Business Voice | Fall 2020

MEET THE 2020 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

DOING WELL by DOING GOOD for VETERANS

Bonnie Tavolazzi, 2020 Veteran Employee of the Year

Diversity and Inclusion Start at the Top GMU Finds Kindred Spirit in New President

Chamber’s Advocacy in Full Swing

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Inclusion makes us stronger Our parent company began its journey in 1898 as a local newspaper business. Today, 120+ years later, we’re using that same innovative mindset and technology to build a better future for the next generation. We do this by powering smart cities, pioneering greener modes of transportation and reducing global waste.

But building a better future also includes ensuring a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. At Cox, it’s an essential part of both our culture and our business strategy.

It’s also the right thing to do.

Diversity makes us better, but inclusion makes us stronger. Having multiple perspectives allows us to authentically connect with our customers ensuring we offer the very best products and services in the market.

As business leaders, we must start walking the talk if we’re serious about our commitments to diversity. The Commonwealth of Virginia is counting on our Northern Virginia business community to get this right.

Kathryn Falk

Vice President Northern Virginia Operations

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/CoxVA /coxcommunications

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AGENDA Inside this issue

fall 2020

Message from the Chair Your Chamber in Action

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Advocacy Takes on Greater Offseason Role During Pandemic. 8

Members Making News

Award wins, back-to-school programs that make the grade, and more about your fellow Chamber members.

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Diversity and Inclusion Starts at the Top

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Meet the 2020 Distinguished Service Award winners.

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Doing Well by Doing Good for Veterans

Celebrating 18 Years of the Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards 18 Spotlight on Education

George Mason University Finds Kindred Spirit in New President Dr. Gregory Washington.

Spotlight on Nonprofit

Nonprofits Enrich the Fabric of Our Community.

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Spotlight on Small Business

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Doing Well by Doing Good for Veterans

When Each Voice Matters: How Slalom and Helios Are Making Sure Employees Are Heard.

Positively NOVA!

Companies and organizations making a difference across the region.

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New Members

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On the Cover: 2020 Veteran Employee of the Year Bonnie Tavolazzi of Echo Five Group.

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.

OCTOBER

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Vetrepreneur Veteran Entrepreneurs continue their service to their communities and the nation when they form companies, create jobs, solve complex problems, and contribute to economic growth. Join us to hear from a distinguished panel of VETREPRENEURS as they share insights on their companies’ growth paths and on how being a Veteran shaped their vision and success.

NOVEMBER

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18th Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards™ The Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards™ is the premier celebratory event honoring the leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence of the people and businesses in the region’s government contracting community.

Presented by the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Professional Services Council, the 18th Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards™ will be presented virtually this year and will benefit TD Foundation.

NOVEMBER

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

NOVEMBER

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Veteran and Military Council: Engage and Retain your Veteran Employees: Best Practices for creating a Veterans Employee Resource Group Has your company established a Veterans Employee Resource Group? What are you waiting for? In this fourth and final installment of our Veteran and Military Business Council hiring series, our speakers will share the advantages to creating your own Veterans Employee Resource Group.

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

DECEMBER

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Women in Business Signature Event: Evolution of Diversity and Inclusion – the New Frontier: Belonging What is the next step in becoming a truly diverse and inclusive organization?

Creating a safe space where all feel welcomed and safe and that they belong. Join us to learn from leaders committed to ensuring not only the physical safety but psychological safety of all of their employees and discover “nudge” management, a technique proving that small, steady, incremental steps can have profoundly positive impacts to increasing the diversity, inclusion and belonging for all employees.

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FROM THE CHAIR Dear Readers: There’s only one constant in life and that is change.

Never in our history have these words been more true for us as business people, family members, and citizens.

Facing numerous crises simultaneously — a pandemic, social justice, and more — is challenging us like never before, but also offering us opportunities to grow and adapt. To change.

Our workplace has changed, but we can work together to adapt and operate safely. We must operate in different ways with precautions and a renewed focus on taking care of our employees so they can take care of our customers and our businesses. This is why I am proud of the work the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce has done in partnership with the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance in securing Go Virginia funding to build a “one-stop” website and information hub for businesses in the region.

I encourage you to visit novabacktowork.com where you will find information on business continuity, recovery, and workforce training.

It also demonstrates we are stronger together when we work together. And we are doing just that in partnering with Northern Virginia Community College; George Mason University; the Arlington/ Alexandria and Fairfax/Loudoun/Prince William workforce boards; the Fairfax, Alexandria, Arlington, Loudoun and Prince William economic development authorities; and the Alexandria, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William, Dulles Regional and Reston chambers of commerce.

As we approach the season of giving, it's more important than ever to also focus on helping those in our communities most deeply affected by this crisis.

Groups like the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia, Northern Virginia Family Services, Food For Others and many more are doing vital work to support our community. Please take time to help them. Thanks also to Cox Communications during this crisis for supporting our community with donations of 105,000 masks to Inova, large grants to food banks and to the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools Access Fund. Additionally, through Connect2Compete, Cox is offering low-cost Internet service to families in need with no deposits and no installation fees. The company is providing two months of free service, wifi modems, and is waiving late fees. Because we know that an Internet connection is needed for every family now more than ever.

In terms of social justice, we also must change. Northern Virginia’s enormous diversity is a tremendous strength and a proven magnet for the best companies and best workers. But we must continue to broaden opportunities for all, and so I am pleased to announce that our Executive Committee has approved a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion strategic plan.

It will include opportunities for us to all work together to strengthen our region. It will also make it clear that systemic racism has no home in Northern Virginia. I am proud of the work my company, Cox Communications, is doing in this area. We've established a $1 million fund to help organizations that support social justice and civil and human rights, conducted town halls and forums in every department and at every level, and recently our CEO, Alex Taylor, led a conversation with The Daily Show’s Trevor Noah at an all-employee meeting. We are focused on empowering our employees and our communities to bring about positive change.

In Northern Virginia, let’s commit to taking this opportunity of unprecedented change to move our region forward and come out stronger. Northern Virginia is #BetterTogether.

