Loudoun Business For April 2012

INSIDE

Leesburg Arts District Takes Root A PRI L 2012 VOLUME 9 NO. 5

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Supervisors Back DED Staffing Boost

By Erika Jacobson Moore & Norman K. Styer, Staff Writers Putting fall campaign promises into quick action, the Board of Supervisors took a break from its budget-cutting efforts to provide a half-million-dollar boost to the Department of Economic Development’s outreach and recruitment efforts.

After weeks of high-profile talks aimed at moving forward two-decade-old plans to establish an Economic Development Authority, the board’s March 15 action rep-

resented a vote of confidence in the leadership of the department’s director Tom Flynn and his ability to restructure the department into a sales force dedicated to helping Loudoun fulfill its commercial development potential.

The new structure includes a new team leader for the outside sales business development sector, as well as the three additional cluster manager positions approved by the board for the FY13 budget. The division also includes the small business and business retention positions with the

department, as well as two support positions transferred into the division from elsewhere in the department.

To help move the department forward, supervisors approved a $586,363 package recommended by Supervisor Matt Letourneau (R-Dulles), who is chairman of the Economic Development Committee.

Supervisors authorized the hiring of three business development managers to provide “boots on the ground” marketing outreach focused entirely on bringing new businesses and new jobs to the county, for a total of

Middleburg Wins Big At Tourism Awards

By Margaret Morton, Staff Writer

The Town of Middleburg was the big winner during the 2011 Loudoun Tourism Awards ceremony held March 30 at the Doubletree Hotel in Sterling, taking home five of the 10 awards handed out during Visit Loudoun’s annual luncheon and celebration of the county’s hospitality industry.

In recognition of that feat, the Middleburg Town Council honored the winners during the town’s regular council meeting last week.

The awards are not granted lightly, as nominees undergo fairly rigorous examination by a committee consisting of former award winners, Visit Loudoun board members and tourism industry partners, who decide the winner. The highest award of all, the Judy Patterson Award, is granted through a secret ballot vote by members of the Visit Loudoun board, after receiving

a committee recommendation.

Among the awards garnered by Middleburg business representatives and town events were the two top Tourism Events of the Year, Tourism Volunteer of the Year, Tourism Management Associate of the Year and, the highest recognition awarded by Visit Loudoun, the coveted Judy Patterson Award.

The town’s first win was for Christmas In Middleburg as the top Tourism Event of the Year for attendance over 3,000. The annual Christmas parade and shopping bonanza is a joint cooperation between the town government, its business community and the nonprofit Christmas in Middleburg organization. Last year’s event drew about 10,000 visitors to town. Christmas in Middleburg beat out competition from the North Face Endurance Challenge and previous event winner, the Waterford Homes Continued On Page 3

Visit Loudoun CEO Patrick Kaler and Board Chairman Greg Miller flank Middleburg businesswoman Punkin Lee, winner of the coveted Judy Patterson Award, the highest honor conferred by the organization each year. Lee owns the Journeymen Saddlers in Middleburg.

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$321,363. The package also has $255,000 for additional staff resources including sales lead generation, tours, trade shows and conferences, and adds $10,000 to the county’s support for the Small Business Development Center’s business counseling service.

In making the significant investment in DED, supervisors said they would shelve consideration of appointing an EDA. Letourneau said it was important to show staff members that the board was “all in” Continued On Page 5

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APRIL 2012

April 15 - 21st is National Volunteer Appreciation Week.

Virginia has approximately 1.7 million volunteers serving many roles. Loudoun County has over 1300 nonprofit organizations with the majority of those utilizing volunteers or completely volunteer operated.

79,000 hours of training to maintain their skills and certifications to be ready for you 57,800 hours in the station and community to assist with various public education and public relations events.

Here in Loudoun County, we are proud to have over 800 active administrative and operational volunteers serving in our 17 fire and rescue volunteer companies in 20 stations in Loudoun County. Volunteers serve as Firefighters, Emergency Medical Technicians, drivers, administrative support, and chaplains. Within in each company these volunteers often assume additional roles to maintain the operational and financial health of the organizations such as special events coordinators, web developers, training officers, bookkeepers, filing clerks, presidents, and chiefs.

Like many, fire and rescue volunteers juggle their commitment to their community with full-time jobs and families as well as personal obligations at their places of worship, their children’s schools, their own sporting and extracurriclar activities, and more. In addition to the volunteer time responding to emergency calls and filling administrative and operational positions at the station, they must continually train to maintain their skills and certifications to the stringent Station, County, and State standards.

The average volunteer in the Commonwealth of Virginia donates approximately 40 hours per year. Last year, the average fire-rescue volunteer in Loudoun County donated over 400 hours.

At a base rate of $27.88 an hour for an average firefighter/ EMT in Virginia the volunteers donated over $22 million in service hours to Loudoun County last year.

Each of the seventeen volunteer fire rescue companies spends thousands of dollars annually to maintain their apparatus, equipment and facilities. The companies rely on the financial support received from generous donations from community members, businesses and the local government.

Loudoun county is a vibrant community and proud of the volunteers who serve in all capacities to enhance economics and diversity. To all of the volunteers in Loudoun County; thank you for your contribution. A sincere appreciation to the men and women in Fire-Rescue who put their lives on the line and dedicate so much of their lives to serve us.

Loudoun County Fire-Rescue Volunteers contributed approximately: 506,800 hours on duty ready to respond to your emergency call 164,400 hours responding to emergency calls.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in an operational or administrative capacity at any one of Loudoun’s 20 Fire-Rescue stations please visit www.answerthecall.info or call us at 703.777.0595.

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Loudoun Business | PAGE 3

APRIL 2012

Tourism Awards

Continued From Page 1 Tour & Crafts Exhibit.

Another Middleburg institution also saw recognition, as the Tourism Event of the Year for attendance under 3,000: the opening of the Sporting Art Museum of the National Sporting Library and Museum. The star-studded event held last fall drew 2,500 people to celebrate the opening of new art galleries at the institution, which houses an extraordinary collection of sporting art and literature dating back to the 15th century.

The opening topped several other popular events of the year, including the Round Hill Hometown Festival; the Mid-Atlantic Spartan Sprint; the 150th Commemoration of the Battle of Ball’s Bluff; and the Loudoun Grown Expo in Purcellville.

The Tourism Volunteer of the Year award went to Middleburg area resident George Tiedeman for his support and countless hours given to volunteering for the Mosby Heritage Area Association, an organization dedicated to educating the public about the history of the four-county area that makes up the MHAA. Also competing in that category were Su Webb, president of the Loudoun Heritage Farm Museum; the Loudoun County Civil War 150th Steering Committee; and the Middleburg Business &

Professional Association.

Another Middleburg area institution’s employee, Emily Tabachka, general manager of the Goodstone Inn & Restaurant just north of town, was named the Tourism Management Employee of the Year. She topped Lisa Wilhelm, Lansdowne Resort; Dave Moran, TownePlace Suites Dulles Airport; Meredith Wilson, Sunset Hills Vineyard; Heather Hull, SpringHill Suites Dulles; and Terra Capps, Loudoun County Office of Emergency Management.

