The Alexandria Times’ Summer Speaker Series at Buzz in Old Town enters its fifth week Thursday, Aug. 2 with a special evening with Christine Michaels, the new president and CEO of the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.

Michaels started her tenure with experience in historic preservation and waterfront development, so shes no stranger to some of the challenges facing Alexandria businesses. She started in her new position on April 14 and was hit with several new challenges including a loss of staff members, the waterfront development, the smoking ban in restaurants and advocacy with the city government. She has had experience with waterfront redevelopment at another chamber in Amsterdam, NY, on the Mohawk River, which was one reason why Michaels was picked for the job. They thought that was a good fit, she said.

Michaels earned a degree in public relations at Empire State College in New York, and worked as a business reporter until she was picked up by the chamber of commerce in Troy, NY. From there she went on to be the director of another chamber in upstate New York, and then to Harrisonburg, Va., where she was director of the Harrisonburg-Rockingham Chamber of Commerce for five years before coming to Alexandria.

The event is open to the public, and takes place Thursday, August 2, at Buzz, 900 Slaters Lane at Potomac Greens in Old Town, from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Refreshments will be served.

About BUZZ 
Dessert goes to the extreme at Buzz, the full-service bakery, coffee shop and dessert lounge showcases the talents of Neighborhood Restaurant Group’s pastry chefs with an array of cakes, pies, cupcakes, chocolates and cookies.
 
Everything on the buzz menu from scones to truffles, tarts to cinnamon rolls is made from scratch in house using only the highest-quality ingredients available. This attention to detail carries over to the coffee bar at buzz, which features illy coffee. This Italian company is known worldwide for its uncompromising quality.

Buzz is in Old Town both day and night with complimentary wi-fi access in the lounge, movie nights, book parties and live music. Open daily from 6 AM to midnight.  www.buzzonslaters.com.