TRANSFORMATION & LEADERSHIP

Building Regional Economic Systems Through Strategic Collaboration

The Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce (VACC) and Virginia Asian Foundation (VAF) engage in regional economic development initiatives that connect institutions, government, nonprofits, and business leaders to advance long-term economic inclusion, workforce alignment, and community-based economic growth.

Our leadership focuses on facilitating cross-sector collaboration models that strengthen workforce participation systems, supplier ecosystems, and regional economic competitiveness.  

Statewide and regional economic development projects include:

  • 757 - RVA Mega Region

  • GO Virginia

  • Blue Print Virginia

Northern Virginia Anchor Collaborative Initiative

VACC Northern Virginia leadership participated in regional convening led by the Community Foundation of Northern Virginia, bringing together:

  • NOVA Anchor institutions

  • NOVA Region Small businesses

  • Local NOVA region government representatives

These efforts supported the exploration and development of a Northern Virginia Anchor Collaborative, focused on aligning institutional procurement, workforce systems, and regional economic development strategies.

Regional Economic Development

VACC various regional chapters support regional planning and coordination efforts, including:

  • City of Alexandria Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) goal-setting processes

  • Northern Virginia Transportation Authority procurement and participation frameworks

  • Central Virginia chapter direct leadership role in aligning supplier ecosystem access and inclusion strategies for diverse industry sectors

  • Hampton Roads Planning District Commission

  • Winds Farm project leadership

  • Clean Energy projects

  • Technology projects by Amazon

These efforts contributed to improving access to public contracting systems and strengthening pathways for small and diverse-owned businesses.

Academic & Institutional Engagement

  • George Mason University’s Regional Democratization Conference

  • Academic panels on regional economic development and inclusion at George Mason University’s Next Systems Project