Arlington County Issues 2006 Year-end Accomplishments 2006 was a year of significant accomplishment for Arlington County. The County Board – working with the community, commissions, elected officials and County staff – kick-started the revitalization of Columbia Pike, launched initiatives to encourage small businesses and to make mass transit more attractive to teens, added to the County’s stock of committed affordable housing units and hosted several major events that brought tens of thousands of visitors to the County. More information -->

Clarendon Sector Plan Adopted; AED Issues Associated Economic Study In June, the County Board adopted the 2006 Clarendon Sector Plan document – Part 1 which establishes a framework for development of the Clarendon area for the next 15 to 20 years. Arlington Economic Development has just completed an associated report: Future Office Development in Clarendon which supports the planning process outlined by the Clarendon Sector plan. The study provides an update on the Arlington Office Market, describes and defines office product types that may be applicable to the Clarendon market, match product types to the projected demand for office space in Clarendon and suggests a product mix with appropriate locational considerations as input into the Sector Plan.

Signature Theatre’s Open House Weekend Highlighted Broadwayworld.com highlights Signature Theatre’s open house weekend, Jan. 13-14, in “its new two-theater complex in Shirlington Village.” The grand opening celebration includes free performances, family activities, master classes, and backstage tours. Highlighted events include concerts by Tony nominees Emily Skinner and Euan Morton, and a preview performance of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods." Most events are free and open to the public. More information -->

Register now for the Annual Arlington Real Estate Market Review and Forecast!
Date: February 9, 2007
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Location: Arlington Economic Development
Address: 1100 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 1500 Arlington, VA
Join area developers and business leaders for a comprehensive review of how the Arlington real estate and business markets performed in 2006, and how they stacked up against the region. This intriguing event will be highlighted with exhibits and presentations of exciting new development projects as well as Arlington's top specialists speaking on office, residential and retail markets. This event is free, but registration is required: Register Online or for more details visit the AED Website or call 703.228.0808.

January Business Read:
Fun is Good: How to Create Joy and Passion in Your Workplace and Career
by Mike Veeck and Pete Williams
Marketing maverick Veeck and sports journalist Williams share their fun-is-good philosophy and illustrate how it can transform virtually any business into a highly successful one. They point to why injecting fun, creativity, and passion into your work life is necessary, how customer service improves when employees enjoy their work, how even a few people with the fun-is-good attitude can change a workplace, and what characteristics employers should look for in potential hires. Scattered throughout the book, which is divided into three parts- "It's All in Your Heart and Head," "Lighten Up," and "Spread the Word"- are helpful case studies called vignettes that demonstrate how these ideas can work for your own business. Written clearly and passionately, this book espouses a philosophy that promises to improve your life, the lives of your family and friends, and your workplace. Review taken from Library Journal (May 1, 2005) / Susan C. Awe

Search for and reserve Fun is Good : How to Create Joy and Passion in Your Workplace and Career at the Arlington County Library. Search for call number 658.314 / VEECK. Need a library card? Apply Online

Pearson Government Solutions to be Sold for $600M Pearson Government Solutions is being sold to a private equity firm for $600 million. New York-based Veritas Capital Partners says its agreement to acquire the Arlington-based company is subject to regulatory approval and should be completed in early 2007. According to Veritas, Pearson Government Solutions will remain based in Arlington. Veritas officials say they have particular expertise investing in companies that provide outsourcing services to government agencies, like Pearson Government Solutions, which serves national and local governments, education institutions and businesses in the United States and worldwide. More information -->

Allbritton Political News Venture Nabs Time Correspondent, Others A new multimedia venture formed by Allbritton Communications is bringing on some big names in the journalism world. Allbritton said that Mike Allen, White House correspondent for Time magazine, has joined the political news venture called The Politico, which will launch Jan. 23. Also coming aboard is Roger Simon, an award-winning political columnist and author, who will write a regular column on presidential politics and help anchor The Politico's coverage of the 2008 presidential campaign. In addition, three reporters were named to the venture's congressional team. John Bresnahan, a reporter and editor from Roll Call newspaper, will serve as congressional bureau chief and a senior reporter. Bresnahan will help manage a team of more than a dozen reporters focused on covering Capitol Hill. More information -->

