The United States Department of Agriculture Deploys Roam Secure Alert Network for Emergency Communication Roam Secure, Inc., an Arlington-based company, announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture (“USDA”) has chosen the Roam Secure Alert Network (“RSAN”) Continuity of Operations Edition for emergency communication among senior USDA officials and hundreds of employees at its U.S. Headquarters in Washington, D.C. USDA joins several other Federal agencies to deploy RSAN for emergency communication and continuity of operations, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and several undisclosed federal agencies. RSAN is an emergency communication and Terrorism Early Warning system specifically designed to enable first-responders, government agencies, private industry officials and the public to communicate quickly and reliably via email, blackberry, cell phone (via SMS), pagers and desktop alerts. RSAN is actively used by top-level executives and emergency personnel in several federal agencies, and by first-responders and government officials in the cities and counties of several major metropolitan regions, including Washington, D.C.    Full Story ->.

Female Business Owners are More Willing than the General Population to Take Financial Risks According to a study by the Center for Women’s Business Research, Worth the Risk: Women Business Owners and Growth Capital compares women who are seeking, preparing to seek, or have sought growth capital (“expanders”) with those who never have sought growth capital (“nonexpanders”). It reveals that women who want to substantially expand their businesses are willing to take the risks necessary to obtain financing, and two-thirds of capital seekers have been 100 percent successful in previous efforts to obtain the growth capital. Most respondents say they needed the extra capital to hire staff, expand markets, add a new product or service, and/or improve the quality of their product or service. “This study demonstrates that women are moving into the economic mainstream,” says Myra Hart, chair, Center for Women’s Business Research, and professor, Harvard Business School. “...They know where to get professional advice, can make a strong case to potential investors, and are willing to accept the risks that come with the territory.”

Opportunity for Small Businesses in the Washington Metropolitan Area Small businesses in the Washington Metropolitan Area have an opportunity to get in on the ground floor for an award of WMATA non-federally funded procurements of less than $100,000. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) is enacting an exciting new initiative called the Small Business and Local Preference Program. This program targets businesses in the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Virginia and the State of Maryland, for award of WMATA non-federally funded procurements of less than $100,000, with additional preference given to small businesses within these localities. For more information regarding the Small Business and Local Preference program, please contact John Stricker, Vendor Outreach Representative at (202) 962-2591.    Full Story ->

According to the Wi-Fi Hot Spot List (www.wi-fihotspotlist.com), Arlington County has 32 public Hot Spot locations that provide wireless 802.11b Internet access. Wi-Fi is short for Wireless Fidelity, which allows one to be connected to the Internet from the bed at home, a couch in a hotel room, or a conference room at work without wires. Hot spots are areas within public venues such as airports, libraries, hotels, parks, etc. where people with laptops and PDAs, equipped with Wi-Fi card or chip, can gain high-speed access to the Internet via Wi-Fi. For a complete list of locations in Arlington, click here.

It Should be so Simple It took a trip to Europe for Jane Fulton Suri to realize how user-friendly a cell phone could be. Every time she dialed, the Nokia phone she had rented politely asked if she wanted to save the number to memory. By the end of the trip, the phone held dozens of her most important numbers. The phone she owns back home in San Francisco contains only six numbers. "I never have the handbook with me, and I can't remember how to do it," explains the director of human factors for product-design firm IDEO. "It's such a big hurdle." Throughout the technology industry, simplicity and ease-of-use are becoming the yardsticks of product quality. After more than a decade of talking about it, entrepreneurs, engineers and designers finally are doing the hard work necessary to remove hurdles and make gadgets and software easy.    Full Story ->

Tech Titans Start $30M Fund for Money-hungry Biotechs A new Baltimore-based venture capital firm led by well-known venture guru Frank A. Bonsal Jr. has secured more than $30 million to invest in life sciences companies. And Red Abbey Venture Partners (www.redabbey.com) isn't through raising money. It announced an initial closing of the fund July 1, but because of continued interest, the firm expects to line up additional commitments into early fall and officially close the fund then. Red Abbey, launched in December, has attracted individual investors and "family offices" - financial management teams that handle investing and diversification for wealthy families - based largely on the strength of its founders and their track record advising and investing in companies developing new drugs, observers and Red Abbey partners say.    Full Story ->

