serve the membership. The district offices in Manassas
and Gainesville will be maintained, with additional offices to be added mid-county and in the
Quantico/Dumfries area. With locations throughout the Prince William region, Chamber services and
events will be easily accessible to all area businesses.
Where will events and activities be held?
Events will be held throughout the Prince William area. Some events will be community-wide and held
at larger event venues; others will be more local and held in the district offices or at a local business.
In the future, the headquarters building will be the site of many of the new Chamber’s committee and
Board of Directors meetings.
What kinds of events and activities will take place?
The new Chamber will combine the best programming of each of the existing Chambers, while adding
new events as the needs of members evolve. Signature events such as the Valor Awards public safety
recognition program and Connections trade show will continue, as well as quality economic
development, public policy and quality of life programming. There will be many networking events,
including Business Before and After Hours and Speed Networking. Chamber committees that address
small business needs, legislative action and community outreach will be included in the new
organization, as will opportunities for forming industry-specific roundtables.
What will happen to existing Chamber staff?
With a larger membership and an expanded footprint, the talents and experience of all existing
Chamber staff will be essential. Both Presidents of the existing Chambers will serve as executive
management of in the new Chamber and will assist a search committee in recruiting a new Chief
Executive. The appointing of a CEO will allow the new Chamber to form as a new entity without the
perception of allegiance to either of the original Chambers.
How will having one Prince William Chamber impact membership?
Membership growth is anticipated, as a single Prince William Chamber can engage local organizations
that, confronted with a dual chamber environment, previously refrained from joining either
organization. Additionally, the broader range of services and centralized business resources will make
the new Chamber a magnet for companies throughout that Northern Virginia region. A diverse range
of services will ensure that all members have access to programming that meets the unique needs of
their business, large or small, from not-for-profit to government contractor.
How will the new Chamber enhance economic development in Prince William?
Uniting our business community will strengthen the voice of our membership, allowing us to elevate
the status of Prince William as a premier location in which to do business, work, live and play. As the
Northern Virginia region expands to encompass Loudoun, Fauquier and Stafford Counties and the City
of Fredericksburg, the Prince William area is central in the “new” Northern Virginia. By forming a
unified Prince William Chamber of Commerce, we can forge a new and energized organization that will
be better able to enhance the competitive position of Prince William among its neighbors and establish
it as a magnet for new companies. This growth will create additional opportunities for existing
businesses, expanding the local economic base.
When will the One Chamber be formed?
Subject to input from members, the Boards of Directors of the existing Chambers will vote whether to
sign a merger agreement in January. A 30-day period of due diligence will follow, during which there
will be a review of the financial and legal records of the existing Chambers. Upon completion of the
due diligence period, the Boards will vote on the signing of a final merger agreement. The
membership of the existing Chambers will then be provided a 25-day notice of separate membership
meetings, at which each membership will vote to approve the decision of their respective Boards. The
merger of the two existing Chambers and the creation of the new Chamber could be finalized as early
as Spring 2010, after the filing of necessary merger documents with the State Corporation
Commission.
Where can members obtain answers to other questions or provide input?
The Chambers want to hear from members:
Prince William County-Greater Manassas
Prince William Regional
Chairman: Molly Grove
Immediate Past Chairman: Jim DiModica
703- 993-8376; mgrove1@gmu.edu
703-396-8205, x100; jim.dimodica@aptimpact.com
President: Debbie Jones
President: Laurie Wieder
703-368-6600, djones@pwcgmcc.org
703-590-5000, lwieder@regionalChamber.org