WestXDC Inaugural Loudoun International Film & Technology Festival (LIFT)

West by DC (WestXDC), a Northern Virginia Digital Media & Technology Professionals Community and Events Management Organization, and Vector Scholar, a Loudoun after-
school STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) education non­profit, will present the inaugural Loudoun International Film & Technology Festival (LIFT) on October 10th, 2015 late Spring, 2016 at One Loudoun's Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Ashburn VA and other possible venues.

The festival is designed to encourage cultural development in the arts and promote technology and STEM education in the rapidly growing Loudoun & Dulles technology corridor.  Together, this "STEAM" (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) initiative is an academic synergy of all the elements that contribute to useful and successful innovation in our society and culture, to help take ideas, creativity and initiative from labs and classrooms, to engagement and success in the marketplace.

"This is a ground floor, grass­ roots effort by those in our community interested in promoting great digital media and entertainment, and helping our students get involved and successful in it, as both a really fun event and a regional economic development objective” said Ted McLaughlan, Founder of WestXDC and local technology business leader.

"Contributions will directly impact and support diverse STEM education initiatives, and the STEAM pathways, for all those who want or need it, right here in our local libraries and community. We expect LIFT to grow, expand screenings and events, and ultimately broaden its impact quickly in the next year."

Will Gorham, Founder of Vector Scholar, veteran and film festival producer felt the combining of the two efforts was a natural fit for Loudoun. “We have a growing local tech economy, plus a highly educated and culturally diverse workforce that often find themselves isolated from the plethora of entertainment options in DC. LIFT is a big step in celebrating our rich contributions to America’s technology and cultural development while grooming our future workforce”.

The initial festival is a one day event (plus separate VIP event) to establish support and develop community relationships, appealing to those interested in award-winning independent films, digital technology, and STEM education. This year LIFT will screen the 2015 Oscar nominated Live Action and Animated Short films along with major indie festival favorites, with expert discussion panels and networking.

Planning sponsors include the University of Virginia Club of Loudoun, TriVision Studios, KME.Digital, One Loudoun and Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, among others.

Mark your calendars for the event (tickets and donor forms will be available soon), Follow the latest updates to get ticket information on the festival website (http://loudounfilmfest.com), and contact WestXDC for additional donor and sponsorship details via email ( info@westxdc.com - or sign up for our community email newsletter ). In addition to publicized support of these integrated community initiatives, sponsors receive extremely unique and durable digital marketing benefits, as well as very special event access opportunities.

Chantilly VA Events Center, Meeting Rooms & Media Production Studio - Updated for Business Events, Conferences, Performances

Washington DC and Northern Virginia’s premier media production studio events facility is now redesigned and open not only for media productions, performances, and studio equipment rentals, but also for business meetings, interviews and seminars, receptions, professional events and media showcases, plus live entertainment productions and celebrations.

KME Internet Marketing and its partners offer a newly renovated Chantilly Events Center & Media Production Studio (on Rt. 50 in Chantilly, Virginia) - Northern Virginia’s largest and most versatile production studio, encompassing over 12,000 square feet of flexible, high-tech and professionally-supported indoor space. Located near the Dulles International Airport and Technology Corridor, the Events Center provides easy access to and from Washington DC and all Northern Virginia centers (including Reston/Herndon, Leesburg, Manassas, Fairfax and Arlington), and is easily accessible to all of the area’s major companies, organizations and government agencies.

This heavily-equipped and fully-staffed studio is the ideal place for all types of multimedia productions, performances, and studio equipment rentals. The modern and expansive space makes the studio equally conducive for hosting seminars, filming interviews, hosting product launches, making training and marketing videos, music videos and other complex audio and video productions.

The Dulles-area Events Center is absolutely unique in this area, with a complete inventory of current, integrated, cost-effective features and services that are not comprehensively available at any other local event production facility – including the local hotels, conference or exposition (expo) centers.

This Dulles/Chantilly area event center is perfect – If your professional or group meeting, event, performance, conference or media recording and production requirements include any or all of the following:

• A flexible, modern, fully-equipped & catered, flexibly-furnished, decorated, lighted and staffed event facility with very high ceilings and multiple support rooms (i.e. dressing/makeup, executive conference/meeting rooms, kitchen, offices);
  
• the need to project & show, record, produce and/or broadcast real-time or recorded media (audio, video, animations, Internet), real-life or via green screen;
  
• on one or many screens, at one time or simulcast (very large to very small, on 1 or all walls);
  
• to a live, onsite audience up to 200 and/or a global media broadcast audience (TV, radio, Internet); and
  
• the local, most experienced services of professional media production (A/V, film/photography, broadcast/streaming, print) & Internet digital media design, branding, communications, marketing and web technology experts.