Mills Corporation Announces Pittsburgh Mills Anchors Arlington-based Mills Corporation announced that for the first time one of its Landmark Mills properties, Pittsburgh Mills, currently under construction, will feature full-price department stores. Two leading department stores — Kaufmann's and JCPenney® — will anchor the retail and entertainment center when it opens next summer. "We continue to refine the successful Landmark Mills format to meet the evolving needs of consumers," said Laurence C. Siegel, chairman and CEO of The Mills Corporation. "By drawing on our extensive portfolio of retailer relationships, we were able to creatively integrate popular full-price department stores and retailers into the mix of value merchants and exciting entertainment that are hallmarks of Landmark Mills centers. This will provide customers with the convenience of one-stop shopping to service all their needs."    Full Story ->

United Defense Net Income Up 13 Percent; Revenue Up 4 Percent to $576 Million Arlington-based United Defense Industries, Inc. (NYSE:UDI) reported net income of $40.8 million, or $0.77 per share on a fully diluted basis for the second quarter ended June 30, 2004. Net income rose 13 percent from $36.1 million, or $0.68 per share on a fully diluted basis, in the year-earlier quarter. Second-quarter revenue of $576.3 million was up 4 percent from $553.5 million a year ago. "We're pleased to see such a high level of contract awards at this point in the year," said President and Chief Executive Officer Tom Rabaut. "It is recognition by our customers of our focus on aggressively meeting schedule and budget."    Full Story ->

Houston Associates, an Arlington telecommunications and network engineering company, won a one-year contact and options for as many as six additional years worth up to $70 million from the Defense Information Systems Agency to provide support to the agency’s Advanced Information Technology Services-Joint Program Office. Houston Associates will maintain and operate integration environments; support he leading edge services network; demonstrate, evaluate, monitor and test advanced information technology and maintain and operate infrastructure. Houston Associates won a $69.3 million contract from the Defense Information Systems Agency’s Acquisition Directorate for Coalition and Advanced Information Technology Integration and Operations.

Javien Digital Payment Solutions, a leading provider of Internet commerce technologies for the digital content market, has announced that Thomson Financial has deployed its payment processing technology for new, premium digital products. Launched in December 2000, Javien’s hosted platform for digital content commerce has been in production longer than any in the market and as an early pioneer in micropayments, Javien’s service has evolved into a robust, feature-rich platform than can support the needs of any online information provider. "We’re offering this new premium product to our customers because it was the most capable technology we could find and with the longest track record," said Steve Roycroft, Executive Vice President of Thomson Financial’s Corporate Communications Services group. “Moreover, it also proved to be quite adaptable to our specialized needs such as co-branding for our distribution partners.” Thomson Financial will use Javien’s technology to provide retail access to earnings calls through it’s’ affiliate sites, such as AOL, and CBS Marketwatch. For more information, click here.

Arlington Board Approves Plan to Revitalize Nauck Community The Arlington County Board approved a plan to spark the revitalization of the Nauck community, one of Arlington’s oldest historically African-American neighborhoods. The Nauck Village Center Action Plan will guide public and private investment to revitalize the neighborhood’s commercial core. It also recommends guidelines and incentives in the areas of land use and zoning, housing, transportation and open space, among others, to help implement this vision. It is the first phase of a two-part study process for the larger Nauck, Shirlington Road, Four Mile Run area.    Full Story ->

