2013 Northern Virginia (NOVA) Brewfest is here! Live bands, food, beers in Leesburg VA Jun 22-23

Coming soon on June 22-23rd 2013, the 6th Annual Northern Virginia Summer BrewFest makes its way to Leesburg Virginia's Morven Park (Loudoun County).

The NOVA BrewFest elevates beer tastings to a whole new level and is ready to host serious brewers and beer connoisseurs. Beers with “aromas of coriander and orange peel with a flavor of wheat", or "golden in color with an intense floral aroma and flavors of citrus, fruit, light malt with hints of powdered sugar and American hops" are just a few beer flavors to sample at this year's Brewfest.

The spotlight for this festival will be more than 60 microbrews from all over the country, including some right here in our own backyard, from Vintage 50 Brew Lounge (Leesburg), Mad Fox Brewing (Falls Church) and Lost Rhino Brewing Company (Ashburn).

If you are a fan of hand-crafted micro brews created in small batches with an interesting blend of flavors, joining other Virginia craft beer lovers and live music fans at the Northern VA Brewfest will be an absolutely perfect way to spend an early summer weekend in June!

It takes skill, patience and experience to produce craft beers, and local brewmasters take immense pride in their creations. Like the many small wineries that have developed in Northern Virginia (Loudoun County hosts 35 wineries, more than any other Virginia county!), so too are the number of small craft breweries quickly growing - right here in "DC's Beer Country".

Selecting and pairing foods with beer is becoming as popular as wine and food pairing. The primary sponsor of this event, Vintage 50 restaurant, will be showcasing their specialty brews created by their brewmaster, Bret Kimbrough. Bret's creations available for sampling include:

Tyrannosaurus Rye, a Canadian pale ale with caramel rye malts giving a toasty malt skeleton to this beast with a piney, citrus flavor and aroma coming from the American Warrior and Simcoe hops.

Doages Dunkel, a dark Bavarian lager, combines the deep complex flavor of a dark brew with the clean finish of a great lager.

Anonymous Dampf, a remarkably refreshing summertime brew, exudes a tropical fruit aroma, has a light body and a thirst quenching tartness that is perfectly refreshing on a hot day.

An entrance ticket to the Brewfest gives you a special commemorative beer tasting glass and 4 tickets for tasting your choice of craft brews. This festival is not only about the beer sampling, it's also a fantastic event for the entire family! There will be food, crafters, live music and even activities for the kids. If you can't make the NOVA Brewfest this summer, no worries, the Brewfest will be back this fall in Centreville at Bull Run Regional Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 20 & 21st.

Local, live bands include (Saturday) Dance Manifesto, Rew Smith, Jason Dean and The Fuzz, and (Sunday) Grand Theft Radio, Trey Schneider and Road Soda.

For more event and volunteer information for this year's summer and fall BrewFests, including a complete list of breweries and live bands, visit www.novabrewfest.com/summer. For press inquiries or vendor participation, please contact Elysa Leonard with Splash Communications at elysa AT splashmarcom.com or 571-426-5145.

As always, KME Internet Marketing of Loudoun County is a proud digital media & marketing supporter of Northern Virginia's premier beer tasting and live band event!

STEM Education Demand Fulfillment and Workforce Development Crisis Growing in Loudoun

Loudoun County Public Schools has promoted its vision for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education for many years. Per the most recent web information, "Loudoun County Public Schools has many exemplary programs designed to answer the call for STEM education. The Loudoun Governor's Career and Technical Academy at Monroe Technology Center (MTC) and the Academy of Science (AOS) at Dominion High School are specialized programs that meet these goals. Additionally, LCPS offers students a variety of STEM courses and opportunities that are rigorous, demanding, and help students develop skills required for the 21st century."  This includes a new focus on "integrated STEM education for all LCPS students".

What's not mentioned is Loudoun's participation in the regional Governor's magnet school, Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST) in Alexandria (Fairfax County).  Loudoun, like other jurisdictions around the nationally-renown school, invests about $13,000 per student in annual tuition for students who are accepted to attend.  Over the past decade, the number of Loudoun students qualified to attend this extremely rigorous, competitive program has hovered somewhere around 40-50 students, making the long trek to Alexandria each day to participate in STEM programs not available anywhere else in the entire state.

The investment has paid dividends – for example, of the 14 students from Loudoun recently named National Merit Semi-Finalists, 6 attend TJHSST. Loudoun's participation in the Governor's school program has helped attract many families, businesses and economic development benefits over the years, as a participating jurisdiction supportive not only of VA's growing list of STEM academies, but also of Virginia's "Governor's School Program" (TJHHST is an example, serving most of Northern Virginia).

A perfect storm, however, has developed with respect to Loudoun student and family demand for STEM education outgrowing the supply.  Primarily the result of very significant demographic shifts over the past 10 years (particularly in Eastern Loudoun, supported by the newest "cottage industry" of "TJ Test Prep"-style tutoring), hundreds more Loudoun students (about a thousand in this past year) are applying for advanced STEM offerings at the Loudoun Academy of Science program (which only offers about 65 slots each year), and for one of usually about 50 slots at TJHSST - though this year, that number increased significantly to 72, an unprecedented number of acceptances.  Only about 130 very advanced, deserving Loudoun STEM students are able to pursue rigorous programs that meet their capabilities, out of the rapidly growing numbers who apply.

Half of this opportunity for Loudoun students will shortly disappear – the TJHSST renovation activities are (per Fairfax County) requiring participating jurisdictions to pony up support (Loudoun's bill is close to $11M) or drop out of the program.  While Loudoun may support current and the newest students (i.e. the next 2 years), future support is most likely to end, under the current political posturing.  Fairfax County's "capstone" to its vaunted Gifted program (Advanced Academic Program), i.e. TJHSST, is under significant internal County pressure to offer more slots to its own growing population of deserving County residents (and children of registered voters).  Loudoun has no such capstone currently (nor comparable gifted programs), and it will be many years, perhaps decades until this is made possible (through perhaps expansion of the AOS, expansion of the MTC, a slowdown in new school construction, etc.).

So here we stand, with no clear solution – rapidly increasing demand for advanced STEM in Loudoun, a significant, probable loss among the already slim set of offerings, and rapidly growing momentum and requirements in the County to provide current and future businesses and investors with a STEM-educated workforce – to maintain Loudoun's self-designated role as "D.C.'s Technology Corridor". As well, private offerings are non-existent; there are no private High Schools close to Loudoun offering the breadth and depth of curriculum as is available at TJHSST (or AOS), and recent attempts to create a new "Math and IT" charter school failed miserably.

Notwithstanding the political ideal bubbling within Fairfax regarding TJHSST reverting from a regional, Governor's school to a Fairfax County HS for the Gifted, it does seem as though several avenues of solution don't seem yet to have been explored – that maintain a Return on Investment (ROI) benefit for all Northern Virginia and VA taxpayers, educators, colleges and universities and businesses.

For example, TJHSST is indeed a very old, run-down facility, and requires upgrade – simply to continue to meet public school occupancy standards for any Northern Virginia region.  This expense, it would seem, is solely Fairfax's to bear – and Loudoun taxpayers indeed shouldn't be responsible for these costs.  The additional "accoutrements" (i.e. specialty labs, equipment, faculty, etc.) implemented to accommodate TJHSST's status as a Governor's STEM Magnet School, however, are those that in reality might be proper reason for co-investment by all participating jurisdictions (and grounds for more input from the State) – since these aren't available anywhere else.

(Update - it does appear Loudoun is questioning the State regarding whether local taxpayer funds can be used for capital expenses in another jurisdiction).

Also, while TJHSST is supported in many ways by the local and regional business community – much more can probably be done by each jurisdiction to persuade businesses and Universities to more aggressively support (and perhaps brand) elements of the TJHSST Capital Improvement Plan. Additionally, options for families or businesses to pay student tuition (outside Fairfax) directly, or through business-supported scholarships, can be developed.

What other solutions or forums for input, should be addressed, not only regarding Loudoun and TJHSST, but other near-term solutions entirely within Loudoun?