For government clients and procurements, KME Internet Marketing and its partners include state of Virginia SWaM certifications.

More compact media recording and production space is also available in downtown DC, at the Ronald Reagan Building.

Contact us today to request a tour of our space, arrange an event, schedule a media production or digital services consultation.

Prince William Propane - the Last Winter Blast

Here's an update from our friends at Hunt Country Propane, providing Loudoun and our southern neighbors in Prince William County propane delivery services.

Loudoun and Prince William counties, along with the rest of Northern Virginia, have taken the same freezing cold hit as the rest of the East Coast, and with so many residents relying on propane for both heat and electricity, we thought that some helpful winter tips might guide local homeowners and businesses through these last few weeks of cold weather.

1. Monitor your usage. We use more propane in the winter- that's a simple fact of life here in the frozen arctic (well, it feels like it!). If you're not on an auto-fill schedule and typically need to call for your propane deliveries (some times for emergency refills), be sure to check your tank regularly. You never want to have less than 25% of your gas left, or you might get caught in nasty weather that could prevent a propane delivery truck from reaching your home and delivering the gas.

2. Keep an weather eye on the sky. Loudoun and Prince William propane suppliers have to scramble to keep up with critical demand when a winter storm is predicted, so make sure to get a delivery the minute bad weather is forecasted. With temperatures dropping quickly below freezing and short-notice snowfalls, it's just plain safe to stay ahead of the weather.

3. Mark your Fill Pipe. If there's snow covering the ground and you're out shoveling around your home or business, make sure to create a path to your fill pipe and clearly mark its location.

4. Driveway safety is a Must! Propane delivery people are tough (like postal workers!), but if your driveway is a sheet of solid ice, they might not be able to complete your delivery and refill your tank. Try to keep your driveway clear and de-iced if you're expecting a truck, or any other visitors!

Lastly: if you’re looking for Loudoun or Prince William propane suppliers, make sure to do your homework! There are a lot of providers out there, and prices shift regularly and sometimes quickly with market conditions. Your current company might not be saving you as much as they could. Hunt Country Propane is a leader in the industry - they've been supplying propane to Loudoun and Prince William County for years. Their Prince William residential propane services are highly regarded with tons of great feedback, and they'll help you take ownership of your tank and its fill status.

Local Fairfax Immigration Attorneys Expand Offices & Services - Now Serving Sterling, Reston, Chantilly, Dulles, Fairfax, Loudoun areas

With President Obama's recent immigration reforms, immigrants have been flocking to the law offices of local Fairfax Immigration Attorneys, Murray Osorio, PLLC. Formerly "The Law Offices of Brian Murray", the firm has expanded rapidly in the past five years, gaining a reputation for aggressive representation of immigrants in all realms of immigration law. Based right across the street from the Fairfax County General District Court, Murray Osorio PLLC represent those in the communities around Fairfax, Chantilly, Sterling, Herndon, Reston and into Loudoun County who are working for their own version of the American Dream.

Mr. Murray and Mr. Osorio share a wealth of experience in both immigration and criminal law, and a passion for representing individuals who may be fleeing violence in their home countries or simply potential business owners trying to relocate to the USA. Owner and founder of the firm, Brian Murray, has "represented former heads of state, prominent diplomats from a range of countries, multinational executives, and others with seemingly intractable immigration problems including denial of immigrant and non-immigrant visas, waivers, problems at the port of entry, customs issues including seizures, and removal defense." A former Assistant District Attorney, Benjamin Osorio has "experience in both criminal law and immigration law. Most recently Benjamin has been a solo practitioner in the areas of immigration and criminal defense."

This formidable duo and the rest of the staff at Murray Osorio PLLC also operate an immigration blog - a valuable resource regarding immigration news. If you're in need of a Fairfax Immigration Attorney, keep an eye out for this upstart law firm- they're making waves.