Crystal City Marriott Sells for $22M The Crystal City Marriott at Reagan National Airport got a new owner in a recent deal valued at $21.5 million according to Globe Street.com. Vornado Realty Trust acquired the 343-room hotel from a limited partnership that is 67% owned by two Vornado trustees, Robert H. Smith and Robert P. Kogod and family members. Acquisition of the hotel comes five years after Vornado purchased the 1.7 acre parcel on which the hotel sits for $8 million. An affiliate of Marriott International Inc. leases the property under a contract that is not scheduled to expire until July 31, 2015; the contract allows for the option of a 10-year extension. Just a stone’s throw from the airport and Washington, D.C. the hotel sits smack in the middle of the Arlington submarket of Crystal City. The hotel is in a veritable throng of about 25 Vornado-owned properties, including the Crystal Mall I through IV buildings, which are adjacent to the hotel and account for nearly 1.2 million square feet.

Travel Buying has Changed Forever Statistics show that online media will continue to reshape the travel industry. Are hotel rooms and airline seats being relegated to commodities? Is the business traveler discovering what the leisure traveler seems to be doing? Is the Internet strategy boosting or diluting profits? A comprehensive two part article on these topics can be found at Part One and Part Two.

Everybody Wins Approximately four and one half hours into the 29th Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) on October 31, 2004, the 6,633rd finisher will run under the famed red arch at the MCM finish line in Arlington. This individual will forever be recognized as the 300,000th runner to finish the MCM. Annually, the MCM gives out approximately 350 awards. In addition to the overall winners, runners are recognized in diverse range of categories that include top male and female finishers from age groups beginning at 19 and under and, for the first time, extending to 75 and over. The MCM is proud to be able to recognize a wide variety of people for making such a challenging commitment and in various noteworthy ways reaching their goals. The only marathon to not offer prize money, the MCM has evolved into an event run for prestige and honor, earning the nickname of “The People’s Marathon”. For more information, click here.

2004 National Lodging Report Update Ernst and Young’s Real Estate Advisory Services has just issued this 119 page report on the U.S. lodging industry and key U.S. Cities. Washington, D.C. 2004 RevPAR is predicted to be a 10.2% increase over the prior year. It is among only a few major cities in the double-digit category along with Orlando, New York, Miami and Los Angeles. Arlington County RevPAR traditionally replicates that of the city. The report includes a detailed analysis of major cities, including Washington, as well as, a review of the market segments nationally – Luxury, Upscale, Midscale, Economy and Budget. The report includes the research company’s “Top Ten Thoughts” on the industry, including this one: “Tourism – The downturn in the economy over the past few years contributed to a reduction in tax revenues and increasing city and state deficits. The public sector is more proactively looking to tourism to enhance revenues to combat such deficits. State and City governments recognize the value of visitor spending, which has both a direct and indirect economic and fiscal impact. Cities and states across the country are assessing their current tourism infrastructure and developing strategic marketing/economic plans to create a sustainable tourism market with improved infrastructure, anchor attractions, and both public and private support and investment.”    Full Report ->.

Arlington’s Drug Enforcement Administration Museum The touring landmark exhibit from the DEA Museum lands in the center of the world scene in September. The “Target America: Opening Eyes to the Damage Drugs Cause” traveling exhibit is coming to Times Square in New York City in the fall of 2004. “Target America captured the hearts of Americans around the country, helping to educate the public on the connection between drugs and terrorism. Now traveling to New York, the exhibit will be expanding to continue the goal of educating Americans about the consequences of illegal drug abuse. “Target America” will be at One Times Square from September 7, 2004 to January 31, 2005. For more information on the DEA Museum, click here.

Getting Married? Although neither the Arlington Historical Museum nor the Ball-Sellers House is available for weddings, there are a number of local historical sites that are pictured perfect including Ft. CF Smith and the Bon Air Rose Garden. Consult the Arlington Historical Society Web site for details.

Events

Save the date! Arlington Economic Development and the Arlington Chamber’s e-Council will host the third annual Tech-e awards on November 4, 2004 at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. The Tech-e’s highlight successful technology companies either located in Arlington, or those who are members of the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. Award categories include:

• Technology Young Mine Award and Scholarship
• Technology Corporate Citizen of the Year
• Technology Innovator of the Year
• Technology Company of the Year
• Technology Executive of the Year

BizLaunch Events
The following events are sponsored by BizLaunch, Arlington’s Small Business Assistance Network. Events are free, unless otherwise noted. For more information, on these events and others, visit BizLaunch.

