The National Industries for the Blind (NIB) is celebrating a special anniversary — 15 years as a member of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber ALX).
NIB is the largest employment resource for people who are blind in the U.S. and is an active participant with the chamber. In 2024, NIB and its associated agencies provided employment to 5,142 people who are blind, culminating in more than $172 million in wages and benefits.
Since it was announced in August, it was no surprise that the Chamber ALX‘s 2025 Business Leader of the Year Award was presented Thursday night (Oct. 23) to the Virginia Tech DC Area Launch Team.
Still, there were a number of other contentious business awards, and ALXnow was at the Westin Alexandria Old Town (400 Courthouse Square) to see them handed out. Below are the winners of the micro, small, medium, large, rising star, non-profit, and overall businesses of the year in Alexandria.
There’s officially a new coffee shop in the Alexandria area.
The ribbon was cut at a new PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans franchise at 6220 N. Kings Highway, Alexandria (Fairfax County) on Saturday, Sept. 27. On hand at the event were owners Ron and Sofiya Parker, the family, Franconia District Supervisor Rodney Lusk, and Chamber ALX CEO Joe Haggerty. The coffee shop officially opened in July.
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce announced finalists Wednesday for its 2025 Best in Business Awards, describing the Oct. 23 ceremony as “our very own version of the Oscars.”
The awards will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Westin Alexandria Old Town, 400 Courthouse Square, with Burke & Herbert Bank presenting the event. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception at 7:30 p.m.
Good morning, Alexandria! 👋 Today is Monday, Aug. 25, the 237th day of 2025. There are 128 days left in the year.
☀️ Today’s weather: Sunny, with a high near 84 degrees. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Mostly clear tonight, with a low around 62 degrees. Northwest wind 3 to 6 mph.
On Aug. 21 (Thursday), The Chamber ALX is hosting its first-ever 40 Over 40 Awards Celebration. The event will highlight the 40 Alexandria movers and shakers announced in May, and tickets cost $120. The event is hosted by United Bank, and will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. at Freeman Headquarters (11 Canal Center Plaza) in Old Town North.
“We’re throwing a party — and it’s all about celebrating people who prove that life doesn’t slow down after 40… it levels up,” the chamber said in the event listing. “(Y)ou won’t want to miss the panoramic waterfront views.”
The Virginia Tech DC Area Launch Team has been named the Chamber ALX’s Business Leader of the Year.
The first of three Virginia Tech academic buildings held its grand opening in February, ushering in computer science research and development programs to hundreds of master’s degree students. The first academic building is 11 stories, 300,000 square feet and located next door to the Potomac Yard Metro station.
Valvoline Instant Oil Change opened its newest location on Tuesday (July 22) at a longstanding Del Ray auto repair shop.
Staff from Valvoline Instant Oil Change and leadership from the Chamber ALX cut the ribbon at the business at 3405 Mount Vernon Avenue. That’s the former longtime home to Lube-It Pennzoil.
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (The Chamber ALX) has announced that applications are now open for Leadership Alexandria, a comprehensive nine-month civic leadership program designed to connect, educate, and inspire both emerging and established community leaders.
The program, running from September 2025 through May 2026, aims to provide participants with the tools and relationships needed to make meaningful impacts in Alexandria and beyond.
Need something to smile about? There’s a new dental office in Old Town North.
Dental Inc. officially opened its doors to the public on Saturday (May 10) at 1195 N. Fayette Street. Owners Dr. Kapil Kotadia and Prutha Kotadia were joined at the ribbon cutting by Mayor Alyia Gaskins, City Council Member Canek Aguirre and Chamber ALX CEO Joe Haggerty.
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is recognizing seasoned professionals with its new “40 Over 40” initiative, which spotlights individuals who are making waves in their industries and communities.
In an email to members, the Chamber ALX revealed the names of 40 honorees who are pushing boundaries, redefining success, and demonstrating exceptional leadership and innovation.