But it was the announcement of Punkin Lee as the winner of the Judy Patterson Award that caused the loudest hurrahs in the Middleburg cheering section. Lee, owner of Journeymen Saddlers, topped Mosby Heritage Area Association Director of Education Rich Gillespie for the award, the highest recognition granted by Visit Loudoun.

The award was created in 1998, the first year of the awards program, to honor Patterson, who died from cancer the previous year. Known as a consummate professional who dedicated her passion, energy and total commitment to the cause of promoting Loudoun, Patterson has been held up as an example of all that is best in tourism promotion in the county. Visit Loudoun Content Manager Janet Tamassia, who interned with Patterson in 1994, said the

Changes Sought For Leesburg Arts District

By Kara Clark, Staff Writer Recently celebrating its one-year anniversary, the task force that helped create the Leesburg Arts & Cultural District is effusive about its progress.

Task force members Ara Bagdasarian and Pam Butler, of the Economic Development and Public Art commissions, respectively, recently gave the Town Council an update on the status of the district. The occasion also served as a time to unveil the official logo of the Leesburg Arts & Cultural District, which was created by local company n2design.

In 2009, the Virginia General Assembly passed enabling legislation to give municipalities the authority to create arts and cultural districts and offer tax incentives in doing so. The council voted to create the Arts & Cultural District in March 2011, and the ordinance was enacted that July.

The district encompasses the commercial areas of the historic downtown, plus an area to the south and east of the downtown, generally bounded by South King Street, Catoctin Circle and Edwards Ferry Road. Existing or prospective businesses would be eligible for the incentives if they are a “profit or not-for-profit organization physically located within the District which

by the determination of the Administrator [most likely the Town Manager] positively contributes to the spectrum of arts and cultural activities and venues available to the public by presenting live performances of theatre, dance, music or other imaginative work and/or producing or exhibiting physical works created by, or under the direction of one or more artists, which are intended for unique production or limited reproduction. Museums or historic sites, the primary mission of which is education, history or historic preservation, may also qualify as Qualified Arts Organizations.

Theaters, including movie theaters, art galleries, dance studios, music venues, performance spaces, art schools and academies, including culinary arts schools and academies, are examples of Qualified Arts Organizations.”

Both BPOL and real estate tax rebates are offered to qualifying organizations over a 10-year period. If 50 percent or more of the gross receipts of the Qualified Arts Organization are generated from an activity that qualifies the business for the incentives, the business would be eligible for a 100 percent BPOL rebate in year one; 90 percent in year two; 80 percent in year three; and the rebate rate would continue Continued On Next Page

award is given to someone who has made “extraordinarily significant” contributions to tourism promotion, on a level matching Patterson’s passion. Like Patterson, Lee has been dedicated to preserving, promoting and sharing her causes, in her case the Town of Middleburg. Noting there is “nothing too small or too great” for Lee to undertake, her legacy in promoting the town, its businesses and its people would be long lasting and “never forgotten,” Tamassia said.

“This is a big surprise,” Lee said.

However, she said she accepted the award on behalf of all the volunteers, “for all of us who do our share.” She issued an open invitation to everyone to come to Middleburg.

“There’s a lot going on.”

The Distinguished Service Award went to Capps, events coordinator for the Loudoun County Office of Emergency Management, for her advocacy and events coordination that encouraged outside organizations to hold public safety events in the county.

The National Conference Center’s Aziz Elhamdani was voted the Tourism FrontLine Employee of the Year. The popular Elhamdani beat out seven others nominated for the title: Fern Bratten, Salamander Touch; Beth Babcock, Morven Park; Yesenia Padilla, Hampton Inn & Suites Dulles; Alex

Galan, Embassy Suites Dulles North; Luis Torres, Aloft Dulles North; Elizabeth Sedlins, Sunset Hills Vineyard; and Adrian Garcia, Hampton Inn & Suites Dulles.

The Tourism Promotion/Campaign of the Year award went to the Town of Leesburg’s Parks & Recreation Department and Custom Graphics for the 2nd Annual Leesburg Airshow. Also competing in that category were: B.F. Saul Hospitality Group for The Holiday Hook-Up A Sleigh Ride to Boca!; the Leesburg Downtown Business Association for Behind the Doors of Downtown Leesburg; Tuskie’s Restaurant Group for Tuskie’s Wine Trail; and Journey Through Hallowed Ground, 400 Years of History on One Tank of Gas. The Humanitarian Award was won by Mid-Atlantic Spartan Sprint for its sponsorship of “Homes For Our Troops” for disabled veterans.

Visit Loudoun also honored the county’s Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department as its Partner of the Year. Director Diane Ryburn accepted the award from Visit Loudoun CEO Patrick Kaler as the department was congratulated for its sponsorship and coordination of more than 40 sporting tournaments held in the county that generated multiple economic benefits to Loudoun.

Sterling Women Hosts The Arc of Loudoun Director From left, The Arc of Loudoun Executive Director Jennifer Lassiter and Reston Limousine CEO Kristina Bouweiri, founder of Sterling Women.

Photo By Teri Moy

By Therese Howe, Contributing Writer Sterling Women, a monthly networking luncheon, commemorated April as Autism Awareness Month with a presentation by Jennifer Lassiter, executive director of The Arc of Loudoun at Paxton Campus.

When her 16-year-old daughter Katelyn was diagnosed with autism just shy of her third birthday, “I really had no idea what that meant,” Lassiter told attendees at the April 12 luncheon. She pointed out that

today, that likely wouldn’t be the case.

Noting a new CDC report that indicates 1 in 88 children in the United States has autism, she told the audience that “I would wager that, if you don’t know someone with autism, you know someone who does know someone, which is really unfortunate.”

Her daughter’s diagnosis marked the start of a personal and professional journey.

“I quickly learned … that is that you Continued On Next Page

PAGE 4 | Loudoun Business

Arts District

Continued From Page 3 to decrease by 10 percent each year. The same rebate schedule would be true for town real estate tax rebates. Qualifying businesses are also entitled to zoning fee exemptions. To receive the incentives, qualified businesses, whether new or existing, must apply to the town manager to be eligible.

Over the past year, the task force has been busy establishing relationships with community partners, including Visit Loudoun and the county Department of Economic Development. In December, Butler said, the task force identified a roadblock.

“We hadn’t really gotten any applications to apply for the district,” she said.

“We found that local arts organizations found the application to be a bit cumbersome, especially in the area of the requirement for [submitting] a five-year business plan and pro forma.”

Butler said that many of the older businesses said they had not updated their business plans in years. When the task force met with Town Manager John Wells, a decision was made to revise the application form so that instead of requiring business owners to create their own business plan and pro-forma, business plan-type questions would be included in the application.

The task force has also engaged the county government and Economic Development Commission in considering whether Loudoun County should consider its own incentives for attracting businesses to locate in the Arts & Cultural District with some type of overlay district. Butler also reported that the launch event for the Arts & Cultural District, held during March’s First Friday event, was a great success. Plans are to have one featured artist exhibit monthly during First Friday, with larger events throughout the year.

