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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This consumer information posting is an aggregation of community business information, promotional messaging and professional feedback. Would you like to see your dental practice, services or news highlighted here, and across this Northern Virginia home & health services content network? Deliver great dental services in Northern Virginia, and give KME Internet Marketing & Media a call.

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.

Loudoun County EDC Transitions New Leadership & New Members for 2012

This week's first meeting of 2012 for the Loudoun County Economic Development Commission featured installation of new members and transition to new leadership - from John Wood (CEO of Telos Corporation) to Shaun Kelley (Senior VP, PNC Financial Services Group).

New "Group B" Commissioners (3 year term) included Christopher Charron (CEO/Owner, Charron Construction Consulting, Inc.), Benjamin Leigh, Esq. (Partner, Atwell, Troxell & Leigh PC) and Keith Segerson (Associate VP for Economic Development & Executive Director, The Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)) .

New "Group C" Advisory Commissioners (1 year term) included Sharon Virts-Mozer (Owner and President, FCi Federal), Todd Pearson (VP of Acquisitions & Development, B.F. Saul Company), Sharon Steele, Esq. (General Counsel, Mid-Atlantic Security & Training LLC) and Ted McLaughlan (Homeland Security IT Consultant; Co-Owner and CTO, KME Internet Marketing).

One new member was appointed this week to the Rural Economic Development Commission (REDC) - Jean Brown (Bed & Breakfast Industry), Owner of The Oakland Green B&B, and member of the Historic District Review Committee among other local organizations.

Several New Year themes emerged from the meeting agenda and discussion, solidly in support of the "Loudoun is Open for Business" tagline. Scott York (Loudoun BOS Chairman, among several Loudoun Supervisors present) reiterated the focus of the new board on Loudoun's economic development priorities, among which included significant attention to Dulles Airport access from the Rt. 50/28 corridor in the Dulles South region, as well as a southern airport access route. Ken Reid (Leesburg District Supervisor) reiterated the "Live, Work, Play" tagline reflecting support for establishment of a County Arts & Cultural District to compliment and support the Leesburg Arts & Cultural District. The reported objectives and status from individual committees reflected continuing support for small business assistance, Dulles Metro to Loudoun, and continued growth of the Data Center industry segment.

A particularly interesting topic was raised - that of exploring ways in which the community of business leaders participating in the EDC could develop, support and possibly assist in developing finance strategies for Loudoun-wide economic development objectives - via a non-governmental organization construct different from that of the current EDC. One potential tool that could therefore be more appropriately, widely and successfully leveraged would be digital social media and other online assets of local businesses - this concept having been surfaced in early 2010 here in this blog.

We'll note that significant additional opportunity for online, transparent dialogue and information or idea-sharing about these topics, can be very effectively conducted via the public Loudoun Business social media group on LinkedIn (among others). This type of online dialogue works better, in our opinion, than trying to engage in discussion via blog comments. Join us there!

The next EDC meeting is the first Friday of February - all meetings are open to the public, as are sub-committee meetings...this year would be an especially good year for businesses and Loudoun residents interested in supporting the renewing economic development and growth of the County to attend and support EDC events and activities.

New Invention - Deck Railing Table Tray Made in Loudoun County USA

In the spirit of local, Loudoun County USA American entrepreneurial spirit and a legacy of “Made-in the USA” manufacturing history, Over the Edge Creations, LLC proudly offers its newest product line “The-DeckMate”.

The-DeckMate is a patent-pending polished, aircraft-grade aluminum and solid glass deck railing table tray, easily and securely installed for additional working or entertaining space on any deck, porch or patio railing. This absolutely unique and highly functional deck railing table is an all-weather, durable and beautifully-designed addition and compliment to any outdoor living area, whether installed permanently or for temporary use.



The-DeckMate is now available for purchase in limited quantities here at The-DeckMate.com, and is available to resellers and retailers in wholesale lots. The-DeckMate is currently available in two sizes, with many additional configurations and uses to come – including a deck rail mounted herb garden, disposal bin and with additional decorative and adjustment features.

Truly Made in Loudoun County USA

Invented and designed in Ashburn, VA by Chris Petrakis of Over The Edge Creations, The-DeckMate is wholly manufactured, assembled and shipped from Tallulah, LA – an agriculture-based yet growing regional center for shipping and manufacturing in the heart of Bayou Country USA. All corporate, marketing and manufacturing operations are based in the Southeast USA, in full support of the renewed and critical “Made in America” movement sweeping the nation during this troubled economic recovery.

“It’s incredibly important to both support local economies and help small businesses such as mine create and produce products that employ Americans and save jobs” says Mr. Petrakis, “my own story is similar to many, many others generated out of family-run startups, balancing the needs of raising a family with building a small business in a very tough economy. I’m very happy to support the engine that drives America’s growth and global leadership for future generations”.

The-DeckMate solves many challenges and offers many solutions for small or cramped outdoor deckspace, quickly and easily creating an extra surface that’s both practical and decorative. It functions as a removable deck caddy, a temporary deck tray, a deck railing table accessory and as a porch or balcony rail table - highly functional, extremely useful and set up or removed in minutes.

Purchase The-DeckMate today for your own deck, as a winter or spring holiday gift (Christmas to Mother's Day), and find additional space and use for your outdoor deck railings when entertaining, gardening or simply for decorative appeal!

CAFN DC, MD, Northern Virginia Foreclosure Mobile CellPhone Assistance - Text HOME or CASA to 877-877

Regional Community Service Announcement

TEXT HOME or CASA to 877-877

The Capital Area Foreclosure Network (CAFN) very recently announced the launch of a new foreclosure prevention text messaging service. The service will provide those in or worried about foreclosure with access to advice, reminders, and alerts through their mobile phones in either Spanish or English. The goals of the campaign are to increase the number of homeowners and renters that get help from a nonprofit housing counselor, and decrease the number of people who drop out of counseling.