New Loudoun & Fairfax VA SEO, PPC, Web Design Company Headquarters - KME Internet Marketing

Fairfax County, VA

Now that Route 50 between Loudoun and Fairfax County is 6 lanes, resulting in removal of all previous traffic problems, the Rt. 50 Dulles Corridor (i.e. "Gateway to Loudoun") can expand much more quickly, with many new business opportunities.

Taking advantage of this fact, KME Internet Marketing, for over a decade Loudoun's most prominent Digital Marketing, SEO, PPC & Technology Firm, has recently expanded - adding a Headquarters location in Fairfax County, Virginia, as part of the Mason Enterprise Center.

"This new location gives us a lot more flexibility to meet with local clients all around Fairfax County, complements our other locations in Loudoun and Southern Maryland, and enables us to leverage the Virginia-wide resources and services of the Mason Enterprise Center", quoted Kelly McLaughlan, CEO of KME. "As our Fairfax SEO firm quickly grows and expands into more service areas and customer segments, this should give us a lot more reach and flexibility, along with stronger connections to the academic community."

"Additionally, we now serve local customers in person at our offices, along the entire Rt. 50 Corridor in Northern Virginia, from Arlington & Fairfax, to Loudoun and beyond", she added.

KME will continue to provide customers throughout the DC metro & Northern Virginia region the very best mix of advanced Digital Marketing & Technology products, with superior experience and local, hands-on customer service. The expansion allows for additional hiring, facilitates regional business strategies, and addresses significant need and opportunity across the Northern Virginia business and government community.

This Loudoun and Fairfax-based SEO, PPC, Digital Marketing, Web Design, Small Business Cyber Security and IT Strategy company's newest address is:

KME Internet Marketing - Fairfax, VA
4031 University Drive, Suite 100
Fairfax, Virginia 22030
800-483-1262

Loudoun County Style - New Brand for Loudoun Fashion, Entertainment, Products and Services with Style

Enduring, recognized and thoughtful style is that which showcases inner beauty in an attracting manner and package. In words, actions, imagery - food for emotion, for the soul. Style isn't skin-deep, fashion-centric or materialistic. Style is a quality of living, of loving; an outcome of a pursuit and life well-lived, shared and appreciated - now, and then. Style comes by the individual, by the act - or in the more abstract rendering of a diverse community, a culture, a movement, a universal theme. Style is real, healthy and expressive - in the moment, or of the times. Style isn't defined - it guides, represents, comforts. For ourselves, it's not who or what you are, but what you do, how and why. For things, it's why we love them, care for them - and how they impact us.

Style in and near Loudoun - is the Barns at Hamilton Station, the blackberries at Bluemont, the earnest girl scouts at Wegman's, DC's Wine (and Beer) Country, Dover boots and Madisonbelle at the Middleburg Spring Races, the Leesburg Flower & Garden Festival, the volunteers at INOVA Loudoun, the Loudoun Design Cabinet, a Stilson Greene logo, the Ashburn Diwali Festival, the Loudoun Mason Enterprise Center, the Loudoun County Fair 4H talent, the Jazz Improv Jam at Music Cave Studios, Paws4People puppies, the local wall art at Magnolia's, Franklin Park and the French Hound.

It’s "Made in Loudoun", found in the substance, appearance, initiatives and relationships of the Loudoun business community – in design, fashion, health & beauty, real estate, lifestyle, culture, and many other products and services generated within the County.

It’s recognized all over the metro Washington DC area, across the nation and around the world – Loudoun businesses as ambassadors of style.



Do you know it, have it? Love it and want more?

Loudoun County Style is a new locally-owned and operated brand, connecting individuals and businesses to the community and conversation of excellence in style. People, products, businesses and events, from the "Wine Society" to the "Style Directory" and online shopping - all reflecting the most inspiring, unique and genuine style in and around Loudoun County, VA. It's an online media and information source, providing Loudoun County small business owners with a platform and community for creating and cultivating long-term relationships with an upscale customer base that is locally-targeted.

Benefits for members, partners and sponsors:

• premium listings and exposure
• authentic, reliable reviews and information
• upscale, style-focused products, services, events, perspectives
• local business support, outreach, exposure
• unique insights, special offerings and promotions
• membership in a vibrant, motivated, inspiring community

Visit, join or simply be part of Loudoun Style!

Save the Date - Loudoun County Style Launch Party!

Loudoun County Style Launch Party at Shadow Creek Weddings and Events on November 1, 2014; 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm


Shadow Creek Wedding and Events 18090 Silcott Springs Road Purcellville, Virginia 20132

Join us for an elegant night out at the Loudoun County Style Launch Party!