Outreach to community partners and businesses will continue, and a future meeting with the recently established Friends of Leesburg Public Arts 501(c)(3) is planned. In looking at ways to continue to open up the district to new businesses, and to make the application process easier, the task force proposed three amendments to the Town Code, which the council initiated. These include: amending the code to extend the period of time that existing businesses have to apply to six months; amending the code to eliminate the need for a five-year business plan if a business has been in continuous operation within the district for five or more years; and amending the code to include graphic art design within the definition of a Qualified Arts Organization. These Town Code amendments will come back to the council for review and a vote.

APRIL 2012

Clubhouse, Chef Debut At Creighton Farms It’s been a busy few months at Creighton Farms, the 900-acre, gated resort community off Rt. 15 near Gilbert’s Corner.

Reid Badger recently came onboard as executive chef of The Club at Creighton Farms. Badger will oversee menu development for the clubhouse’s dining room, Jack’s Pub, professional and nonprofit golf tournaments and special events, including weddings, galas and private dining concepts for residents of Creighton Farms. Badger joins Creighton Farms from The City Clubs of Washington, where for the past five years he served as executive chef for two private clubs in the Penn Quarter area of Washington, DC. During his tenure with City Clubs, Badger helped to secure the business a top financial ranking in Club Corp’s Business and Sport Club Division. Additional awards included the National Rising Star Award, Employee of the Month, Standards of Excellence National High Score, Food & Beverage Team of the Year and the Super Star award for overall performance on a national basis. The Alexandria resident is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America.

Badger said his aim is to incorporate as many products as possible from local farmers and wineries. Much of the food on the menu is hand crafted or made in house, including bread and butter pickles, bacon and corned beef. He cites the crab

Sterling Women

Continued From Page 3 have to become an expert in a lot of things.

You have to become an expert in autism itself, and what it means. … I had to become an expert in biomedical interventions and education—how she was going to learn and how we were going to teach her to talk, because it’s a whole different process. I had to become an expert in insurance, I had to become an expert in behavior modification.

“But the biggest thing I had to learn about was the law … because even though insurance companies and Congress and school systems all have goals and laws in place that mandate help for people with disabilities, oftentimes it’s the parents who have to teach teachers how to teach, they have to tell administrators the rights of people with disabilities and what they’re supposed to provide. I had to advocate with the insurance company every time a claim was filed.”

Faced with these challenges, Lassiter decided to create her own solutions. She successfully pursued a law degree. She joined The Arc of Loudoun, an advocacy group that helps people with disabilities

cakes, hamburger and corned beef sandwich as some of his personal favorites on the menu.

“We are thrilled to have Reid joining us at such an exciting time in the development of the Club at Creighton Farms,” Attila Harai, general manager of the Club at Creighton Farms, stated. “He has the personal and professional experience, training and skill to complement the caliber and quality of service our members have come to expect.”

In another big milestone, the community debuted its new, 34,000-square-foot clubhouse March 15.

The handsomely decorated space features paintings by local artist Tom Neel, furniture and decor respectful of the nearby Hunt Country and delicate touches that make the clubhouse inviting to members and guests.

The Aldie area resort community already boasts an 18-hole, Jack Nicklaus designed course and the clubhouse now gives members a place to dine and relax before or after a golf game. Women’s and men’s locker rooms include steam rooms, private showers and dressing rooms.

Members also may make appointments to have massage services on site.

A full-service restaurant, banquet

rooms and suites to accommodate events of all sizes, including weddings, add to the clubhouse’s offerings. A small bar, Jack’s Pub, pays homage to Nicklaus and his charitable causes. Members may also take advantage of eight lodging rooms for out-of-town guests or event-goers.

and their families. As a board member in 2003, she established The Aurora School, a private school to serve students with autism, including her daughter.

By 2005, they were outgrowing the facility in Purcellville when the trustees of the Paxton property contacted them. “Mrs. (Rachel) Paxton in 1922 left her property in historic downtown Leesburg to needy children and the trustees of that property were trying to find someone to use it for that purpose,” Lassiter said.

Several years later, The Aurora School moved to what is now called the Paxton Campus. “With 17 acres and 11 buildings and a trust that said, ‘How can we make this property what you need it to be for people with disabilities?’ we just got rolling.

“In 2009 Aurora was there, in 2010 we opened a preschool for kids with and without disabilities because a phrase you may hear me say a lot is ‘A life like yours.’ That’s what we want people with disabilities to have – a life like yours. Would you want to live in an institution? Neither do they.

Would you want a job? So do they.

Besides The Open Door Learning Center, the campus also houses Maggie’s Closet, which accepts clothing donations and allows needy families to shop for free.

Another program Lassiter founded was ALLY Advocacy Center, “a legal clinic that helps families that are walking that walk that I walked.

“Last year we made $750. So if you can’t pay, we don’t charge you. That’s my business model: ‘If it doesn’t make money, let’s do it!’”

While the comment earned laughter at the audience, she also noted that despite the economic climate, the group has been able to thrive through corporate partnerships and fundraising.

“We are growing more than ever. We have 48 employees now, and we’re serving more people than ever. When Aurora started in 2003, we had three kids. Now we have 30 kids in Aurora, we have the same amount in the preschool, we have after-school programs, social skills groups, Asperger’s groups, support groups – I can’t keep track of all the folks that are coming on and off the campus.”

Next month’s Sterling Women features Brenda Harrington, a certified life coach and president of Adaptive Leadership Strategies, as the main speaker. The luncheon takes place May 17 at 1757 Golf Club.

Currently, there are around 150 members of the Club at Creighton Farms, with the expectation of adding significantly to that number this year now that it has opened. Development at the Aldie community is ongoing, with about 50 percent of the 184 residential lots already sold.

The development of four tennis courts and two pools is also planned by year’s end.

Loudoun Business | PAGE 5

APRIL 2012

DED

Continued From Page 1 behind the DED efforts.

While ultimately voting in favor of the spending increase, Supervisor Ken Reid (RLeesburg) pressed supervisors to continue to study the merits of an EDA. Reid pointed to his experience as a Leesburg Town Council member, saying that the town’s economic development department failed to produce new jobs or attract new businesses.

“I don’t know if we are necessarily going to see results from this system,” Reid said of Letourneau’s proposal.

Other supervisors made it clear they will be watching their investment closely and will expect results. “The microscope is on the DED,” Vice Chairman Janet Clarke (R-Blue Ridge) said.

Supervisor Ralph Buona (R-Ashburn) agreed that continuing consideration of an EDA would send mixed signals. “If you go down two paths at once you will decimate DED,” he said, predicting it would undermine job security for staff members.

The issue of an EDA is not dead however. The board-appointed Government Reform Commission has made the examination of the merits of an EDA one of its top priorities. At its April 12 meeting, a subcommittee of the panel began its discussion of the issue after some off-line research. It will continue the discussions this month and the full commission will present its findings to supervisors as early as this summer.

Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio (RSterling) was the only supervisor not supportive of the department enhancements during the budget process, saying the government should not be involved with promoting commercial enterprises. He also made a motion to eliminate the county’s all-volunteer Economic Development Commission, but no supervisor seconded the motion.

