Inaugural NVC/Pinkston Business Leader Survey identifies taxes, regulations, transportation/infrastructure and state right-to-work law as top policy issues
FALLS CHURCH, VA – The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (NVC) and Pinkston today released their first “NVC/Pinkston Business Leader Survey” to offer valuable insights and to forecast business trends to Greater Washington’s business community and policymakers. The survey represents the perspectives, sentiments, and strategic planning of over 100 CEOs, corporate executives, and business owners who do business in Northern Virginia.
“This survey reveals a surge of confidence, with over 80% of business leaders optimistic about their company’s performance and 70% positive about the American economy, signaling growth and new opportunities ahead,” said Julie Coons, President and CEO of NVC. “While optimism remains high, business leaders remain attuned to critical challenges such as workforce recruitment and potential shifts in federal agency relocation. Supporting our diverse business community is essential for navigating these obstacles, strengthening the regional economy, and fostering a pro-business environment to ensure long-term success and competitiveness.”
This survey addresses some of the most pressing topics in today’s business landscape, from economic outlook for 2025, to the anticipated policy and federal agency directions of the incoming Trump administration, to Virginia’s legislative priorities in the final year of Governor Youngkin’s term. The full survey findings are available HERE. Key findings include:
- Economic Outlook – 81% of business leaders are very or somewhat optimistic about their company’s performance in the next six months and 70% are very or somewhat optimistic about the American economy in the next six months.
- Hiring Projections – 49% of business leaders anticipate needing to increase hiring, while only 6% anticipate needing to reduce employee headcount.
- Federal Relocation Plans – 78% of business leaders are very (27%), somewhat (38%), or a little (13%) concerned about the incoming Trump administration’s proposal to relocate or eliminate some federal agencies and employees. 42% of business leaders believe that the Trump administration’s agenda around federal agency relocation will harm their company.
- Governor Youngkin and Legislative Session Priorities – When asked what priorities that Governor Youngkin and the General Assembly should focus on this year, business leaders listed tax cuts (47%), non-Metro transportation/infrastructure investments (36%), and keeping right-to-work (35%) as the top policy issues.
“Northern Virginia’s economic significance to the D.C. area and state are undeniable; the region represents 46 percent of Greater Washington’s economy and 42 percent of Virginia’s economy,” said D.J. Jordan, Senior Vice President at Pinkston. “Northern Virginia business leaders are optimistic about the direction of the economy and their company’s plans to grow, and that is a good thing for all of Virginia and the entire Greater Washington D.C. region. These survey insights will hopefully support proactive decision-making for policymakers and strategic development across multiple sectors.”
Between January 2-15, 2025, 103 CEOs, corporate executives, and business owners who do business in Northern Virginia completed this survey of 10 questions. Most of the respondents lead companies in the government contracting, financial services, technology, professional services, and real estate industries.
In part because of Northern Virginia’s success, CNBC listed Virginia as the top state for business in its annual rankings of America’s Top States for Business in 2024. Northern Virginia’s share of the Greater Washington’s regional economy is 46 percent and boasts the presence of numerous Fortune 500 companies. Northern Virginia’s $302 billion GDP represents nearly 42 percent of the GDP of the Commonwealth of Virginia and is larger than 24 other states.
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About NVC
For the past 100 years, NVC—the largest and most influential chamber in the Greater Washington Region—has driven change and innovation, fueling regional economic growth that today powers 46% of the region’s economy, contributes 6% of the nation’s GDP, ranks as the 13th largest U.S. economy, and is home to 40 of Greater Washington’s 64 Fortune 500 companies. On behalf of their more than 500,000 employee members and leaders, NVC works to advance the region as a leader in innovation and growth.
About Pinkston
Pinkston is a full-service branding, marketing, and communications firm that offers an integrated collection of strategic capabilities, including public relations, digital marketing, website development, brand identity, public affairs, research, social media, and video production. Founded in 2001 and based in Falls Church, Virginia, Pinkston serves a wide range of clients including Fortune 500 companies, innovative technology startups, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.