Early-bird ticket prices for members is $45 per person through October 1, 2014. After October 1, tickets will be $75 per person. Ticket purchasers will receive a complimentary Loudoun County Style membership for a full year ($50 per annual subscription).

If you are a LoCo business and are interested in supporting our launch by sponsoring this event, thank you so much and please click here for more details. Event sponsorships include complimentary tickets and other promotional benefits.

Loudoun Small Business Blogging - Multi-Author Blog & Digital Marketing Help for Loudoun Small Businesses

Need help, as a Loudoun small business, in getting started with blogging?
Join the "Made in Loudoun - Small Business Blogging Community"!

The community of Loudoun Small Business Bloggers, and our stewardship role in it, is a long and storied history....all the way back to the early 2000's - well, basically back to 2005 or so...(Check out this blast from the past - this list of Loudoun bloggers from 2011!)

As a small business in Loudoun, you may have already tried your hand at blogging and social media - Facebook's typically the easiest first route (it's really a "micro-blogging" channel) - followed then by Twitter, G+, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Instagram, etc....Really a lot to keep on top of. This doesn't even include "paid" online advertising - i.e. banner ads, Google Adwords, Facebook promotions, classifieds, etc.

The less comfortable route for blogging is "long-form" - i.e. traditional blogging on your website, or someone else's - like Wordpress.com or Blogger. It requires a bit more thought, creativity, planning - but is ultimately the most effective form of online marketing, or "digital, inbound content marketing"!

Looking for help to get your first blog posts out there, to try it out? In a way that not only promotes your message and business, but truly "markets" it online to the surrounding, hyperlocal Loudoun or more broad Northern Virginia communities? On someone else's platform - i.e. the "training wheels" approach, with very little risk?

Blog here, at Made In Loudoun!

We're currently accepting new Loudoun small business blogger candidates - who are looking to jump into the blogging arena, with a bit of very professional, locally-experienced help. To also kickstart a renewed "Made in Loudoun" small business and startup community - that will include some great updates to this site in the coming Month...

The kind of help that's ONLY available through those who have gone before, stewards and experts at promoting Loudoun's vibrant, diverse and truly exceptional small business community via digital media. That's us, here at KME Internet Marketing - Loudoun's small business, resident marketing experts. It's also a Loudoun County-owned, multi-author blogging platform - the only one of its kind - that's been around a while (5 years!), and is therefore already trusted by both the local community, AND by the search engines' "domain age" filters.

Contact us here - to start your online, Loudoun small business blogging adventure - promoting your business online, attracting new customers and partners.

For No Cost to You, Available Nowhere Else - You Get:

• Exposure, online, of you and your business to the Loudoun business and consumer community - exposure that's unlike any other, already developed, and not available anywhere else
• A search-engine-optimized (SEO'd) page representing you and/or your business on Made in Loudoun's blog - that links directly to your business website
• Blog topic creation/curating, authoring, media supplementation, SEO, hyperlocal amplification* and editorial assistance from KME for posts on this blog, including extracts and mobile renderings.
• Contributors-only access to blogging and additional digital marketing, strategy resources available exclusively through KME Internet Marketing
• Publishing schedule planning and management assistance - keeping you accountable for consistent, effective, "fresh" publishing.
• Technical support for using the "Made in Loudoun" blog, using it as part of your new or existing online marketing campaign(s).
• Coordination support for linking, re=purposing or otherwise sharing your content (without duplication or copyright penalties) from here, to/from other local blog and social media communities (the more content you post and share, the better!).

We Get: ...to know more small, local businesses - the lifeblood of our County, to better understand and assist the needs of the local business community, and to showcase fantastic resources and perspectives shared by our Loudoun small businesses with possible future visitors, travelers, investors, and others seeking to expand the assets and economic development success of Loudoun County.

This is great, unique way for Loudoun small businesses to get movin' and groovin' in the blogging world - and an extremely important part of the overall Internet Marketing plan for new businesses - check out the definitive "Internet Marketing Checklist for New Businesses", created here in Loudoun.

This is "Guest Blogging" on Locally-Grown Nutrients -
Actually Made in Loudoun!