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

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GOVERNMENT

Advocacy Takes on Greater Offseason Role During Pandemic

BY C L AY T O N M E D F O R D Vice President of Government Relations, Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce

I

n a normal year, the late spring and summer are a time for events, policy research and relationship-building for the person in charge of business advocacy at the Chamber.

That usually entails bringing policy leaders before our members at events, meeting with legislators, and traveling around the region and to Richmond for meetings. In all, it’s a slower time compared to the 45-60 days of a legislative session that precede it.

This year, however, is not normal. Not even close!

Instead of traveling anywhere, I have been stationed at my home office. Events have moved online and increased in number. Since the first stay-athome orders were issued, the Chamber has held more than a dozen policy-focused events.

We held virtual meetings with Governor Ralph Northam, Attorney General Mark 8

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Herring, House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn, Senate Majority Leader Dick Saslaw, and many more. We also held our annual policy events, such as the States of Economic Growth, Healthcare and Transportation, virtually.

We held our partner events, too: With the Arlington Chamber, we hosted the regional mayors and chairs at the annual Regional Elected Leaders Summit; and with the Greater Washington Board of Trade, we hosted Gov. Northam, Gov. Larry Hogan and Mayor Muriel Bowser at the Capital Region Business Forum. And we once again hosted our “Top of the Ticket” debate, a decadeslong tradition, this year with Sen. Mark Warner and his challenger Daniel Gade.

We also formed a new partnership called the Nova Back to Work Leadership FALL 2020

Task Force. Back to Work was established to advocate for higher education and workforce training funding and programs to help Virginians get the skills they need for the jobs that are available now. Along with other chambers around the region, Back to Work includes George Mason University, Virginia Tech, University of Virginia, Northern Virginia Community College, the regional workforce boards, GO Virginia, and the Northern Virginia Economic Development Alliance (all the region’s EDAs). It’s an exciting group that has already produced returnto-work guidelines and is making an impact through advocacy in Richmond.

At the time of this writing, the Chamber is also advocating before a special session of the Virginia General Assembly. The Governor called the legislature back to Richmond to work on the revised budget, criminal and social justice, and COVIDrelated issues. The Chamber set its priorities for the Special Session as: support for higher education; regulatory flexibility for businesses; and

creating a more equitable Virginia. Watch this space next issue for a recap, as well as a preview of the 2021 regular session.

The early lesson from the special session is that the shortened regular session this winter will be more important than ever. If you would like to be more involved in our advocacy, please join the Policy Committee. As you read this, we are in the middle of developing the revamped 2021 Legislative Agenda, but we welcome all members’ participation at any time.

As a Chamber member, you can also join the Chamber political action committee, NOVABIZPAC. Please contact me any time to discuss either of these opportunities.

Through all the events, the Chamber maintained focus on our 2020 Legislative Agenda’s business advocacy goals. Even during an unprecedented time – one that includes a global pandemic and an historic reckoning of race in America – creating an economy that works for everyone requires dedication. Our local and state advocacy efforts may have moved online, but they have not slowed down.

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Cyber Defense Magazine Announces 2020 Black Unicorn Winners Cyber Defense Magazine, the cybersecurity industry’s leading publication, honors cybersecurity innovators in its annual Black Unicorn awards. Please join us in celebrating these Chamber member employees who were among 2020 Black Unicorn award winners:

MCB’s Robert Baldassari Recognized as a 2020 Top Financial Professional

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ALICIA LYNCH, SAIC

TOP 100 CHIEF INFORMATION SECURITY OFFICERS: BRIAN KLENKE , Booz Allen Hamilton ANDREW HARTRIDGE , M&T Bank JENNIFER WATSON, Raytheon

Robert (Bob) Baldassari of Matthews, Carter & Boyce has once again been recognized as a Top Financial Professional

by Northern Virginia Magazine. “We are pleased to congratulate Bob on this well-deserved recognition in our community,” said MCB’s Managing Principal, Jude Covas. “Bob is a dedicated colleague, and has been with our firm for more than 23 years. This honor is a testament to his talent, his integrity and his leadership in serving our clients with excellence.”

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TOP 100 WOMEN IN CYBERSECURITY:

CHRISTINE DE SOUZA , SOSi

JENNIFER WATSON, Raytheon TERESA SHEA , Raytheon

Chamber Members Make Inc. Magazine’s List of 5,000 Privately Held Companies Inc. magazine has published its list of 5,000 fastest growing privately held companies in the United States and congratulations are order to the following Chamber members for making the list: Advanced Concepts Technologies International (ACT I), Axiologic Solutions, B3 Group, Criterion Systems, Evans Consulting, Gcubed Enterprises, Intelligent Waves, Ridgeline International, TalTeam, and Unanet.

FALL 2020

Shelter House Hosts School Supply Drive Due to COVID-19 and the sudden transition to a virtual learning environment, Shelter House conducted a school supply drive to ensure that the children it serves have all the necessary school supplies for 100% distance learning. Thanks to community support, the organization was able to equip nearly 200 grade school children who are experiencing homelessness.

No Application Fees this Fall at UVA’s School of Continuing & Professional Studies

The University of Virginia’s School of Continuing & Professional Studies waived application fees this fall for all degree and certificate programs, a continuation of measures implemented earlier this year to assist students who may be facing financial hardship.

Applications for the spring 2021 term must be received by the deadline of November 1.

George Mason Center for Real Estate Hosts Webinar on Building with Prefab and Modular Components Building real estate with prefabricated and modular components promise to deliver buildings more efficiently.

Are market conditions and technology finally right for widespread use of these strategies? At a webinar hosted by the George Mason Center for Real Estate, experts from companies at the forefront of prefab/modular development discussed the topic and shared their opinions.

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CREATING LEADERS Accenture’s first female CEO, Julie Sweet.

Diversity and Inclusion Start at the Top

BY K A R I P U G H

T

hree companies with Northern Virginia roots have made DiversityInc.com's Top 50 list for 2020, an annual process honoring diversity management in corporate America.

Last year, more than 1,800 companies participated in the website’s annual diversity survey, which ranks the top 50 corporations in six key areas: leadership accountability, human capital diversity metrics, talent programs, workforce practices, supplier diversity and philanthropy.

DiversityInc says its mission is to bring education and clarity to the business benefits of diversity. The website’s “Top 50 Companies for Diversity” list began in 2001, when many corporations were beginning to understand the business value of diversity management initiatives.