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TEXT HOME or CASA to 877-877

Parties can opt-in to the service by using their mobile device to text message HOME or CASA to 877-877, and will then immediately receive critical information and a hotline number to use when they are ready to connect to a counselor at a HUD approved counseling organization.

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After opting in, mobile subscribers will receive periodic reminders, information about foreclosure prevention programs available in their jurisdiction, such as the new mediation programs in D.C. and Maryland, follow-up instructions, alerts to scams, financial literacy tips, and much more.

"We wanted to try a new way of getting our message across", said Peggy Sand, Director of the regional coalition. "Mobile phones are the most effective, easy and affordable way to connect with struggling residents."

Data from March 2011 shows that more than 9 percent of all loans (approximately 115,000 mortgages) in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area were in foreclosure or delinquent. Prince George’s County has been hit particularly hard by the crisis; approximately 5 percent of mortgages were in foreclosure and 15 percent were delinquent in the County as of March 2011. Studies show that homeowners that seek help from a certified nonprofit counselor have a better chance of avoiding foreclosure than homeowners who work alone.

"So many individuals who have lost their homes have fallen victim twice: first to predatory lenders and then to foreclosure rescue scam artists who promise they can save people’s homes, charge thousands of dollars, and do nothing to help" said Chuck Bean of the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington, who co-leads CAFN.

CAFN believes that adding a mobile-based initiative will provide wider access to DC, MD and Northern Virginia foreclosure community and government assistance for home foreclosure victims in the National Capital Region. The success of other mobile campaigns, like those responding to the earthquakes in Haiti and Text4baby, has been inspirational for many nonprofits. Moreover, according to a May 2010 Pew Report, 87% of Hispanic households have multiple mobile phones and use them more than any other personal or handheld technology. Thanks to a recent grant from Freddie Mac, CAFN can now connect with this audience in a familiar medium.

CAFN has designed the text messaging campaign to complement its other outreach initiatives, including a newly-redesigned interactive website (www.cafn.org) and a regional Spanish and English hotline (888-794-8830). Text messages will encourage users to contact the hotline so they can be referred to a nonprofit housing counselor, and will direct users to the website for additional information and resources on the foreclosure process.

The Capital Area Foreclosure Network (CAFN) is a Washington metropolitan area coalition that supports the work of nonprofit organizations, local governments and national partners working to help homeowners and renters facing foreclosure. CAFN is jointly led by the Nonprofit Roundtable of Greater Washington and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

CONTACTS:

Peggy Sand, peggy@cafn.org / 202-390-9709
Steven Kania, skania@mwcog.org / 202-962-3249

Huge Northern Virginia Business Expo & Conference - Chantilly, 12-2-2011

The Northern Virginia Business EXPO is here!

Join a timely gathering of Fairfax, Loudoun County and Northern Virginia’s most interesting and successful local businesses and business leaders for this valuable Dulles area regional networking and business development event. Experience over 100 exhibitors and sponsors, onsite catering plus door prizes, social media and marketing seminars. Hear opening remarks and leadership address by Gerald Gordon, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and Kristina Bouweiri, President and CEO of Reston Limousine.



This is THE local business networking event this holiday season in the Dulles region – sign up early as a visitor or sponsor!

Friday, December 2nd, 2011, 08:00am- 01:00 pm
NORTHERN VIRGINIA SPORTSPLEX (Formerly Hoop Magic)
14810 Murdock Street Chantilly, VA 20151-1018
More Info and Registration at: www.ultimatenovabizexpo.com

Register today to visit the EXPO, and network with our broad, diverse and accomplished local and DC regional business community...knock a few items off the holiday gift list, as well!

For more details on sponsorships/exhibitors reservation, email basilelemba@yahoo.com or call (703) 359-5642.

Events Schedule:

7:30 - 8:15am: "Introduction to Engagement Marketing & Social Media" – Gina Watkins, Constant Contact
7:30 - 8:00: Networking reception (exhibitors only)
8:00 Doors Open!
8:00 - 8:30: Registration, Exhibit and Networking
8:30 - 8:50: Introductions, keynote speaking and ribbon-cutting
8:50 - 12:15pm: Exhibit and Networking
12:15 - 12:45: One-on-One Networking
12:45 - 1:00: Door prizes session and farewell remarks
1:00 - 2:30: "Social Media Made Easier" Seminar by Gina Watkins (optional, with lunch for attendees/Must register)

The NOVA Business Expo asks each attendee to bring one or more unwrapped toys to lighten up the Holiday Season of underprivileged children. These toys will be received and distributed by Reston Interfaith, Inc.

Booths are now on sale! Call (703) 359-5642 or e-mail to basilelemba@yahoo.com to reserve - discounts are available for early registrants. Only 3 companies per local industry segment.

Local Media Sponsor:

KME Internet Marketing – DC and Northern Virginia Digital Interactive Marketing, Social Media

Go Fairfax Events for Mobile iPhone Android Apps - Nov 19-20

GoFairfax (GoFFX) event listings on your iPhone or Android Mobile App for this weekend...add your own Fairfax County VA events for Chantilly, Dulles, Sterling, Herndon, Reston, Great Falls, McLean, Tysons Corner...

