The recently formed alliance of Northern Virginia Minority Chambers of Commerce will give members of the fast growing minority business community the opportunity to meet with the commonwealth’s gubernatorial and statewide candidates at the first-ever joint Candidates’ Forum, Sunday, Oct. 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. at Northern Virginia Community College, Annandale Campus.

This first-ever multi-chamber event provides an opportunity for all six of the statewide candidates to meet leaders from the minority business communities in Northern Virginia. All six major-party candidates are confirmed including:

• Ken Cuccinelli (R) and Terry McAuliffe (D) for governor;

• Ralph Northam (D) and E.W. Jackson (R) for lieutenant governor;

• Mark Herring (D) and Mark Obenshain (R) for attorney general;

• Robert Sarvis, Independent candidate for governor, is also invited.

This first-of-its-kind business development collaboration brings together members of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, and the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Northern Virginia community, to hear what the candidates plan to do to foster economic growth.

The Candidate’s Forum is open to the public and free of charge. Due to space limitations advance registration is required. The forum will take place at Northern Virginia Community College’s Ernst Cultural Center, 8333 Little River Turnpike, Annandale.

About the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (VAHCC): The VAHCC is a membership-based nonprofit organization dedicated to “building bridges” for its members and partners by promoting, enhancing, and developing business opportunities between the Hispanic business community and the business community-at-large. The VAHCC Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit with the mission of providing information, education and resources to Virginia’s Hispanic community (www.vahcc.com).

About the Asian American Chamber of Commerce (AACC): AACC is dedicated to improving the economic development for Asian Pacific American owned businesses in the greater Washington metropolitan area. AACC facilitates the growth and development of member businesses through AACC-sponsored events such as business networking programs, a business expo, business development workshops, seminars and other special events. AACC provides a platform for members to network and market their products and services (www.asian-americanchamber.org).

About The Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce (NVBCC): NVBCC is a nonpartisan, nonprofit 501(c) (3) organization committed to the growth and development of its member partners and affiliates. Their mission is to improve the economic empowerment of black-owned businesses in Northern Virginia through information exchange, technical assistance and access to 21st century leaders. NVBCC serve the Counties of Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William and other municipalities within the region. They help members build networks, obtain practical entrepreneurial education and gain the tools necessary to develop and advance businesses (http://www.novabcc.org/).