Through her active membership with the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, Lisa Ward, owner of Plumb Financial, established a long-standing support system.

“Throughout my career changes, the Chamber has been the only consistent thing,” Ward said. 

When Ward first joined the Chamber in 2017, she was still finishing her degree and working in insurance. After she graduated, she started working at a finance firm. Over the years, she’s changed financial positions and firms. Every time, Chamber Members supported her.

“The Chamber is probably one of the only reasons I’m still in the industry because of the members who supported me through transitions,” she said.

Last year, Ward decided to establish her own firm, Plumb Financial, confident because of the consistent support from members.

“I would say about 90% of my book of business is made up of Chamber Members,” she said. “My biggest client came from the Chamber, which is why building good connections is so important. It really is like taking care of your extended family.”

Not only have they supported her, but Ward has supported them. After serving together on the advisory council for the Young Professionals, Ward and her council stayed in touch through career changes, life changes and so much more.

“They became my people,” Ward said. “We still talk to each other, and they’re the first people I think about when I need a roofer or a banker or something.”

The Young Professionals, one of the Chamber’s five Member Groups, provide a space for the next generation of leaders to build connections and bounce ideas off of each other. Ward said she loved interacting with professionals her age, and it helped her better understand how to communicate with other generations and advocate for herself in the workplace.

“It’s great to be in a like-minded group where you can learn from each other’s mistakes and successes,” she said. “As a business owner, you don’t always have a team or a business partner to soundboard anything.”

The Chamber’s Member Groups give members a space to ask questions. Ward is also involved with the Women’s Alliance, saying it provides incredible mentor opportunities.

“In any of the Member Groups, you can find a mentor and build out your network,” she said.

In 2023, Ward upgraded her membership to the Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) level, opening doors to a whole new market of members.

“I didn’t even know what I was missing, but I wish I would’ve upgraded sooner,” Ward said. “By attending exclusive events and being in the room with business leaders, I can have a bigger impact in Arlington.”

Morning with the Mayor, an exclusive quarterly event for Major Investors, helps her stay informed.

“I’m born and raised in Arlington. Joining the Chamber, I’ve learned more about Arlington than I did when I was just a resident,” Ward said. “I’m more aware of what’s going on in the city.”

Ward’s biggest advice to new members is to put every Chamber event on their calendar and see what sticks.

“It starts with being present in the room,” she said. “Not every event will be the right fit for you, but you have to try it out first. It’s going to be awkward at first, but go. The connections will start to build.”

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst for growing our members’ businesses, fostering economic prosperity, amplifying the voice of business and developing our community’s future. Through year-round events, members build lasting relationships and learn crucial strategies to grow their business. Interested in becoming a member? Contact Bryan Weatherford, Director of Member Recruitment.

Learn more about how Plumb Financial can help you create a personalized, long-term financial plan here.