Arlington County (Workshop is in Spanish)
August 5, 6:30 p.m.
Time is running out. Don’t forget to register for the business event of the year. Network with the area’s leading service providers and meet entrepreneurs from around the region. Five business sessions are available for you to choose from: Marketing, Retail, Technology, Government Contracting & Financing.
Location: 3033 Wilson Blvd., Rooms 7E &7F, Arlington, VA.
For more information, phone (703) 237-0853: email Tara Miles.

Starting a Business Successfully in Arlington County
August 19, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Arlington Business Center, 1100 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 1500, Arlington, VA
For more information, phone (703) 228-0853 or email Tara Miles.

Other Area Events

How to Start a Business
August 5, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
WMADC, 1110 Vermont Ave., NW 9th Floor, Washington, D.C.
Fee: $50
This workshop should be attended before the specialized workshops. It covers record keeping, business taxes, marketing, insurance, information technology, and business loans.
For more information, phone (202) 606-4000 ext. 287 or email chapter1@scoredc.org.

First Friday Networking Breakfast Sponsored by WBC NOVA
August 6, 8 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Location: WBC NOVA, 7001 Loisdale Rd., Suite C, Springfield, VA
Fee: $5
For more information, click here.

Writing a Winning Business Plan
August 8, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Location: WMADO, 1110 Vermont Ave., NW 9th Floor, Washington, D.C.
Free: $50
This workshop helps you to prepare a professional business plan to start a business or to obtain a loan. It includes purpose, format, and necessary financial data: balance sheet, profit and loss, and cash flow.
For more information, phone (202) 606-4000 ext. 287 or email chapter1@scoredc.org.

Health Insurance Issues for Small Businesses sponsored by The Workplace Initiative
August 11, 8 a.m. – 10 a.m.
Hilton, Courthouse Plaza, Arlington, VA
Fee: Call for cost information
Hear Richard Zdanis speak about Health Insurance for Small Businesses.
For more information, phone (703) 524-3033 or email Nancy Soleimani.

Access to Success – 2nd Annual Multicultural Conference
August 12, 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Johnson Center – George Mason University Dr., MS 2C4, Fairfax, VA
This year, the conference theme is “Access to Success,” and the programs offered at this one-day conference have been designed to create opportunities for minority business owners and entrepreneurs through networking, information sharing and access to resources critical for their success in the mainstream economy.
For more information, phone (703) 993-4873 or email Lauren Han.

Government Contracting Seminar
September 23, 7:30 – 10 a.m.
Arlington Business Center, 1100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1500, Arlington, VA 22201

Virginia's 10th Annual SBIR Conference sponsored by CIT
October 13 – 14
Fee: $125 by 9/20, $145 from 9/21 – 10/6, $180 after 10/6 and onsite
Location: Sheraton Crystal City, 1800 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, VA
Reach Virginia’s technology innovators – small businesses that have won SBIR/STTR or AT funding, as well as entrepreneurs just learning about the process. Find small business technology partners for government R&D contracts. Discover opportunities to commercialize technologies, products and services that have already received federal funding. Network with federal agency SBIR/STTR and ATP program manager and hear what’s new in their programs.
For more information, click here.

Virginia's Technology Capital Access Forum
October 27 – 28
Location: The Hotel Roanoke and Conference Center
There is no better time than the present to be a part of the progression of Virginia's innovation economy. To further this goal, Virginia Tech and the New Century Technology Council (NCTC) are hosting the second-annual Virginia's Technology Capital Access Forum (VTCAF). The objective of this forum is to advance Virginia's innovation economy by putting technology and innovation entrepreneurs statewide in touch with capital providers from Virginia and the entire Mid-Atlantic Region. For more information, click here.