Local companies on this year’s list include Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce members Accenture, Wells Fargo and Cox Communications.

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# 5 : A C C E N T U R E , B A L L S TO N Last year, Accenture hired its first female CEO, Julie Sweet, and hosted over 240 International Women’s Day celebrations for 45,000 people in 48 countries, says DiversityInc. Accenture works with Girls Who Code, a nonprofit organization that focuses on advancing girls in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects to continue to help close the gender gap in technology careers. Accenture also hosts Girls Who Code’s Summer Immersion Programs.

The company also works with People + Work Connect, an employer-to-employer initiative that brings together companies laying off or furloughing people with those companies in urgent need of workers.

“Accelerating equality for all enables us to attract, develop, inspire and reward top talent,” said Michelle Gadsden-Williams, Managing Director, Inclusion & Diversity Lead, North America.

“There’s power in a diverse and inclusive environment. It creates a workplace that unleashes innovation and encourages our people to bring their authentic selves to work every day — so they feel seen and heard.”

Cox Communications relies on Regional Diversity & Inclusion Councils to execute on company goals, including recruiting women and minorities through speed networking sessions and job fairs.

# 1 7 : C OX C O M M U N I C AT I O N S , HERNDON DiversityInc lauds Cox Communication for its learning and development program for non-executives designed to enhance performance, a sponsorship program that focuses on increasing the representation of diverse managing directors at the mostsenior levels, and mentoring programs through its employee resource groups.

“At Cox, diversity and inclusion are at the core of who we are, shaping how we connect with our people, customers, community and suppliers. We believe embracing transparency, valuing every voice, and respecting our differences makes us stronger for the long run,” LeVoyd Carter, Cox’s Executive Director, Diversity & Inclusion, said in a statement.

DiversityInc praised Cox Media’s philanthropy in helping restaurants during the pandemic by offering free television advertising for takeout and delivery. And in March, the James M. Cox Foundation committed to providing up to $5 million to Emory Healthcare for purchasing COVID-19 testing equipment.

During Black History Month, Cox Communications used its employee resource groups to share the worldwide contributions

of African Americans, DiversityInc said.

The Top 50 in Diversity for 2020 were honored this year during DiversityInc's first virtual event, with more than 1,350 attendees logging in to find out which company took first place. The winner?

Marriott International, which moved up to the top spot after ranking second last year.

“We believe that embracing transparency, valuing every voice, and respecting our differences makes us stronger for the long run.” LeVoyd Carter, Executive Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Cox Communications.

# 1 1 : W E L L S FA R G O, MCLEAN DiversityInc points to Wells Fargo’s work with LGBTQ+ suppliers as a major point in its ranking. The company also provides support to outreach organizations, including the Trevor Project, the Human Rights Campaign and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

On the philanthropy side, the Wells Fargo Foundation last year disbursed grants totaling $455 million to nonprofits supporting affordable housing and small business growth, the website notes.

“...companies must foster a culture that acknowledges and appreciates the diversity of its employees, customers and other key stakeholders.”

Jimmie Paschall, Executive Vice President, Head of Enterprise Diversity & Inclusion and Strategic Philanthropy, Wells Fargo.

Wells Fargo says it has made a commitment to donating $100 million by 2020 toward the advancement of women and other diverse leaders, furthering social inclusion through education and supporting homeownership for those who may not have had access.

“Our world is becoming increasingly diverse and interconnected. Consumers and businesses seek to build relationships with companies and brands that demonstrate understanding of their unique needs,” Jimmie Paschall, Wells Fargo’s Executive Vice President, Head of Enterprise Diversity & Inclusion and Strategic Philanthropy, said in a statement.

“To be best positioned for success in this rapidly changing environment, companies must foster a culture that acknowledges and appreciates the diversity of its employees, customers and other key stakeholders. This requires intentional and sustained focus from all levels in the company.”

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COVER STORY

DOING WELL by DOING GOOD for VETERANS A LOOK AT THIS YEAR’S DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD WINNERS

BY S U S A N M CCO R K I N DA L E

W

hile this year’s Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Awards were presented virtually, the excitement and enthusiasm among the recipients was no less real.

Each of the companies, individuals, and organizations honored this year have dedicated time and resources to making the veteran reintegration process easier and to providing employment opportunities for those who served. In addition, this year’s veteran service organization, Boulder Crest Foundation, offers crucial mental health assistance to veterans and their families.

While we’re all well aware of how hard veterans struggle to reintegrate into the community when they return from tours abroad, these unsung heroes have done, and continue to do, something about it. On behalf of the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce and The Business Voice, congratulations and thank you. ★ 2020 VETER AN OWNED BUSINESS - EMERGING

★ 2020 VETER AN OWNED BUSINESS - MATURING

ECHO FIVE GROUP

IT VETERANS

Founded just three years ago by president and CEO John Kinsler, a former U.S. Marine accustomed to putting mission and vision first and approaching any problem with a “can do” attitude, Echo Five Group (EFG) today has five fulltime employees. All are either veterans or spouses of veterans.

This makes them a pretty clutch crew.

“Because of their background, EFG employees are used to prioritizing the mission and never losing sight of the client’s vision and goals,” Kinsler said. “They’re also of the mindset of helping others. Whether it’s helping a client meet certain needs, supporting veterans service organizations, or mentoring other Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses, helping is part of our people’s DNA.” It must be.

In the past year the company grew its partner collaboration to include LMI, Deloitte, and several other notable entities, and expanded its client portfolio beyond the Department of Defense to include World Bank and a Fortune 500 company.

Clearly, Echo Five’s “mission first” and “help others” mindset is an attractive combination. But Kinsler believes one additional element sets the company apart: “At EFG, our clients are the heroes of their successes. We don’t dictate; we facilitate. We provide them with unique, data driven and visual tools that turn the squishiness of organizational improvement into concrete solutions. And of course, above all else, we care.

We do this work because we want to help our clients succeed.”

Can you imagine making the coveted INC 5000 list of fastest growing companies in America not once, not twice, but three times? It happened to IT Veterans, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business known for its expert technical consulting and innovative solutions, in 2018, 2019, and 2020.