Blogging here, with our help, also connects you** directly to experience and hyperlocal business marketing expertise available through the Loudoun Small Business Development Center (SBDC - Counselor), the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC - Resident), the Loudoun Economic Development and Advisory Commission (EDAC - Commissioner), the Loudoun and Dulles Regional Chambers of Commerce (Members), "Loudoun Local" and all other Loudoun small business and startup marketing resources - KME Internet Marketing is and has been a contributing member, partner and/or volunteer of all of these, and only KME can channel this expertise directly into your successful blogging efforts here at Made In Loudoun.

*Loudoun Small Business Digital Marketing/Social Media Amplification is available *ONLY* through KME's hyperlocal, digital network of websites, blogs, social media channels (see below!) - making your content accessible and available to thousands of additional readers and customers, beyond this site. These include @Loudoun and @LoudounBusiness on Twitter, our GoFFX mobile events App, NorthernVirginiaBusinessNews.com and NOVA@Home.com, our "Gateway to Loudoun" blog (the longest-running business-focused blog in and about Loudoun County!) and associated Twitter, G+, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tumblr, Paper.Li and Facebook channels - your blog entry here, will reach - when scheduled - the readers of all those sites, and more, extending beyond Loudoun, to Fairfax, Prince William, Northern Virginia, all of metro Washington DC!

Kme internet marketing loudoun digital content network from Ted McLaughlan

**"Made in Loudoun" as a KME-branded website and social media platform is not officially associated with these organizations, unless specifically indicated.

Music Cave Studios Opens for Audio Recording & Rehearsal Rooms, Lessons, Rentals in Sterling, Serving South Riding, Chantilly, Dulles

Music Cave rehearsal, tracking and recording studios in Sterling VA, near Herndon, Reston, Leesburg and the Dulles corridor in Loudoun/Western Fairfax, has opened their doors to musicians, bands, ensembles, producers and the entire ecosystem of music performance, rehearsal, instruction, recital, digital recording and production professionals, amateurs and students in the Northern Virginia area.

Music Cave Rehearsal & Recording Studios

Music Cave Studios opened at the Loudoun Tech Center in Sterling, Virginia - offering a truly professional, state-of-the-art experience for acoustic musicians, digital recorders and producers, rock and jazz bands, or students and their music tutors or instructors. They are very conveniently located right off of Route 7 near Hyatt Place Sterling/Dulles Airport-North, Sweet Water Tavern, Plaza Azteca, Olive Garden, and Melodee Music - right up 28 from the Dulles Toll Road/267, just a few miles northwest of the Reston and Herndon areas, and east of Leesburg. A 30 minute straight shot west of Washington DC.



The winner of the 2013 Loudoun County Small Business Development Center (SBDC) business plan competition, Music Cave's primary focus is to provide space for musicians, artists, and photographers to have fun, make and record great music - by themselves, or in groups, bands, trios, ensembles. In addition to spacious, sound-proof, comfortable rooms and digital infrastructure, Music Cave offers music lessons and onsite rentals of quality music instruments and equipment. It's the newest and quickest-growing place for extremely high-quality music and drum lessons in Northern Virginia, particularly for those seeking a music classroom or lessons around the Dulles area. Absolutely professional music tracking, mixing and mastering capabilities are available for your next digital music recording or publication project, whether it's pre-recorded voiceovers, vocals, instrumental or any combination.

Read and find out more about this Northern Virginia & Loudoun Small Business Event - at Music Cave Rehearsal & Recording Studios .

This is currently the only full-service, professional audio rehearsal & recording studio in the South Riding, Ashburn, Stone Ridge, Brambleton, Chantilly area, in the Rt. 50 corridor, that's completely focused on renting a variety of rooms and space for auditions, recitals, rehearsals, jams, recording, voiceovers, tracking, mixing, pre- and post-production of audio (and video) projects.

Loudoun Startup and Crowdfunding News - Indiegogo Focus

A very popular and quickly-growing source of donations, funds and attention for startups - or really any initiative seeking funding - is the crowdfunding service and platform at Indiegogo.com . They say "Everyone should have the opportunity to raise money. Now everyone does. People all over the world use our industry-leading platform to raise millions of dollars for all types of campaigns. No matter what you are raising money for, you can start right now with no fee or application process."

Startup initiatives come in all shapes and forms, like the new Gideen music licensing, royalties and publishing platform for the global secondary Indie music song market below....



Loudoun startups and crowdfunding initiatives are out there...including startups leveraging online marketing and social media assistance from Loudoun companies....

