Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce

Alternative House
Gina Cocomello
Director, Dev. & Volunteer Svcs.
[email protected]
2100 Gallows Road
Vienna, VA 22182
Phone: (703) 506-9191
Fax: (703) 506-8949
www.thealternativehouse.org

The Vienna-Tysons Chamber of Commerce is proud to present the second award for “Members Who Go Above and Beyond” to Gina Cocomello of The Alternative House. This recognition is only given occasionally when a Chamber member distinguishes themselves with their service to the Chamber and the community. Gina Cocomello clearly epitomizes the characteristics the Chamber wishes to honor with this very special
presentation.

As Director of Development for The Alternative House, Gina’s contribution to the community is already clearly demonstrated as she helps raise the funds and in-kind support and contributions that serve to shelter and counsel homeless teens in Fairfax County. We are delighted that she has chosen to work with the VTRCC to further that mission as well as those of many other non-profit organizations by serving as Chair of the Non-Profit Committee and sitting on the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Gina’s leadership, however, is manifested in many other aspects of the Chamber. She has been the Chair of volunteer recruitment and management for our annual Casino Night and Golf Tournament, and is clearly one of the primary reasons both those events ran seamlessly and profitably for the Chamber. She has served on the Ambassador’s Committee and currently is a member of the Strategic Planning Committee. Gina is personally responsible for recruiting three new Chamber members so far this year, as well as welcoming all guests at Chamber events with the professionalism and warmth that are the defining characteristics of VTRCC.

Gina is the consummate Chamber member and it is a privilege to honor her with this award.

Gina Cocomello is the Development Director for Alternative House. As the Development Director, she is responsible for special event planning, along with corporate and individual donor programs. Alternative House provides support to at-risk children, youth and families through counseling, shelter, crisis intervention and neighborhood outreach. As a representative of Alternative House, Gina belongs to a number of professional organizations in Fairfax County. Outside of work, she also volunteers her time and skills for several community organizations. She is a past Board member of her Home Owners Association. Gina says, "I truly believe in giving back to the community where I live and work. I enjoy volunteer work and it feels good knowing I am contributing to the solution."

Originally from New York, Gina has lived in Northern Virginia long enough to consider this area her hometown. She lives in Fairfax with her husband David Patterson. Gina and her husband enjoy attending Community Theater in Northern Virginia and when they travel. Gina a former pottery student collects American handcrafted pottery. You will often see her shopping at local craft shows.

Billy Thompson
All Star Movers
2722 Dorr Avenue
Fairfax, VA 22031
Phone: 703-560-4288
E-mail: [email protected]

The Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce has had many reasons during his years of membership to thank Billy Thompson. Today, we want to add a special honor by giving him the first “Members Who Go Above and Beyond” Award acknowledging his outstanding commitment to making this Chamber the outstanding organization that each member can be proud to be a part of.

As Chairman, Billy instituted the pivotal changes that led VTRCC into fulfilling its mission to be a strategic link between businesses and the community. His leadership has enabled the Chamber to grow its representation in the Tysons Corner business community, and as a member of the Tysons Task Force he has been a voice for balance between business and community interests. As Chairman, he led the development of the largest non profit representation in any local Chamber. And after his many years of leadership, Billy has once again stepped up to a challenge by serving as Vice President of Membership on the 2008 Board to lead the Chamber to pushing over the 500 member mark by the end of 2008.

Billy’s leadership is so effective because he leads by doing - by being a role model for what Chamber membership can be in its highest form. As the official Chamber Santa Claus, he gives his many gifts to the Chamber and the community all year long. It is a privilege to be able to honor his professionalism and dedication with this award.

Billy has been in the moving business since 1969. In 1976, Billy decided to build his own moving business and for nearly 30 years he has successfully led All Star Movers. All Star Movers (Agent for national Van Lines) is a full service moving company located in Merrifield providing residential and commercial moving to any destination in the world.

All Star Movers has been recognized by Washington Consumer Checkbook and Washington Business Journal for providing outstanding service. In addition in June of 2005, All Star Movers was the recipient of the Vienna Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2005 Business of the Year Award.

In addition to his Vienna-Tysons chamber activities, Billy is involved with Vienna Rotary, PNA, Greater Merrifield Businessmans Assc., Team Network and the Fairfax County and Virginia Hispanic Chambers of Commerce. Billy is a mentor in the Fairfax County “Be-Friend Program”(similar to Big Brothers) and also serves on Governor Warners Small Business Advisory Board and the Tysons Corner Transportation and Urban Design Committee.

Billy has been a resident of Vienna since the 1950’s where he resides with his wife Pamela. Billy has two adult daughters, Erin and Julie, and is the doting grandfather of Sarah. Billy’s hobbies include all sports (he roots for the home teams) and enjoys golfing, singing and piano.