Saturday, November 19
08:00am - 10:00am	St. Jude Give Thanks Walk @ Tysons Corner Center
09:00am - 11:00am	Community Coffee @ Reston
10:00am	Belvoir Officers' Spouses' Club Holiday Craft Boutique & Family Funfest @ George Mason University Patriot Center
02:00pm - 06:00pm	Barnes & Noble Book Signing @ Tysons Corner Center
02:00pm - 04:00pm	Singles Saturday - Il Fornaio, Reston Town Center @ Reston Town Center
05:00pm - 07:00pm	Fall Focus Reception and Exhibition - Greater Reston Arts Center @ Reston Arts Center
08:00pm	Andre Rieu @ George Mason University Patriot Center
Sunday, November 20
03:00pm - 05:00pm	Washington Balalaika Society Concert @ Arlington
04:00pm - 06:00pm	Reston Community Orchestra Season Opening Concert - Mood Music @ Reston Community Center Hunters Woods
05:00pm - 06:30pm	The Capitol Steps @ Alexandria

Loudoun's Pickwick Players - Scrooge the Musical Family Holidays 2011 Event!

The Pickwick Players are bringing holiday cheer to Loudoun County this December with six fun-filled performances of Scrooge, The Musical at Belmont Ridge Middle School in the Lansdowne area of Leesburg, VA.

This heart-warming musical will be performed on Friday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online via Paypal at the Pickwick Players website, or at the door.

There will be a $50 Wegmans gift card given away at every performance to one of the lucky people who brings canned goods for Loudoun Interfaith Relief. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the performances will be donated to Loudoun Cares.

Featuring over eighty local children, teens, and adults, Scrooge, The Musical is adapted from the classic Charles Dickens ghost story "A Christmas Carol", and set to lively music by Leslie Bricusse. Taking place in London, England in 1843, wealthy yet miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, causing him to realize the error of his ways. Filled with crowd-pleasing songs such as “I Hate Christmas”, “Thank You Very Much”, and “December the Twenty-Fifth”, Scrooge, The Musical is a holiday classic the whole family can enjoy together!

Since their incorporation as a non-profit organization in 2005, The Pickwick Players have provided entertainment and enrichment for the Northern Virginia community with their quality, wholesome, and family-oriented musical productions. The Pickwick Players’ website and Facebook page contain additional information about the organization, including current happenings and photographs.

Loudoun U8 Girls South Riding Soccer - Undefeated!

Congratulations to the Loudoun South Riding U8 Girls Rec League Tornados (pictured here at the post-season celebration at Cici's) - who, despite losing 1 player to a broken arm and another to a relocation, finished the Fall 2011 season undefeated in regular play - great hard work from a team who frequently fielded only 4 energizer bunnies! UVA, George Mason, VT college women's soccer scouts - watch out for these girls in 2021...

Loudoun BOS Election Candidate Outreach – Social Media Fail for Younger Voters

We took a brief look among the winners of the recent BOS election in Loudoun County, to look at their outreach activities to prospective voters through 2 popular social media channels – Facebook and Twitter. Some did have limited LinkedIn activity, but we’re focusing on Facebook and Twitter (and Google Plus was just too new) mainly to drive home the point that these candidates effectively neglected huge swaths of potential younger voters – the voters who are more likely to use Facebook and/or Twitter to find local news and possibly interact online.

All campaigns, with the slight exception of Mr. Buona, demonstrated an appalling lack of integrated, personalized and active social media outreach, across the Internet channels available (including the candidates' websites). Especially given the "proof in the pudding" demonstrated by this past presidential campaign - of the value of integrated social media in promoting and amplifying campaign messages, reaching new constituents, and targeting the younger more mobile demographics.

How can we expect to reach, mobilize and engage the younger, rapidly growing and graduating citizens of Loudoun without actively reaching out on their terms, in their medium?

Not one candidate used Twitter effectively at all; across all candidates, a grand total of 30 people (possible voters!) were followed – Mr. Reid's tweets were actually protected from view altogether; Mr. Williams had 0 tweets, and Mr. Letourneau's last tweet was May 20th.

Facebook usage was a little more busy, with several candidates boasting a couple of hundred "likes" on their page, or friends on their profile (seems to be general confusion on profiles vs. pages). Mr. York's personal profile was turned on around 10/19 with only 14 posts (though 740 "friends" already!); Mr. Delgaudio's website doesn't link to his Facebook, and Ms. Clark has a broken link on her profile to a nonexistent "votejanetclarke" page (though her "Friends of Janet Clarke" page was nice, if impersonal).

The only candidate website to boast a full complement of very common online "share" buttons (i.e. YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, LinkedIn, Facebook) was Mr. Williams, though all the buttons except Facebook were actually broken.

While these metrics are obviously now OBE (overtaken by events), perhaps the new Board of Supervisors can promote a fresh initiative for 2012: "Whereas, we neglected to properly leverage social media to reach our younger constituents during the campaigns, we'll invest a lot more in County resources and attention to engage, motivate, support and educate both ourselves and this demographic (future voters and taxpayers!) through smart, integrated and current social media and mobile channels".

Thumbs Up or Down - Deck Table, Deck Railing Accessory

Fairfax and Loudoun Mental Health Therapy Provides Social Skills IQ for Children

In Step, PC's Northern Virginia Stepping Stones program is an extremely unique, successful program offering Loudoun and Fairfax mental health group and individual therapy for children and families.

Positive peer relationships offer a critical buffer against daily stress and psychological difficulties. Rejection by peers is especially devastating to children and can be associated with long-term problems including low self-esteem, poor academic performance, feelings of aloneness and loneliness, and juvenile delinquency.

Without the friendship of peers, children feel alone, confused, and out of sync with the rest of the world, including school and family. These feelings can also have serious repercussions for their growth and future success. Research has found that peer rejection can furthermore lead to problems including depression, failed relationships, poor parenting skills, and troubled careers. Being able to make and keep friends clearly plays a vital role in a child's emotional health and well-being.

Social issues are especially problematic for children with AD/HD, social anxiety, learning disabilities, and Asperger's syndrome. There is good news, however, for children who struggle in social settings with their peers—poor social skills can improve with coaching, and children learn social skills best in the company of other children.