In the details of the DED expansion, supervisors approved $321,500 in one-time initiatives using existing fund balance. Of that money, $11,500 would be used for general business development, $50,000 would be used for an updated cluster study and $25,000 would be for a workforce study.

Those studies will help focus the three new positions in time for their hiring, Flynn told supervisors.

“Both [studies] speak to what the work of the three new people will be doing,” he said. “What are the companies we are going to go after? How do we build those clusters?

Identifying issues so we can continue to grow that cluster. Both of those are part of that basic understanding they will need.”

Flynn said there are no preconceived notions as to what the studies will determine, or what the new positions will be focused on, but said there are some possibilities already floated, including health care information technology, emergency Continued On Next Page

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PAGE 6 | Loudoun Business

The Loudoun County Fiscal Year 2013 budget process began in early February with the county administrator’s proposed budget, continued into March with public hearings and board work sessions, and was adopted by the Board of Supervisors April 3.

The newly adopted FY13 budget will result in a property tax decrease for Loudoun taxpayers, which speaks to the fiscal responsibility trumpeted by both boards. However, to allow for the tax decrease, funding was cut from programs that some thought were wasteful and others thought were essential—which fueled many heated debates during the first three months of the year.

The School Board and Board of Supervisors go through this budget process every year. I think many would agree that this year’s budget process was particularly difficult for both boards, because each board had a complete overhaul of its members last November. Seven of the nine members on both the School Board and the Board of Supervisors are brand new to this level of county government.

Imagine you were hired as a manager in the widget industry. You knew nothing about widgets, but had lots of managerial experience under your belt. The first

day on the job, you were appointed to an oversight committee and told within 60 days, the committee would need to make a single decision that would impact not only the company and its employees, but also the entire widget industry. Can you feel the pressure? Without the foresight and industry experience, you would not be equipped to understand the far reaching implications of your decisions…because 60 days is not enough time to understand the entire widget industry.

Now imagine for a moment that you are a new board member. You successfully ran and won your campaign last November and were told that within the first 60 days, you would have to make a decision that would impact a $1.8 billion budget. Can you feel the pressure? You should, because 60 days is not enough time to understand the far-reaching implications of a $1.8 billion county government budget. Newly elected board members are unprepared to address the budgetary process within the first 60 days of their term, even if they spend hours in meetings attempting to get up-to-speed as quickly as possible.

Wouldn’t it be great if the newly elected board members could take office knowing they would have an entire year to learn

A Business Perspective

Give Them Time

the ropes of the county government? They could use their first year in office to understand the far-reaching implications their decision have on each and every Loudoun taxpayer. Think of it as a residency or apprenticeship program. The newly elected board members would still be on the job every day, attending meetings and in the

By John Wood

community, but they wouldn’t be asked to make the big decisions until their second year on the job. After that first year, once

APRIL 2012 both boards got their feet wet, the secondyear members could participate in make the long-term decisions—such as reducing taxes, reducing costs or acting on big picture strategies, like improving outcomes.

Rather than throw the newly elected board members into a food fight from the very first months of their term, let them educate themselves not only on the process but the implications of the very long and drawn out budget process. Obviously this sort of change can’t happen without diligent planning and oversight, and perhaps there are other alternatives that allow for our newly elected members to enter the process more properly equipped.

Don’t get me wrong; I completely support accountability and cost-effective decision making. But I believe that the two boards should come together and jointly agree upon a set of goals to achieve over the course of four years: To reduce taxes

by X percent, while improving outcomes by Y percent. The two boards should then be measured by those goals over the course of four years. The notion of having newly elected county officials come right out of the chute and make such large scale budgetary decisions—when they don’t know each other or what is really important in the county— in my opinion, is both shortsighted and reckless.

DED

Continued From Page 5

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management information technology and maybe even retail. “There we’re talking about the bigger players in retail and the unique opportunities to fill in the vacant space,” he said.

Members of the board’s Economic Development Committee had suggested the county department look at the area of retail to see how it could work to help fill empty storefronts and the mixed-use communities currently under development or planning.

When asked during the committee’s March meeting if the county planned on getting a booth at the International Council of Shopping Centers national convention in Las Vegas, where some of the county’s largest mixed-use developers plan to go, Flynn said there are no plans for that, but noted the department is reaching out to the developers to see how the county can support their efforts to land tenants.

The remaining money for the FY12 enhancements will be used for the Kaufman Small Business Source Link Tool, which can help Loudoun businesses with how to expand, updates to the Small Business Development Center’s website and $80,000 for a lead generation contract. Flynn said the FY12 money will be used for a contract through the fall, and then the FY13 approved money will be used for a new contract, if the first one proves successful.

Loudoun Business | PAGE 7

APRIL 2012

By Kaa Clark, Staff Writer

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• First •

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Re s p o n d e r s

Purcellville resident and cognitive neuroscientist Don DuRousseau has long been studying the brain patterns of his subjects, mostly via government contracts.

In studying clients at his Sterling-based Peak Neurotraining Solutions, DuRosseau has seen firsthand how music can have both a positive and negative effect on one’s performance.

He undertook a study in partnership with the Department of Homeland Security to see how music affects first responders by creating music for brain paths.

“If you imagine 1,000 [people] that sleep well and look at their [brain] patterns and compare that to those who have insomnia there are clear differences,” he explains.

First responders obviously need to be at peak performance at all hours of the day and night, and few prefer to rely on medication to correct their issues with insomnia.

So DuRosseau focused on “brain music.”

He took into account several factors, including sleep quality, job/life situation and whether there were issues with insomnia, in his case study. He observed brain patterns before and after the brain music was developed and also had a control group. The findings of the group that was given brain music were clear—87 percent showed signs of improved insomnia and 70 percent showed a better mood. The study was put online at the Department of Homeland Security website.

Following the study’s completion, DuRosseau was contacted by Joseph Cardillo about writing a book about brain music. Dr. Galina Mindlin soon joined the two in the effort and the three are listed as co-authors of Your Playlist Can Change Your Life.

DuRosseau wants the public to know that finding the ideal brain music should not be reserved solely for first responders.

Rather, determining individual brain music can help anyone function on a higher level.

In an age when many reach for the closest bottle of beer or wine at the end of a long workday, DuRosseau instead recommends plugging in the iPod in the car or turning on a CD to relax. Recognizing how music makes you feel is critical, he said.

Pick a certain music that helps calm you when you feel anxious, or music that picks you up when you feel drowsy.

“This is how we use neuroscience to understand the ancient ability of humans to appreciate music,” he said. “The way the brain is wired is based on the same principles of how music is arranged. The patterns of how the brain operates can be affected by the patterns in music.”

The book provides suggested playlists and readers are encouraged to write up their own. Sample playlists are provided on the book’s website, www.yourplaylist.co.

Tips are also offered throughout the book including, “If you are trying to reverse a stressful memory and want to ramp up the effect of your calming tune, after you play it several times, follow it up with a piece of energizing music.”

“The theme really is find what works for you,” DuRosseau explains. “Any music that you listen to, start to listen to it differently,” to recognize how it makes you feel.

