The District’s economic growth in 2026 will depend on a bolder, stronger, and more unified commitment to championing local businesses — a message echoed by political, administration, and business leaders at the DC Chamber of Commerce’s annual meeting and chairman’s inaugural breakfast, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest on Dec. 11.
DC Chamber President Chinyere Hubbard, who is 10 months into her leadership role at the city’s preeminent business organization, proudly shared how the chamber has grown and the significant impact the organization is having on public policy and local business development.
“While we have certainly navigated headwinds, we have found opportunities for growth and impact together,” Hubbard said. “We have transformed the DC Chamber into a bolder, stronger, more unified champion for business. And the proof is everywhere. We’ve recruited a record 176 new members, an unprecedented increase in Chamber of Commerce’s renewed membership.”
More than 200 small and large business owners attended and joined in celebrating the Chamber’s growth and impact over the past year, and they focused on the organization’s plans to increase from 50 to 100 events in 2026 including in-person and virtual events and town halls, according to Chamber Chair Earle “Chico” Horton III.
The featured speaker at the Thursday morning event was Marla Blow, president and CEO of the Skoll Foundation.
Founded in 1999 by its namesake Jeff Skoll, the foundation’s mission is to “build a sustainable world of peace and prosperity for all” according to its website, “by investing in, connecting, and championing social entrepreneurs and other social innovators who together advance bold and equitable solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.”
Hubbard and other leaders celebrated Skoll’s recent move of its headquarters from California to D.C., and welcomed Blow to the business community.
Other speakers included D.C. Council Chair Phil Mendelson, At-Large Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development; Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto, and Nina Albert, deputy mayor for Planning and Economic Development.
McDuffie emphasized the importance of public safety and economic growth. He urged local leadership to “clearly identify the sectors where we are poised to lead, whether it’s revitalizing downtown, strengthening our sports economy, advancing hospitality and tourism, or building new neighborhood-based economic hubs like the St Elizabeth’s campus.
“We must continue to make smart, targeted investments that support business retention and business growth,” McDuffie said.
Pinto also acknowledged how inspiring the business community is “especially in moments of fear, which a lot of us have right now, appropriately, given the overreach that we’re seeing from the federal government.
“The best way we can fight back is by action,” Pinto said, “and you all are the cinder block of that action every single day. So thank you for all you do.”
She highlighted her introduction of Prosper DC, a 25-bill package that focuses on expanding economic opportunities for residents, positive youth development mechanisms to support and attract new business and new industries and efforts for affordable, accessible and healthy communities.
“Just like in public safety,” Pinto said, “it’s not going to be one intervention that turns everything around. It’s going to be a lot of intervention and a lot of action to help make the impacts I know we all want to see in D.C.”
Chamber Celebrates Mayor Bowser, Local Leaders
With an intense local political season on the horizon in 2026, speakers also took time to praise D.C. Mayor Murial Bowser, who announced she will not run for a fourth term.
“I just want to take a moment to commend Mayor Bowser’s phenomenal leadership, calm and grace under fire, and decisive guidance at every turn,” Hubbard said. “She has been the District’s strongest champion for D.C.-based businesses, economic, demographic, and cultural equity. We are a better city because of her leadership.”
At-Large Councilmember Anita Bonds, who was also present among the past and present local elected officials, was lauded for her service. Bond announced she will not run for reelection, for which Pinto said, “I think she [Bond] really embodies the reality that this work is not a job, it is a calling, it is a purpose, and it really is a way of life. Thank you so much for all you have given to me, and to the District of Columbia.”
Hubbard expressed the commitment to local small businesses and urged the business community to hold the DC Chamber accountable.
“We are going to build deeper partnerships. We’re going to amplify our goals at every level of government. We are going to champion businesses of all sizes with greater intensity. We are going to lead with vision, fearlessly, in shaping the economic future of the city,” Hubbard promised. “D.C. is a world-class city, and the DC Chamber will continue to be a world-class champion for businesses, driving opportunity and ensuring our city flourishes for generations to come.”