(Update - the Loudoun County Public School System recently put out a survey, underway till the end of May, that asks the question regarding preference for "participation in TJ" vs. "prefer to expand our own Academy of Science (AOS) program and slowly phase out our participation in TJ".  This second choice of expansion will require many, many years and significant investment to accomplish, as the AOS program and TJ aren't close to being equivalent - AOS is new, small, health sciences focused and part-time, while TJ is the opposite, along obviously with its national and international recognition built over several decades. )

Quick Northern Virginia and Chantilly Business Review Shout-out

Just a quick shout-out to a couple of extraordinary businesses in the Chantilly and close by Northern Virginia area:

Suna Lee McLean Photography - a very long-term, highly respected portrait and family photography studio in McLean, VA  - expert, friendly, reasonable cost, an absolutely professional outfit and service.  Our photos are amazing. Here's an example of a 5-star "excellent" review.

Augustine Roofing in Sterling - came right out to investigate a roof issue, provided a reasonable quote, and quickly scheduled the maintenance work....always friendly, always helpful, true local professionalism. Here's a great review of Augustine Roofing in Yelp..

Custom Barn and Home Building in Loudoun County - Historic Renovation Imagery

Custom Home Building and Barns in Loudoun

(Reposted from Made in Loudoun)

If you're out and about the scenic highways and byways of Loudoun County and points west, you may run across some absolutely gorgeous historic renovations in progress - for example this complete dismantling and period rebuild of a historic log barn.





Carpenter Beach, a custom home builder in Loudoun County is hard at work on this, along with many other transformations of beautiful custom, country homes, barns and other outbuildings. Custom home building in Loudoun had slowed considerably during the economic downturn, but is picking up slightly, particularly where historic properties are concerned (that require timely renovation or custom repair).

Check out some other fabulous custom home building projects in Loudoun County and surrounding areas, on the Carpenter Beach website...

Dulles South Alliance - Loudoun County Schools, Transportation 2013 Update

Dulles South Alliance - Loudoun Growth, Transportation, Education
Today's Dulles South Alliance meeting was overstuffed with information concerning the Loudoun County Dulles South area and vicinities, focused on education and transporation topics for 2013. The central theme revolved around very significant, ongoing growth in population and the local jobs base, with enormous resultant and guaranteed pressures on Loudoun budgets for schools and road projects.

After welcoming remarks by Scott Plein (DSA President), Dr. Julie Leidig (NVCC Provost) opened the session with an overview of NOVA (Northern Virginia Community College), including news on planning for further expansion into Loudoun County. NOVA is the largest source of college education in the DC area, with over 78,000 enrollments annually, representing students from over 150 nationalities. In helping to close the gap between regional workforce and education needs, particularly in the healthcare support and IT industries, a second Loudoun campus is being strategized for the Brambleton area.

In other news, the "SySTEMic Solutions" program may offer a summer robotics camp in Loudoun this year, as well as at its Prince William campuses. Through SySTEMic Solutions, NOVA has created a collaborative arrangement among school divisions, higher education institutions, and employers to develop a sustainable workforce that by the year 2015 will have more than 3,000 students preparing for STEM careers.

Loudoun Supervisor Janet Clarke (Blue Ridge District) provided an overview of growth and density issues for that District, which extends East to the Dulles Airport through including Brambleton and Kirkpatrick Farms areas of the general Dulles region. The primary message was that of continued growth and pressure on County budgets, particularly for transportation and schools. The Dulles Landing project (Arcola and Rt. 50), coming online by the end of this year, is an example of critical retail outlets needed by the Dulles area population, along the Hal and Berni Hanson Regional Park (in planning stages only, with initial funding expected in the upcoming 2014 budget). This 254 acre park straddling Evergreen Mills Rd in the Arcola area would include disabled-access playgrounds, many soccer and baseball fields, and other significant parkland amenities. Additionally, the agreement between Loudoun and Fairfax City, owner of the Beaver Creek Reservoir in Loudoun, has now expired (evidently to the detriment of a nascent high school Crew club), and discussions are ahead to revitalize.

Jeff Morse, Dulles District School Board Member, provided an update on all local school building and capital improvement planning, including new schools coming online to relieve current overcrowding at Pinebrook and Liberty Elementary Schools, and projected overcrowding at the corresponding Middle and High Schools. Much dialogue remains by the School Board, to close the $50M+ gap between the School Supervisor's (Dr. Hatrick) recommended 2014 budget and guidance provided by the Board of Supervisors. Some relief may come in rebalancing and allocations associated with post-employment benefits and healthcare costs. New turf fields for many schools have specific cost-benefit gains, particularly if efforts to provide public/private funding succeed (with local Sports Booster organizations). The sole Charter School application received last year was rejected for weaknesses in academic, financial and governance models - though, according to Jeff, was a very good idea at its core and worthwhile to continue pursuing.

Other opportunities to enrich the quality and content of Loudoun academics include dual enrollment in high schools with NOVA, plus a strategy for a new Loudoun magnet school on a Sycolin Rd property, focused possibly on the Arts and additional STEM offerings as currently available at the Monroe Technology Center (a Virginia Governor's Career and Technology Academy). The School Board is also supporting about 60 local business-to-school relationships, where businesses support a school through donations in employee service, supplies or program assistance - including support for Lego League teams, plus academic contests and programs like that offered by the Oracle ThinkQuest Education Foundation and other companies. Note also that the Loudoun Department of Economic Development (DED) will shortly introduce a new "Intern Match" service, to attract Interns from Loudoun, the DC region and the rest of the country to positions with Loudoun-based businesses.

Bob Chase (President of the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance) provided some stark reminders and strong advocacy (as the Virginia General Assembly begins its session tomorrow) for additional, regional and local investment in road infrastructure - absolutely critical to support the needs of our region and county, and imperative given the projected loss of state roads construction funds after 2018. "Investment" will likely include new local taxes, tolls and considerable participation and collaboration on the part of local political organizations and landowners to avoid significant gridlock and loss of business in the very near future.

Charles Yudd (Assistant County Administrator) provided further updates on local transportation progress, including progress on the Rt. 606 widening around the Airport and over the Horsepen Run Dam, Rt. 50 and the parallel, east-west collector roads. Scott Plein closed the meeting with an introduction to the next meeting in March, discussing the pending explosion in healthcare-related business and infrastructure requirements soon to come, driven mainly by the HCA Hospital and Emergency Center (HCA Virginia's StoneSpring Medical Campus) being now built on Rt. 50.

Happy Holidays from KME Internet Marketing in Loudoun!

Happy Holidays from KME Internet Marketing!

Hopefully you and yours will find time to decompress and finish up planning for business success in the new year.

KME has several significant announcements to report. We're now a certified "SWaM" (Small Woman-Owned Business), by the Commonwealth of Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprises (DMBE). This certification both solidifies our presence and support for the small and local business community in Virginia and the DC area, and enables additional teaming and partnering opportunities for our services, aligned with responses to very large, complex government initiatives. Find out more about our Virginia SWaM Certification.

We're also now delivering IT & Marketing advisory services to startups and emerging businesses, essentially providing CIO/CTO/CMO consulting during the strategic planning and investment control stages of a new business. We've already helped several new, local and national startups through IT planning, marketing strategy and other technical decision hurdles, for both the benefit of the startup team itself and for communications, engagement with the investor community.

Several of these startups will emerge this year, and one has already been purchased; obviously they're somewhat "under wraps" at this time but moving aggressively towards their Beta release and securing additional rounds of investor financing, partnerships and growth.

Along with our roster of startups, our successful and satisfied client and partner list continues to grow. Newer SEO, SEM (Search Engine Optimization/Search Engine Marketing) or interactive web marketing initiatives range from Government to Commercial, large to small businesses - including the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development (DED), Hunt Country Propane, HIS Sign, Belfort Furniture, Kastle Systems, Signature Kitchens, ProTier Industries, and Shenandoah Urologic Specialists.

2013 is shaping up to be a very busy year for us and our Internet Marketing clients, particularly as web and mobile engagement technologies become a critical part to every business growth and marketing plan under the continuing pressures of the sluggish economy and cost savings requirements.

Have a fantastic holiday season, and happy New Year!

Kelly McLaughlan
CEO - KME Internet Marketing

TriVision Studios Media Production in Chantilly VA Celebrates 20 Years with Studio Expansion and New Brand

Chantilly, Northern Virginia, Washington DC Metro – December 3, 2012


TriVision Studios marks its 20 Year Anniversary with an expansion of its Washington DC area media production studio, and with a revamped logo that better reflects TriVision’s multi-layered marketing and media communications services.