Read more at Made in Loudoun

Loudoun Math

The phrase "canary in a a coal mine" comes to mind with these statistics. In this very informal, brief analysis of public data by a LCPS constituent, while Loudoun County debates how much of the annual school budget to allocate on Promethean Boards, nearly 50% (for 2012-2013) of Loudoun High Schools (14 out of 33) are yielding a Math SOL (Standards of Learning Tests) failure rate equal or greater than the statewide average - and in many cases, almost double the statewide failure rate (for example the Algebra 1 failure rate at Heritage, Freedom, Park View and Tuscarora are all greater than 48%, 2X the statewide average). The numbers simply speak for themselves - the reasons and solutions probably need critical, more focused attention, particularly if LCPS has any chance of evolving its capabilities in STEM education.

Where's the community outrage?

Here's a great new, local startup and resource to help:

Education Online - Affordable, Online SAT/PSAT Math Tutoring & College Consulting

Dulles South Roundabout Needed, Supported by Facts - Pleasant Valley & Braddock Road on Fairfax Loudoun Border

A long-needed solution to the ridiculous traffic situation experienced by both Fairfax and Loudoun residents in the Dulles South area is coming to a head, at the intersection of Braddock Road and Pleasant Valley. Opposition has built by the Fairfax residents - though there truly is not much reason at all, in the eyes of VDOT, Loudoun or Fairfax Supervisors, to delay construction of the proposed roundabout.

Here's a reprint (from the Facebook South Riding Community Group) of some of the opposition points, and very reasonable rebuttal facts regarding the very appropriate and needed roundabout approach proposed by VDOT for the Pleasant Valley & Braddock Road intersection - in the Dulles South border area between Loudoun County and Fairfax County. A proposal irrefutably supported by need, common sense and factual traffic engineering data.

1) It will increase traffic on Pleasant Valley through VA Run from people trying to get the Dulles Tech corridor form points south and west who want to avoid 28 and 66. Response: The traffic is already there, and the project will allow it to flow more safely and efficiently.

2) It will result in more people speeding on Pleasant Valley. Response: This has nothing to do with the roundabout.

3) It will be less safe (citing the Gilbert corner circles). Response: Not even close. This FHA report documents that intersections that have been converted to single-lane roundabouts have an average of 51% LESS accidents and 73% fewer injury accidents. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/research/safety/00068/00068.pdf

4) Neighborhoods in Fairfax County that exit onto Braddock and Pleasant Valley won't be able to turn out of their neighborhoods because of the constant stream of traffic. Response: Traffic modeling shows that traffic density PAST the intersection will be the same after a couple hundred feet REGARDLESS of the type of traffic control put in place at the intersection. The neighborhoods will have no more trouble after than they do now.

5) Traffic along Braddock will "fly" through the intersection. Response: The speed limit approaching and in the roundabout will be 15mph.

6) A traffic circle 'favors' Loudoun county traffic because Pleasant Valley traffic (heading north) with have to yield to Braddock traffic (heading east) and never be able to enter the roundabout. Response: Simple misunderstanding of how traffic circles work. The speed limit in the circle will be 15mph. Natural car separation while driving as well as cars entering from the other directions will open up gaps in the roundabout.

7) It isn't needed. They should wait until the 50 construction is done which will solve all their problems. Response: Ha.

8. It will be a disaster "like the traffic circles in downtown DC". Response: Those are signal controlled traffic circles, not modern roundabouts.

9) Environmental concerns. Response: Roundabout has significantly smaller environmental footprint than a traffic light and I'd argue less emissions and fluid impact than cars standing at idle for 10-15 min.

10) It isn't our [Fairfax County's] problem… Loudoun shouldn't have built so much housing in this part of the county without infrastructure to support it. (Ok, I agree with this one).

If you want more information, the VDOT project page is located here: http://www.virginiadot.org/projects/northernvirginia/braddock_and_pleasant_valley.asp

Information brochure here (including contact info): http://www.virginiadot.org/VDOT/Projects/Northern_Virginia/asset_upload_file399_64596.pdf

Here is the analysis of alternatives:
http://www.virginiadot.org/VDOT/Projects/Northern_Virginia/asset_upload_file820_64596.pdf

The poster boards that were up are here: http://www.virginiadot.org/VDOT/Projects/Northern_Virginia/asset_upload_file181_64596.pdf

Please, please, please, … provide your comments to feedback regarding this project (They must be RECEIVED by October 23rd).

