Stacy Shaw
The Prince William Chamber of Commerce has announced that its Chief Executive Officer, Robert H. Clapper, II, is stepping down from his post after serving as the organization's inaugural president since 2010. The organization credits him with leading the business and advocacy organization through a significant transition period towards growth and success. Deborah L. Jones, the Chamber's Chief Operating Officer, will serve as Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective February 18, 2014. According to Bill White, Chairman of the Prince William Chamber’s Board of Directors, Clapper stepped down Tuesday in order to pursue other opportunities with veterans' causes, which has been a long-time passion of his. White thanked Clapper for his service on behalf of the chamber. "Together, Prince William County, the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, and the Prince William Chamber owe Rob a great debt for his service,” White said. “Through his leadership, and in partnership with the board's five year strategic plan, we've crafted a clear vision for where we're headed and how the chamber and the entire business community can best be supported.” Tim Jackson, Inaugural Chairman of the Prince William Chamber, said Rob has been at the center of the organization’s transformation into a “still-growing powerhouse in the landscape of the business communities of Northern Virginia.” Jackson added that, "Rob leaves a strong and lasting legacy for the Prince William Chamber and the entire business community of Northern Virginia.” Jackson said that Clapper not only far exceeded members’ expectations for what their president would accomplish, but is also know as a humble, considerate and generous individual. The Chamber names the following among Clapper’s most significant accomplishments while presiding over the Prince William Chamber of Commerce:
- Successfully led and facilitated a five-year strategic plan (2011-2015). This includes organizational successes that have enabled the Prince William Chamber to operate efficiently and offer the highest level of support to area businesses.
- Gained recognition by the "Washington Business Journal" as the largest chamber in the DC metro area and by the American Council of Chamber Executives as a national leader for recruitment of new members.
- Introduced a new billing cycle that offers a more consistent cash flow.
- Introduced the website www.pwchamberadvocate.org to better inform and engage members about policy issues and initiated the formation of the Prince William Chamber Political Action Committee to respond to and support the Chamber’s public policy agenda.
- Played an integral role in assuring General Assembly passage of the historic transportation funding bill, HB 2313, which will generate over $3.4 billion in transportation projects statewide over the next five years plus an addition over $1.5 billion for road improvements in Northern Virginia.
- Directed an initiative that led to VDOT study of economic impact of North-South Corridor of Statewide Significance.
- Successfully advocated for continued BPOL reform, with Prince William County raising the threshold and the City of Manassas Park adopting development incentives that include BPOL exemptions.
This article was rewritten from information presented in a press release via the Prince William Chamber of Commerce.