As one of the Washington DC area’s largest full-service video production facilities, integrated with a marketing and branding agency, TriVision’s roster of clients range from federal government agencies, Fortune 100 corporations, emerging businesses and startups, non-profit organizations, institutions and schools.

Founded in 1992 as a family-owned business operating from a small home office, TriVision has come a long way in the past two decades. This month it opens an additional large, hard cyclorama (cyc) green screen studio next door to its 12,000 square feet media production facility, making it one of the largest and most multi-functional media production studios in the Washington DC and Northern Virginia area.



To celebrate its growth and engage in significant new opportunities, TriVision Studios has re-branded itself using a new, refreshed logo that introduces rich, vibrant colors emerging from three “eye-shaped” petals, creating a 3D appeal.

The new media studio facilities, revamped logo and branding are significant stepping stones in TriVision’s evolution as a company. Its integration of video production, creative services (such as branding and multimedia design), web design and development with integrated marketing and public relations sensibilities, are all attributes that make TriVision an extremely unique, highly-qualified company for any and all International, National or DC-area media production and marketing services.



TriVision’s founding members reflect back to their heritage as first generation Afghan-Americans who, with hard work and dedication, are realizing the American dream of entrepreneurship. “Our 20th anniversary means a great deal to us and we owe it all to our creative team, as well as to our clients and local partners who have supported us and believed in our work over the years,” said Mr. Sulaiman Lutfi, CEO & President of TriVision.

As an extension of its branding services, TriVision launches a new venture called Elegance Décor, a state-of-the-art showroom of contemporary office furniture, offering space planning and interior design services.

TriVision is proud to reach this significant milestone and looks forward to many more years of excellence in creative marketing communications and media production.

Find out more about all of our Media Production Studios, and our Integrated Marketing, Communications and Branding capabilities.

Press Release by KME Internet Marketing, a Virginia SWaM-certified business.

Loudoun County Gifted and Talented Students - Parents Group Formed

This past Thursday, an introductory meeting for the new "Loudoun County Parents of Gifted Students" (LocoPOGS) was held at the Loudoun Country Day School. The non-profit group was set up by Chris Croll to help provide information and support among families with very academically gifted children.

Child psychologist Patrice Garver spoke to the audience of 50-60 about the benefits of cognitive testing, followed by a panel discussion regarding how IQ information can be used. The panel included Nysmith School for the Gifted Head of School Ken Nysmith, Loudoun Country Day School Headmaster Dr. Randy Hollister, Loudoun School for the Gifted Head of School Deep Sran, Loudoun County Public Schools’ head of gifted and talented programs Julie Kelly, and Compass Classes Home School Enrichment founder Jenny Grove-Bradshaw.

Ms. Garver's comments overviewed her experience with IQ testing in Fairfax County, including use of the popular CogAT test, which according to the LCPS site "...measures learned reasoning and problem-solving skills in three different areas: verbal, quantitative, and nonverbal. Reasoning skills develop gradually throughout a person’s lifetime, and at different rates for different individuals. CogAT does not measure such factors as effort, attention, motivation, and work habits, which contribute to school achievement as well." The test is administered in the 2nd grade, and is a heavily-used indicator for assessing gifted students - but not the only factor; others include interviews and teacher recommendations as available.

A very important facet of success in having your child privately assessed, with services such as Ms. Garver's, includes making sure your "child is comfortable and has a nice rapport with evaluator - this will ensure reliability and validity of results". While the IQ test is an important signal, it's really an "imperfect predictor of future success", according to Deep Sran in his comments. It's important to "still be the parent - America's about choice, so you really need to shop around for the best school choice for your child". That's a very key point - parents need to make significant, ongoing, engaged and fully-informed investments in a gifted child's pathway to academic and personal success.

In our own Loudoun household, we've experienced this - raising gifted children requires full-time planning and involvement, including shopping around Loudoun and Fairfax for the most appropriate advanced learning options, schools, tutors, extra-curricular programs, tests and testing preparation services. The interaction and resources available to similarly-motivated families has to date been quite fragmented in Loudoun - though the TJHSST (Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology) parent and student's community from Loudoun is quite strong and helpful. We've found the Fairfax County Association for the Gifted (FCAG) is a very involved, helpful and important local resource - Ms. Croll's new Loudoun group should align well with the success and impact experienced by that group.

Dr. Hollister also explained that in addition to parental involvement, it's very important to also "listen to your child" regarding their needs, understanding and ambition, and Ken Nysmith suggested being sure to "find a school that fosters a true love for learning".

As the most well-known and experienced K-8 school focused on "Gifted and Talented" students in the region, the private Nysmith School in Herndon VA draws students from all over the Northern Virginia region, primarily from Fairfax and Loudoun counties. Children advance in all subjects at their own pace, leading to differentiated learning, peer-level placement and access to subject matter and very small instruction groups typically not available in local private schools, Loudoun County schools or the Fairfax County Gifted Programs. It's a very highly-recommended, successful and highly-sought after resource for advanced and gifted learning from elementary through middle school, right here in the Dulles region. Multiple parent groups support the school community, including a "Dads of Nysmith" interactive professional and social community.

The LocoPOGS group is free and open to any families who may draw some support from participation, and is not specifically affiliated with any particular school. The group’s second meeting is 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 28, at Loudoun School for the Gifted, 44675 Cape Court in Ashburn, and the next at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 13, at Nysmith School for the Gifted, 13625 Eds Drive in Herndon. For more information, go to Loudoun County Parents of Gifted Students’ Meetup page or Facebook page, join and/or contact the resources outlined.

Loudoun and Northern Virginia Unique Businesses - Fall 2012

Check out this 2012 roundup of really interesting businesses in the Loudoun County and Northern Virginia supported at KME Internet Marketing and Fulcrum Marketing Group - businesses you've probably never heard about, with very unique, helpful products and services.

Take a look, visit, or give them a call, including:

Ashburn sign language interpretation services and training at HIS Sign.

Paxton Manor's Shoktober features Leesburg VA's only true haunted hause, at the historic Paxton Campus .

South Riding's own Heidi Carlstadt at Forks, Corks and Kegs Loudoun County meetings, tours and events concierge.

Karen McPadden at Kinections Physical Therapy in Arlington.

Suna Lee Photography in McLean.

Greenworks Landscape Design and Garden Center in Loudoun

Ready Depot national providers of emergency preparedness supplies online.

Hunt Country Propane, delivering fast, affordable Loudoun propane supplies to individuals and businesses throughout our Hunt Country region (Loudoun, Fauquier, Clarke & Western Prince William Counties, plus Middleburg, Purcellville, Leesburg, etc.)

The next roundups will cover a full array of Northern Virginia home improvement and design companies in the area (including Dulles South/South Riding/Chantilly), as well as a selection of corporate B2B business services, that you may not have heard of.

NOVA Brewfest This Weekend, Oct 20-21!

Stop by the World Beers experience at Bull Run Park in Centreville, VA - for the annual NOVA Fall Brewfest! Live bands, great food, and over 50 beers to sample....weekend weather looks absolutely fabulous for an outdoor fall festival in Virginia!

Find out more at the NOVA Brewfest website...

Trivision Studios Hosts Dulles - Reston Regional Chambers of Commerce Global Business Mixer

The recent 2012 Dulles & Reston Chamber of Commerce Global Mixer was an unprecedented success, hosted at TriVision Studios in Chantilly. Several hundred Dulles area business leaders and chamber members gathered at TriVision's beautiful, expansive multimedia recording and publishing studios, to sample international cuisine, share business information and build long-lasting relationships in the heart of the Loudoun-Fairfax Dulles regional business districts.



The TriVision Studios Team and Local Business Leaders

Find more pictures of this summer-ending local business event of the season, on TriVision's Facebook page!

The Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce include local and regional business members leading the growth and entrepreneurial spirit of the entire Dulles corridor, extending from the Dulles and Sterling areas of Eastern Loudoun County, to and through the Chantilly, Herndon, Reston and Great Falls areas of Western Fairfax. These Chambers essentially serve the business interests and provide collaborative relationship-building for the entire Dulles Corridor, coordinating economic development interests with the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce to the West of Dulles Airport.

TriVision's partnership with these regional Business Chambers, local/state government agencies and other local businesses will soon include the "TriVision Seminar Series", launching to match DC-area business superstars with innovative thought leadership and entrepreneurs through educative, entertaining and multimedia-driven events.