Send an email to Mr. Bud Siegel at meeting_comments@vdot.virginia.gov and bud.siegel@vdot.virginia.gov (Include "Braddock and Pleasant Valley Roundabout" in the subject line).

You can also snail mail your comments card by printing out the following, stamping and dropping in the mail:

http://www.virginiadot.org/VDOT/Projects/Northern_Virginia/asset_upload_file759_64596.pdf .

How Pohanka Chevrolet of Chantilly VA Lost 4-5 Car Sales - A Customer Retention #Fail

This brief story is a perfect "penny wise, pound foolish" example of how NOT to treat customers in the new economy.

A large family, with a long history of Chevy purchases including a Cavalier, Blazer, Tahoe and 2 Suburbans faces an engine failure on the most recent, a 2008 LTZ. The diagnosis from Pohanka Chevrolet is a quick (i.e. un-motivated) $4K for engine repair, or $7K for new engine - therefore it makes sense to the family to seek a trade-in and get a new, pre-owned Suburban. Blue-book valuation on the 2008 Suburban is anywhere from $18K to $24K - with a good engine. The trade-in offer is an absurd $8K. No deal, no negotiating, no interest in true customer service - despite the fact that the family is also ready to immediately buy a Suburban in inventory, that's already aged a month in the parking lot.

In the moment, it seems penny wise for the dealer to stand firm on the trade-in, as the wholesale market is pretty stingy, particularly for a car needing full engine repair. However, what was truly lost as the family exited the dealership (never to return), was:

-Sale of a 2013 pre-owned Suburban, about $35K
-Sale to auction of an engine-less 2008 LTZ Suburban (maybe just a few K value)
-Sale of ANOTHER, 2nd Suburban (likely another $40K), given the family's other 2002 Suburban (190K miles) was rapidly declining
-Sale of ANOTHER used Tahoe (likely another $30K), intended for the recently-licensed new driver in the family

In fact, this was the 2nd time the family walked away from this Chantilly Chevy dealer, when a 2010 sale could not also be negotiated (and wound up getting a great deal from Sport Chevrolet of Silver Spring).

Therefore 5 sales were actually lost, plus now all future sales and service (thousands of dollars already, to date), plus significant negative review and feedback to other potential consumers, neighbors, etc.

Not a very wise strategy, in this economy, as it turns out. It's not a rip-off story - it's a simple lack of interest in long-term customer retention, and lack of understanding of the new client-centric retail economy.

Economic Development Value for Loudoun and the Board of Supervisors

A currently evolving initiative of the Loudoun Board of Supervisors is to explore additional, or different ways to derive value from the current Economic Development Commission. The EDC is a non-partisan, volunteer group of very experienced Loudoun business owners and leaders, representing most business sectors, who are appointed by the BOS to directly advise them (collaborating with the Department of Economic Development, or DED) on topics regarding Loudoun's business economy.

The EDC is effectively the "unfiltered, expert voice of the entire Loudoun business community" for the BOS to draw upon - when considering or analyzing topics that impact Loudoun's economic development. This voice persists across BOS election cycles, economic conditions and Loudoun's growth and diversity of its business segments. This voice is fully public and transparent, accepting of all relevant input. It's not the only voice, but others such as the Loudoun Chamber, the SBDC/MEC, and the LCVA are more focused on the needs of the membership or participants (by design), or are otherwise self-limiting in terms of constituents.

The EDC is not only the active "voice", but the "persistent steward" of Loudoun's collective business community interests, strategy and brand. (Point of note - the Loudoun business community had zero online, Internet social media, brand or collective economic development/marketing value or stewardship up until 3-4 years ago, when the EDC's Marketing and Business Retention Committee (MBRC) began providing the BOS and DED with the knowledge, strategic input and tactical direction required to make this happen.)

At the heart of the conversation is the concept of "value" - of the EDC, for the BOS. So far, the EDC's "value" has in fact not been adequately expressed or shared with the BOS or the general public, nor has the BOS clearly expressed their requests or concerns in terms of "value". How should and can the EDC's value be expressed?