And just because a song is slow and melodious doesn’t mean it’s calming, he warns. For some, upbeat music may have the calming effect that a slower song lacks.

It varies from person to person.

Your Playlist Can Change Your Life is available online at Barnes & Noble, Amazon, for download on Kindle or via www.yourplaylist.co.

GOLF TO GIVE BACK to those risking their lives for us, everyday g o l f Cl a s s i c

Purcellville Neuroscientist Pens “Playlist” Book

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PAGE 8 | Loudoun Business

In Brief Dr. Christopher Chiantella has been named Chief Medical Officer of Inova Loudoun Hospital. Chiantella has been an active primary care physician serving the local community for the past 20 years. He has previously served as president and vice president of the hospital’s medical staff, chairman of the Ethics Committee, member of the Quality and Patient Safety committees and member of The Inova Loudoun Board of Directors.

He has also served as medical Dr. Christopher Chiantella director at both the Loudoun Free Clinic and the Herndon Free Clinic. Chiantella completed his medical degree at the Universita’ degli Studi di Bologna in Bologna, Italy.

He received his master’s degree in clinical ethics at the University of Virginia and is a fellow with the American Academy of Family Physicians. Chiantella began his role as Chief Medical Officer March 1.

Sterling-based JK Moving Services has been recognized as the nation’s top independent moving company for 2011. The Independent Mover of the Year honor is awarded annually by the American Moving & Storage Association. The awards ceremony was held in mid-February in Las Vegas, NV, during the association’s 2012 Education Conference & Expo. According to a press release, the Independent Mover of the Year award is presented by AMSA to recognize the industry’s commitment to outstanding performance among independent movers not affiliated with a van line. Such performance may be demonstrated through innovative business methods and practices, community involvement, customer service practices, employee relations and operations that address a current and compelling social or economic issue. The award recipient is selected by a panel of industry experts. AMSA President and CEO Linda Bauer Darr congratulated JK Moving in a statement: “The company has set very high standards, is an AMSA-certified ProMover and is committed to community involvement. I’m delighted to see a member as deserving as [company founder, president and CEO] Chuck Kuhn get such recognition.”

Kuhn called the award “a great honor.” “For

over 30 years, I have prided myself on creating a company built on delivering the highest professional service to our customers.

It is wonderful to be recognized by our peers in the moving and storage industry in this way,” he said. In other company news, JK announced the hire of Mike Beane as director of business Mike Beane development for national accounts in the residential division. In his new position, Beane will be responsible for development of both corporate accounts as well as government agencies, selling both domestic and international relocation services. He previously served as vice president of corporate sales at Citi and, prior to that, business development manager at International AutoSource.

The Institute for Excellence in Sales & Business Development has named two Loudoun businesses as finalists in its 2012 IES&BD Awards for corporate and organizational sales and business development operational excellence. Middleburg-based custom homebuilders BOWA Builders was one of four finalists in the Excellence in Team Building, Management and Development category, while Sterling-based JK Moving Services was also one of four finalists, in Excellence in Customer Partnering. Cofounder of the IES&BD and president of DIAMOND Marketing Fred Diamond said in a statement that the 16 sales excellence finalists have demonstrated operational excellence throughout the sales and business development lifecycle. His organization strives to recognize companies that demonstrate best practices across the sales continuum, he said. An independent panel of experts selected the finalists and the winners will be announced at a breakfast ceremony Thursday, May 17, at the USA Today/Gannett headquarters. For more information about the IES&BD, visit www. i4esbd.

Buddy Rizer, the assistant director of the county’s Department of Economic Development, has earned a national certification in economic development. The Certified Economic Developer designation, conferred by the International Economic Development Council, recognizes the practitioner’s mastery of and professional excellence in the field of economic development.

To earn the CEcD designation, candidates must have at least four years of full-time, paid experience in the economic development field, and complete a minimum of six courses in the profession’s core competencies before being eligible to sit for the rigorous and comprehensive two-day CEcD exam. The test, which was held in Alexandria in March, covered practitioners’ knowledge of and proficiency in business retention and expansion, marketing, finance, workforce development, community development, real estate, strategic planning and management. “This is an important and well-earned milestone in Buddy’s economic development career, and it helps enhance Loudoun DED as a leading-edge economic development organization,” DED Director Thomas Flynn, also a member of the IEDC board and a recipient of his own CEcD in 2002, stated. “This designation is recognized worldwide, and has only been conferred on a fraction of economic developers, so it means a great deal that Buddy has been able to achieve this goal. Rizer thanked Flynn, his fellow DED colleagues Buddy Rizer and County Administrator Tim Hemstreet for their support during his certification process. “I will continue to work hard at attracting and retaining businesses in Loudoun County, which will improve the quality of life of our community by reducing the tax burden on local residents,” he stated.

Twenty-seven local Realtors have been inducted into the Dulles Area Association of Realtors 2011 Honor Society. DAAR held its annual reception honoring the Realtors who achieved the highest levels of professionalism in the past year March 22. Bradley Boland of Keller Williams in Reston was given the highest honor of the evening, being named Realtor of the Year. He was also recognized for his achievements in industry involvement. Beckwith Bolle of Carter Braxton Preferred Properties in Leesburg was recognized for her community service. And Gene Mock of Keller Williams in Leesburg was honored for his professional development. Honor Society inductees were: Tony Arko, Complete Home LLC, Ashburn; Boland; Bolle; Rick Cockrill, Keller Williams, Leesburg; Karen Cooper, Century 21 Redwood Realty, Ashburn; Tom Donegan, Re/Max Premier, Fairfax; Kelly Gaitten, Prudential PenFed, Hamilton; Tania Gonda, Weichert Realtors, Ashburn; Talley Hess, Re/Max Premier, Ashburn; Lyn Hohenstein, Prudential PenFed, Hamilton; Mike (Allah) Jamil, Prudential PenFed, Hamilton; Tom

APRIL 2012 Jewell, Carter Braxton Preferred Properties, Leesburg; Carol Kearney, Momentum Realty, Potomac Falls; Alan Kroll, Re/Max Allegiance, Ashburn; Julie Krone, Prudential PenFed, Hamilton; Melissa MacKimm, Re/Max Select Properties, Ashburn; Andrea McSorley, Long and Foster, Ashburn; Mock; Beverly O’Toole, Long and Foster, Sterling; Gwen Pangle, Pangle and Associates, Leesburg; Pat Patino, Long and Foster, Ashburn; Sue Puleo, Prudential PenFed, Hamilton; Rachel Remuzzi, McEnearney Associates Inc., Leesburg; Nicole Richards, Keller Williams, Ashburn; Jim Sonnhalter, Keller Williams, Ashburn; Holly Weatherwax, Momentum Realty, Potomac Falls; and Jean Woods, Re/ Max Select Properties, Ashburn.