TriVision Studios is a Washington DC regional global creative media production and marketing agency headquartered in Chantilly, VA, providing industry-leading multimedia production and marketing solutions to Washington DC area businesses, Federal and International Government clients - with an overseas international presence in Afghanistan as well. In their 12,000 square foot full service, custom built video production studio, TriVision creates music videos, commercials and chroma-key productions for clients ranging from Chevrolet and the Discovery Channel, to the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art and the White House. TriVision also hosts live entertainment and performances, recordings and events; such as this first-of-its-kind local Dulles area Chamber business collaboration and social mixer.



The Trivision Studios Live Event and Recording Facility Studios

TriVision Studios also delivers full service marketing and advertising capabilities from creative print and DVD production to Interactive, Internet Marketing, SEO and broadcast advertisement strategies. TriVision is an integrated member of the Washington DC and Northern Virginia digital publishing and marketing business community, collaborating with leading regional IT, digital marketing specialists and SEO/Adwords subject matter experts such as KME Internet Marketing and AML & Associates.



Local Business Leaders, including Ted McLaughlan (KME/TriVision Advisory Digital Marketing CTO)

Velocity Five Sports Restaurant & ESPN 980 "Home of the Redskins" - Northern Virginia Broadcast Partnership

STERLING, VA – Velocity 5 Sports Restaurant and ESPN 980 (AM Radio and Online Audio) will once again team up to present "Monday Night Live with Chris Russell" and "The Sports Reporters" broadcast live from Velocity 5 every week during the upcoming football season. During each live broadcast at Velocity 5 restaurants, patrons will be able to watch the broadcast and meet the Redskins "Player of the Game." The player of the game will be a part of each broadcast and will be at Velocity 5 in Lansdowne or Sterling (Loudoun County) each week.

"Monday Night Live", hosted by ESPN 980 Redskins Beat Reporter Chris Russell, features
Washington Redskins players as guests. "The Sports Reporters" is hosted by veteran ESPN
980 personalities Andy Pollin and Steve Czaban. The shows will be held at the Velocity
5 locations in Lansdowne and Sterling due to their close proximity to Redskins Park.
Velocity 5, the Northern Virginia area's leading sports restaurant chain, also has locations
in Arlington, Falls Church and Centreville.

The Velocity 5 restaurant chain was founded by Jim Speros, former assistant coach for the
Washington Redskins in the 1980's under Hall of Fame Coach Joe Gibbs. Jim was with the
team during their winning 1982 season, coached with the Buffalo Bills and then went on to
own several football teams including the Canadian Football League Grey Cup Champion
Baltimore Stallions, and the Montreal Alouettes. Jim is extremely passionate about football
and especially the Redskins. Bringing this type of access to his customers is a dream come
true.

"We are extremely excited to renew our relationship with ESPN 980," Speros said. "ESPN
980 is the voice of DC sports and the Home of the Redskins, and our partnership will allow
Velocity 5 to become the headquarters for football in Northern Virginia once again this
season. I am pleased to be able to offer this exclusive player access to my customers. It is
nice to be able to bring the team closer to their fans. This promises to be one of the most
interesting seasons in Redskins history, and we look forward to reviewing the games every
Monday night with Chris Russell and his Redskin guests."

"Monday Night Live" debuted last season and some of the players who appeared as guests
at Velocity 5 included Ryan Kerrigan, Tim Hightower, Fred Davis, Niles Paul, Mike
Sellers, Jamaal Brown, Graham Gano, Lorenzo Alexander, Kedrick Golsten, Anthony
Armstrong, Stephen Bowen, Adam Carriker, Darrel Young, Sav Rocca and Jarvis Jenkins.

"We are also looking forward to expanding our charitable and fund raising activities
associated with 'Monday Night Live'," Speros added. "The show is a great vehicle to help
local charities, schools, churches and youth teams raise money with events centered on the
live shows from Velocity 5." Velocity 5 has been actively involved with fund raising events
for Wounded Warriors, Cystic Fibrosis, the Leukemia-Lymphoma Society, Breast Cancer
Awareness, local churches, schools and athletic teams. Velocity 5 also provides pre-game
meals for high school football teams and cheerleaders from Stone Bridge High School,
Centreville High School, Dominion High School and Potomac Falls High School.

"Our presentation of "The Sports Reporters" on Thursdays is also one of the highlights
of our week," Speros said. "Andy Pollin and Steve Czaban are extremely knowledgeable
and entertaining, and our customers enjoy their in-depth discussions and guests. Velocity
5 is all about great food and great sports in Northern Virginia, and being on the "inside"
with the Redskins, Chris Russell and 'The Sports Reporters' is a major part of our sports
concept. We are looking forward to another great season with ESPN 980 and the Redskins.
We encourage our fans and customers to come on out for these broadcasts and be part of
the action all season long! This is a great opportunity for fans to come out and meet the
Redskins players, take pictures and get autographs."

"Monday Night Live" will be broadcast from 7:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday nights beginning
on Monday, September 10th, following the Redskins season opener against New Orleans.
"The Sports Reporters" will debut on Thursday, September 13th, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM.

A special edition of "Monday Night Live" will be broadcast on Wednesday, September 5th
from the Velocity 5 Sports Restaurant in Lansdowne at 7:00 PM prior to the NFL season opening game between the Super Bowl Champion New York Giants and the Dallas Cowboys.

For more information about this press release, contact Elysa Leonard, Splash Communications, LLC, at 571-426-5145, or elysa@splashmarcom.com. For more information about distribution of optimized, local press releases like this online and in social media around DC and Northern Virginia, contact us here at KME Internet Marketing.

Quick Shout Out - Local Attorneys in Northern Virginia and DC

Quick shout-out to some of our favorite local attorneys - at Cohen and Cohen (Personal Injury Services in the DC area) and Frias and Daisy (Business and Government Contract Law in DC and Northern Virginia). Thanks Wayne and Erik for helping those who need it, with your superior professionalism and expertise!

Dulles South Youth Sports Community - May 2 Hanson Park Info Session

(Reprinted from DSYS newsletter)

To the Dulles South Youth Sports Community —

An important planning event that impacts DSYS is fast approaching, and DSYS needs a loud voice to ensure appropriate facilities are available for our athletes. DSYS representatives will be there, but the more, the louder, the better. The third and final design workshop for the Hal and Bernie Hanson Regional Park is scheduled for this Wednesday May 2nd from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at Briar Woods High School, 22525 Belmont Ridge Road, Ashburn.

Hanson Park is a multi-use facility planned on a 257-acre parcel on Evergreen Mills Road, at the western-most edges of Brambleton. This park will be THE first-class sports and recreation site for the Dulles South area, on the same order as Claude Moore Park in Sterling and the recently-opened Phillip Bolen Park outside Leesburg. The plans for this park are important for the Dulles South community in general, but of particular importance to the Dulles South Youth Sports families as park planning impacts the sports offerings for our children.

DSYS representation at the May 2 workshop is critical given the shortage of fields, especially given the continued growth of the league. Our growth will continue to outpace new field construction for some time to come, so it is extremely important that our county officials understand the importance decisions made about Hanson Park are to DSYS families.

The workshop will include a presentation of the preferred design concepts based on input from the first two workshops, and will provide an opportunity for additional public input. DSYS urges you to attend this session and voice your support for facilities that benefit DSYS families. Below is a brief explanation of how the design of Hanson Park could benefit DSYS athletes and families.
We look forward to seeing you and hearing you at the workshop this week.

~ The Dulles South Youth Sports Board

Our outdoor sports, such as Football, Cheerleading, Track and Field and Cross Country, can benefit greatly from additional park facilities as follows:

• Rectangular fields / Turf surface: DSYS is taking steps for 2012 to ensure our athletes play and cheer at the high quality turf facility at John Champe HS, but believe the long term solution to address field shortage and field overuse is to leverage additional artificial turf playing surfaces in the Dulles South area. For perspective, turf fields cost Fairfax County on average $600,000 to $800,000. DSYS Football and Cheer would be able to pay for 1/3 – 1/2 of a Turf field in 5 years, at current Loudoun County Public School lease rates. Additional resources, such as might be constructed at Hanson Park, could give DSYS more, and perhaps more affordable, options for playing surfaces.