FBR, Founder Fined in SEC Settlement A team led by Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group agreed to pay $7.7 million to NASD and the Securities and Exchange Commission to settle insider trading charges. FBR agreed to pay more than $3.7 million in civil penalties, disgorgement and interest to the SEC to settle the charges related to its role in a 2001 equity private placement transaction. The investment banking and brokerage firm had been accused of selling short stock of Annapolis-based CompuDyne in FBR's company account and in connection with the offering of a private investment on behalf of CompuDyne. More information -->

In Cameroon, Arlington's AES has Plans to Double its Global Reach AES said that a subsidiary of the power company plans to significantly expand its electricity network in Cameroon, more than doubling the number of people it currently serves and extending its network to previously unserved parts of the country. Plans include the addition of 50,000 new electricity connections each year over the next 15 years. More information -->

AES to Invest $50M in Emissions-control Technology AES will invest $50 million in advanced emissions-control technology at one of its coal-fired plants in New York. The power company says it will begin installation of the new technology at its Westover plant near Binghamton, N.Y., in early 2007. The project is expected to be completed by the end of 2008. AES says the new technology will increase the plant's removal rates for nitrogen oxide emissions from 60 percent to 90 percent through the use of a selective catalytic reduction system with ammonia injection. More information -->

AES Adds Power AES is entering the electric transmission business by buying Reston's Trans-Elect, a privately held transmission developer. AES Corporation will make Trans-Elect a wholly owned subsidiary acquiring its development pipeline and trade name. Financial terms were not disclosed. In a statement, AES said it will be "developing projects across North America to extend and improve the nation's electricity grid." More information -->

Shirlington Redevelops Its Character Annie Gowen of the Washington Post reported on the upcoming unveiling of the new Signature town center, which promises to transform Shirlington into a thriving urban neighborhood, entertainment and arts center. The centerpiece of the new development will be a $17 million flagship public library and theater on a new town square. Chris Zimmerman stated, "It's evolving to be more than just a restaurant row and movie theater, into a place where people actually live . . . a real town center.” More information -->

JBG Issues Proposal for Bob Peck Site Joe Coombs of the Washington Business Journal reported that Chevy Chase-based developer JBG has made a $175 million proposal for the site of the former Bob Peck auto dealership on Glebe Blvd. JBG wants to build a 12-story, 298,723-square-foot office tower on the site and an eight-story, 141,898-square-foot office building on what's now a Staples office-products store next to the old dealership. More information -->

Pivotal Arlington Property Sells, Could House DARPA Workers As reported in the Washington Business Journal, Metro has agreed to sell a high-profile Arlington property that could eventually house defense workers the county nearly lost in the recent Base Realignment and Closure process. The transit authority will sell a bus yard at the corner of Wilson Boulevard and North Randolph Street to Ashton Park Associates LLC, which is managed by The Shooshan Company. The sale is contingent on the relocation of the bus yard operations to a new facility that's being constructed on West Ox Road in Fairfax County, a project that's scheduled to finish by the end of 2008. Arlington County officials identified the site in Ballston as a potential spot for relocating the Office of Naval Research and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), both of which were slated to move out of Arlington as part of the BRAC recommendations. County officials learned last year that they could keep those agencies, but they had to be relocated to secure office sites. More information -->

FAA Report Jeopardizes Rosslyn Project The Federal Aviation Administration has issued an initial report that a proposed 390-foot building in Rosslyn may be a "hazard" to planes flying into and out of Reagan National Airport, potentially jeopardizing the project. On Nov. 24, the FAA released a preliminary study that found the href="http://www.jbg.com" target="new">JBG Companies' plan for its Central Place project next to the Rosslyn Metro "exceeds obstruction standards." The FAA concluded that it could not authorize the construction of the building at its current proposed height because it might impact the flight path of planes. More information -->