“It’s a pretty amazing accomplishment,” said Timothy Chabail, managing member, “as only one in four companies make the list twice.”

While that may be IT Veterans’ most notable honor, it’s certainly not the only one. In 2019, the firm was awarded the HIRE Vets Gold Medallion, the only federal-level veterans’ employment award that recognizes a company’s or organization’s commitment to veteran hiring, retention, and professional development. That same year, the state of Virginia recognized IT Veterans with a Virginia Values Veterans Certified Company - 1st Award.

Based in Herndon, with 33 full-time employees, 17 of them veterans, the decade-old technology consulting firm is today a multimillion-dollar company. Sought out by both the federal government and commercial sector clients, IT Veterans’ growth and success is due not only to its full life-cycle, cutting-edge solutions, but also its core, military-imbued values and work ethic.

For more information about Echo Five Group, visit echofivegroup.com.

For more information about IT Veterans, visit itveterans.com.

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at a glance:

THIS YEAR’S OTHER NOMINEES ★ VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS AWARDS, EMERGING (LESS THAN 5 YEARS IN BUSINESS)

• Amore ConGelato • Driver Rehabilitation Center of Excellence LLC • Fenix Group Inc. • IT Depot LLC ★ VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS AWARDS, MATURING (5 -10 YEARS IN BUSINESS)

• Blake Willson Group LLC • DTS • FedBiz IT Solutions • GCubed Enterprises Inc.

★ VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS AWARDS, ESTABLISHED (MORE THAN 10 YEARS IN BUSINESS)

★ 2020 VETER AN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

BONNIE TAVOLAZZI

SENIOR STRATEGIC ADVISOR, ECHO FIVE GROUP

Fifteen months into her tenure at Echo Five Group, a firm she joined with no previous consulting experience, Bonnie Tavolazzi is more than this year’s Veteran Employee of the Year. She is, according to EFG president and CEO John Kinsler, “One of the best professionals I have ever met over the course of my 20-plus year career.”

Bonnie is a U.S. Navy veteran who left the service in 2012 after years of flying helicopters and MH-60s. She’s also a Navy spouse and mother of two children. She joined Echo Five Group after completing a six-month veterans service organization certification program through Georgetown University.

“Bonnie came to EFG with no previous consulting experience,” Kinsler said. “Within a few short weeks, it became apparent to me that she is beyond a natural, she is a consulting savant.”

According to Kinsler, Bonnie’s first client engagement was no walk in the park.

“It was complicated and volatile,” he added. “We were serving as a subcontractor to a large prime contractor, and our client was disenfranchised by the deliverables. Bonnie quickly assessed the situation with poise and professionalism. Her emotional intelligence and natural business acumen led her to become a trusted advisor to not only our client, but also the prime contractor.”

Impressive right? Get ready for this: Bonnie’s abilities and work resulted in a new task order from the same previously disenfranchised client. The award names Echo Five Group as the prime contractor and is for a cool $1.5 million annually.

• AllTransPack Inc. • OBXtek Inc. • Three Wire Systems, LLC

★ VETERAN EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR

• JEFF KINMAN, Boulder Crest Foundation, Program and Research Analyst • CHARLES MILES, PenFed Credit Union, Director, Military & College Employment Programs • RON MOODY, Accenture Federal, Chief Medical Officer ★ VETERAN SERVICE ORGANIZATION AWARD

• American Legion Post 176 • Association of the US Army / George Washington Chapter • Easterseals • PenFed Foundation

If you’re thinking Bonnie Tavolazzi is something special, you’re right.

If you’re thinking she’s too busy to do anything else, you’re wrong.

Despite working more than 40 hours a week, Echo Five Group’s rookie rockstar devotes countless hours volunteering with other Navy spouses at various duty stations. Whether through the Spouses Club or the Dog Tag Fellowship program, Bonnie always finds time to provide meaningful service to other veterans. In fact, “Bonnie is responsible for bringing two new veteran and spouse hires to the Echo Five Group,” Kinsler said.

“She’s a true team player and an inspiration to transitioning veterans,” he added. “We are lucky to have her.”

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★ 2020 VETERAN OWNED BUSINESS - ESTABLISHED

HIGHERECHELON INC. What happens when two former West Point classmates committed to optimizing organizational performance put their heads together?

HigherEchelon Inc. The brainchild of president and founder Dr. Joe Ross and partner and co-founder Paul Maggiano, HigherEchelon was established in 2009 and 11 short years later is among the most trusted leaders in organizational excellence. Need proof? Look no further than the company’s enviable client list: Salesforce, Ebay, Merck, Stryker, Booz Allen Hamilton and many more.

Still unconvinced? Check out the list of awards the company won in 2019 alone: Department of Labor HIRE Vets Gold Medallion Award; Salesforce Military Hiring Partner of the Year Award; Greater Washington Government Contractor Award for Program of the Year; and Government Contracting Professional Services Business of the Year - Huntsville/ Madison Chamber of Commerce.

“HigherEchelon has enjoyed significant growth and success over the past 24 months,” Ross said, ”and we are proud of the many veteran employees who have helped us achieve such major milestones.”

The company finished 2019 with nearly 150 employees, 71 of them veterans, and a 26% year over year sales increase from 2018 — a turning point heralding that the end of its designation as a small business is in sight.

“It’is amazing to look back at our growth,” said Ross. “We hired our first full-time employee only six years ago.”

Of course it’s not all about HigherEchelon’s growth. The company is committed to expanding opportunities for others.

“We are particularly interested in serving veterans,” Ross said, “and actively support our local veteran organizations.”

In addition, the firm has an internal veterans resource group that creates outreach programs to support veterans; employees receive time off to participate in veteran-related activities, and a corporate gift-matching program doubles the donation any employee makes to a veterans organization.

For more information about HigherEchelon Inc., visit higherechelon.com.

★ 2020 VETER AN SERVICE ORGANIZATION

BOULDER CREST FOUNDATION “The first 15 years of this century have marked the longest sustained period of conflict in our nation’s history. During this stretch, more than 2.6 million men and women have deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations, many multiple times. While many tend to focus on the trauma and tragedy inherent to war, the truth is that these men and women are transformed on the battlefield into warriors. It is warriors who possess rare skills and abilities that are seldom seen and badly needed here at home.”