• Families north of Route 50: DSYS serves the families north of Route 50, as well as south. As this area expands in number of homes, and to serve the continued growth of the Brambleton area, facilities in this part of DSYS will help the league serve our entire area with premier sports facilities. For example, our quickly expanding Track & Field and Cross Country programs are limited by the availability of appropriate courses and tracks for the exploding number of participants from both north and south of Rt 50.

• Collateral facilities that benefit youth sports:
o Permanent and convenient restroom facilities
o Lights to extend and maximize field use
o Bleachers and more space for spectators
o On site equipment storage capabilities
o Concessions capable building near fields (running water and electricity) – concessions are the #1 fundraising income contributor for all athletics, all levels. Income from concessions could defray participant fees.

• Turf surfaces in general: Turf, as opposed to traditional grass, increases safety for athletes:
o 74% Fewer Muscle Tears
o 42% Lower ACL Trauma
o 32% Fewer Ligament Tears
o 22% Fewer Severe Injuries
o 19% Fewer Substantial Injuries
o 12% Fewer Concussions
o 10% Less Injury From Shoe Surface Interaction during Contact
o 8% Less Injury From Shoe Surface Interaction during Non-Contact
o 7% Fewer Total Injuries

DC & Northern Virginia Video Production @Trivision1 Studios - National Gallery Japanese Paintings Colorful Realm

Gateway to Loudoun shoutout to local DC, Northern Virginia audio/video production and marketing/PR firm Trivision Studios in Chantilly - amazing and beautiful video work accompanying popular, rare exhibit currently at the National Gallery of Art (through April 29, 2012!).

National Gallery of Art Exhibits Rare Japanese Paintings: "Colorful Realm" Japan marked the 100th anniversary of its gift of cherry blossom trees to Washington, D.C. by lending the National Gallery of Art an exhibition of a world-renowned cultural treasure: Colorful Realm of Living Beings by Itō Jakuchū. The historic 30-scroll set of bird-and-flower paintings on silk with three-panel altar piece, which was painted in the mid-1700s, can be seen at the National Gallery of Art's West Building from March 30 through April 29, 2012. The exhibition is on loan from the Japanese Emperor's Imperial Household private collection and is being seen outside of Japan for the first time. Widely considered as one of the supreme masterpieces of Japanese paintings, Colorful Realm depicts each of its 30 subjects in meticulous detail, going beyond surface appearances. Most notable is the artist's application of paint to the backside of the silk which becomes visible from the front, creating a unique glow and inner life within the painting. Due to their extreme fragility, the scrolls will be exhibited in a low-light setting for only four weeks and are a major high point of the 2012 National Cherry Blossom Festival. For this once-in-a-lifetime art exhibition, the DC National Gallery commissioned TriVision Studios to provide onsite video production, editing and media/PR services for their private VIP viewing that took place on March 26, 2012. Having worked with the National Gallery before, TriVision DC video production services were up for the task of documenting various aspects of the cultural event and record VIP interviews for educational and media use. TriVision Video Production Studios produced full-scale, high definition B-roll of the exhibition, with speech excerpts, along with VIP interviews of the Japanese Ambassador, the exhibition curator, and the corporate sponsors who made it possible. The team also shot footage of the opening Buddhist dedication ceremony with monks from the Kyoto monastery where the three-panel altar piece is housed, capturing observer reactions who were viewing the priceless scrolls behind plexiglass panels. Same day, onsite video editing was part of the Trivision Washington DC video production & post-production team's challenge. The team was able to edit and upload video streams within hours to the client and press. TriVision circulated the footage to national and local television news markets in Washington, New York, Baltimore and Richmond in advance of the public opening on March 30. Targeted media in national broadcast news outlets consisted of ABC News, CBS News, NBC News and CNN News among others. To watch a video clip which was broadcasted on CBS Channel 9 News. In addition, a brief, edited documentary on "Colorful Realm" with score, was prepared by TriVision for archival purposes. To watch this highlight video piece, please click on the thumbnail to the left. The public opening for the exhibition started on Friday, March 30th and will end on April 29th, 2012. Colorful Realm is organized by the National Gallery of Art, The Imperial Household Agency, and Nikkei Inc., in association with the Embassy of Japan. Passes are not required for this exhibition.

Read more about Trivision Studios and their full service DC video production, marketing & PR recent clients, services and advice in their recent newsletter!

Belfort Northern Virginia Furniture DC Sponsor - Walk for Hope

Belfort Furniture in Dulles, VA is the local Washington DC Sponsor for the 2012 "Walk for Hope, Women's Cancers, Women's Cures" held in Washington DC on April 28, 2012. Belfort Furniture will match will match the total team donation, up to $5,000. Join the Belfort Furniture team and walk to help find a cure for Women’s Cancers. Mike Huber, CEO of Belfort Furniture, will be walking this year as part of the team along with his wife Kristi, daughter Lacey and other employees and friends of Belfort Furniture. He feels strongly about supporting this great cause. Mike, in his own words stated, "The Belfort Furniture team has joined Walk for Hope to put an end to women's cancers. We want to build a large team to raise as much money as we can. Please register for our team"...

More information about Belfort Furniture in Northern Virginia ...

Thomas Jefferson HS for Science & Technology - Prep Takes a Village, Not a Book

Per this WAPO article, a New York-based college counseling firm will publish shortly a test-prep workbook specifically geared towards preparing 8th graders to take the Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (TJHSST, in Annandale VA) entrance exam. The $199 retail book, complete with sample questions, answers and explanations, is being touted as a "low-cost alternative to test-prep courses and one-on-one tutors, which can cost thousands of dollars a year".

Will it work, is it something that truly fills a need and can replace what it claims?

In our opinion and recently qualified experience (go TJ Colonials Class of 2016!), the book should sell incredibly well but offer very little actual advantage. The actual investment required for maximum ROI (return on investment, or the "golden ticket" of admission to this #1 high school in the nation) is difficult, complex, costly, lengthy and in many community circles a closely guarded portfolio of "secrets" both proven reasonable and purely conjecture. This is obviously in addition to starting with the raw goods - a very bright, motivated, confident and academically-successful child who's sincerely, demonstrably and passionately interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) subjects.

The book will sell well, because the local, regional and international demand for any edge at all to be gained in the dramatically-increasing competitiveness for only 480 slots is rapidly intensifying, in lockstep with the rapid increase in the newer, very academically-motivated demographics of Northern Virginia (particularly eastern Loudoun and Fairfax). There also really isn't such a book available right now with this explicit focus (and therefore marketing exposure) - though the existing volumes of test-prep books to prepare for the PSAT, SAT, and SHSAT tests are well-known and utilized.

What such a book won't do, is replace the multitude of teachers, administrators, tutors, family members and friends that form the broad educational achievement team and irreplaceable support structure behind a child's overall success in reaching their academic goals, along with critical and focused achievements such as admissions to TJHSST. As well, harnessing and participating in such a group effort costs a lot in many ways, from actual money for project supplies, tutoring, books, field trips, camps, gas, software (...an endless list), to the unpaid costs in time and emotional energy spent on your child's behalf by volunteers, family members, friends and neighbors. A $200 book doesn't replace this, and is actually just a tiny drop in the years of expense and effort that amount to a worthwhile and successful education.

The highly-selective TJHSST admissions process includes not only the entrance exam, but demonstrated, high-caliber success in school (particularly math and science), writing samples, extracurriculars, noteworthy achievements, honors and awards, teacher recommendations, etc. The focus is on the student's personal and academic achievement in 7th and 8th grade - but it's clear that preparation for success here begins far earlier in elementary school.

In our experience, major outside credits for an example of success over this time begin with The Nysmith School and their fabulous, amazing teachers and tutors, utterly knowledgeable administrators and supportive community of parents and students. No elementary/middle school, public or private, in Northern Virginia is as capably demonstrable in preparing and supporting their students for these kinds of advanced academic challenges and opportunities. Note that the Fairfax GT program is of course an extremely successful, leading public school alternative in this area to the private schools - though no similar structure exists for Loudoun students.

Another set of major credits go to the MyEdMaster tutoring team in Herndon - the depth of educational experience, wisdom and compassionate attention co-owners John and Sagar personally and professionally expended to the benefit of their students and parents is simply unmatched, and the results absolutely speak for themselves. MyEdMaster provides individual tutoring for SAT/PSAT/TJ Test Preparation, College/GT/JT/AOS applications, and tutoring for all K-12 courses and test scenarios. Most importantly, MyEdMaster expertly coaches and guides the students (and parents) through the test-taking processes and application-completion strategies necessary for their individual success.