For nearly 20 years, In Step, PC's Northern Virginia Stepping Stones mental health program has been helping children of all ages "raise their social IQ." Stepping Stones is unique in that it follows a step-by-step approach to teaching children of elementary school age how to make and maintain friends, as well as how to increase the child's awareness of the impact of his or her behavior on other children, their friends and family. A strong team approach is emphasized throughout the program by maintaining consistent contact with all professionals (school personnel, physicians, mental health professionals) as appropriate.

In Step, PC is a leading, private, Northern Virginia mental health practice - with offices in Fairfax and Sterling, VA—providing therapy services for children, families, adolescents, adults and couples. Fairfax and Loudoun mental health counseling expertise includes assessment and group therapy for social skills training, AD/HD and Asperger's disorders, depression, anxiety, anger issues, and parenting problems.

2011 Dulles District Board of Supervisor Candidates and Loudoun Economic Development

Our upcoming elections in Loudoun County are a tremendously important choice in community leadership to shape and cultivate a re-awakening of economic development and opportunity. It's also a chance to reshape and adjust some of the intractability and resistance to coordinated, productive and transparent collaboration between and among the Board of Supervisors (BOS), Board of Education and the local business community.

One of the most persistent issues we face is the difficulty in attracting and retaining large commercial taxpayers – complete with local employment and economic trickle-down, community development and investment, and contribution to local market, transportation and educational amenities.

From one of the many "rampant-population-growth-without-corresponding-large-commercial-development" centers of the County, here in the Dulles District, we asked the Dulles BOS challengers:

"How can the Board of Supervisors help the local business community work together to attract and/or retain new commercial businesses?" Also, "What immediate or very tactical activities will you undertake or consider, if elected, with respect to improving Loudoun County's economic development posture, outreach, activities or other initiatives - with the goal of dramatically improving the commercial investments and resultant tax base in the County?"

Republican challenger Matt Letourneau responded immediately:

"Economic development is a major focus of my campaign for Dulles Supervisor. My experience at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business organization, has given me insight into what the business community needs to be successful in Loudoun. Right now, our county is far too reliant on residential property taxes, resulting in high taxes for homeowners. By bringing in businesses, we'll create new revenue streams to help pay for needed infrastructure, and we'll improve traffic by reducing commutes.

I believe that Loudoun County should create an Economic Development Authority (EDA), like Fairfax County did in 1976. We need a professional sales force that will sell Loudoun to the global business community. With a world class airport that has room to grow, excellent schools, and a highly educated workforce, we can be more successful in attracting businesses, but we must be much more aggressive and make it the next Board's mission from day one.

Both existing businesses and prospects should be assigned an individual at the county level to help navigate the complicated zoning and land use process. In addition, we should explore opening up satellite offices around the nation and the world to help facilitate recruitment. Our sales force should use data metrics to measure success and track progress, just like a business would."

(Regarding the "excellent schools" comment above, we're hopeful that Jeff Morse, Dulles South candidate for the Board of Education, can inject additional substance and support for this increasingly difficult assertion – but that's another discussion.)

As it turns out, this idea for examining various "Industrial Development Authority" models was floated from the Loudoun Economic Development Commission (EDC) to the BOS during the 2009-2010 sessions, with some research into the pros and cons of the various, existing regional models (See the Feb. 5 2009 Meeting Minutes). The initiative "died on the vine", so to speak, with internal committee decisions to discontinue the exploration.

The Fairfax model in particular appears to overcome many of the "cons" of the current model in Loudoun, though might not be able to retain or at least continue the great progress made to date by the DED/EDC model in these areas:

(From the Economic Development Organization (EDO) structure Pros & Cons DRAFT)

"Model I: Department of Local Government. Example(s): Arlington County DED and Loudoun County DED

Pros:

- Ability to forge strong relationships with Board of Supervisors, County Administration
...
- Access/integration with other government agencies & projects"

Would, therefore, the ultimate model be one that reflects the success of the Fairfax EDA, yet incorporates local G2B (Government-to-Business) collaborative achievement made to date by the DED?

Mr. Letourneau explains: "EDA's can vary, but basically it boils down to independence, autonomy and professionalization. As a matter of governance, it would work more like the Planning Commission--Supervisors would appoint a certain number of commissioners--Fairfax has 7--and they would then operate independently and make strategic and funding decisions. It would be a more focused effort, and the EDA would have full time professional staff who would be carrying out the objectives of the commissioners.

The Fairfax EDA has been recognized around the world for its success--I think one of the first things the new Board should do is undertake a formal review of EDA options and use Fairfax as a case study."

At the very least, it's encouraging that several of the BOS candidates understand that additional energy, attention and perhaps updates to the current economic development resources should be explored, if only to find more of the success that our Fairfax neighbors enjoy.

This includes supporting development of the underlying infrastructure, i.e. transportation – as Mr. Letourneau goes on to describe:

"...we must make progress on our missing road links, such as Loudoun County, Tall Cedars and Claiborne Parkways. This will make both corporate and retail development more attractive. The County must work with VDOT to widen 606, and ensure that the Route 50 project stays on track. Dulles South residents lack many amenities found in other parts of the County and have to travel to Fairfax for services. By bringing more retail and dining options to our part of Loudoun, we will generate more sales tax revenue and improve the quality of life for our citizens."

Mr. Roeder, the Democrat challenger for the Dulles District BOS election, offers the following themes and information regarding the issues and questions as posed...

"Our website offers many ideas on the economy, including bringing staff to meet with store owners "Bring Leesburg to Dulles." Store owners don't have time to drive to Leesburg and sterling to seek advice. I'll bring the advice to them and sit in the meetings. There is also a strong multi-modal transportation philosophy that services E-W commuting and our commercial sector. I have also offered ideas to deal with foreclosed homes and help people with lower salaries keep their homes. I developed those ideas by talking with the people for over a year.