— FROM THE BOULDER CREST FOUNDATION GUIDESTAR PROFILE

The warrior’s rare skills and abilities are too often buried beneath combat-related, post-traumatic stress. But it’s just these attributes that the veteran-led nonprofit’s first-ever Posttraumatic Growth programs seek to reawaken so the warrior can put to them good use when he or she returns to civilian life.

“It is critical that we provide combat veterans and their families with a free, safe and sacred place to rest, reconnect and recharge,” said Boulder Crest founder and chairman Ken Falke. “That is why we created PATHH: Progressive and Alternative Training for Healing Heroes.”

PATHH consists of several programs for combat veterans and first responders. All are free. The first, Warrior PATHH, is a seven-day combat stress recovery retreat for warriors (with separate programs for male and female combat veterans).

The second, Family PATHH, is a five-day stress recovery retreat focused on combat veterans and their families. And the third, SW:S PATHH, is a three-day recovery retreat that includes SongwritingWith:Soldiers and is focused on couples, caregivers and family members.

In addition to its PATHH programs, Boulder Crest devotes a substantial portion of its time to family rest and reconnection retreats. These free retreats give families the opportunity to take a breath, enjoy each other, and prepare for the future with a renewed sense of hope, resilience and strength.

“We work every day to enable our heroes, the Warrior and his or her entire family, to live the great lives they deserve – full of passion, purpose, and service – here at home,“ Falke said. It appears that work is paying off. The PTSD remission rate among participants is an impressive 77%, with another 40% to 60% indicating a reduction in symptoms.

For more information about

Boulder Crest Foundation, visit bouldercrest.org.

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

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

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AWARDS Celebrating 18 Years of the

Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards

F

ounded in 2002 in the aftermath of 9/11, the Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards have honored an industry that is vital to our society and its citizens for almost two decades. Now in the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, we approach this year’s awards with even more reverence and respect for the importance of our government contracting community, recognizing that the “front lines” today are manned by the men and women of our healthcare industry. We embrace the fact that

companies are under economic stress which is in turn potentially impacting employees and their livelihoods.

On November 4th, the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Professional Services Council, will host the 18th Annual Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards. During these awards, we will name the Contractor of the Year in four revenue categories and Executive of the Year in three revenue categories. This year's awards will benefit The TD Charitable Foundation.

GovCon

®

The Greater Washington GovCon Awards

CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR

This award is presented to a government contractor in the Greater Washington area for distinguished financial and operational accomplishments. The awardee is selected in recognition of outstanding contributions during the past year to employees, the government contracting industry and the U.S. government.

FINALISTS, UP TO $25 MILLION • Aptive Resources • C2S Consulting Group • Dynamis • Electrosoft Services, Inc. • Kreative Technologies • Ripple Effect

• Acclaim Technical Services • Fors Marsh Group • Na Ali’I Consulting & Sales, LLC • NetImpact Strategies, Inc. • Prescient Edge • Robotic Research

FINALISTS, $75 – 300 MILLION

• DLH Corporation • Dovel Technologies • METIS Solutions • Sevatec • Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc • VTG

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• Centauri • Guidehouse • Leidos • Perspecta • Smartronix, Inc. • T-Rex Solutions, LLC • Valiant Integrated Services

EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR

This award is presented to a Greater Washington area government contracting C-level executive who made outstanding contributions to his/her company, the community, and the government contracting industry during the past year.

FINALISTS, UP TO $75 MILLION

FINALISTS, $25 – 75 MILLION

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FINALISTS, OVER $300 MILLION

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• Alexander Granados,

Prescient Edge

• Dr. Sabari Gupta,

Electrosoft Services, Inc.

• Kendall Holbrook,

Dev Technology

• Kavita Kalatur,

NetImpact Strategies, Inc

• Jared Shepard, Intelligent Waves • Paul Strasser, Brillient Corporation • Erik Wittreich,

Ridgeline International

FINALISTS, $75 – 300 MILLION • Madhu Beriwal, IEM

• John Hassoun, VTG • Anirudh Kulkarni,

CVP (Customer Value Partners)

• Zachary Parker, DLH Corporation • Chris Wynes, METIS Solutions

FINALISTS, OVER $300 MILLION

• Bruce Caswell, Maximus • John Heller, PAE • Roger Krone, Leidos • Scott McIntyre, Guidehouse • Julian Setian, SOS International

ABOUT THIS YEAR’S CHARITABLE PARTNER, TD FOUNDATION Founded in 2006 by a combat wounded US Army soldier and his friends, TD Foundation is a 100% volunteer organization that provides aid to children of wounded warriors and fallen heroes. Basically, TD Foundation fills the gaps left by government programs, the VA, and other charities. The organization covers everything from a couple hundred dollars for school supplies to $15K to cover mortgage payments and keep a family in their home.

For additional information on the 2020 Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards show on November 4, please contact Jennifer Williamson at jwilliamson@ novachamber.org.

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PROMOTE YOUR LIVE AND VIRTUAL EVENTS VISIT INSIDENOVA.COM/CALENDAR FOR DETAILS AND A CURRENT LISTING OF EVENTS ACROSS NORTHERN VIRGINIA

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SPOTLIGHT on education

George Mason University finds kindred spirit in new president

BY K A R I P U G H

D

r. Gregory Washington, a New York City native and aerospace engineer, was the first in his family to graduate from college. And on July 1, he became the first African American to lead the largest and most diverse public research university in Virginia.

Washington, 54, is George Mason University's eighth president -- and he takes over during a time of major change and growth at the 36,000-student school based in Fairfax County.

“The story of Mason is really my story,” said Washington, reflecting on the university's humble beginnings as a twoyear commuter school.

The university is also known for its efforts to recruit first-generation college students, and those from lower income backgrounds. Washington said he, too, came from a low-income background.

“I have seen the power that education has in changing the fortunes of families,” Washington said. “I’ve lived that.”

Today, GMU is an internationally recognized research institution with campuses in Fairfax, Manassas, Arlington and elsewhere. It’s also a vital

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part of Virginia's future success as a high-tech corridor along the East Coast.

Washington said he plans to continue to foster the school’s growth, while staying true to its roots.