Between the Nysmith School, MyEdMaster and self-study Internet sources, quite literally hundreds of "practice" tests and exercises were leveraged and taken over many years (after/during/before school and on weekends), with personal, engaged and expert assistance - a far more valuable and extensive universe of test-prep assistance than a single book could ever offer.

The State of Virginia VDOE Governor's Schools Program and Fairfax County deserve significant credit as well, along with supportive taxpayers, as part of the overall team for academic success - for allowing our young resident made in Loudoun the opportunity to apply to and attend such an amazing on-ramp to future contributions in STEM fields.

At the end of the day, we could certainly write a book about the experience, filled with tips, techniques and actual input from admitted students...but it will then be just that - a book, and not a replacement for the dedicated individual effort and committed educational village that's ultimately required.

Ford's Fish Shack Ashburn Seafood Restaurant - Go There Now

We rarely praise a local business in effusive, sober, unsolicited terms (it's Sunday morning, after all) - but it's now time. Ford's Fish Shack restaurant and bar in Ashburn (near the Ice House) is simply amazing, spectacular and just a really well-balanced, expert delivery of everything a suburban independent themed-restaurant should be...not available in Dulles South, and sprinkled among only a few restaurants in Leesburg and Reston.

The drink menu is perfect, and just yanks you in - with only the very best beers available in our area, by far the best selection east of Fireworks Pizza (Leesburg), west of Dogfish Head Ale House (Rt. 50) and more weather-protected than the NOVA Brewfest. After a Dogfish Head 75 (very rare) and Victory Hop Wallop (just about the most perfect and local incarnation of a hoppy IPA), I wasn't able to try the local Ashburn Rhino..but next time (and it'll be real soon). Pomegranate margarita and blueberry martinis graced the other side of the table - and all was good in drinkland.

The everpresent and encyclopediac (wikipediac?) manager Wayne was constantly available with expert advice on beers, oysters, menu items, local happenings, real-time status of the specials as they ran out fast...he should simply live-blog and tweet all night ("Wayne's Lobstah World"). We had "Wayne's New England Cod", of course, loaded with lump crabmeat and basil mashed - a huge, fat piece of juicy North Atlantic fish...The Connecticut-style Lobstah Roll was absolutely perfect, with loads of real lobster and the perfect complement of slaw, sauce and a soft, not-overpowering roll.

Starting the feast with some regional oysters was a necessity for us (so long as there was some Lobstah to be had later); a couple of Providence, RI premiums and Easter Shore MD seasonals were really tasty (firm and opaque, with just enough saltiness, but not overpowering fishiness or gooiness). Just a tiny bit of lemon needed - no point in any other garnish.

Call-ahead seating was a must this rainy Saturday night - and when we got there an hour later, seating among the lobster and crab pot buoys happened within half a beer. The kid's menu looked pretty tasty, and there were some about...but it's not a real big restaurant, and larger tables would require some pre-planning. This place is truly a unique and well-represented suburban haven for classic-yet-current New England style seafood - without trying too hard. Please open another in the Chantilly area.

Dulles South Rt. 50 Widening Traffic Updates 3/19-3/23/2012

Rt. 50 Widening Project Update

(Good progress, but still some time left in this nightmare that is Rt. 50 Traffic...)

3/19/12 – 3/23/12:

1) Westbound Rt 50 from Rt 28 continuing west to Poland Rd/Tanner Ln. Right lane will be closed daily for construction activities on the north side of Route 50 (excavation for new roadway, stone placement, paving, and signal work). Lane closures will start at 9:30 AM and will be removed by 3:00 PM. Right lane closures will never conflict with Left lane closures noted in #2 below.

2) Westbound Rt 50 from Rt 28 continuing west to Poland Rd/Tanner Ln. Left lane will be closed daily for construction activities (setting barrier, excavation, and stone placement) along the median of Rt 50. Lane closures will start at 9:30 AM and will be removed by 3:00 PM. Left lane closures will never conflict with Right lane closures noted in #1.

3) Eastbound Rt 50 from Poland Rd/Tanner Ln to Dulles Court South/Pleasant Valley Rd. Left lane will be closed daily for construction activities (setting barrier, excavation, and stone placement) along the median of Rt 50. Lane closures will start at 9:30 AM and will be removed by 3:00 PM. *NOTE: Due to recent concerns, rush hour traffic will be evaluated each morning prior to setting lane closure.

4) Eastbound Rt 50 from Dulles Court South/Pleasant Valley Rd. to Lee Rd. Left lane will be closed daily for construction activities (setting barrier, excavation, and stone placement) along the median of Rt 50. Lane closures will start at 9:30 AM and will be removed by 3:00 PM. *NOTE: Due to recent concerns, rush hour traffic will be evaluated each morning prior to setting lane closure.

5) Eastbound Rt 50 from Poland Rd/Tanner Ln to Dulles Court South/Pleasant Valley Rd. Left lane will be closed nightly for construction activities (setting barrier, excavation, and stone placement)

Two House Fire in South Riding VA - Loudoun, No Injuries March 10 2012

A fire today fully consumed one house and 2-3 cars, and burned through the roof of an adjacent one today at 4PM on Nicklaus Lane in South Riding, VA - all occupants evidently escaped to neighbors unharmed. A third house suffered major siding damage due to heat. Fire and rescue units responded from all area departments, including Aldie, Dulles South and MWAA.

UVA and Virginia Tech Alumni Associations Career Fairs, DC Jobs - Feb 29 and March 6 2012

Two great Northern Virginia and DC Jobs events coming up in the next week - the UVA Club of Washington DC's 6th Annual Career Fair, and the National Capital Region’s Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association's 21st Annual Job Fair.

The UVA alumni-only job fair takes place tomorrow, Wednesday February 29, 5 - 8 p.m. at the National Rural Electric Co-op Assoc. (4301 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22203). A full list of companies attending is available on the website.

The Virginia Tech job fair (Tuesday, March 6th 2012) is conveniently located in Falls Church VA adjacent to the West Falls Church Metro station - because of limited parking it's suggested that participants use the Metro for transportation (orange line). The Job Fair is not just for VA tech alumni but is free and open to the public. More than 80 businesses from the DC Metro Area will be in attendance looking to fill numerous positions within their companies. The opportunities range from internships and entry-level jobs to more senior level positions as well.

To attend, interested participants (applicants and hiring companies) must log on to http://www.dchokies.org and register for an available entrance time and also to submit their resume. It is highly recommended that you submit your resume online in order to reach all hiring companies. Some companies will be viewing these resumes before and after the event and companies that were unable to staff the event have registered to view resumes online.

The DC VA Tech Alumni Association expects a record turnout this year and had more than 1,500 candidates last year. There are a limited number of spots for companies interested in hosting a table onsite at the job fair but also an unlimited number of spots available for companies interested in viewing all of the resumes from the event.

A list of attending companies can also be found on the National Captial Region Virginia Tech Alumni website. The list includes many large and small companies from the area, including Deloitte, AT&T, Hazen and Sawyer, PC, Liberty Mutual, Freddie Mac, Cvent, Rackspace Hosting and many others with immediate openings to fill.

The National Capital Region Virginia Tech Alumni Association is a nonprofit organization that supports local Virginia Tech Alumni with events and fundraising throughout the year. Any monies raised at these events goes to support the NCR Alumni Association’s scholarship fund. Over the past 10 years, through the hard work of local Virginia Tech Alumni, they have raised more than $250,000 in scholarship money for Virginia Tech students. For more information visit http://www.dchokies.org or contact Elysa Leonard, 571-426-5145.

Mercer-Lunsford Basketball 2011-2012 Season Winding Down

The Loudoun County Mercer-Lunsford recreational basketball league, in the Dulles South area of the county, winds down with playoffs starting this weekend....another great year, lots of new skills and friends, and all around great play and effort by the boys and girls, coaches, league volunteers and staff!

The 5th-6th grade "Hotshots" pictured below, hustling on the court, and enjoying a season-end get together...

Loudoun Cultural & Arts District - The Business of Art in Economic Development

Yesterday's Loudoun Economic Development Commission meeting was full of interesting items relating to the business of promoting, revitalizing and expanding Loudoun County's economic base - including recent "Beta" launch of the New Department of Economic Development Brand and Website (try it out, provide feedback!), plus an announcement by the Chamber of their new "Rail to Loudoun" website initiative soon to come.

