Your Neighborhood Chamber of Commerce
For nearly 70 years, the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce has worked to serve the
business communities of the City of Fairfax and its “suburbs”! One of the fastest growing
Chambers in the DMV, the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce provides leadership and resources to the
business community. We do this by offering a variety of programs, benefits and services to businesses
of all sizes that includes networking, advocacy, marketing, education and cost saving programs.
We serve businesses, nonprofits and citizens alike in the area that encompasses the central and western
parts of Fairfax County and the City of Fairfax. With small business in mind, all our benefits, programs
and services are designed to help save a business owner time and money — two resources we always
seem to run short on!
Our History
Small Business Focus, Big Business Results had its genesis in 1956 when a group of the Town of
Fairfax business people organized the Court House Square Businessmen’s Association. The original
27-member group, which would ultimately become the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce (CFCC), dealt
with many of the same topics that the Chamber addresses today. These include membership, events,
programs and benefits that enhance our members’ businesses. Equally important are the
Chamber’s relationships with the City of Fairfax, Fairfax County and other area chambers of
commerce and associations.
Over the next several decades, the Chamber has carried out numerous programs and services that support
and promote business growth. The Chamber has often spoken out on local and state legislative actions
that potentially impact the varied interests of our business community. In October of 1961, the Chamber
supported an action for the Town of Fairfax to become the City of Fairfax. On April 18, 1963, based on
the dramatic growth in the city, the board voted to name the organization the City of Fairfax Chamber of
Commerce, Inc.
In 1982, as the surrounding areas continued to expand and a growing number of Chamber members were
located outside the City of Fairfax, the Chamber officially became the Central Fairfax Chamber of
Commerce. This enabled the Chamber to better reach out to businesses surrounding the city and support
them both in the city and county at large. However, the core of the Chamber’s activities continued
to be focused on the City of Fairfax.
The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce enjoys a robust relationship with the City of Fairfax and its
Economic Development Authority as well as Mason and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.
These partnerships all focus on helping local businesses and creating the best possible environment for
businesses to open and flourish. Our location in the City of Fairfax and being in the center of Fairfax
County offers a unique opportunity to serve the community.
Throughout the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce’s existence, the goal has always been the same
– to help our members maximize their business opportunities and make our community the most
“business friendly environment” possible. Our Board members represent not only dedicated
local business owners and leaders, but community leaders, including the Fairfax County Economic
Development Authority, City of Fairfax Economic Development Authority and City of Fairfax Management
– all with a focused passion to make our business community and environment even better.
Helping Local Businesses
The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce believes that a locally focused chamber of commerce is more
important than ever! Why? Because our business community needs cost-effective legislative advocacy,
education, networking, referral, marketing and communication resources, and we need them now.
We provide all of this and more. The Chamber also offers a wide range of events and services that can
help identify the best tactics and strategies for your own business. The following represents just a few
of the many features that make membership so valuable:
• Active business referral program for Chamber members
• Member Marketplace
• Monthly networking functions and sponsorship opportunities
• Regular educational opportunities through local businesses and partner organizations
• Legislative and political advocacy
• Priority internet presence with your Chamber web directory listing
• Listing in the Chamber’s Community Guide and Membership Directory
• Numerous special events hosted by the Chamber, as well as joint networking with other local
Chambers and community partners
The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing the value proposition of membership
by listening to our members and delivering the right services to make Chamber membership the best
possible investment for you and your business, regardless of the economy! Today, we serve nearly 400
local businesses representing mom-and-pop shops to corporate centers and everything in between!
Did You Know?
A chamber of commerce is an organization of businesses seeking to further their collective interest,
while advancing their community, region, state or nation. Chambers have existed in the United States for
more than 200 years! The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is one of the most active business network
and business advocacy groups in Central Fairfax, and one of the fastest growing in Northern Virginia. We
also provide an incredible amount of value for our members for about a dollar a day!
The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is a 501 c(6) nonprofit organization; meaning, the Chamber has
legal authority to engage in public policy debates and lobby on behalf of our members. The Chamber is
not a charitable organization though it represents many of them within the membership. Revenue raised
within the Chamber goes toward achieving its charge: to provide leadership and resources to the business
community. The Chamber is an effective resource for creating a business-friendly environment that
promotes growth, fosters partnerships, and enhances the economic prosperity of the region.
The Central Fairfax Chamber is organized around a board of volunteers and committees of volunteers,
mostly representing the private sector. The Central Fairfax Chamber is not an entity of the government,
although many consider the process of informing and educating elected/appointed officials to be one of
its most essential functions.
Join the Chamber
For about a dollar a day, most businesses can be a part of one of the most influential and effective
business advocacy groups in the DMV. There’s so much value packed into investment in membership,
how can you afford NOT to?
“Being a member of the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce has been an invaluable
experience. It helped me connect with local businesses, grow my network and increase my brand’s
visibility — making a real impact on my growth.”
Stephanie Dallojacono, Licensed Master Esthetician, Smiley Skin Beauty
“The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce has been pivotal in my business. From the
educational business events, to the entertainment and connectivity of the networking
meetups. The CFCC has helped to get my company’s name out to the community, as well as their
engagement in helping others. It is by far the BEST chamber in the area!”
Russ McIntosh, Owner and Creative Director, Vision Idea Design
“I may not be local to Fairfax, but being a member of the Central Fairfax Chamber of
Commerce is the next best thing. This organization, and by extension their incredible Executive
Director, Jennifer Rose, has cultivated a vibrant business community that is welcoming and friendly.
Being involved with the CFCC has been great for me and my business, and I’d highly recommend
joining, especially if you want to grow your business!”
Mick Collins, Pay it Forward Processing
“The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is a wonderful, dynamic organization. There is
an incredible amount of high-quality monthly programming. Jennifer Rose, as Executive Director,
has grown the Chamber very substantially and is committed to seeing her members’ businesses
succeed. Joining is a great investment!”
Anne Byerly, CFP®, AAMS®, CRPC®
EdwardJones, Financial Advisor
“As a local business, the Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce is a key partner helping us
grow and supporting the Fairfax community. The Chamber has played a central role in our business
development, staying informed about local events, projects and opportunities. It’s central to
Fairfax and it’s central to My Pest Pros’ growth.”
Brett Lieberman, Owner, My Pest Pros