October Community Mixer is a Great Success

October 27, Hilton Washington Dulles Airport

The packed meeting room was silent with anticipation as Ms. Sam Horn, internationally acclaimed speaker and author of “POP!”, “Tongue Fu” and “Win Buy-In: Getting Businesses Intrigued in your Nonprofit in 60 Seconds” quickly and engagingly presented a seminar in how to “win buy-in.” Businesses and nonprofits alike later expressed their amazement at how quickly the speaker was able to present concise, memorable ways to stand out, communicate ideas quickly and effectively, and to entertain the audience at the same time.  Ms. Horn was joined by local philanthropists and business leaders Jody Brown, EVP for Communications at CACI and Fouad Qreitem, owner of Paisano’s restaurants, who spoke about their experiences working with nonprofits to the mutual benefit of nonprofit and business. Both companies are very well-known for their efforts in the nonprofit community: CACI for its focus on hiring veterans and Paisano’s for its annual drives to feed and clothe the homeless. Mr. Qreitem has said,“This should be something every small, successful business owner should do. Because we’ve been blessed and fortunate, we should pay it forward and help others.”

The Business and Community Impact Committee of the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, led by co-chairs Sarah Newman, Executive Director of Helping Children Worldwide and Maggie Hughes of IPC Technologies, has been a leader in helping nonprofit businesses keep current with business trends in charitable giving, help find   pro bono resources available, and promote their nonprofit activities in the business community. Their latest effort has been overwhelmingly successful and bodes well for the future.

The Community Mixer on October 27 was one of the best attended events of the 2011 Dulles Regional Chamber calendar.  Local luminaries included Virginia State Delegate Tom Rust, Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust and Herndon Town Council member Sheila Olem. The Hilton Washington Dulles Hotel served up delicious shrimp cocktail, egg rolls, and goat cheese tapenade with their wine and beer, continuing to impress the local community with their customer service.

Door prizes were awarded, with a Kindle provided by Maggie Hughes of IPC Technologies and a CD of “Win Buy-in” provided by Angie Carrera, DRCC Board member and Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnership (OP3). 

Going forward, each future Breakfast and Mixer will spotlight a member Nonprofit.  Please join us at Mon Ami Gabi at 7:45 AM on November 11, 2011 for the Business, Bagels and More power-networking breakfast, spotlight to be announced!