Washington came to GMU from the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at the University of California-Irvine, where he was dean. In his seven years there, Washington expanded undergraduate enrollment in the engineering school by 1,100 students and graduate enrollment by more than 200.

He established the University of California’s first student makerspace and helped establish a STEM initiative in public schools, affecting more than 100,000 students each year.

Washington also recruited and hired one of the most diverse engineering faculties in the country, with more than 40 percent of his 60 hires being women or individuals from underrepresented groups.

He will oversee George Mason at a time of rapid expansion, with the school growing to help accommodate Amazon’s new National Landing headquarters.

Mason will invest $250 million at its

Arlington campus in the next five years to build a 400,000-square-foot Institute for Digital InnovAtion, adding 1,000 faculty members and enlarging the campus to 1.2 million square feet. The school will also expand its research in high-tech fields.

GMU is also conducting a feasibility study on building a medical school at the university’s science campus near Manassas.

Washington said he would be a strong supporter of programs promoting equal access to education, such as Mason’s Early Identification

Dr. Gregory Washington, president of George Mason University.

Photo by: Ron Aira/ Creative Services/ George Mason University

Program, which helps first-generation college students pursue higher education. He said he will also bolster the school’s ADVANCEtransfer pathway program, which helps students from Northern Virginia Community College work toward a four-year degree at Mason.

“If you have talent, Mason will find you,” Washington said. “It’s an amazing thing. No matter who you are. That fact that 39% of the population is first gen, it didn’t matter.

A fact that a third of the population coming in here are low income, it just doesn’t

matter. It really doesn’t matter where you’re from, you’re embraced here.”

Washington launched his academic career in 1995 as an assistant professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering in the College of Engineering at Ohio State University.

He became an associate professor in 2000 and a professor in 2004. He began serving as the college’s associate dean for research in 2005 and also led the university’s Institute for Energy and the Environment. From 2008 to 2011, Washington served as interim dean

of the Ohio State engineering school, one of the largest in the country.

Somehow, during his incredible tenure, he also managed to author more than 160 technical publications and edit numerous others.

He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees and his PhD, all in mechanical engineering, at North Carolina State University and is a member of the N.C. State Engineering Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Kari Pugh is editor of InsideNoVa.

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SPOTLIGHT on non-profits Nonprofits Enrich the Fabric of Our Community

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

N

onprofits support our community in so many ways. Here are three that offer valuable services to young people, members of the military, and aspiring business leaders in our area.

matters. COVID-19’s disproportionate and devastating impact on communities of color has laid bare pre-existing racial and socio-economic disparities across the country,” said Rogers.

Urban Alliance partners with more than 250 employers and has provided more than 5,700 internships to high school seniors in the Washington region since 1996. Each intern is assigned an Urban Alliance program coordinator and a oneon-one workplace mentor who guide the intern’s professional development and post-high school planning.

To learn more, visit TheUrbanAlliance.org.

S E R V I N GTO G E T H E R

Urban Alliance intern Mudassar Khan, left, works alongside his mentor at a job site in Northern Virginia. Photo courtesy Urban Alliance.

URBAN ALLIANCE As a high school student, Eva Mercado worked alongside her entire family at night in a dirty newspaper warehouse that lacked ventilation. She was so exhausted that she had trouble keeping up in school. When she heard about Urban Alliance, she saw it as a way to pursue her dream career in politics.

Urban Alliance believes that young people—no matter their race, ethnicity, or socioeconomic background—deserve equal access to the skills training, paid work experiences, and professional networks needed to achieve economic mobility. The organization provides meaningful work experiences to high school students, including year-long 22

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internships for high school seniors.

“It’s all about providing youth from communities of color with the social capital, skills, and experience needed to bridge the opportunity gap in the working world,” said Emily Rogers, Urban Alliance’s communications director.

Urban Alliance placed Eva in an internship at the Fairfax County Democratic Committee, where her diligence, maturity, and work ethic quickly made her a valued employee.

Through Urban Alliance, Eva was able to take control of her future. She is now a rising junior at Wheaton College.

“The current climate has only strengthened our resolve for our work and our belief that what we’re doing really

Thousands of resources are available to members of the military community in our region, but navigating them can be overwhelming. ServingTogether provides a coordinated care model to refer active duty, National Guard, and reserve service members, veterans, and their families to the health and human services resources they need.

“In our area, the biggest needs are employment, income support, and housing, which are often cooccurring,” said Christy Kenady, senior program manager at ServingTogether.

“Since COVID-19, we have also seen a huge increase in the need for food assistance, so we’ve partnered with a few organizations to really focus on that.”

ServingTogether takes the time to learn about its clients and whether they would benefit from additional referrals.

As a result, ServingTogether averages 2.64 referrals per client. For example, a woman who was divorced from her active duty military husband recently contacted ServingTogether because she needed help with some custody paperwork. The staff referred her to legal assistance but also talked to her about other struggles she was experiencing. They discovered she had a lot of credit issues and needed help with housing as well as mental health assistance for her and her son.

“We uncover additional areas of need and get people connected to resources as seamlessly as possible. We try to do one intake, so they don’t have to tell their

ServingTogether staff spread the word about the organization. Photo courtesy ServingTogether.

story multiple times to get connected to what they need,” Kenady said.

ServingTogether also works with area businesses to help them support their employees who may be military veterans or family members.

For more information, visit ServingTogetherProject.org.

The George Washington Leadership Institute is located in the Washington Presidential Library at historic Mount Vernon. Photo courtesy George Washington Leadership Institute.

G E O R G E W A S H I N GTO N LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE

The George Washington Leadership Institute helps both experienced and aspiring business executives develop their strategic thinking, communication, and collaboration skills. Located in the Washington Presidential Library at

historic Mount Vernon, the Leadership Institute has a reputation for effective, innovative, and impactful historicallybased programming.

“We provide full-day programs of Institute-delivered content oriented toward senior staff development,” said Dr. Peter Cressy, director of executive programs. “Our curriculum draws on lessons of the past to reflect the challenges and opportunities of the future.” In response to the COVID-19 crisis, the Leadership Institute added virtual programs to its options.

