Register Today: 12th Annual ABBIES
Register now for this year's annual ABBIES ceremony, a celebration of Arlington's best businesses, sponsored by the Arlington Economic Development Commission and the Arlington Chamber of Commerce. The 12th Annual ABBIES ceremony will be held on May 15, 2007. Register now -->

Nominations are now being accepted and are due by March 29, 2007. To be nominated, a company must:

• Be a viable on-going, full-time business which has experienced significant growth or stability over its business life.
• Be well known and thought of by its customers or clients for consistently delivering exceptional quality or service.
• Be an industry leader in Arlington OR must have a unique approach to delivery of its goods or services.
• Have displayed an interest in and concern for the Arlington community, either corporately or through its employees backed by the company.

Arlington Convention & Visitor Service Helps Promote Local Shopping and Dining
The Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS) will hold its first-ever Concierge College on March 20. Designed specifically for concierges and guest services/front desk staff within the Arlington hotel community, the ACVS Concierge College will provide valuable information about Arlington’s wealth of attractions, restaurants, stores, and transportation options. This knowledge will not only help front-line personnel better serve business and leisure travelers, it will also help direct spending toward Arlington businesses.

Workshop: Green Buildings for Developers
March 20, 2007, 7:30 - 10:45 a.m.
This workshop on green building efforts for developers will be presented by Virginia Sustainable Building Network, and is sponsored by LandAmerica Commercial Services and Weissberg Corporation. Green Building Benefits in the Commercial Marketplace is a half-day workshop for developers, held at the Marriott Courtyard in Crystal City. Speakers include Linda Sorrento, Director, LEED® for Commercial Interiors, U.S. Green Building Council; Daniel R. Winters, Managing Principal, Evolution Partners; Laurie McMahon, Senior Vice President, Cassidy Pinkard and Daniel B. Kohlhepp, Senior Vice President, Commercial Division, Crescent Resources, LLC.

Latest Online Resources from AED
AED’s Business Tips, video pointers for success in small businesses featuring Arlington entrepeneurs, are available online. Features include "Launching a Successful Email Marketing Campaign" with Suzanne McGrath, Owner, The Curious Grape; "Short-term Leasing Programs" with Suzette Timme, General Manager, Fashion Center at Pentagon City; and "Business Networking" with Michelle Bouma, ABC Distributors, Inc. Look for more tips coming soon.

Annual Colloquium Presentation Now Available
The presentation from the February 9, 2007 "Real Estate Forecast and Review" is now available in Adobe Acrobat PDF and Powerpoint formats on the AED Website.

March Business Read: Now, Discover Your Strengths
by Marcus Buckingham and Donald O. Clifton
Call#: 658.314 B923n

The premise of this new management study, a follow-up to Buckingham's First, Break All the Rules, is that the most effective method for motivating people is to build on their strengths rather than correcting their weaknesses. The authors, researchers at the Gallup Organization, have analyzed results of interviews conducted by Gallup of over 1.7 million employees from 101 companies and representing 63 countries. When asked, only 20 percent of these employees stated that they were using their strengths everyday. So that they can take a test revealing their strengths, readers are given access to the StrengthsFinder Web site and a special ID number; once they learn their profile, they can read the analysis in the book. A description of each type is included, together with case studies, and managers are shown how to handle various types. This book offers a unique perspective on successful management strategy and developing employees' strengths. (Library Journal, February 1, 2001)

Search for and reserve Now, Discover Your Strengths at the Arlington County Library. Search for call number 658.314 B923n. Need a library card? Apply Online

PBS Introduces Portal for Teachers (Source: PBS) PBS reports their new portal is a one-stop resource for educators searching for wide-ranging curriculum resources, video products, online professional development opportunities and more.

Group Logic Announces Windows-based Support for Mac OS (Source: Group Logic) Group Logic introduces the the only Windows-based server solution to support all releases of the Mac operating system.

Washingtonpost.Newsweek Interactive (WPNI) Announces Partnership with Brightcove for Video Internet Initiative (Source: Yahoo Business News) Corporate-wide partnership enables WPNI to launch ad-supported Internet video channels across its website properties.

FBR Group Realigns Corporate Structure (Source: FBR) FBR reports a realignment of structure and responsibilities of its senior management team to reflect its new corporate structure.

Plateau Systems Acquires Compensation Management Pioneer Nuvosoft, Inc (Source: Plateau Systems) Leading performance, learning, career and succession management provider adds advanced compensation management to deliver industry’s first talent management solution.

Arlington Ranks Third for Highest Weekly Wages (Source: WTOP News) Arlington's average weekly salary of $1,335, falls behind only New York City and California's Santa Clara County as the top paying in the U.S.

