Members of the Chamber Community,

This week, I have canceled our Friday newsletter to, instead, use this opportunity to address the current and past tragedies that have impacted our communities, our Commonwealth, and our nation. The Virginia Chamber is proud to join the U.S. Chamber in their initiative to address inequality in opportunity and below you will find the announcement released this morning.

As a community, it is our responsibility to listen, learn, and take proactive steps toward greater equity of opportunity and inclusion. I look forward to working with you all on this initiative and hope you will join me on June 25 for a national town hall to discuss concrete actions that can be taken by government and the private sector to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform. Additional details for this event will be provided by the U.S. Chamber soon.

Best regards,

Barry DuVal

President

PRESS RELEASE: Virginia Chamber Joins National Initiative to Address Inequality of Opportunity

RICHMOND, VA – Today, the Virginia Chamber of Commerce announced it is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on a national initiative to address inequality of opportunity.

The Virginia Chamber will join the U.S. Chamber’s national townhall event on June 25 where business and community leaders will discuss concrete actions that can be taken by government and the private sector to address inequality through education, employment, entrepreneurship, and criminal justice reform. As a partner on this important initiative, the Virginia Chamber will host local and industry dialogues to further the discussion.

“The Virginia Chamber is committed to participating in the development of key actions that will foster greater inclusion, social justice, and support initiatives that will lead to greater equity of opportunity,” said Virginia Chamber President and CEO Barry DuVal. “I recognize the pain current and past tragedies have brought and am committed to engaging with policy makers, community leaders, and other voices to confront racism and support necessary criminal justice reform.

“Actions speak louder than words and the Virginia Chamber is proud to join the U.S. Chamber in their initiative to address inequality of opportunity and looks forward to participating in the national town hall later this month. Our Commonwealth’s well-being is dependent on equity of opportunity in our educational system, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities, home ownership, and a fair criminal justice system. Diversity and inclusion in our workplace and economy will strengthen our state and nation.”

“The moral case for greater diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace is indisputable, and there’s overwhelming evidence that greater diversity benefits the American economy, businesses, communities and employees,” said U.S. Chamber President Suzanne Clark. “We are proud to partner with the Virginia Chamber on this initiative and help develop a robust plan of action.”

The work of this national initiative is complimentary to key tenants of the Virginia Chamber’s foundational document, Blueprint Virginia 2025, which calls for vital improvements in workforce and education to advance positive change in these areas and further build a strong foundation for our citizens.

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