Newseum Names Five Members to Board The Newseum, scheduled to open its new $435 million facility in the District next September, named five members to its board, including a chairman. Alberto Ibarguen, who was publisher of The Miami Herald and El Nuevo Herald until July, when he became president and CEO of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, will be the Newseum's chairman Jan. 1. Joining Ibarguen on the board will be Gary Ginsberg, executive vice president of corporate affairs for News Corp. George Irish, president of Hearst Newspapers and senior vice president of Hearst Corp; Robert Stanton, former director of the National Park Service and currently a senior fellow at Texas A&M University; and David Westin, president of ABC News. The Arlington-based Freedom Forum is the principal funder of operations of the Newseum, an interactive museum of news under construction at Pennsylvania Avenue and 6th Street.

AED Names Marketing Director for the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service Terry Holzheimer, Director of Arlington Economic Development (AED), announced the selection of Emily Cassell as Marketing Director for the Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS). In this role, Cassell will lead the 10-person ACVS team in positioning and promoting Arlington as a premier destination of choice for leisure travel, conventions and government meetings. Cassell has over 18 years of marketing experience in the fields of travel, technology, and economic development. More information -->

Arlington Hotel Set to Reopen According to new General Manager, Stephanie Westberg, the Arlington Residence Court Hotel will open its doors in Mid-January 2007. The site at 1200 North Courthouse Road was previously the Quality Hotel Courthouse. The hotel will continue to be operated by Sunburst Hospitality and will have 187 suites, ranging from studios to 3 bedrooms. Stephanie Westberg is a seven year veteran with Sunburst and in addition to previous General Manager duties, has spent time in the sales end of the business. More information -->

Arlington Takes a Stand to Help Preserve Its History The Arlington County Board has approved a 10-year historic preservation plan meant to help safeguard the charm of older neighborhoods as officials consider proposals for new development. The Historic Preservation Master Plan outlines three major goals: understanding the county's history and heritage; integrating preservation efforts with county planning; and protecting the older neighborhoods, corridors, civic buildings and commercial centers in Arlington. More information -->

44% Of Business Travelers Going Online Actually Book An impressive 44% of business travelers visiting hotel brand websites are “bookers” and actually make or change a reservation, according to a new joint study from the McLean-based Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation and iPerceptions that measured business travelers in the mid-scale hotel segment. Furthermore, 4 in 10 of website visitors are first timers, and only 22.1% mid-scale business travelers abandon their plan to make an online transaction versus 31% for leisure travelers. More Information -->

Online Travel Bookings Will Surpass Offline Bookings for the First Time in 2007 According to a new report from PhoCusWright Inc., next year for the first time transactions on the Internet will account for over half (54%) of all U.S. travel bookings. More Information -->

TIA and HSMAI Partner to Produce Report Measuring Online Marketing Initiatives Within Travel Industry The Travel Industry Association (TIA) and the Hospitality Sales & Marketing Association International (HSMAI) Foundation are partnering on a thorough study comparing methodologies for measuring online marketing initiatives within the travel industry. More information -->

Pan American Bakery Profiled The Pan American Bakery was recently the subject of a small business profile by Katie Wilmeth of the Washington Examiner. In the article, owner Genny DeFoor talks about her greatest loves: her husband, her community and the small business that has become a staple on Columbia Pike. “The most important thing is to look for what the community needs,” she said. “Then you have to give all your heart and soul.” Complete article -->

Retail Trails: A Taste of the Islands While you may need hats and gloves outside, there’s still a chance this winter to get a taste of the Caribbean and South Pacific. “Island Hopping in Arlington” explores how three local restaurants have gained loyal followings with traditional specialties from Cuba, the Philippines, and New Zealand. Designed to highlight small businesses, this “themed trail” is the fourth of a series of articles and a marketing initiative of the Arlington Economic Development Commission. Read the article -->

What’s Happening in Arlington Tonight? The following are highlights of activities that you can enjoy this week in Arlington. Bookmark this page and keep up on the many unique and fun things to do here after work! More information -->