So to answer your question of what my top economic priority is, it is to "build a citizen conversation that identifies the people's vision for Loudoun's economy, as well as how to bring that vision to reality." Over the last twelve years in Loudoun, I have found a significant disconnect between Leesburg and the Dulles citizens, regardless of party. People feel ignored; and thus Supervisors have often been ineffective in Dulles. Our leaders must do better asking what we want for an economy before voting..."

"...I have proposed ideas; but the people must be asked before action is taken. We need a stronger business sector to raise capital to pay for services. We need to manage services effectively to reduce waste. We must bolster our schools and public safety sector; but those actions must be in the context of the people's vision. My first priority for building a strong economy is to ask the people what their vision is, to have a true conversation, to bring my background and experts into that conversation, staff, and other stakeholders as well -- always making sure that my economic votes are fully vetted. That is bound to build a stronger, more democratic Loudoun and a sustainable economy and business sector."

(Advertisement) Need to get the word out, about your business or message in Loudoun County, Northern Virginia or DC? KME Internet Marketing offers the #1 Online Digital Interactive Marketing services and channels in Loudoun and Northern Virginia, including a Twitter network reach of over 50,000 followers, and access to the Dulles Corridor's only Mobile Events Apps for iPhone and Android at GoFFX and Loudoun360...

Fairfax Corner Dentist offers free oral cancer screening

Here's a very important, free service not too far across the border into Fairfax...

Smiles at Fairfax Corner Dentist Office Offering Free Oral Cancer Dental Screenings
Two minutes could save your life!

You may have heard in the news of Michael Douglas' battle with throat cancer - but he isn't alone in this fight: more than 100 new individuals will be diagnosed with oral cancer each day. What may be even more alarming is that it kills one person every hour of every day, a trend that has been consistent for more than 40 years.

According to the Oral Cancer Foundation, "at least 25 percent of those diagnosed with oral cancer are non-smokers". Over the last ten years there has been a steady decline of tobacco use and more evidence pointing toward an oral cancer connection to the HPV virus, changing the demographic of those at risk. The quickest growing segment of the oral cancer population is young, healthy, non-smokers due to the connection to this virus.

Oral and maxillofacial surgeon, Steven M. Roser, DMD, MD, and an oral pathologist, Robert O. Greer, DDS, advise that the typical location of cancers within the oral cavity has changed over the past five years, "we are now seeing cancer in the lips, tongue, gingival, floor of the mouth, tonsils, salivary glands, and other oral and pharyngeal areas". They went on to say, "the survival rate for oral cancer is about 50 percent, and survival rates for cancers detected earlier are much better than rates for cancers identified in later stages."

Unfortunately, only about one third of all oral cancers are detected in stage I: the earliest stage. Therefore, early detection of suspicious lesions by dentists, with referral to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon for biopsy and timely treatment, offers patients the best chances of survival from oral cancers.

Regular checkups at your dental office and self-evaluations of both your mouth and throat are both essential. Be aware of any bumps, discoloration of tissue (such as white or red areas) or changes to the mouth, throat, tongue and lips.

Smiles at Fairfax Corner Dentist Office will be providing free oral cancer screenings through the end of December 2011. An oral cancer screening should be conducted every year, so take advantage of this free offer and get screened today. For more information about risk factors and prevention of oral cancer, or to schedule your screening, please contact Smiles at Fairfax Corner via our website, or at 703-222-3245.

For more information about dental services in Fairfax Corner, including sedation dentistry, oral wellness, preventative dentistry and other dental services, visit the Smiles Dental Office at Fairfax Corner in Northern Virginia.

Loudoun Business Marketplace - Chamber Event Fall 2011

Yesterday's Loudoun Chamber of Commerce local Business Marketplace was a well-attended event with representation from a wide variety of local and regional businesses, government entities and services.

The marketplace provided an opportunity to showcase locally-produced goods and services, announce new offerings and programs, and share information among Loudoun businesses and with the public. This is one of many outreach and marketing services available to Loudoun businesses; contact KME Internet Marketing of Loudoun for the broadest scope of local and regional digital marketing and advertising options in Loudoun County and the Northern Virginia area.

Gold Sponsors included: Fortessa, Inc., George Mason University, George Washington University Virginia Science & Technology Campus, Loudoun Department of Economic Development, Malvin, Riggins & Company, PC

Loudoun Rt. 50 to be Widened in Dulles South

Letter sent out today from Jim LeMunyon, your 67th District Delegate to the Virginia House - (and it's about time...!)

Dear Friend,

Construction will begin tomorrow, Wednesday, October 5, to widen Route 50 from four to six lanes between Poland Road in Loudoun County and Route 28 in Fairfax County. The 3.7-mile, $100 million project will take three years to complete.

If you are like me and use Route 50 in this area, you know that the widening is necessary to relieve the backups that occur during much of the day on the existing four-lane segment, especially during morning and evening rush hours. Route 50 narrows from six lanes to four just west of Route 28.

Through next spring, crews will be working only on westbound Route 50, restriping pavement and shifting lanes to make room for construction. I will continue to stay in close contact with VDOT on your behalf to make sure this project stays on schedule and on budget. If you have any questions or concerns about the work, please let me know.

When completed, Route 50 will have three lanes in each direction, improved turn lanes and traffic signals, curb and gutter on the on the outside lanes, crosswalks and pedestrian signals, widened and upgraded bridges, and pathways on both sides of the road. The road will also be more level and provide wider buffers between travel lanes and roadside hazards.

There will be no lane closures on holidays or during rush hours, but motorists can expect lane closures overnight and mid-day. During all other times, all lanes and turn lanes will remain open.