ONSITE3 Launches DXR Mobile at Paralegal SuperConference Miami 2007 (Source: Business Wire) New service is ideal for use in sensitive environments in which privacy laws impact where electronic discovery data can be mined and processed.

Next Stop, Tysons: Ballston is Model for Redevelopment of Tysons Corner (Source: Washington Post) Fairfax County planners see Ballston neighborhood as model for transit-oriented overhaul of sprawling business center.

Watson Wyatt Worldwide Declares Regular Quarterly Dividend (Source: Business Wire) Watson Wyatt's Board of directors declares a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.075 per common share for the quarter ended March 31, 2007.

Veritas Closes Pearson Unit Purchase (Source: Washington Technology) Outsourcing provider Pearson Government Solutions is now operating as Vangent in the wake of its purchase by Veritas Capital Partners.

CEB Will Become Top Employer in Arlington (Source: D.C. Examiner) When the Corporate Executive Board relocates to Rosslyn this summer, it will become one of the county’s top employers.

Report: Base Plan Would Add 45,000 Jobs in Maryland (Source: Washington Post) Maryland would gain more than 45,000 federal and private-sector jobs as part of a Pentagon reorganization of military bases, according to a recent report.

CACI Gets Army Electronic Sensor Work (Source: Washington Technology) CACI will assist in the development, integration, and testing of both airborne and ground vehicle sensors systems for the Army’s Night Vision and Electronic Sensors Directorate.

Interstate Hotels & Resorts Strengthens International Presence in Moscow (Source: Smith Travel Research News) IHR announces the opening of a branch office in Moscow, Russia, and the appointment of three senior executives to be based there.

Commercial Office Space Vacancies Creep Upward (Source: Washington Post) Vacancy rates inched upward in the Washington area commercial office market for the fourth straight quarter, ending in December, as new buildings opened and demand eased slightly.

Construction approvals in Arlington go up in 2006 (Source: D.C. Examiner) The increases in the approval of new construction continue a 10-year trend, with growth concentrated in the last five years.

DFI Leases Space in Ballston Defense contractor DFI International agreed to lease 102,568 square feet at Two Liberty Center in Ballston. The under construction property, located at 4075 Wilson Boulevard, will stand nine stories and contain 177,046 square feet of rentable building area when it delivers in September 2007. Together with consulting firm Strategic Analysis’ 41,000-square-foot commitment, the property is already 80% pre-leased.

Coast Guard Leases Space in Rosslyn Integrated Coast Guard Systems signed a five-year lease for approximately 25,000 square feet at 1525 Wilson Boulevard in Rosslyn. The government tenant will occupy the ninth floor of the 12-story, Class A office building. Space at the location is 96.7% leased to a variety of government and defense-related corporations, including SAIC, United Defense and the GSA.

Internationally Acclaimed BODIES Exhibition Coming to Arlington (Source: Yahoo Business News) Bodies, The Exhibition will open this April in Arlington at 1101 Wilson Boulevard, the former Newseum site. Now seen by more than three million visitors, the Exhibition features real, whole and partial body specimens that have been meticulously dissected and preserved, giving visitors the opportunity to view the complexity of their own organs and systems.

Arlington Convention and Visitors Service Unveils 2007 Meeting Planner Guide The Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS) has just released its 2007 Meeting Planner Guide for national convention, meeting and event planners. The Guide boasts a variety of enhancements, including an expanded restaurant section, the latest information on Arlington shopping, attractions, arts and nightlife, plus sample visitor itineraries and detailed maps.

Register Now for ACVS Concierge College The Arlington Convention and Visitors Service (ACVS) will hold its first-ever Concierge College on March 20. Designed specifically for concierges and guest services/front desk staff within the Arlington hotel community, the ACVS Concierge College will provide valuable information about Arlington’s wealth of attractions, restaurants, stores, and transportation options. This knowledge will not only help front-line personnel better serve business and leisure travelers, it will also help direct spending toward Arlington businesses.

Ernst & Young Releases Hospitality Industry Top Ten Thoughts for 2007 (Source: Smith Travel Research News) Top trends that will influence the global hotel industry in the year ahead include the stabilizing of the U.S. lodging market, increasing capital flows into the hospitality sector from a broad range of investors, including offshore funds, and superior performance among luxury hotel brands, according to a report released by Ernst & Young LLP.

America's Favorite Buildings Located in D.C. The American Institute of Architects, as part of a year–long celebration of their 150th anniversary, released a list of the top 150 buildings as America's Favorite Architecture. Five of the National Mall’s public buildings and memorials are in the top 10 and a total of seventeen projects are located in Washington, D.C.