SBA Pulls Sales, Employee Data from Web Site The Small Business Administration has removed company-specific revenue and employee figures from a public database. The online Central Contractor Registry is a searchable database of information on companies that qualify for federal small business awards. Company files contain contact information, a description of the business and other details, and -- until Dec. 12 -- a firm's three-year average annual revenue and number of employees. Now, in place of the revenue and employee numbers, the Web site offers the message: "A firm's actual revenues and number of employees are not releasable under the Freedom of Information Act." The American Small Business League says the government removed employee and revenue from the site to avert increased scrutiny over contracting practices. The trade association advocates policies that benefit small businesses. More information -->

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 BizLaunch program, visit the BizLaunch Web site.

Starting a Business Successfully in Arlington County
Sponsored by BizLaunch
Date: January 18, 2007
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Arlington Central Library Auditorium
Address: 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, VA
Fee: Free
Register Online
Contact: Darnell Roseboro or (703) 228-0833
Learn what you need to do to get a business license, certificate of occupancy, and state registration. Discover free website tools which can aid you in writing your business plan, developing a marketing strategy and financing options. Also, find out which organizations can help you map out your entrepreneurial plans for free.

Starting a Business Successfully in Arlington County
Sponsored by BizLaunch
Date: February 1, 2007
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Location: Arlington Central Library Auditorium
Address: 1015 N. Quincy St., Arlington, VA
Fee: Free
Register Online
Contact: Darnell Roseboro or (703)228-0833
Learn what you need to do to get a business license, certificate of occupancy, and state registration. Discover free website tools which can aid you in writing your business plan, developing a marketing strategy and financing options. Also, find out which organizations can help you map out your entrepreneurial plans for free.

Arlington County Architecture Speaker Series:
Security Design: Achieving High Quality Architecture While Meeting Security Needs
Date: January 17, 2007
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Conference Center
This discussion will address how Arlington achieves high quality architecture in its built environment while meeting security and safety needs at the same time.
Barbara Nadel, FAIA, leading U.S. expert on security design in the built environment, will lead a panel discussion. More information -->

Successful Government Contracting for Dynamic Growing Businesses
Sponsored by National Women's Business Center
Date: January 22, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Location: 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, suite 919, Washington, D.C.
Fee: $2,900 for members; $3,100 for non-members
Are you on the GSA Schedule but have trouble getting contracts? Is your government marketing efforts hit or miss - mostly miss? Do you need a road map or realistic plan to get your business pipeline filled with government contracts? Then this is the workshop for you! Seven different subjects, five different instructors, two panel discussions with government agency personnel and one panel discussion with major prime contractors. You will leave Friday afternoon with the knowledge and materials to position your company for sustained growth through successful government contracting. For more information phone 202-785-4922 or visit National Women's Business Center.

Introduction to Business Ownership
Sponsored by National Women's Business Center
Date: January 24, 2007
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, suite 919, Washington, D.C.
Fee: Early Registration: $25 ; At-the-door registration: $35
If you are looking for a resource to help you plan a new business, this is the workshop for you. The instructor is a business owner who provides a road map to the process of researching your market, defining your product or service, taking your offerings to potential customers, and assessing your results. The workshop will review common pitfalls that can bedevil new business owners. It also covers the many resources in the Washington area to help new business owners launch their companies. For more information phone 202-785-4922 or visit National Women's Business Center.

Regional Planning: A collaborative Approach to Addressing Transportation Challenges
Date: January 25, 2007
Time: 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.
WETA-TV Channel 26, 2775 South Quincy Street, Arlington, VA
Fee: $30 for Leadership Arlington Member; $40 Non-Members; includes lunch.
By 2030, the Washington region's population is projected to be 1.6 million people with 1.2 million jobs. How should we plan for a transportation infrastructure that allows people to live and work where they would prefer? If you're not stuck in traffic, join us as we learn about the regional visioning project called "Envision Greater Washington"; transportation from the Commonwealth's perspective; and how MWAA is involved in the rail to Dulles issue. Panel discussion includes Pierce Homer, Virginia Secretary of Transportation; Jay Fisette, Chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and member of the Arlington County Board since 1997; and Jim Bennett, President & CEO, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA). Moderator is Christian Dorsey, Executive Director, Bonder & Amanda Johnson CDC. For more information phone Erika Mendez at (703) 528-2522.