I hope you find this information helpful.

Yours for good government,

Jim LeMunyon

Dulles South Youth Sports - Cross Country Running Season is Here

The Dulles South Youth Cross Country 2011 Fall season is here - an incredibly well-organized and parent-supported running club for girls and boys grades 3-8 here in Loudoun. The club runs cross country in the Fall, and morphs into a Track and Field club in the Spring - with a very large number of track and field parent alumni helping with practices and race day, training, learning short and long running strategies, exercise and warmup approaches and altogether leveraging what's a surprising volume of track and cross-country experience among the Dulles South communities (South Riding, Stone Ridge, Aldie).

Looking forward to another great season!

5th and 6th grade boys into the 2nd mile...



5th and 6th grade start - downhill rules only!



7th and 8th grade girls finish strong...


3rd and 4th grade - Team Red masters of mayhem!

Dulles MetroRail - On Track for Reston and Fairfax, Unclear for Loudoun

Early this past week, a Bisnow RE event showcased local experts, administrators and stakeholders in the Commercial Real Estate community discussing the present and future aspect of the Dulles Corridor Metro Rail project. Among the luminaries; John "Til" Hazel, long-time Northern Virginia developer and Robert Simon (97!) visionary developer of Reston.


In a nutshell - things are looking pretty good for the opening of "Phase 1" on December 20th, 2013 - through Tysons Corner to Wiehle Ave. Things are somewhat still up in the air, particularly with respect to funding, for Phase 2 - extending to the airport and possibly to Routes 606 and 772 in Loudoun.

On the note of funding for Phase 2, Til was especially blunt - expressing that the notion that tolls paid by Toll road commuters paying for the construction is "absolute nonsense", and the overall funding realities are simply not being addressed. Far more important to the regional transportation system is the need for additional bridges across the Potomac "ocean" as he calls it, including through the Western Corridor (i.e. Loudoun). Also, there seems not yet enough planning and development progress with respect to the 30,000 extra homes needed to be built per year, to accommodate the regions's growth and support the commercial development underway.

Bob Simon was all about community as you'd expect, focusing on the intersection of residential and business development that's essential for the success of the Dulles Rail corridor, making the astute observation that the "plaza (open public space surrounded by ground-floor retail and attached residences) is a successful concept recognized everywhere in the world BUT the U.S. Eery development should have at its core a plaza driving community success and family fun with its mix of social, artistic and economic impact. He's not a fan of non-communicative art, however, that appeals only to the artist, that the rest of us really don't understand."

Other interesting points:

Pete Otteni of Boston Properties described their development planning for the "connector" area buacting as a pedestrian connector, with elevated urban plazas, to the urban core. Maggie Parker of Comstock Partners described the very successful public-private partnership underway for the large Wiehle Ave. station, with its integrated underground parking facility for Metro buses, commuters (2300 spaces), the public - intended really to become the "6th neighborhood" of Reston. On the subject of Reston vs. Tysons Corner growth models, the consensus seemed to be that Reston Town Center area truly was an "urban" model on par with the pedestrian-friendly advances made in the Ballston/Clarendon area, while Tysons was more of a "suburban" model (i.e. drive, park, leave). Art Fucillo of Lerner Enterprises was especially blunt, advising less access (and less parking) to cross-regional transit from the new population centers, as "creating the bottleneck creates the city".



Former U.S. Representative for Virginia Tom "I left Congress undefeated and unindicted" Davis explained (and was supported by Sharon Bulova, Fairfax County Supervisor) that Phase 2 will indeed happen, though under 3 certainties - higher commercial/residential densities were necessary, higher tolls, and higher operating expenses for the Rail. A lot of negotiation is underway to reduce the cost of the 2nd estimate to date (at $3.8 Billion), and to find the best balance between anticipated toll revenues, bonding and returns from local tax jurisdictions (no Federal funding is available for Phase 2, unlike Phase 1).

Conclusions?

1) The Rail is coming, for sure to Reston, riding the wave of commercial development initiative, funding and partnership initiatives with Fairfax County - not clear yet if all the way to Loudoun.

2) Right now seems to be a good time to think about both commercial and residential investment along the Dulles Corridor, especially near the Reston Town Center.

3) Find a job that doesn't involve driving the Toll Road, preferably in Loudoun or the Reston area.

4) Everyone should download the first and only GoFairfax (GoFFX) Mobile App for Android/iPhone to keep up with the very latest in Fairfax events and entertainment along the Dulles Corridor, from Tysons to Reston. Download Loudoun360 for events in Ashburn, Leesburg and beyond. Will be especially useful riding the Silver Line, or sitting in $10 traffic on Rt. 267 watching the metro flash on by. Dulles corridor businesses - add your events/places for free - or contact GoFFX to highlight/advertise!

The Loudoun Rodeo - Bull Riding at the Loudoun County Fair

Spent a great evening yesterday at the Loudoun County Fair - especially the Rodeo, featuring bull riding, the hilarious Mutton Bustin', barrel racing and lots of other great entertainment. Thanks so much to the International Bull Riders for running the event, corraling the walking steaks and mutton, and supplying the entertainment for the bulls!

Steve Case at the Arlington Digital Media and Marketing Conference

Just a quick pic of one of our Loudoun County IT technorati, at last week's Digital Media Conference, in Arlington...some great insight into how Revolution is working hard behind the scenes to help promote and develop the entrepreneurial environment of the entire DC region, inclusive of Northern Virginia, Suburban and Southern Maryland. Encouraging words to an appreciative DC-centric tech and online marketing/advertising crowd.

