The Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association hosted a forum last week for small businesses, civic associations and other community members to review resources available for business growth.

It’s important that the residents and business owners realize that tourism is a key and effective economic generator for the city, said ACVA President and CEO Patricia Washington.

She added that her group has been building its technological tools, such as an interactive website to reach out to tourists, but also works hard to foster personal connections.

“We’re high tech but high touch,” she said.

Washington noted that in 2011, tourism spending generated $711 million, which brought in city tax revenue of $23.1 million.

She added that with the government sector “softening” in its spending, it’s more important than ever that members of the business community collaborate, get in touch with the associations they are involved with and work with the ACVA to help foster growth in Alexandria.

Other speakers from the following local groups outlined their services and resources available to the business community and others:

• The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership
• Alexandria Chamber of Commerce
• Alexandria Small Business Development Center
• Del Ray Business Association
• Eisenhower Public-Private Partnership
• Old Town Business and Professional Association
• West End Business Association

For the quickest updates on Del Ray and Alexandria, "like" Del Ray Patch on Facebook and follow @delraypatch on Twitter.