Through her active membership with the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, María Allen with Done Staffing learned the vital do’s and don’ts of American business culture and saw exponential growth through successful Chamber connections.

“For me, the Chamber is more than networking; it’s an educational platform for business owners and leaders,” Allen said. “I learned how to interact and connect.”

Allen moved to America from Venezuela in 2013. In 2019, she started her business, Done Staffing, to provide local workers to companies in Arlington. When she joined the Chamber, Allen said she did not know what it was because there are no Chamber of Commerces in Venezuela. As she attended events, she observed how members interacted with one another and learned firsthand how business works in America. 

Allen said her first year at the Chamber taught her crucial facts about American business culture like handing out business cards, arriving early to network, dressing to impress and more. As Allen’s confidence grew, so did her business. She used her Chamber connections to take her business from $40,000 in revenue to over $1 million in one year. 

Allen learned about the new Loews Hotel coming to Arlington at a Chamber event and challenged herself to pitch Done Staffing as a staffing option for Loews. She walked into the lobby, nervous but confident. Allen shared about her business with the manager, who she was connected with through a Chamber Member. 

From that connection, Allen created other business partnerships with top businesses in the Entertainment District. These opportunities would not have come to fruition without the knowledge and connections the Chamber provided, she said.

“If you’re a part of the Chamber, it comes with a reputation, and you’re taken seriously,” Allen said.

This exponential growth came with its own challenges. Allen needed to find a new payroll system, a business loan and more, and she found it all through Chamber Members.

“I’m grateful to be part of the Chamber; it’s like a brotherhood,” Allen said.

When she first joined the Chamber, staff and other members encouraged her to actively attend events, stating this was the best way to see success. So, she did despite nerves.

“Our path with the Chamber was a process,” Allen said.

When they first joined as general members, they officed at the library, and now they office at Spark Coworking. As Allen better understood American standards and felt confident representing her brand, she invested in a  Corporate Leadership Council (CLC) membership.

It all started with attending Business Over Breakfast and Chamber After Hours, monthly networking events.

“That path, that journey, led me to be ready for where we are now,” Allen said. “I couldn’t do it without going to all of those BOBs and Chamber After Hours and so many other events.”

As a CLC member, Allen attends Major Investor Events, keeping her informed on what’s happening in Arlington which helps her plan for her staffing business. It’s where she first learned the 2024 All-Star Game was coming to Arlington. She knew she needed to have lots of employees available during All-Star Week, so she began to prepare and recruit more employees.

“If you don’t go to those meetings, then you don’t understand how to sell or how to expand yourself through the Chamber,” Allen said. “You have to see the opportunities.”

As a new member, Allen found community by joining the Women’s Alliance and the Latino Business Alliance, two of the six Member Groups. 

Allen’s biggest advice to new members is to attend events consistently and actively interact with people.

“Come, and they’re going to know your face,” Allen said. “I think that’s very important especially when you’re starting your business.”

The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce is the catalyst for growing our members’ business, 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 Done Staffing can provide your company staffing services here.