Loudoun Dulles Youth Sports Track Season Comes to End

Yesterday was the final internal team meet for the Dulles South Youth Sports Track and Field program, held at South Riding's Freedom High School - a very successful local sports program for grades 3-8, offering instruction, competition and team-building opportunities to future track superstars in sprints (50, 100m), mid-distance (400, 800, 1600m), relays (4x100, 4x400), hurdles, shotput, long jump and high jump. The competitors and families had another fabulous season, with committed, expert assistance by parent, sibling and Freedom High Track Team volunteers. Pics below:

Northern Virginia Business Networking - Fairfax Breakfast Club

Friday morning's "Fairfax Breakfast Club" at Hoop Magic in Chantilly was a great example of the resurgence in small business activity taking place all around the county, relentlessly driving forward the economy through local business networking, local business relationships and local business entrepreneurialism. Basile Lemba's Fairfax business network mission is summed up as: "The main objective of the Fairfax Breakfast Club is to help all guests and attendees achieve their business goals, whatever they may be. By attending our Breakfast Club events, you will the opportunity to build both your networking skills as well as relationships with potential clients, customers, and business partners".

Many diverse, local businesses, from very small to DC regional, hosted tables with information, offers, marketing and networking opportunities for B2B professionals. The event kicked off with an intro from State Senator Mark Herring (D - District 33), who conveyed a message with words from a "Congratulations" letter sent in by U.S. Mark Warner (video below). In all, a motivating example of local Fairfax, Loudoun and Northern Virginia businesses working very hard in the metropolitan DC area to build business relationships and exposure through in-person, managed networking events. As part of an overall local marketing and advertising strategy, exposure and participation in business networking groups such as this is highly recommended - in addition to significant attention to local digital marketing and social media (contact KME Internet Marketing of Chantilly for more information).

Check out some of the pics below.


Basile Lemba - Founder of the Fairfax Breakfast Club


The Fairfax Breakfast Club gets underway at Hoop Magic, in Chantilly VA


Intelligent Office, Alexandria VA - with Matt Whitaker, President.


JK Moving Services in Sterling, VA, with Dennis Bell, Certified Moving Consultant


Cartvertising Local Franchise - Shopping cart advertising displays, with Dave Fox, Regional Manager


Virginia Senator Mark Herring addresses the Breakfast Club, with words from a "Congratulations" letter sent in by U.S. Mark Warner

March of Dimes for Babies - Loudoun County, Ida Lee Park

Guest Post - D. Greenberg
A March for Babies walker in the late-1970s saved my son's life. In 2006, Nathan was born prematurely, spending his first month of life in the hospital. While in the hospital, Nate received artificial surfactant therapy, a treatment developed in the 1980s under a March of Dimes grant. I can say with confidence that Nate would not be with us today without the benefit of this treatment. And that work was funded by people like you and me who took time one Saturday morning to participate in the March of Dimes' signature event -- March for Babies. Funds raised by the March for Babies support lifesaving research, community services, education and advocacy aimed at preventing premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality.

On Saturday, May 7, 2011, businesses and families throughout Loudoun County will once again come together at March for Babies to support the mission of the March of Dimes to improve the health of babies in our community. The family friendly, four mile stroll begins and ends on the grounds of Ida Lee Park in Leesburg, Virginia. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, participating in March for Babies also is great fun for the whole family. Roadrunners can leave their timing chips at home. This is a walk, and any level of participation is welcome (both physically and financially). The kids love it. Dogs are welcome. And a picnic lunch and family friendly activities and entertainment will be waiting for you at the finish line.

Register today at marchforbabies.org. For more information, contact Heather Pesch at Hpesch@marchofdimes.com or 703-824-0111 ex 25. Join us if you can. Be a hero for someone else's son or daughter thirty years from now.

Made in Loudoun Businesses - DIY Auto Mechanics, Wholesale Granite & Marble, Shenandoah Custom Wood Furniture

One of the purposes of this blog and its sister site, Made in Loudoun (where this posting originated), is to highlight and support local, Loudoun businesses with interesting stories, fantastic customer service or other interesting features that elevate the profile of the entire Loudoun business community. Following are a few of these business profiles, be sure to visit their websites or social media channels for more information.

Do It Yourself Mechanics

Do It Yourself Mechanics in Sterling is a unique Loudoun automobile repair shop specifically focused on the do-it-yourselfer – i.e. those with auto mechanics interest or skills who don’t mind getting a little dirty. And that’s hard to do, really, given the extremely clean and well-organized environment of rental bays, lifts and automotive parts supply center. As the only do it yourself auto repair shop in Northern Virginia, short or long-term rental options are available from the casual, amateur oil-changer or weekend mechanic, to long-term, experienced auto mechanics delivering their own business services. Owner Ed Cove and his crew have quickly become thoroughly immersed in the Loudoun and Northern Virginia auto enthusiast community, holding events, training sessions onsite and keeping up with their rapidly-growing Facebook Loudoun auto repair community.

Shenandoah Furniture Gallery

Loudoun’s historic farming and agriculture legacy is preserved in its wooden barns, and Shenandoah Furniture Gallery in Purcellville, VA breathes new life into recovered historic barn wood and timbers, by shaping it into kitchen and dining room farm tables and custom wooden furniture. Honored as a “Small Business Product of the Year Finalist” by the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce, Vickie Kelley and her team transform recycled antique Virginia barn wood into truly beautiful, unique yet durable and functional wood furniture, cabinetry and reclaimed wood flooring. Visit the Shenandoah real wood furniture store online and via the Shenandoah Furniture Gallery community on Facebook.

