About the Chamber
The ANNANDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE joins businesses, community organizations, and professionals for the purpose of maintaining a favorable business climate while contributing to the quality of life that makes Annandale a special place. It is a business organization of approximately 200 members that has been in continuous service to Greater Annandale since its incorporation in 1943. The Chamber’s primary goal is to build the Annandale Marketplace. Additionally, emphasis is placed on the following efforts.
Quality Government: To work with county and state government to encourage good management practices at every level, including sensible budgets, rational decision making, and advanced planning for public facilities.
Beautification: To participate in “Annandale Beautification Days” and to work to beautify Annandale by encouraging and supporting good architecture, protection of our canopy, additional landscaping in the Central Business District, and along medians and main thoroughfares.
Alliance for Progress: To work with civic, service, and business organizations in addition to individuals to improve the quality of life in our community.
Public Safety: To work closely with the Fairfax County Police Department in order to ensure every resident and every person who works in Annandale safety while at work, at home, and while traveling by foot or by car through the Annandale community.
Revitalization: To encourage the revitalization of older buildings and properties into well-designed, comprehensively planned, mixed-use development.
The Chamber has proudly produced their quarterly online news magazine, ENDEAVOR, since January 2008. In a few short years it has become the must read publication for all of Annandale. It heralds both chamber members and our home town; it discusses major issues affecting Annandale; it informs with interesting columns such as The Police Beat, Roads and Rage, A Community of Cousins, From Capitol Hill to The Chairman’s Corner, View on Nature, the Annandale Retrospective, Tax Talk, Health Watch, What’s Cooking; and, it provides timely schedules of local activities and stories of special interest. ENDEAVOR also provides expansive advertising opportunities to businesses and organizations. See the current and past issues on the Chamber’s website.
The ANNANDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE invites all interested citizens and businesses to join in making Annandale an even better place in which to live, work, and play.
ANNUAL EVENTS SPONSORED BY THE CHAMBER
Hospital Bed Race and Spring Carnival in May: The Chamber teams with VA Special Olympics and the Mason District Police Station in sponsoring this whacky event. Businesses send a team of 5 who race decorated pediatric hospital beds to promote their business. Many local politicians participate, news agencies, and citizen spectators. The two week Spring Carnival is held in conjunction with the Bed Race providing games along the midway, carnival rides, food and fun for all ages. It is a family friendly event enjoyed by thousands each year. Business Sponsors are welcome to display their banners on the carnival fencing for the full term of the carnival where tens of thousands of commuters will view them.
Awards Ceremony & Luncheon in June: This special ceremony honors chamber members and Annandale citizens alike. Achievement awards are given to three outstanding Annandale Students and Awards of Valor are bestowed on members of the Annandale Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Mason District Police Dept. Please see the events schedule on the Chamber website www.annandalechamber.com for details and reservation requirements.
Parade and Fall Festival: Fourth Saturday in October: The annual parade dates back to the 1950’s and attracts an enormous attendance. Together with the Festival, these are the largest attended public events in Greater Annandale attracting upwards of 12,000 people. The Parade commences at the historic Annandale Methodist Church and progresses down Columbia Pike to the Bowling Alley and Safeway on Little River Tunpike where the Fall Festival is held.
THE COMMUNITY MARKET hosts one hundred vendors selling handmade and manufacured wares as well as a wildly popular pet section where gourmet dog treats, custom coats, bowls, & leashes can be purchased and professional trainers can be met.
THE KIDS ZONE is home to inflatable rides, costumed play characters, a rock climing wall, the popular bungee jump & bungee basketball, a Toddler Play Area with the Little Pirate Ship Moon Bounce, and The Secret Garden where puppet shows and storytelling sessions are held.
THE FOOD AND ENTERTAINMENT ZONE is where you will find amazing food from multiple culinary cuisines, home brewed root beer, snow cones & Kettle Corn, along with performances by beautifully costumed International Dancers and professional rock, jazz, country, and pop bands. As a public service, The Annandale Lions' Club also provides their vision & hearing screening van free to all.
Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony and Reception held the First Friday in December at 5:00 PM: Madrigals, choirs, and student carolers entertain the outdoor assembly at Toll House Park while the town tree is lit for the holiday season. Santa also makes an appearance much to the delight of the little ones. Then stroll down the street to a festive reception held at Burke & Herbert Bank (4235 Annandale Road) where a string quintet fills the air with musical perfection while guests are invited to exchange the greetings of the season. This is an old fashion evening honored and enjoyed by all.
Monthly Networking Luncheons: Held the second Thursday from September through May at NOON to 1:30 pm at the Juke Box Diner on Columbia Pike. Please check the event schedule on the Chamber website for updates, details, program speaker and reservation requirements.
Networking Breakfasts: Held four times a year on the fourth Tuesday from 8:30 to 9:45 am at Magills Restaurant on Little River Turnpike. Please check the event schedule on the Chamber website for dates, details and reservation requirements.
Networking Mixers: Held four times a year on a fourth Thursday from 4:00-5:00 pm at Silverado’s on Columbia Pike with hors d’oeuvres provided. This is a quick fire networking session you can enjoy on your way home from work while meeting many of Annandale’s business owners. Please check the event schedule on the Chamber website for dates, details and reservation requirements. Sponsorship is welcome for these Mixers, for which considerable advertising will be provided along with the opportunity to present your company at the Mixer during the Business Focus portion of the event. To sponsor a Mixer, please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it