New Retailers Coming to Shirlington (Source: D.C. Examiner) Two popular U Street businesses, the bakery CakeLove and the restaurant and bookstore Busboys and Poets, will open up shop in Shirlington in the spring, as part of the Arlington neighborhood’s ongoing efforts to become a more cosmopolitan destination.

Arlington's Zen Bistro Profiled (Source: Washington Post) Zen Bistro becomes the third restaurant in the Pentagon Row complex owned by the Tonthat family. The first enterprise, Saigon Saigon, opened just after Sept. 11, 2001. Asia Bistro opened in 2003, and Zen Bistro opened in November.

Future Plans for Arlington Favorite "Rays the Steaks" (Source: Washington Post) With more than two years left on his lease, Michael Landrum, the civic-minded owner of Ray's the Steaks, plans to relocate his wildly popular operation to the nearby Navy League Building (2300 Wilson Blvd.) and use the current space for what he calls his "real dream" and "ultimate goal": A Place at the Table, a "Memphis-style family restaurant" dedicated to supporting "less-advantaged communities."

Getting to Know ... Rani Chaudhery (Source: Arlington Connection) In honor of Valentine’s Day, the Arlington Connection profiled one of the busiest people this time of year: a florist. Learn more about "Flowers by Rani" owner Rani Chaudhery.

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.

How to Strategically Win Subcontracting Opportunities
Date: March 15, 2007
Time: 7:30 - 10:00 a.m.
Location: Arlington Economic Development, 1100 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 1500, Arlington, VA
Working with large businesses is a challenge facing many companies who do business with the federal government. How does a business strategically position itself to effectively subcontract? What are the pitfalls to avoid, and how can your business compete effectively? Attend this informative session, where Stokes Hill, Senior Manager, Procurement Mission Systems at Northrop Grumman speaks on best practices for small businesses interested in subcontracting. You'll be able to strategically position your company to win. Seating is limited; register early. Fee: $20 - Registration is required

To register, contact Darnell Roseboro, call (703) 228-0898 or visit the BizLaunch Events Website.

Writing a Successful Business Plan
Date: March 21, 2007
Time: 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Location: Arlington Economic Development, 1100 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 1500, Arlington, VA
This event will help you develop the perfect business plan for a landlord, financial institution and for yourself. For those who are just getting into business or those who need to update a current plan, this is designed especially for you. Key topics addressed include: creating an executive summary, balance sheets, forecasting and more.

To register, contact Darnell Roseboro, call (703) 228-0898 or visit the BizLaunch Events Website.

BizLaunch Bootcamp for Entrepreneurs
Date: March 30, 2007 through March 31, 2007
Time: 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Location: Arlington Economic Development, 1100 N. Glebe Rd., Suite 1500, Arlington, VA
Fee: $80
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 will be offered. Seating is limited, RSVP early.

To register, contact Darnell Roseboro, call (703) 228-0898 or visit the BizLaunch Events Website.

Local Area Events

Envision Your Success: 2007 Mega Job Fair and Entrepreneurship Expo
Date: March 17, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Location: Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA
Sponsor: Business Development Assistance Group (BDAG), Fairfax County Government and Skill Source Centers
Cost: FREE
Contact: Sandra G. Kourany (703) 324-7281 or Sandra.kourany@fairfaxcounty.gov
The 2007 Expo will provide business resources and useful pointers for individuals considering entrepreneurial endeavors, connect job seekers with hiring employers, and employers with job-seekers for on the spot interviews, and provide business to business networking opportunities to regional employers and their organizations.

5-Minute Networking
Date: March 19, 2007
Location: Washington Convention Center
Do you find it difficult to identify and connect with the right technology buyers/partners/suppliers at a trade show? GWI and the Greater Washington Board of Trade have designed an event around FOSE to help companies connect. You simply register to participate via the link below, then submit your company profile and select the types of companies with whom you'd like to meet. We then set up meetings for you with at least 12 companies that match your needs. You have 5 minutes with each of the 12 companies to meet and exchange capabilities to see if there is a business match. This event brings the right folks to you before FOSE so that you can work to develop these relationships further during and after the show. The value-add is the opportunity to have 12 meetings scheduled for you with potential buyers/partners/suppliers that YOU select. This session will be facilitated to ensure that everyone walks away with at least 12 new business contacts/teaming partners. Register online.

Greater Washington Initiative Gala
Date: March 21, 2007
Location: Washington Convention Center
The Greater Washington Initiative proudly hosts an outstanding networking gala at the Washington Convention Center during FOSE that unites government officials, systems integrators and cutting-edge technology companies. Don’t miss an opportunity to connect with your next partner, supplier, or buyer! Last year, more than 250 government officials, systems integrators and exhibiting technology companies attended. This invitation-only event will not disappoint! Register online.