Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce

October 2002

Inside

Golf Tournament
Halloween Parade
Calendar Updates
Message from the President
Member Spotlight
News from the Committees
Business News
Membership News and Newsmakers

Tysons Business Forum:
“Making History, Power and Money”

On Friday, October 4 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the Tysons Marriott, Leesburg Pike, Tysons Corner, the chamber will convene some interesting, influential and knowledgeable Tysons Corner decision makers to discuss the past, present, and future of Tysons Corner. As we launch our new series, we hope to excite business pride and discuss the compelling and unique dynamics of the Tysons Corner market and its development. The forum will be moderated by Gerald R. Gordon, PhD., President & CEO, Fairfax County EDA and panelists will include: Mr. "Til” Hazel, Real Estate Attorney; Mr. Gerry Connolly, Supervisor Providence District, Fairfax County, Virginia; Mr. Tom Davis, Congressman, 11th District, Virginia; Mr. Mayo Stuntz, Local Historian & Co-Author, This Was Tysons. Mr. Stuntz will have a limited number of copies of his book available for sale and autographing. The cost of the program is $20 for Members w/RSVP, $25 non-members “day of”. Please RSVP to Elaine Saxton, Elaine@vtrcc.org, phone: (703) 281-1333 by Tuesday, Oct. 1, 5 p.m. This is the “launch” event for the Vienna-Tysons Chamber of Commerce’s new quarterly Series “Tysons Business Forum”. Please look out for future TBF events. Titles discussed include: “A Virtual Commercial Real Estate Tour of Tysons”, “Tysons Transportation” and “Tysons Executive Roundtable”!

Golf Tournament

Please come and join our Annual Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament. The event will take place on October 21, 2002 at Westwood Country Club in Vienna. We are having a 50/50 Raffle, door prizes, banquet, and lots of other goodies. There are prizes for the 1st through 5th teams. The format is a "Scramble or Captain's Choice". A portion of the proceeds is being donated to "CASA”, (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children). This is an organization that provides help for mentally, sexually and physically abused children in Fairfax County. If you have an interest in playing or bring a foursome to play, please contact the Chamber at 703-281-1333. If you are interested in purchasing 50/50 tickets, they are $5 a piece or 6 for $25. Call the chamber for any further details or email Debbie Earman at Deb@longandfoster.com.

56th Vienna Halloween Parade Scheduled for October 23 CANCELLED -- click here for details
Year 2002 Theme: Land of the Free -- A Tribute to America

Mark your calendars for the 2002 Vienna Halloween Parade, Thursday evening, October 23 at 7:00 p.m. on Maple Avenue, following the mixer at SunTrust Bank.
The Town of Vienna/Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce Parade Committee has chosen the theme: Land of the Free -- A Tribute to America.
The grand marshals are Eric Cox and Gina Richard, owners of Cox Farms, which is celebrating 30 years in business. For further information, please contact Chris Orlando, Halloween Committee Chair at 703-281-0165.

October Business Spotlight

Barbara McHale, Weichert Realtors: Serving northern Virginia in relocation, buyer agency, and seller representation. 24 years experience, life member multi-million dollar and top producer clubs. Contact: Barbara McHale at (703) 938-6070 or barbmchale@aol.com

How do you get to be Member of the Month? Attend the VTRCC mixer and drop your business card in the basket.

Calendar Update

Weekly

LUNCH AND LEAD TIP Group Meeting
Every Tuesday, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Cost: Varies
Restaurant Seven (8521 Leesburg Pike)
Come join our newest TIP Group. Network, share leads, and mingle.
RSVP to Harvey Silverman at (703) 319-8806.

MORNING TIP Group Meeting
Every Thursday, 7:30 - 9:00 a.m., Cost: Varies
Location: Amphora Restaurant (377 Maple Avenue, West)
Come join our TIP Group. Network, share leads, and mingle.
RSVP to Jodi Scholes at (703) 255-1500.

Luncheons
Reservations required - call 281-1333
Cost varies for members with reservations, $5 more for non-members, payable at door, no billing.

Breakfasts
Reservations required 48 hours prior - call 281-1333. Price varies.
Payable at door; no billing
Reservations not canceled 48 hours prior to the event and no shows will be billed at the non-member rate.

Mixers
$5. Reservations requested,
703-281-1333

October

Oct 3 Board Meeting

Oct 4 Tysons Business Forum at Tysons Marriott

Oct 8 Joint Seminar with Central Fairfax and Annandale Chambers on "Taxes and the Home-Based Business"

Oct 10 Breakfast Mixer at Vienna Inn

Oct. 18 Community Blood Drive at the Vienna Community Center (12-6pm) Call 703-698-3885 for appointments.