Power Networking Breakfast
Sponsored by Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce
Date: January 25, 2007
Time: 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
Location: Holiday Inn Select-Dulles Expo Center, Chantilly Shopping Center Dr., Chantilly, VA
Fee: $20 for members and $30 for non-members
Pack 40 or more business cards and come prepared to succinctly describe your company's products and services to potential customers and allies at "rounds" of organized networking. A hot buffet breakfast is included. For more information phone 571-323-5300 or visit the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Writing a Winning Business Plan
Sponsored by SCORE D.C.
Date: January 25, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: 740 15th Street, NW 3rd Flr., Washington, D.C.
Fee: $50
A well-developed business plan is the key to establishing and running a successful business. It is also essential to have when applying for funds from a lender. This workshop prepares you to develop your own business plan which you should have to start a business and which you must have to obtain a loan. For more information phone 202-272-0390, or visit the SCORE D.C. Webiste.

Strategies for Managing Innovation
Sponsored by University of Maryland
Date: January 26, 2007
Time: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Jeong H. Kim Engineering Building, room 1111, College Park, MD
Fee: $795
The University of Maryland's new, full-day Executive Education Program, "Strategies for Managing Innovation," helps organizations of all sizes navigate the innovation environment and develop competitive strategies for success. "Strategies for Managing Innovation" will change the way you think about innovation, providing a holistic, comprehensive strategy for executing change. You will leave the day with the knowledge of how to build an innovation capability within your organization, enhance the way you respond to the challenges of innovation, and improve your ability to make innovation-centered decision-making. For more information visit the Executive Education Website.

Member and Guest Networking Reception
Sponsored by National Women's Business Center
Date: January 29, 2007
Time: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Location: 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, suite 919, Washington, D.C.
Fee: Free for members; $10 for guests
Join your fellow entrepreneurs for a late afternoon event of seeing old friends and meeting lots of potential new clients. Bring plenty of business cards to pass out because you won't walk away from here without significant new contacts. Special guest speaker, Elizabeth Hernandez - Coronil, will conduct a workshop on good business etiquette. Everyone will walk away knowing how to negotiate more effectively, create a positive first impression, build self confidence and better representation for yourself and your organization-resulting in expanded market segments and increased profits. For more information phone 202-785-4922 or visit National Women's Business Center.

A Networking Reception for Technology Business & Policy Professionals
Sponsored by Washington Network Group
Date: January 30, 2007
Time: 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Location: Clyde's of Gallery Place, 707 7th St, N.W., Washington, D.C.
Fee: $15 for members; $25 for non-members
About Tech Tuesday: The WNG convenes this networking event for technology sector professionals in the greater Washington, D.C. region. The reception is held under the auspices of our Technology Roundtable and Entrepreneur Roundtable, and presents a marketing and business development opportunity for companies and professionals to increase awareness of their products and services. Who Should Attend: Corporate technology executives, emerging company and start-up entrepreneurs; innovators of every type; investment bankers, private equity investors, venture capitalists, and angel investors; government policy, legislative, and regulatory professionals; government contractors; legal, audit, and consulting professionals with explicit technology practices; media, public relations, marketing communications, and sales professionals; executive search and recruiting professionals. For more information visit the Washington Network Group Website.

Introductory Marketing for Entrepreneurs and New Businesses
Sponsored by SCORE D.C.
Date: January 30, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: 740 15th Street, NW 3rd Flr., Washington, D.C.
Fee: $30
This workshop offers many low cost/no cost marketing techniques designed for starting a new business. You will learn how to develop and implement a marketing plan, define your target customer group and produce the essential marketing materials you need to lauch your new product or service. For more information phone 202-272-0390, or visit the SCORE D.C. Website.