Dulles-based NIITEK is entering into a collaborative agreement with MBDA Italia. As part of the agreement, NIITEK, which is a subsidiary of the Chemring Group PLC, will provide multiple Ground Penetrating Radar kits, integration and training services in support of the Italian Army Route Clearance package Counter-IED program. The GPR kits will be integrated onto MBDA’s Vehicle Pushed Detection Trailers. Deliveries under the agreement will be made during a 12month period. “We are delighted that MBDA has chosen NIITEK’s battle proven GPR to produce a multifaceted detection capability for the Italian MOD,” NIITEK President Juan Navarro stated. “This integration will provide an enhanced suite of sensors to soldiers in support of the route clearance mission. We look forward to contributing our GPR fielding expertise in support of MBDA’s success in this endeavor.”

Jenni Bickerstaff and John Ribble have been named principals and owners in AH&T Insurance. The company, which has a Leesburg office, is an insurance brokerage, risk management consulting, employee benefits, surety bond and retirement planning services organization. Bickerstaff, an employee benefit specialist, joined AH&T in 2007 following 12 years in the health care industry. She has earned her global medical benefits certification and advises employers on their international needs. She has led and participated on panels regarding national health care reform and has also spoken to human resources professionals, CFOs and CEOs on how companies can better manage their medical care premiums and control costs with both a short- and long-term strategy. Bickerstaff is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters and serves on the advisory board of national health carriers. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech. Ribble has been an AH&T employee since 2004. Prior to joining the company, he had more than 15 years of experience in the employee benefit field for two large nationwide insurance companies. He is an employee benefit specialist with expertise designing, implementing and managing medical, dental, group life

Loudoun Business | PAGE 9

APRIL 2012 and disability programs for corporations, government entities, associations and international organizations up to 33,000 employees. Ribble is a member of the National Association of Health Underwriters.

Jason Nichols has been named Chief Technology Officer of Sterling-based Avitecture, Inc. A 13-year employee of Avitecture, Nichols most recently served as director of service and support. The CTO position is a new one for the employeeowned company, which is an integrator of audiovisual systems, videoconferencing and window treatments.

David Broome has joined Dulles-based Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Government Relations Department as vice president of defense and intelligence programs. Broome will be responsible for organizations within the federal government involved in national security space programs. He will report to Kate Kronmiller, Orbital’s senior vice president of government relations. Most recently, Broome served as corporate director of legislative affairs for Northrup Grumman Corporation, supporting all five business sectors with policy development, strategy reviews and business development. From 2006 to 2008, he served in the White House as special assistant to the president for legislative affairs for the Senate. Before joining the White House staff, he was deputy assistant secretary of defense for Senate affairs.

He has also held positions with the Federal Aviation Administration and as a senior staff member for Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. Broome currently serves in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, assigned to Marine Forces Pacific. He is a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He holds a bachelor’s degree from American University.

p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon. Free weight loss workshops are held Saturdays at 9 a.m. and Mondays at 6 p.m. New services added on site include massage, nutrition counseling and personal fitness training provided by holistic life coach Dr. Angela Melton. Fitness pro Lisa Lutz is also on staff at the Chantilly center.

Inova Loudoun Hospital has received the International Board Certified Lactation Consultants Care Award. In recognition of the hospital’s excellence in lactation care, the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners and the International Lactation Consultant Association have bestowed the award on Inova Loudoun. The hospital staffs IBCLCs and provides a lactation program that is available five to seven days a week for breastfeeding families. In addition, the hospital demonstrated it has provided recent breastfeeding training for medical staff that care for new families, and has recently completed activities that help protect, promote and support breastfeeding.

Sterling-based Unanet Technologies has announced new appointees to its board of directors. Jack Hughes, Jack Kerrigan and Morris Panner join the board, which includes existing members Patrick Mayworm and Unanet Founder and CEO Fran Craig. Hughes was the executive vice president and CFO of Alion Science and Technology Corp., where he was instrumental in the founding of the company and its rapid growth from $200 million to $750 million in five years. He also previously served as senior vice president and CFO at BTG, Inc. Kerrigan serves as general counsel of Blackbird Technologies, Inc., where he oversees compliance matters as well as the structuring and execution of Blackbird’s strategic transactions. Prior to joining Blackbird, Kerrigan was an attorney in the Business Group at Cooley LLP. Panner is the CEO of DICOM Grid, a company that was named a FASTech Venture 50 company by the Wall Street Journal’s Venture Wire in 2011.

7Company Weight Loss & Wellness Center has opened a new South Riding-area location. The new location, at 4080 Lafayette Center Dr., Suite 100, is across the street from the company’s current Chantilly location. 7Company operates an additional facility in Lansdowne. The new center is open Mondays and Wednesday from 8 a.m. to 7

BUSINESSES

Longtime Loudoun County resident Louis

Cironi has started a new real estate brokerage, Evergreen Ridge Realty. Principal broker Cironi is a graduate of both Leadership Loudoun and Leadership Fairfax and holds a master’s degree in business. Cironi brings more than 30 years of business experience to Evergreen Ridge Realty. The company’s offices are located at 39520 Charles Town Pike in Hamilton. For more information, visit www.evergreenridgerealty.com or call 571-228-4460.

Fidelity Bank has opened a new Sterling branch and expanded its mortgage division into the area. The branch opened in January and is located at 21525 Ridgetop Circle, Suite 250. Mike Onufrychuk has been hired as senior vice president of production in the mid-Atlantic region. He has more than 40 years of experience in the mortgage industry and will expand Fidelity Bank Mortgage Services in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area. John Slye has been hired as an area manager for Northern Virginia and will manage and grow the company in the Loudoun and Fairfax markets.

He has more than 25 years of mortgage experience. “Our new Sterling branch will introduce Fidelity’s unique in-house mortgage operation to Northern Virginia,” John Pruitt, senior vice president of the Mortgage Services Division, stated. “Borrowers in this area will experience the personal touch our community bank delivers.”

Giving Back

Ashburn Children’s Dentistry was the local participant March 17 in Dentistry From The Heart, and by day’s end, around 140 local children had been provided with free dental services.

The national campaign Dentistry From The Heart provides free dental services to children through hundreds of events held in the U.S. and Canada throughout the year. In Loudoun March 17, Ashburn Children’s Dentistry was the local participant and Dr. Lynda Dean-Duru said the practice plans to continue the tradition on an annual basis.

When registration began at 8 a.m., a long line stretched across the Pipeline Plaza parking lot. Ashburn Children’s Dentistry staff and volunteers, including local dentists, hygienists and dental assistants, who donated their time, were ready for the crowd, providing free food, arts and crafts, music, balloon animals and more for entertainment. Dean-Duru estimated that by noon more than $25,000 in free dental care had been provided. The plan was that the first 100 children between the ages of 1 and 18 would be provided with a free extraction, filling or cleaning. But all 140 children that were lined up for the free event were given the dental care they needed, Dean-Duru said.

The Loudoun Chapter of the Virginia Women Attorney’s Association presented Loudoun Interfaith Relief with a check for $3,400 as the net proceeds of the chapter’s Empty Bowls Fundraiser. The Bar Association ran a food drive before the presentation with a large response from the Loudoun legal community.

