Congressman Moran to Host 7th Annual Federal Procurement Conference On Tuesday, March 14th from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at George Mason University, Arlington Campus, Congressman Moran will be hosting his 7th Annual Federal Procurement Conference. This year’s conference will feature a special focus on how to market small businesses’ GSA Schedule and best practices in conducting business with the Department of Homeland Security. Federal agencies invited to participate in the conference as exhibitors include the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Commerce, Energy and Interior, State, Labor, GSA, and the Naval Air, Sea, and Facilities Systems Commands, Air Force, Army and many others. A number of large prime contractor companies will also participate, to discuss their small business contracting programs.

Arlington Sister City Association to Host Fundraising Dinner On March 21, the Arlington Sister City Assoication will host a fundraising dinner at Taste of Morocco in Clarendon. The cost is $25.00 per person and proceeds go to support the ASCA’s exchange programs. Space is limited and pre-payment is required. Their first fundraising dinner, last fall at Atlactal Salvadoran restaurant on Columbia Pike, drew over 100 diners and netted more than $1000 for the association. ASCA hopes to continue this fundraising effort by partnering with a variety of Arlington restaurants and exploring a wide range of cuisines over the upcoming year. Its a great way to mix and mingle, learn about Sister Cities projects, and enjoy the culinary diversity we have in Arlington. More information -->.

Register Now! Arlington Real Estate Showcase 2006 Don’t miss the most exciting tour of Arlington’s newest and most innovative projects at the 2006 Arlington Real Estate Showcase and Bus Tour on Friday, May 5, 2006 from 7:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at the new Westin Arlington Gateway. Be a part of this significant event, a must for brokers and developers who work in and around Arlington. Get the inside scoop on all the newest projects in Arlington, plus advance notice on what’s up and coming in the next year. New in 2006! Plan to attend the post-tour party in Crystal City, sponsored by Charles E. Smith. Register online -->.

March Business Read:
China, Inc.: How the Rise of the Next Superpower Challenges America and The World
by Ted C. Fishman.
A lively, fact-packed account of China's spectacular, 30-year transformation from economic shambles following Mao's Cultural Revolution to burgeoning market superpower, this book offers a torrent of statistics, case studies and anecdotes to tell a by now familiar but still worrisome story succinctly. Paid an average of 25 cents an hour, China's workers are not the world's cheapest, but no nation can match this "docile and capable industrial workforce, groomed by generations of government-enforced discipline," as veteran business reporter (and Chicago Mercantile trading firm founder) Fishman characterizes it. For the U.S., Fishman predicts more of what we're already seeing: deficits, declining wages and the squeezing of the middle class. His solutions (revitalize education, close the trade gap) are not original, but some of his statistics carry a jolt: since 1998, prices in the U.S. have risen 16%, but they've fallen in nearly every category where China is the top exporter; a pair of Levis bought at Wal-Mart costs less today, adjusted for inflation, than it did 20 years ago—though the company no longer makes clothes in China. (Publisher's Weekly)

Search for and reserve China, Inc. at the Arlington County Library. Search for call number Call number: 338.951/FISHM. Need a library card? Apply online.

Watson Wyatt Announces Profit Jumps Watson Wyatt Worldwide, Inc. a consulting firm specializing in human resources, announced that fiscal second-quarter profit jumped 55%, as demand for its services remained strong. Earnings rose to $17.2million (41 cents) in the three months ended Dec 31 from $11.1million (34 cents) in the prior-year quarter. Revenue increased 80 percent, to $315.8 million. Watson Wyatt said sales were driven largely by the acquisition of Europe-based consulting operations from Watson Wyatt LLP, as well as growth in benefits, technology, and personnel consulting.

Plateau Systems Expands in Ballston Plateau Systems signed a 48,000-square-foot lease at 4401 Wilson Boulevard, an under construction property off Interstate 66 near the Ballston Common Mall. The software firm signed for two floors in the 250,000-square-foot, Class A office building. Plateau Systems’ move from its current headquarters at 671 N. Glebe Road will represent an 18,638-square-foot expansion for the firm.

Fine Art Restorations Opens in Arlington Fine Art Restorations has opened for business at Arlington's Williamsburg Shopping Center at 6505 North 29th Street, Arlington, Virginia 22213. Stephen Kniss and Katarina Gibson are the proprietors. Kniss and Gibson serve the Metropolitan Washington area with their art restoration services.

Thomas Sehler Joins Buck Commercial Buck Commercial announced the addition to their brokerage staff of Thomas J. Sehler as Associate Broker & Associate Director. Sehler will participate in its senior management team. “We are pleased to have Tommy join our commercial staff,” stated company president, William G. Buck. “Buck Commercial offers a full range of commercial real estate brokerage services – and Tommy will be an invaluable addition to our senior staff. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our growing firm.”

Western Entrance for Ballston Metro Approved The Arlington County Board has approved a developer's plan to build a dense high-rise condominium and retail complex in Ballston in exchange for constructing part of a new west entrance to the Ballston Metro station. Under the plan, JBG Companies will build a 23-story, 237-unit mixed-use development known as The Fairmont at 4420 Fairfax Drive on the Arlington Gateway site, which consists of office and residential buildings, retail and the new Westin Hotel. The development is scheduled to open in 2009.