The Leadership Institute also works with area organizations to customize programs to meet their goals, from halfday off-site retreats to multi-day board meetings. In 2019, the Leadership Institute hosted 110 programs for corporate boards, association boards, senior staff, and the leadership of federal agencies.

“The positive feedback we have received from across the spectrum of commercial, government, and associations strongly supports the effectiveness of our programming, which emphasizes the extraordinary leadership, management, and character of our founding father George Washington,” Cressy said.

To learn more, visit GWLeadershipInstitute.com

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SPOTLIGHT

When each voice matters The Business Voice asked two area consulting firms, Helios and Slalom, about their inclusion programs. What they shared can be utilized by companies of all sizes. "The power of collective differences enables all organizations - small and large - to have perspective on tough challenges.

You’re able to problem solve for clients or your business to a greater capacity when you have more diversity of thought and perspective,” said Natalie O’Loughlin, Helios’ director of communications.

BY K R I S T I N E MELDRUM DENHOLM

A

fter watching the horror of the George Floyd footage, Melissa Walker, a management consultant at Reston-based HR and recruiting firm Helios, shared a heartfelt message to all 40 employees: “In the spirit of ally-ship and solidarity, I want … to acknowledge what has been happening in our country and in the news. Dr. Maya Angelou said it best when she said, ‘We’re more alike, my friend, than we are unalike.’ I acknowledge many of us are feeling hurt and confused as we grieve the losses of Amad Aubrey, Breonna Taylor and George Floyd. If Helios is the sun, we are the light. Continue to let your light shine as we live by example through hope, love and understanding.”

CEO Kathy Albarado responded with her support immediately. “I’m sensing that most of corporate America is paying attention and engaging in a level of conversation I’ve never seen before. I am hopeful this results in positive change.

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on small business made, we still have a long ways to go,” she wrote.

“It brought tears to my eyes,” says O’Loughlin. “I felt grateful we have… strong enough relationships internally to have the hard conversations. And then to have the power to help other organizations help be the driver of change.”

Though Helios had always been engaged in internal and external diversity and inclusion programs, the firm formed a Conscious Inclusion Committee after Walker’s message.

Twelve volunteers launched further conversations about change.

The key to this open dialogue and action? Creating not just a diverse culture but an inclusive one, where each employee feels they matter, their voice heard. According to George Mason University’s Compliance, Diversity and Ethics Office website, if diversity is the characteristics that make us individuals, “inclusion is the state of being valued, respected and supported.”* “It needs to be sustainable, weave it into core values,” O’Loughlin said she would advise others. “Diversity and inclusion are important, so it should be a longstanding program. Don’t do something because it’s all over the news, then table it when things get busy. It needs to be intentional.” And, she adds, top leaders need to make it a priority, so committees have impact.

Over the years, Helios initiatives have included: Respectful Workplace Training modules (the firm delivers these to clients, too); diversity certification for recruiters; reviewing terminology in handbooks and job descriptions for unintentional bias (after internal feedback, references to “articulate” were deleted, for example); and pods in which teams discuss race and belonging, piggybacking from questions provided by Leadership Greater Washington’s AntiRacism Series. “Use facilitated questions, because starting conversation can be hard,” O’Loughlin said. “It’s interesting to see the bonds created out of it. You get a greater understanding of people, what makes them them. The conversation goes deeper.”

Last year, the company hosted a soldout event in which diversity and inclusion leaders from Thomson Reuters, Capital

The Helios team celebrating a team member’s new baby in 2019. Photo courtesy of Helios.

One, NFP and Volkswagen spoke. The takeaway was “focus on inclusion if you want to be an employer of choice and be competitive,” O’Loughlin said. “Value the brainpower diversity can bring, which also leads to innovations. The power of collective differences enables all organizations - small and large - to have perspective on tough challenges.

You’re able to problem solve for clients or your business to a greater capacity when you have more diversity of thought and perspective. Because if everyone was thinking the same way, you’re going to get the same results.”

She added: “It’s not just treat others how you want to be treated, but treat others how they want to be treated.”

‘BUILDING AN INCLUSIVE AND DIVERSE TEAM IS NONNEGOTIABLE’ Inclusion is also crucial at Slalom, a consulting firm specializing in strategy, technology and business transformation.

Headquartered in Seattle, with 170 employees in its Tysons office, Slalom was named one of Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For in 2020. It also made the Human Rights Campaign’s Corporate Equality Index with a perfect score of 100.

“Our core value is to celebrate authenticity. It’s not something we do but who we are as a company,” said Regional General Manager Luanne Pavco. A member of the Inclusion & Diversity Steering Committee, she notes

One of Helios’ Tysons-based teams helping to distribute food at the Arlington Food Assistance Center on the Martin Luther King Day of Service this January. From left: Katherine Riedel, Troy Scott, Bob Croker, Rod Durham, Justin Kidwell, Noor Oweis, Fiza Petro, LeAndria Streeter, and Mesfin Tibebu.

the firm puts the “I” before the “D,” because it leads with inclusion; what is the value of diversity if people don’t feel included? “Everyone has to feel like their voice is equally important and they’re heard, so they can be who they are…all our employees should feel understood, included, connected and safe.”

They want employees to share culture, ideas, celebrations and stories.

“People can be empathetic and walk in their shoes,” Pavco said. They stress transparent, two-way communication and dialogue in a safe environment.

Slalom’s I&D workshops include “Widening the Circle” about inclusion; “Covering,” when people hide a portion of themselves at work (colleagues learn to help without asking and how to give space); sexual orientation and gender identity; and multi-generational workforces.

The firm has formed affinity groups over the years: WLN (Women’s Leadership Network), REACH (Black), Prism (LGBTQ), veterans, ASPIRE (Asian), UNITOS (Latinx) and Horizons, (mental and physical disabilities). The groups hold training and networking events and offer information on career development. “We use affinity groups as a way to gather, listen. We want to walk the talk. Action is louder than words.”

To that end, when Slalom published an anti-racism statement after the death of George Floyd, they stood behind it. The firm hired a Chief Inclusion Diversity Officer (they’ve had an I&D executive steering committee, local I&D councils and ambassadors) and formed an anti-racism committee to keep the conversation going. It launched a

Just a few of Slalom’s 170 employees located in Tysons.