The Empty Bowls Fundraiser took place during the holiday events in downtown Leesburg Dec. 10. The fundraiser is an annual event where local potters hand-throw bowls and donate them to VWAA-Loudoun. The chapter offers the bowls for sale to the public with soup and bread donated by Tuscarora Mill Restaurant. The Dec. 10 fundraiser was organized by VWAA-Loudoun Treasurer and Immediate Past President Chris Mougin-Boal and included participation from local high school singers.

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PAGE 10 | Loudoun Business

APRIL 2012

Purcellville Pursues Downtown Tourism Zone

By Margaret Morton, Staff Writer

For several years, visions of a hotel in Purcellville’s downtown and an accompanying boost to business opportunities have been touted by the town’s elected and business leaders.

The Purcellville Town Council recently took a step toward that goal, holding a public hearing on a proposal to amend the town’s Zoning Ordinance to create a tourism zone in the C-4 district.

Mayor Bob Lazaro first publicly broached the project during his State of the Town address earlier this year, noting the state code allows the creation of such a district. A key focus of the zone would be to increase economic development opportunities by attracting investors in the hospitality industry, he said.

What the mayor has in mind specifically is the downtown, the “North 21st Street corridor,” he said recently, noting that is an under-utilized area. The town would identify properties within the C-4 zoning district that would be suitable for hotel use and could leverage financial incentives, such as tax breaks, to help attract investors.

“We want a hotel downtown,” Lazaro said. He noted a conference center has already been suggested for the area near the Rt. 7 Bypass/Rt. 287 interchange. The

town could support a downtown hotel, he maintained. Not only would it boost economic opportunities in the historic downtown core, but there also would be opportunities as Patrick Henry College expands.

With its current 600-student enrollment, parents and visitors to college events have nowhere to stay in town and are forced to either travel to Leesburg or farther west toward Winchester, he said.

The rub is finding hotel operators who feel the town provides a customer base, particularly during weekday nights. So far, builder John Chapman and attorney Mark Nelis, who plan a major revitalization of the downtown area, including a hotel, have not been able to satisfy hotel investors on that score.

“We’re not there yet, but what I hope is that through these incentives we can make it worth their while to get in and phase it as business builds. Maybe that could work,” the mayor said, noting there isn’t much more space available in the downtown, and the time to get in is now.

Chapman noted that, with considerable redevelopment and new construction forging ahead in the eastern sector of town, the core downtown area faces stiff competition. Redevelopment in the downtown doesn’t have the advantage of taking an empty lot, cutting down the trees and put-

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ting up new buildings, which is the cheapest way to do it, Chapman said.

Fortunately, he said, the town is working to help spur downtown revitalization.

“The new businesses on the street and surrounding area are doing well—really creating something—but we need a hotel to anchor it, to bring the weekend traveler from DC, Baltimore and go out and visit what’s available in Loudoun County. That’s key: we have to create the critical mass,” Chapman insisted.

He and Nelis envision a 20- to 30-room hotel at the eastern corner of O and 21st Street. Ultimately, if the town is able to acquire the necessary easements on O Street, currently a dead-end, it could connect with Hatcher Avenue, which would ease traffic and provide another west-east link.

The town’s action will help the partners “see if we can make this thing work,” Chapman said, hoping the financial incentives would “ignite the fire and interest and maybe open a few doors.”

Town Community Development Director Patrick Sullivan is working on the

details of the proposed district and how to establish the financial incentive framework as well as the amounts that could be offered.

“That’s the next step—to determine the amount of incentives, based on the amount of the capital investment and the number of jobs. That would be the basis for what we’d eventually decide, and do it over five or more years.”

Whatever structure the town comes up with has to be consistent and equitable, Sullivan said. “It has to be the same for everyone. Each business must have the same shot,” he said.

But not everyone is sold on the idea.

During the council’s regular meeting April 10, Louise Lynn, who said she is a member of the Loudoun County Bed &Breakfast Guild, said any hotel should be on the Rt. 7 Bypass, not downtown. Noting there are a number of local B&Bs in the area, Lynn said the town should be referring visitors to them rather than contemplating a downtown hotel. And the town will have to overcome lingering skepticism that the demand would be enough to function economically.

PBPA Honors Top Businesses

By Margaret Morton, Staff Writer The Purcellville Business & Professional Association held its 27th Annual Officers and Directors Installation and Awards Banquet March 13 at Patrick Henry College.

The annual awards ceremony, which debuted last year as a way of recognizing the achievements of area businesses, has successfully built on that foundation, doubling the number of applications received, according to Board Director Joan Lehr, a key promoter of the awards program. The awards are given in three categories and businesses in western Loudoun, not just Purcellville, are eligible to be nominated.

The nominees represented a strong field of candidates and competition was stiff.

The Retailer of the Year Award went to Re-Love It Consignment store and owners Michael Oaks and Kim Patterson, who beat off strong competition from Shamrock Music Shoppe and It’s Bazaar, all three part of the revitalized Purcellville downtown business district on North 21st Street.

Mountain View Medical and Dr. Annette Hudler won the Service Award. Other nominees were Bridges Towing, Mobile Repair, Belle Maison Interior Decorating Co. and Purcellville Computer.

Loudoun Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore on East Main Street was the winner of the Non-Profit Award. Other nominees included: Blue Ridge Environmental

and Stewardship Center; the Purcellville Baptist Church; Blue Ridge Bible Church; Purcellville Police Department, Chief Smith; Save the Tails Rescue Group; Purcellville Volunteer Fire Department; and Purcellville Volunteer Rescue Squad.

The speaker during lunch was Clerk of the Circuit Court Gary Clemens, who addressed the membership, explaining what his office has done to boost customer service at the court and to make its records more accessible to patrons.

Clemens’ final duty of the day was to administer the oath of office to the PBPA’s new officers. Outgoing President Linda Perry handed over the gavel to John Marshall Bank Senior Vice President Jim Bowman, who held the office a decade ago. Daniel Abrahamson, vice president; Tony Hudimac, treasurer; and Eric Zicht, secretary, were also sworn in. Only Zicht was an officer last year.

Other PBPA directors are: Mark Nelis, Tanya Matthews, Joan Lehr, Judy Stearns, Linda Perry, Jeff Browning, John Chapman, Dick Mann and Mark MacGregor.

Bowman said he was impressed by the number of award nominations. “It was hard to pare them down, but the recipients were all deserving of the honor they received,” he said after the meeting. Bowman was also pleased with the big crowd present.

Usually, the association considers 40 a big crowd, but the event drew more than 70, including some visitors. “That’s a good turnout,” he said.

Loudoun Business | PAGE 11

APRIL 2012

■ Business Calendar April 17 Small Business Real Estate Demystified

Loudoun Chamber of Commerce 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mason Enterprise Center, 202 Church Street, Leesburg In partnership with the Mason Enterprise Center and the Loudoun Department of Economic Development, the Chamber seminar will feature several local real estate industry experts—representing tenants and landlords, space designers and small business advocates—who will share their valuable experience and expertise to help small businesses make smart real estate decisions. Pre-registration fee is $10 for Chamber members and $15 for non-members. Walk-in registration is $15.

Lunch is provided. To register, visit www. loudounchamber.org.