There is, of course, all manner of unquantifiable but professionally-acknowledged value derived from the EDC, directly and indirectly by the BOS. Business leaders (new and established; young and old; small and large; profit, non-profit or academic) actually have a balanced forum to find ways to add value, and be recognized for it (thereby encouraging more). Professional, relevant, sage advice and perspectives that the elected BOS does not have (neither individually nor collectively), and in many cases doesn't exist within the County Government, is readily available - and offered proactively. Real-time awareness, intelligence and feedback concerning the broader context of Loudoun's economic development opportunities is provided - including regional, national and international perspectives and experience.

This world-class advice is freely given and professionally packaged, with no expectations of personal gain or influence. It's quite unlike most of the rest of Washington, where the pervasive lobbying, business development and special interest organizations feed at the trough. The Loudoun BOS and their constituents are privileged to have such an asset, if only considering the "qualitative" value it generates. Without the EDC, Loudoun's political leadership would be far busier attracting and engaging with those peddling special interest influence - and therefore far less productive or capable, particularly from a strategic perspective.

EDC value can, in fact, be quantitatively categorized and measured as well - though this hasn't yet been attempted. Simply categorizing the types of value delivered, however, completely overcomes any of the simplistic, absurdly-shortsighted assessments of "excessive costs" the BOS has put forward to challenge the EDC's value - for example that County Staff spend about 46 hours a month directly supporting the EDC. At, for example, $60/hr., this is less than $3,000 cost.

The EDC value delivered comes in two basic flavors - "benefits" and "cost savings". The list of EDC benefits is long, including increased exposure, reputation, "in-kind" services, and actual new business for Loudoun. We'll not focus on these here, but on cost savings (a broad type of value that's been generally ignored to date) - which are harder to measure in a tangible way, but of no less value. Here are some example categories, examples and rough orders of magnitude of "value" that can become more quantifiable (given access to data and analytical resources):

Direct Cost Savings - EDC committee members, in particular, provide free information, analysis and guidance to county staff and BOS members, that they would otherwise have to pay for. Value can be measured in terms of hours multiplied by market value (per role), or simply market value (or "in-kind" value) of the information product.

Indirect Cost Savings - By independently researching, analyzing and packaging information for use by the BOS and DED, the EDC saves the County costs it would otherwise have to train its staff, hours spent gaining the requisite experience and access to resources, and hours spent developing productive industry relationships.

Shared Savings - Some output and relationship-based assets of the EDC are equally applicable to other segments of County Governance and BOS responsibilities - for example, transportation-related information developed to inform business development strategies is critical input as well to the Board of Education and to the County's Public Safety and Homeland Security mission.

Direct Cost Avoidance - Through its proactive, expert, collaborative assessments, analysis, expertise identification and published output (either in writing or recorded meeting minutes), the EDC enables the BOS to ask less of county staff in a reactive mode, therefore incurring overtime additional expenses - when a new or unplanned issue arises. Call it the avoidance of "startup" costs to address new issues. It's also the avoidance of known or unplanned costs due to mistakes, errors or other mis-steps - in other, "public sector" words, this is "government risk mitigation".

Indirect or Collateral Cost Avoidance - Through the diverse activities and representation of the EDC members in economic development-related areas, potential BOS work and expense can be avoided essentially by the "proxy" labor of the EDC members. For example, delivery to the DED of interactive marketing strategies can help avoid future expense to deal with PR or communications issues the BOS finds itself addressing. Participation of EDC members in economic development-driven analysis regarding STEM-related education and workforce development, helps the BOS avoid additional costs it would otherwise expend along with the Board of Education in responding to STEM requirements. Feedback and analysis published by the EDC (or available from its members) may be critical input to address future challenges or changes to things like the Strategic Plan, the County IT Strategy (which is another whole discussion), etc. - for example possible future impact assessments of the rapid growth of Data Center facilities, that while helpful and attractive from a taxes (high) and services utilization (low) perspective, may not necessarily offer what's necessary to accommodate future local resident and business community demands.

It's important to note that "lost opportunities" (i.e. loss of access and influence in attracting and retaining new commercial revenue sources), result in direct or collateral future costs (in re-starting, or duplicating the effort) that can and should be avoided.

Very back-of-the-napkin calculations using simple hours spent by EDC members - resulting in these Value Categories, yield orders of magnitude value BOTH in terms of benefits (i.e. new commercial tax revenue), and cost savings/avoidance.

Value that can be estimated and measured in tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not millions (in recursive or compound value, over time). Value that comes from no other source, is utterly indispensable, and in fact demanded by the BOS electorate - whether as a direct or indirect beneficiary of the proven economic development results.

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