EleGant Virginia - Wholesale Marble & Granite

Many of Loudoun’s finest homes and businesses include stone accents and centerpieces, for kitchen countertops, flooring, walls and tabletops. EleGant Wholesale Marble & Granite in Sterling carries a huge inventory of granite, marble, soapstone and onyx for use in construction projects for the kitchen, bath or any other stone surface. A division of EleMar USA, “Worldwide Purveyors of Unique Stones”, the EleGant Loudoun business and showroom run by Tony DeAngelo includes professional help for selecting among all the varieties of stone and finishing details that fit into your architectural design and construction plans. New granite slabs with absolutely unique graining and patterns arrive constantly, so the showroom is always active with buyers, architects and designers choosing their custom pieces for installation, surface finishing and edge treatments in home building, kitchen renovation or customization projects.

Reporting from the Dean South Region of Loudoun County

This week in the Loudoun County political circus (bested only in this region by the Debacle known as the DC District Government), the Loudoun Board of Supervisors changed the name of the “District 4” region of Eastern Loudoun County to the “Jennie Dean” District, from the “Dulles District”. At the core of the proposal are some interesting and well-intentioned proposals for highlighting Jennie Dean, a former slave and famed evangelist who founded the Prosperity Baptist Church in the former African-American community of Conklin, next to South Riding on Braddock Road.

Here in the “why fix what’s not broken, and in fact is heading down the road to recovery” column, this extremely parochial and short-sighted decision has some interesting business and local marketing ramifications. The Dulles region is both a locally and internationally-recognized area of economic activity represented by organizations and companies flying its banner – from the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce, to the Dulles Area Association of Realtors, Dulles World Trade Center and Dulles South Public Safety Center, use of “Dulles” in the names of many local hotels, tourism descriptors and businesses is pervasive, durable and successful. The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority also works to attract new investment to the “Dulles Business Area”, which they describe as “situated to the immediate east of the Washington Dulles International Airport” - obviously therefore only in Fairfax County.

This decision to remove the label “Dulles” from Loudoun County government interests will likely seriously impair the support of this region’s economic development interests by Loudoun County and its business and marketing-related investments. For example, every mention by the County of significant interest to potential investors in the “Dean” District, loses an opportunity to mention the “Dulles” area – building therefore a volume of information tagged with an unknown moniker, unrelated to all the supporting and linked interests. Every time our taxpayer dollars is spent on advertising Loudoun County investments in the “Dean District”, or communicating events and news about the “Dean District”, this dilutes and in fact is competitive to the Return-on-Investment (ROI) we expect from our close business associations with the Dulles Airport and surrounding region.

Therefore, Loudoun County Board of Supervisors, every time the word “Dean” replaces the word “Dulles” in official County publications, websites, emails, newspaper and magazine articles – I’d like, say, 5 cents returned to me – the cost of squandered economic opportunity in the form of Loudoun’s withdrawal from participation in and support of regional branding and marketing, especially on the Internet. This means you, incoming Dean District Supervisor. (In fact, incoming Supervisor, please help your Dulles area constituents understand how you propose to extend and enhance the economic vitality of the Dulles region and brand, leveraging the "Dean" label?).

You're welcome, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority.

Help Wanted/SEO Job Available - DC Digital Marketing Specialist, Telecommuting

KME is currently interviewing for the following position; target starting date 4/1/2011:

Digital Marketing Specialist

Job Description:

Full-time, salaried position delivers full suite of Interactive Marketing activities including search engine optimization (SEO); search engine marketing and pay-per-click(SEM/PPC); e-newsletter marketing; social media (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) marketing, campaign development and oversight. The candidate will oversee day-to-day Internet Marketing activities for specific clients, and will oversee KME administrative staff. Clients range from local businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

This is a full-time, salaried position during normal business hours, with significant telecommuting options available; KME and client meetings are in Northern Virginia, Fairfax and Loudoun counties (local candidates are preferred). Salary Range is $35-$45K, commensurate with experience, motivation and best fit. Additional business development bonuses or other benefits are available.

The most qualified candidates will be very comfortable with Microsoft Office (Word & Excel), be professional communicators in speech and written American English, be very comfortable using Internet applications, search engines, websites and social media, and be thorough and organized with superior time management skills. Website design and development skills (HTML/CSS) including graphics design is a definite plus, but not required.

Significant training and experience-building opportunities is available from local industry experts, as well as significant growth and responsibility opportunities commensurate with early addition to a startup-style company.

Core Duties & Responsibilities:

• Keyword Analysis & Research
  
• SEO Implementation & Basic Analysis
  
• Online Paid Advertising Management
  
• Client Management & Communication
  
• Social Media Implementation & Oversight
  
• E-Newsletter Development, Review & Optimization

Please send resume (no calls) and/or online portfolio information to:

resumes at(@) kmeinternetmarketing dot(.) com

Odyssey of the Mind in Virginia, Loudoun, Fairfax

Once again, that extremely competitive and mind-bending experience known as "Odyssey of the Mind" tournament season is upon us - the Virginia Region 13 Tournament was yesterday (Western Fairfax and PWC); the Region 15 Tournament (which includes Loudoun County) is next Saturday.

Very well-known among the academic-focused, "OM" is a school-year long competition among teams of about 8 students in age groups starting from 3rd-grade - this year, we had a 5th-grader and 7th-grader participate. The competition includes a demonstration of "Spontaneous" group engagement and problem-solving skills, presentation of a "Long-Term Problem" (things like building a better mousetrap or constructing balsa-wood structures that support the most weight), and a Skit, where the group performs a very funny but thoughtful short play within some very precise and challenging constraints (complete with required, team-built props and costumes).

Congratulations to the long and challenging hours put in by parents and volunteers, coaches, judges, the "Navigators" and "Odysseers", and of course the student teams - who spent at least 4-6 hours a week since September (and some even more) practicing and preparing for the entirely student-created presentation and competition!



A Nysmith 3-5th grade team (mix of Loudoun and Fairfax area students) takes the stage to accept their award!). See an article and picture from last year's event.