Developing A Business Plan

Loudoun Small Business Development Center 6 to 8:30 p.m., George Washington University Virginia Campus, 20101 Academic Way, Exploration Hall, Room 101, Ashburn SBDC Executive Director Robin Suomi and Assistant Director Ruth Cope lead attendees through the basics of creating a stellar business plan. Their expertise will explain how to research and write up a stand-out plan that includes: an effective format; persuasive answers to crucial questions for each section; pertinent financial data; and supporting documentation. Preregistration fee is $25 or $30 at the door. To register, visit www.loudounsbdc.org.

April 19 Technology Thrills

Loudoun Small Business Development Center 3 to 5 p.m., Mason Enterprise Center, 202 Church Street SE, First Floor Training Room, Leesburg Rabiya Jilani, SBDC social media business counselor, explains how the recent changes to Facebook affects page layouts.

During the seminar, she will provide a detailed analysis of the changes; tips and tricks for exploiting the timeline layout and new features; and how to engage with your Facebook “fans.” Attendees are urged to bring their own laptop to the session, as in the second hour Jilani will lead attendees through updating their profile and cover photo, and teach how to learn other metrics. The seminar is free. For more information, visit www.loudounsbdc.org.

After Hours Mixer

Loudoun Chamber of Commerce 5:30 to 7 p.m., Bank of Clarke County, 21 Main Street, Round Hill

Join Chamber members, board members and new members as they power network around fine catering and tasty beverages.

Pre-registration fee is $15 for Chamber members and guests or $20 at the door. To register, visit www.loudounchamber.org.

April 20 Valor Awards

Loudoun Chamber of Commerce 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., The National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Lansdowne More than 100 awards and citations will be given out during the Chamber’s 27th Annual Valor Awards, where local public safety officials and citizens are honored for their heroic acts over the past year. For pricing and registration information, visit www.loudounchamber.org.

April 23 Sterling Rotary Club Meeting

12:30 p.m., Logan’s Roadhouse, 46321 McClellan Way, Sterling All are welcome to join the luncheon meeting and learn more about what Rotarians do for the community. Club meetings recur each Monday. For more information, contact Stephen Grant at 703401-4509.

April 24 Women In Business After Hours Exchange

Loudoun Chamber of Commerce 5:30 to 7 p.m., Loudoun Insurance Group, 5 Wirt Street #300, Leesburg Join the Women in Business Alliance for “Cocktails in the Courtyard” where networking, door prizes, delicious catering and tasty beverages are just some of the attractions. Pre-registration fee is $15 for Chamber members and guests or $20 at the door. To register, visit www.loudounchamber.org.

Start Your Business

Loudoun Small Business Development Center 6 to 8:30 p.m., George Washington University Virginia Campus, 20101 Academic Way, Exploration Hall, Room 101, Ashburn SBDC Executive Director Robin Suomi and Terry Corle, of Farm Bureau Insurance, provide attendees with the basics of starting a business. Highlights of the seminar include: taxes and licensing; business plan development; sources of financing; marketing; insurance; and entrepreneurial traits.

Pre-registration fee is $10 or $15 at the door.

To register, visit www.loudounsbdc.org.

April 25

my, are discussed.

HR For Your Small Business

Loudoun Small Business Development Center 6 to 8:30 p.m., George Washington University Virginia Campus, 20101 Academic Way, Exploration Hall, Room 101, Ashburn Kathy Albarado, president and CEO of Helios HR, will teach attendees how to develop best practices and a culture within a small business that attracts, retains and engages an exceptional workforce. Topics to be addressed include: recruitment and retention; thresholds of growth and how they impact your business; employees vs. contractors and the implications of each; and compliance issues. Pre-registration fee is $25 or $30 at the door. To register, visit www.loudounsbdc.org.

May 10 Business Showcase Breakfast

Loudoun Chamber of Commerce 7:30 to 9 a.m., Belmont Country Club, 43750 Tournament Parkway, Ashburn Join almost 150 Chamber members, new and old, at this monthly, signature roundtable networking breakfast. Early registrants will have their name and company information displayed on the membersonly attendee list. Fee for the breakfast is $25 for Chamber members and $35 for non-members. Prices increase by $10 at the door. To register, visit www.loudounchamber.org.

May 15 Business Appreciation Awards

April 27 Post-Legislative Session Breakfast

Loudoun Chamber of Commerce 8 to 10 a.m., Belmont Country Club, 43750 Tournament Parkway, Ashburn Join Loudoun’s delegation to the Virginia General Assembly as they discuss the past legislative session. Cost to attend is $35 for Chamber members and $50 for non-members. Prices increase by $10 at the door. To register, visit www.loudounchamber.org.

Town of Leesburg 6 to 8 p.m., Holiday Inn Carradoc Hall, 1500 East Market Street, Leesburg The best of Leesburg’s businesses and corporate citizens will be honored during the town’s 11th Annual Business Appreciation Reception. Ten awards, including the new Veterans Affairs Award, will be up for grabs. There is no cost to attend the award reception, but RSVPs should be directed to Tara Belote at tbelote@leesburgva.gov or 703-771-2708.

May 2 Leesburg Economic Commission

Development

Professional Business Connections

7 p.m., Mason Enterprise Center, 202 Church St. SE, Leesburg Join the Leesburg Economic Development Commission for discussion on business outreach and retention efforts, and other economic development efforts affecting the town.

May 3 Executive Engagement Series

8 to 10 a.m., George Washington University Virginia Campus, 20101 Academic Way, First Floor Auditorium, Ashburn Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA-10) serves as guest speaker for this installment of the Young Professionals popular Executive Engagement Series. Pre-registration fee is $15 for Chamber members and guests or $20 at the door. To register, visit www.loudounchamber.org.

May 4 Loudoun Economic Commission

Development

8 to 10 a.m., Loudoun County Public Schools Administration Building, 21000 Education Court, Ashburn

Join the county Economic Development Commission for its monthly meeting, where updates on projects and initiatives, as well as trends in the local and regional econo-

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Jim&Jennifer Kerr 703.622.5700 Cell/Text 703.636.4100 www.LabradorRealty.com LabradorRealty@gmail.com

L BRADOR

SM

R e a l t y g r o u p, l l c

JOE FLEMING PAINTING CONTRACTORS

Residential & Commercial

✦ Specializing in Custom Residential Interior & Exterior Painting

703-771-1494 LICENSED

FREE ESTIMATES

INSURED

Call 703.771.8831 to advertise.

PAGE 12 | Loudoun Business

Start cale at we

APRIL 2012

WE ARE IN YOUR

NEIGHBORHOOD!

LET EPLING BE YOUR “SINGLE SOURCE” FOR ALL YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING & LANDSCAPING NEEDS! Landscapes Landscape Design

Water Features Landscapes

Hardscapes

Hardscapes Epling Landscaping & Lawn Service, Inc. specializes in

Call today to make a wide range of hardscape projects, and we are a ceryour space tified outdoor interlocking paver’s installer. Let us design the perfect patio, driveway or retaining wall for you! become a reality.

Family Owned And Operated Since 1988 I Call 540-554-8228 I www.eplinglandscaping.com