One of the more compelling and integrated-community initiatives was the discussion about whether Loudoun should implement an "Arts and Culture District" to support the Leesburg District. The relationship between economic development and a strong arts and culture environment is indisputable - as was put "the more businesses that are attracted and retained in the area, the more the arts and cultural district will flourish, thereby creating more foot traffic and revenue for the Town and County."

Multiple examples nearby abound of this collaborative, integrated relationship between the local goverment, business and arts communities - in Charlottesville, Staunton, Manassas, Falls Church, Reston and Frederick MD.

A discrete incentive to businesses and organizations to support a Loudoun County-wide district designation, including the current Leesburg arts district, is the additional BPOL (Business, Professional & Occupational) tax rebates suggested...currently Leesburg BPOL rebates are available to "qualified organanizations" (as amended via Chapter 7 of the Leesburg Town Code last year) - the additional BPOL rebates available to local businesses if a Loudoun County district were designated would be more than 3 times greater.

While quite obviously the business case and community benefit are sound, proven and in coordinated support of most county economic development interests - here are two additional suggestions.

First, it might be helpful to expand or enhance the definition of "qualified organizations", to also include (as the Leesburg definition currently does not) many more investments in assets or activities by any organization in Loudoun arts and culture that result in Loudoun tax revenue...including, for example, businesses that showcase local art (whether physically or virtually, on the Internet), that advertise and support local music events, and that actually create or support new cultural-driven revenue opportunities - including online, home-based businesses. Lots more thought needed here, including how exactly to audit and report on these qualifications - but it certainly opens the incentive to a far greater pool of possible supporters and contributors.

Second, the "thereby creating more foot traffic" comment above as supporting the business case should be updated to "thereby creating more foot and Internet traffic". The Loudoun Arts Council 2010-2012 Strategic Plan suggests as much, with a key objective to "Increase traffic to the LAC website and Loudoun Arts Directory Blog". So do the recent and current Loudoun DED/EDC objectives, i.e. support many more initiatives to improve and increase online promotion and results from Internet traffic. (Check our blog last year on this subject, and its intersection with the "Pink Line Project" initiative in DC).

A place to start would be more online coordination and integration between the business community and organizations focused on economic development, and the arts and cultural community. This intersection is obviously happening offline, as evidenced by this particular EDC meeting (of approximately 50 people), but what about harnessing and coordinating the tens of thousands of online visitors, followers, fans, and "+1"-ers of the various websites, blogs, Facebook/Twitter/Google/LinkedIn pages etc. of both the Loudoun business and arts communities?

The first step would be to "Share the Message" and "Support the Messengers", so to speak, across social media - as this post is doing (please share!). Note that we're not really covering the Loudoun Convention and Visitor's Association (LCVA) social media initiatives in this roundup, as they're already connected at the hip to the DED/EDC initiatives and obviously doing a lot right online to promote this community.

LinkedIn is a bit underutilized right now; with only 100 "arts and culture" members spread across the following groups:

- Loudoun Arts Boosters/Loudoun Arts Group Exchange - (14 members)
- Loudoun Arts Council Page (74 members)
- Friends of Franklin Park Arts Center (4 members)
- Leesburg Economic Development Commission (6 members)

(Compare with the Loudoun Chamber, "Loudoun" and Loudoun Economic Development Goups, together including over 1000 members)

Twitter is also a bit under-represented; only the Loudoun Arts Council andFranklin Parks Art Center somewhat active with 478 and 337 followers respectively. (Compare with over 3000 followers of the Chamber, EDC and "Loudoun" Twitter profiles).

Facebook is much more active, with over 5000 "friends and supporters" spread across the following groups, profiles and pages (Facebook activity of the Chamber, EDC and "Loudoun" pages is less):

- Loudoun Arts Council Group (61 members)
- Loudoun Arts Council Page (114 likes)
- Loudoun Arts Council Profile (1131 friends)
- ArtSquare Facebook Page (510 likes)
- Leesburg First Friday Page (1391 likes)
- Franklin Park Arts Center (2242 friends, page has 76 likes)

Youtube channels, Google+ profiles, Pinterest, Flickr and other social media channels are used by these various organizations as well, but with far fewer active followers. (Note to the Arts Community - someone really needs to start a Pinterest Board with art community postings).

In terms of websites, the Loudoun arts community and their supporters is quite strong, with most sites having a Google Page Ranking of 3 or 4 - this means that information posted on these sites is frequently found via searches or linked from other sites. This also means that this network of sites and associated social media channels can very quickly generate a lot of online interest and support - simply by posting regular news and messaging together about similar topics. However, the sites are very inconsistent with their utilization of common SEO tactics, availability of RSS feeds to subscribe to or amplify news, and use of all social media channels.

Here are some:

- Loudoun Arts Council (LAC) (PR=4)
- Loudoun Arts Academy (PR=3)
- Visit Loudoun (PR=4)
- Leesburg Arts and Music (PR=3)
- Leesburg First Friday (PR=3)
- Leesburg Public Art Commission
- Loudoun Times Arts Directory (PR=4)
- Franklin Parks Arts Center (PR=4)
- VSA Arts of Loudoun County (PR=2)
- Round Hill Arts Center (PR=3)
- NOVA Brewfest (PR=4; just had to throw this in, here in DC's Beer Country!)

So - get involved online, support the websites and social media channels listed above, and share your support for this intersection of interests and initiatives between Loudoun's Businesses, Economic Development Groups and the Arts & Culture Community.

Northern Virginia Dentists & Orthodontists - a Preferred Family Services Directory

Now that most of us are off the holiday sweets and baked goods diet, and on to our New Year's resolutions focused around personal and family health - it's a good time to re-evaluate or reinvigorate attention paid to personal and family dental care. Whether the focus is on orthodontics and Invisalign services, cosmetic dentistry or dentures, teeth whitening services, dental surgery including sedation dentistry, or just general, family and children's dental services - following is a short list of preferred, exceptional dentists and dental practices serving specific areas of Northern Virginia, including Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William and Arlington counties.

Dentistry

• Ashburn, Sterling, Potomac Falls/Cascades
  
• Leesburg, Loudoun County
  
• Reston Town Center
  
• Arlington

Orthodontics

• Lansdowne
  
• Woodbridge, Manassas, Fredericksburg VA
  
• South Riding, Chantilly, Dulles South

General, Family and Cosmetic Dentistry in Northern Virginia

Sterling, Potomac Falls/Cascades Family and Cosmetic Dental Practice

Seeking family dental services, implant or cosmetic dentistry in the Ashburn area of Loudoun County, including Sterling, Countryside, the Cascades/Potomac Falls communities and the Dulles Town Center neighborhoods? Dr. E. Richard Hughes DDS offers a sterling reputation and long experience delivering local family cosmetic dental services to adults and children in Potomac Falls (formerly the Cascades), with family-friendly weeknight office hours and an extremely convenient location directly off Rt. 7. Dr. Hughes has been trained by and with some of the world's most prominent implant dental specialists. He is known as a leading implant dentist in Sterling and throughout Northern Virginia and the DC Metro Area, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral Implantology/Implant Dentistry (Board Certified). There are less than 400 dentist world wide with this designation and it is the most rigorous "bona fide" dental implant credential to earn.

Find out more about Dr. Hughes and this exemplary Sterling and Potomac Falls dental practice and family dental services by visiting their website, or calling (888) 698-6507 for appointments.

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Loudoun County and Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dental Practice

Perhaps you're searching for a cosmetic dentist or family dental services in the Leesburg area of Loudoun County, right in town or in nearby areas of Purcellville, Ashburn or Lansdowne? Dr. Sandra Varney and Dr. Robert Leipzig and their staff offers an extremely family-friendly, full service dental practice experience for adults and children in Leesburg. This Leesburg dental office was created to help dentistry patients feel welcome and comfortable - the playroom is perfect for entertaining children while your smile is improved. Relax with sedation dentistry while your teeth are repaired with advanced restorative care, and afterwards take a minute for yourself in the private relaxation room.

Find out more about the Loudoun Smiles Leesburg Family and Cosmetic Dental Practice by visiting their website, or calling (703) 779-7779 for appointments.