Brookfield Propreties Purchases Office Complex in Arlington Brookfield Properties Corporation agreed to purchase a 540,000-square-foot office complex in Arlington for $235.4 million, or nearly $425 per square foot, from Commercial Net Lease Realty Properties LP. The two-building site is currently the headquarters of the Transportation Security Administration. Located at 601 and 701 South 12th Street, the 12-story buildings include a two-story underground parking facility, and sit within close proximity to the Pentagon and Washington Reagan National Airport. The towers were developed in 1983 and 1982, respectively, and underwent a multi-million dollar upgrade when Commercial Net Lease acquired the site in 2003 from MCI/Worldcom for $142.8 million. TSA's lease of the entire property is not scheduled to expire until 2014.

Interstate Reports Strong Earnings Arlington based Interstate Hotels & Resorts has reported strong operating results for the fourth quarter and year end 2005. The company’s quarterly results exceeded its earnings guidance for the fourth consecutive quarter. The company reported record full-year 2005 earnings with base management fees increasing 13.9% and incentive management fees increasing 40.2%, compared to 2004.

Gap Travel: Emerging Niche Market Involves Around 1 million to 1.5 million Trips per Year Globally Gap year travel can be divided into three main markets: Pre-university gaps, career gaps and pre-retirement gaps. Pre-university gaps are the most common, with students taking a year out after completing secondary school and before commencing further education. More information -->.

Buying Power Grows for Over 50 Market Ten thousand boomers a day turn fifty, and recent research shows they don’t slow down their spending habits much as they age. As travel continues with this group, hotel and restaurant amenities focusing on this demographic can pay off big. More information -->.

What's Hot in Hotel Technology Get a new list of do’s and don’ts to guide your decision making when outfitting hotel rooms with the right plugs and amenities. View the checklist -->.

BizLaunch Events Visit the BizLaunch Web site to see all events in March and April sponsored by BizLaunch partners. Events are free, unless otherwise noted. For more information on BizLaunch program, visit the BizLaunch Web site.

Everything You Wanted to Know About Franchising But Were Too Afraid to Ask
March 23, 2006, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Arlington County Public Library, Central, 1015 N. Quincy St, Auditorium Arlington, VA 22201
7-Eleven, Hertz, Subway and Curves. Did you know that these businesses are all franchises that could be possibly owned by you? Learn and understand the key fundamentals in owning and managing a franchise. During this seminar, Herb Martinez evaluates franchising options and reviews the legalities of franchising, all key factors a potential owner needs to know. Before you buy that perfect franchise join us on Thursday, March 23rd! Register online or contact Darnell Roseboro, at (703)228-0833.

BizLaunch Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs
March 30 – 31, 2006, 3/30 – 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. 3/31 – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Arlington Business Center, 1100 N. Glebe Road, Ste 1500, Arlington, VA 22201
Back by popular demand! Learn all you need to know in 1 ½ intense days to understand what it means to be an entrepreneur. Business experts from Northern Virginia Community College will help you to learn all the key aspects of becoming a small business owner and growing your business. An opportunity to critique your business plan is also offered. Seating is limited. RSVP early. Register online or contact Darnell Roseboro, at (703)228-0833.

Starting a Business in Arlington County
April 4, 2006, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Arlington County Public Library, Central, 1015 N. Quincy St, Auditorium Arlington, VA 22201
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! Register online or contact Darnell Roseboro, at (703)228-0833.

Overview of SBA’s Programs and Services
April 13, 2006, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Arlington County Public Library, Central, 1015 N. Quincy St, Auditorium, Arlington, VA 22201
Join us with the Small Business Administration and learn about all of the benefits and services currently offered by the SBA’s Washington Metropolitan Area District Office. Have you utilized the complimentary business services offered by the SBA? Don’t hire a private consultant yet – join this workshop to discover ways that you can improve your business! Register online or contact Darnell Roseboro, at (703)228-0833.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and Your Small Business
April 27, 2006, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Arlington County Public Library, Central, 1015 N. Quincy St, Auditorium, Arlington, VA 22201
Learn the key fundamentals of federal deductions for your small office or home-based business. Get jump-started for 2007! What are the advantages and disadvantages for sole proprietors, Limited Liability Companies and corporation according to the IRS. If these subjects interest you please join us on Thursday, April 27th! Register online or contact Darnell Roseboro, at (703)228-0833.

Save the Date!!!! Access to Business Success
August 3, 2006, 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
The Westin Arlington Gateway, 801 N. Glebe Rd, 2nd Floor, Arlington, VA 22201
Arlington’s 4th Annual Small Business Expo is now merged with BDAG’s Access to Success event. This event promises to be the business event of the year! Issues facing small businesses will be addressed throughout the day. Valuable networking opportunities are also provided at this conference. Mark your calendars now! We hope you’ll be able to join us. Contact Darnell Roseboro, at (703)228-0833.