DI V E R SIT Y A ND INCLUSION

(AS DEFINED BY GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY)

Diversity is all the similarities and differences amongst people…characteristics that make us individuals, such as age, ethnicity, national origin, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, disability, military experience, and socio-economic background; ideas, attitudes, beliefs, educational background, perspectives and values.

Inclusion is the state of being valued, respected and supported. It’s about focusing on the essential needs of every individual and ensuring suitable settings are in place for each person to achieve her or his full potential.

Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity are not interchangeable.

Affirmative Action is a legally driven mandate to ensure recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, covered veterans, as in education and employment.

EEO is employment practices that ensure nondiscrimination, fairness, and equity in the workplace.

Juneteenth employee donation matching program, donating in excess of $410,000 to more than a hundred organizations supporting the Black community. In the Washington area, this included Offender Aid and Restoration, Black Girl Ventures, National Coalition of Black Civic Participation, National Lawyers Guild, and Center for Black Equity. In addition, Slalom and Slalom Foundation pledged $1 million to fight racism and social injustice; their number-two funds recipient is the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund.

Pavco suggests companies examine recruitment closely. It’s about engaging people in different backgrounds, setting interview panels, using language that’s open and welcome. But to retain a diverse workforce where people grow with the company, she says, you need an inclusive environment. In their case, “It helps drive who we are, and they want to stay and grow with Slalom.”

Her most important advice to other businesses? “Get comfortable being uncomfortable. It’s the time to have dialogue, learn, take action. One colleague said everyone’s looking at 2020 and Covid being the worst year, but… it’s such a pivotal year for our country. [I&D programs] are not just words on a paper. Numbers are indicators but don’t dictate success.

Numbers don’t mean anything if you’re not respected and your voice isn’t heard.”

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POSITIVELY NOVA

Capital One donates $90,000 to the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools

C

apital One has donated $90,000 to the Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools to support the purchase of MiFi units for students without internet connections in their homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The units are being used to provide students in need with internet connectivity for up to five devices so that they can participate in classroom activities and distance learning.

“Capital One is a long-time partner of Fairfax County Public Schools and has generously donated their employees’ time as volunteers and funding to support students in need,” said the school system’s Chief Operating Officer, Marty Smith. “We greatly appreciate their dedication to our students and their contributions to making education for all our students more equitable.”

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Womble Bond Dickinson teams with KITEWIRE to raise money for Northern Virginia Urban Alliance

W

omble Bond Dickinson employees are working to pay it forward in the places they live and work. One effort, in partnership with KITEWIRE Inc., supports the Northern Virginia Urban Alliance program. The effort: • Raised more than $500,000 in a single day.

• Benefits Urban Alliance (UA).

• Will allow UA to provide wages to interns who are unable to work remotely and continue providing support and skills training to students.

Cameron Hunt, Client Service Director, Womble Bond Dickinson (far right) teamed up with KITEWIRE Inc. to support the Northern Virginia Urban Alliance program.

The Washingtonian Group is proud to support

The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce Howard S. Rothman Vice President 202.916.3145 howard.rothman@jpmorgan.com jpmorgansecurities.com/wg 875 15th Street NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20005 “J.P. Morgan Securities” is a brand name for a wealth management business conducted by JPMorgan Chase & Co. and certain subsidiaries. J.P. Morgan Securities offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC. Bank products and services are offered by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. and its bank affiliates.

INVESTMENT PRODUCTS: • NOT FDIC INSURED • NO BANK GUARANTEE • MAY LOSE VALUE © 2020 JPMorgan Chase & Co. All rights reserved.

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Hospitals Receive a Treat from United Bank

U

nited Bank provided ice cream treats to hospital employees to say thank you for their hard work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

United Bank partnered with the food service vendors of 15 hospitals to distribute the sweet treats to hospital employees during all shifts over a 24-hour time period. Distribution was held in the hospital cafeterias and the hospital employees were able to pick up the treat of their choice.

“We are excited that we had the opportunity to provide sweet treats as a sign of our appreciation for the healthcare providers in our communities,” said Arlington/Alexandria Market President Mike Proctor. “At United, we value the health and safety of the communities we serve. We wanted to show our thanks and give some encouragement to those that continue to provide such remarkable care to our customers, families and friends every day.”

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MASTER’S IN DC

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Cox Supports Virginians During COVID-19 Pandemic Clockwise from top left: Angelique LeBlanc, Manager Public & Media Relations, Cox Communications; Margaret-Hunter Wade, Director of Public Relations & Government Affairs, Cox Communications; Tiffany Brooks, Community Specialist, Cox Communications; and Nadia Hoonan, CVA, Partnership Manager, Volunteer Solutions, Meals on Wheels Fairfax County.

S

upporting those in need is what spurred Cox Communications to act during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The company has done this through the following investments: Keep Americans Connected: Cox supported Federal Communication Commission Chairman Ajit Pai’s Keep Americans Connected pledge to ensure Americans do not lose their broadband or telephone connectivity as a result of these exceptional circumstances.

Connect2Compete: There are still families who lack highspeed internet at home. Children in those families are at risk of falling behind in school, especially during this time of distance learning. Cox’s Connect2Compete program offers low-cost internet to families on government assistance who have children in grades K-12. With no annual contract, no equipment fee and an easy installation, families can get a broadband connection at home for less than $10 a month.

Grants: In response to the growing strain on feeding the community during COVID-19, Cox Charities and the James M. Cox Foundation donated a total $125,000 in grants to local food banks and meal delivery services like Fairfax County’s Meals on Wheels.

Heroes of Distance Learning: To celebrate those teachers going above and beyond to keep their students engaged during distance learning, Cox awarded 11 Heroes of Distance Learning $1,000 grants for virtual classroom makeovers.

PPE Donation: In response to the growing strain on hospitals as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to climb, Cox made a mask donation valued at more than $2.2 million to 12 hospitals in Cox markets, including Inova Health System and Sentara Healthcare here in Virginia.

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smallbusinessstrategysolutions.com 202-780-1500 THE BUSINESS VOICE

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NEW MEMBERS Let’s give ’em a warm welcome BANKING/FINANCE » Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management www.morganstanley.com

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NONPROFIT » Food for Others www.foodforothers.org

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