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Reston Town Center Dentist - "Smiles at Reston Town Center"

If you're a professional, visitor or nearby resident of Reston VA, particularly within the Reston Town Center area, the absolute most convenient and highly-equipped modern dental office to visit is the Smiles at Reston Town Center dental practice. The very experienced dentist staff including Drs. Riaz Rayek, Eun Hye Grace Lee, Nassir Barekzi, Maya Bachour and Bob Leipzig offer the full scope of personalized dentistry services, including preventive, restorative, cosmetic, periodontal, and implant dentistry and Invisalign orthodontic treatment. They'll work closely with you in achieving and maintaining long-term dental health and wellness - both for you and your family. The very newly-appointed Reston Town Center dentist office was also created to help dentistry patients and their children feel welcome and comfortable - as well as being an extremely efficient, effective visit for professionals working regular office hours among the numerous Reston Town Center businesses and organizations.

Find out more about the Smiles at Reston Town Center Dental Practice and Dentists by visiting their website, or calling (703) 437-0007 for appointments.

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CNS Dental Arlington Family Dentist

If you're in the Arlington VA area, and seeking the most professional, effective and family-friendly environment for dental services - check out Dr. Cara Shantz (a McLean, VA native) and her CNS Dental Arlington Family Dental Services. At CNS Dental you're treated like family and all of your dental needs are provided for in a relaxing and inviting atmosphere - you’ll be amazed at what CNS Dental can do to improve smiles and boost confidence, for you and your children. Dr. Cara Schantz and her Arlington dental practice staff specialize in general oral care, cosmetic dentistry, pain-free dentistry, and Invisalign orthodontic treatment.

Find out more about the CNS Arlington VA Family Dental Practice by visiting Dr. Shantz's website, or calling (703) 304-3881 for appointments.

Individual and Family Orthodontics in Northern Virginia

Lansdowne Orthodontics

For those seeking individual or family orthodontic treatment in the Lansdowne, VA area (including Leesburg, Ashburn, Sterling and Purcellville), Dr. Navin Hukmani's Landsowne Orthodontic practice is one of the most experienced, professional orthodontics dental practices available. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry that specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and facial irregularities. Just as there are specialists in medicine (such as cardiologists, gastroenterologists, neurologists, etc.), there are specialists in orthodontics. An orthodontist such as Dr. Hukmani is a board-certified specialist who has completed an advanced educational program following dental school to learn the special skills required to manage tooth movement and guide facial development in an efficient and timely manner. The state-of-the-art Lansdowne dental practice delivers orthodontic treatment in an atmosphere that is relaxed and nurturing - with the goal to create beautiful, healthy, properly aligned teeth so our adult, adolescent and child patients can enjoy the physical and psychological benefits gained from smiles that look their best and function properly for a lifetime.

Find out more about the Lansdowne Orthodontics office in Leesburg (Loudoun County, VA) by visiting their website, or calling (703) 858-3600 for appointments.

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Manassas, Fredericksburg and Woodbridge VA Orthodontics at Glow Orthodontics.
Families needing professional, experienced orthodontic treatment in the Woodbridge, Manassas or Fredericksburg areas of Northern Virginia need look no further than Glow Orthodontics. Drs. Hukmani and Pandya and their accomplished orthodontic clinical staff and assistants deliver the highest quality of care across at these three regional orthodontic practices. A complimentary initial visit is an important opportunity to get better acquainted, allowing the Glow Orthodontics orthodontists and staff to address patient concerns and answer any questions regarding local orthodontic treatment. Depending upon examination findings, a custom plan for treatment is developed that could begin with any one of the following stages for adult or children's comprehensive orthodontic care - "Observation of Growth and Development", "Interceptive Guidance or Early Interceptive Phase Treatment", or "Full Phase Treatment".

Find out more about the Glow Orthodonics practice in Woodbridge, Manassas or Fredericksburg VA by visiting their website, or calling (703)491-4489 for appointments.

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Britto South Riding & Chantilly Orthodontics.

Last but not least, we can personally recommend Britto Orthodontics of South Riding & Chantilly, for their wonderful and family-friendly environment, experienced and professional children's orthodontic expertise, and overall community service as the local South Riding orthodontics providers. Find out more about Britto South Riding Orthodontics by visiting their website or calling (703) 230-6784.

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Dulles South Loudoun Education Visions - via the Dulles South Alliance

At today's Dulles South Alliance Meeting entitled "The State of Loudoun County Schools", several perspectives and strategies for the year(s) to come were presented by Scott York (BOS Chairman), Edgar Hatrick (LCPS Superintendent), Jeff Morse (School Board - Dulles District) and Jill Turgeon (School Board - Blue Ridge District).

Here in the "epicenter of growth" (Dulles South), Mr. York reviewed the themes common to both his latest campaign and the generally unified vision of the Board of Supervisors (BOS) - including ongoing support of the coming MetroRail as "as fundamental to our infrastructure as AOL's original fiber networks now supporting the Loudoun data centers", though not on the backs of future Toll payers "the out-year projections show monthly, weekday tools exceeding $600, or more than a typical car payment". He further explained the new Board's emphasis on finding avenues of savings (on duplication of effort) between the School Board and BOS, to avoid "hiking up taxes - we can't always keep up with the Jones's next door (i.e. Fairfax & Montgomery Counties).

Mr. Hatrick, on the other hand, sees this coming period as a "tipping point", where we (Loudoun) are in fact the "Jones's", and it's now imperative to support and sustain those great investments and new programs within the LCPS system made in recent years - within the compound constraints and competing priorities from economic development needs, affordable housing programs and "educational community" development (i.e. improving and increasing the supply of in-county personnel to fill teaching or other educational support roles). He mentioned that over 93% of the educational employees in the County were physically located in schools, vs. the "head shed" (a.k.a. the LCPS Administration Building) - which is evidently one of the highest area ratios of educator-to-student "hands-on" availability. Therein becomes again visible the conflict of the School Budget; while lower taxes are important to families and businesses and in turn drive an improved economy and supply of great personnel - lower taxes doesn't necessarily support the continuing growth of 2500-3000 new students each year into the school system, and this in a state (Virginia) where the student educational burden is almost entirely borne by the locality.

Mr. Morse's focus zeroed in on the LCPS budget process underway, and his expectation of a completely "bottoms-up" review - with focus on all the things we truly "have" to do, setting aside as possible things we'd "like" to do. In a county "desperate for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) resources" (like the newest STEM activities at Liberty Elementary, and the STEM focus at the nearby Nysmith School in Herndon), perhaps many of the things we'd "like" to do can be accomplished with significant, additional business-education partnership initiatives. This includes encouragement/support (i.e. School Board and community support) for new private schools and alternative education approaches (for example, the coming South Riding area Catholic High School, the newly proposed (2013 6-7th grade enrollment) Loudoun Math & IT Academy, and accelerated private area tutoring programs such as MyEdMaster).

Ms. Turgeon was supportive of this conservative spending position, though remarked that if we're simply budgeting for all the "good" things that can be done (vs. "better" and "best"), we may miss out on some of the "best" things we can provide for students in Loudoun. Both Board members acknowledged the "missing part (in LCPS improvements) is the parents and families", and indicated a lot of effort should be spent on improving not only the interaction between the BOS/Business Community and LCPS, but also the interaction between the community (as represented in the DSBA meeting) and the School Board. (Having attended several School Board meetings myself, there's typically little if any public input or commnity representation).

To further support this theme, Ms. Turgeon's initiatives include increasing visibility of the School Board with a much improved, transparent and useful online website presence. This theme mimics that of the Loudoun DED/EDC, seeking to leverage online tools and assets for far greater transparency and dialogue with the community - though it may need to happen outside of the local government framework.

In some follow-up conversation, an issue did surface about consistent challenges in county-wide educational program (especially IT initiatives) coordination, across the educator community - and Ms. Turgeon suggested the need for a CIO (Chief Information Officer) role for LCPS...I personally support this position (and can supply a resume!), and I'd further suggest that in addition to more professional management and execution of integrated educational technology investment programs, the School Board take a look at the public/private relationship established between the Board of Supervisors and the business community, via the EDC (Economic Development Commission). Perhaps an "Educational Investment Commission" or "Education Development Commission" be formed in the same manner, to enable a well-represented and somewhat independent framework for the purposes of supporting and advising the School Board.