HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 867 Offered February 6, 2007 Commending the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its 25th anniversary. ---------- Patrons-- Plum; Senator: Howell ----------

WHEREAS, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1982 to enhance the prosperity of the region by providing a supportive environment for businesses and the Reston community to grow; and

WHEREAS, Reston is the largest business district in Virginia and has the second highest concentration of technology companies in the nation, with half of the world's Internet traffic passing through it; and

WHEREAS, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce has grown steadily over the years, expanding the services and opportunities it provides to members and the community at large, and proving to be a highly effective advocate for business; and

WHEREAS, one of the Chamber's most successful programs is the Incubator Program, a mentoring, consulting, and networking program that assists entrepreneurs in establishing and expanding high-growth-potential businesses with an emphasis on technology, government services, and supporting industries; and

WHEREAS, since it was established in 2000, the Incubator Program has helped 39 firms and produced 29 graduates, and these firms have in turn created many jobs in the region, attracted $8 million in investments, and secured more than 52,000 square feet of commercial space in Northern Virginia; and

WHEREAS, in addition to its outstanding work on behalf of local businesses, the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce has been a dedicated community partner, donating time, expertise, and funds to local nonprofits; and

WHEREAS, some of the Chamber's many contributions to nonprofits include raising over $575,000 for Reston Interfaith, Inc., offering $30,000 in college scholarships to local high school students, donating over 5,000 clothing, food, and gift items to local charities, and volunteering over 2,000 hours at South Lakes High School; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for its years of service to the businesses and residents of Reston and best wishes for continued success in increasing the prosperity of the region.