Oct 21 VTRCC Golf Tournament at Westwood Country Club

Oct 23 56th Annual Halloween Parade

Oct 29 Ribbon Cutting at Foster's Grill

November

Nov 7 Board of Directors

Nov 14 Luncheon at Jammin' Java

Nov 20 Evening Mixer at Evolution Health and Fitness

Nov 28-29 Office Closed for Thanksgiving

December

Dec 5 Board of Directors

Dec 12 Holiday Luncheon

Dec 25 Office Closes at 12:00 noon -- re-opens January 2

Tysons Business Forum:
“Making History, Power and Money”

Message from the President

Dear VTRCC Members,

There are several sponsorship opportunities available for upcoming events such as the golf tournament and Halloween parade. In addition we will be offering members the opportunity to sponsor the new and improved webpage. We are currently working out the details for webpage sponsorship. Golf tournament sponsorships start at $150 for a hole sign and go up to $2500 for Title Sponsorships. Halloween parade sponsorships start at $50 and goes up to $300. Your business name will be displayed during the events and also published in the next print issue of the Enterprise. If you would like to learn more about becoming a sponsor, call the chamber office at (703) 281-1333. Don't delay. Spaces are going fast.

The VTRCC is pleased to introduce a Scavenger Hunt that will take place between November 1st and November 27th, 2002. The scavenger hunt will involve the entire Vienna/Tysons/Oakton community! For a small fee of $50, your logo, business name, address, and phones number will be printed on a passport! This will be a great way to get consumers into your business establishment, and will enable you to get your company logo and company information to thousands of potential buyers! To receive a registration form or to find out more about the Scavenger Hunt, please call the chamber office.

Remember to RSVP no later than 3:00 p.m. tomorrow for the The Tysons Business Forum, which takes place Friday October 4, 2002 from 7:30- 9:30 a.m. at the Tysons Corner Marriott (8028 Leesburg Pike). Come learn about the past, present, and future of Tysons Corner. The moderator is Dr. Gerald R. Gordon, President & CEO, Fairfax County Economic Development Authority. The panelists include Mr. "Til" Hazel - Supervisor Gerry Connolly - Congressman Tom Davis - Historian Mayo Stuntz, Co-Author of the book, This Was Tysons. The cost is $20.00 for Members with advanced registration and $25.00 for non-members & walk-ins. Seating is limited and reservations are required: 703-281-1333. A limited number of Mayo's books will be available for purchase. See attached flyer for more information.

THIS JUST IN - JOINT SEMINAR with Central Fairfax and Annandale Chambers of Commerce on "What the Home-Based Business Owner Needs to Know about Taxes" Herbert (Ley) Mills, a senior tax specialist from the IRS will meet with our Home-Based business owners to "clue them in" on what they can and can't do when filling out tax returns. According to Lee, "there are a number of things that are okay for the one person business operating from home to do. It is my job to help them know about this to help them save money." We will meet on October 8th at Carlos O'Kelly's Mexican Restaurant at 9959 Main Street in Fairfax for networking at 11:15 a.m. and for lunch at noon. The cost is $15 and attendees will choose from three menu selections. Lee will have materials for each one to use as references after the presentation. We have invited the home-based business owners from Central Fairfax and Annandale to join us for this event. Make your reservations early. Seating is limited to the first 50 to call (703) 591-2450.

Remember, every Tuesday there is a LUNCH AND LEAD TIP Group Meeting from 12:00 - 1:30 p.m. at Restaurant Seven (8521 Leesburg Pike). Cost: Varies. Come join our newest TIP Group. Network, share leads, and mingle. RSVP to Harvey Silverman at (703) 319-8806.

Every Thursday there is a MORNING TIP Group Meeting from 7:30 - 9:00 a.m. at Amphora Restaurant (377 Maple Avenue, West). Cost: Varies. Come join our TIP Group. Network, share leads, and mingle. RSVP to Jodi Scholes at (703) 255-1500.

Hope to see you at our upcoming events and activities. Thanks for your continued support.

Francis G. Powers, Jr.
President
Vienna-Tysons Regional Chamber of Commerce

News from the Committees

The Business Development Committee is running a Scavenger Hunt throughout the Vienna /Tysons/Oakton area. This is a great way to get consumers into your business. They do not need to purchase anything to enter but we know as soon as they walk into your establishment, they are going to want to buy!

Details:
Signup for Businesses: August 15 – October 1
Cost to be on passport: $50
Benefits:

Advertising: Official Passports will be in other participating businesses as well as distributed in the November newsletter. It will also be advertised in the Town Newsletter.

Consumers visiting your business. This is great for businesses affected by construction, new businesses, new locations, or increasing business.

When: Scavenger hunt will take place from November 1st through November 27th. There is no cost to enter. Each consumer must visit a certain number of businesses to be eligible for any prizes. Visiting all businesses will make them eligible for grand prize. Consumers are not charged to enter the contest. In event of tie, a drawing will be held.
Prize: Cash prize based on amount of participating businesses. If you would like to donate a prize, we will also advertise that in newsletter and passport.

For more information or to sign up, please call the Chamber office at (703) 281-1333.

Business News

Governor Warner has established a working team and Steering Committee to develop his four-year strategic plan. The plan, called "One Virginia - One Future Economic Development Strategic Plan", will require the input of a broad section of Virginia's economic generating industries, including tourism.

The Plan has seven goals as follows. Goal 1: Maintain and utilize Virginia's strong business climate to create new economic opportunities for all Virginians in an internationally competitive environment. Goal 2: Provide effective workforce training programs to create and maintain a competitive 21st century workforce in Virginia. Goal 3: Strengthen Virginia's traditional economic sectors and existing businesses. Goal 4: Support technology businesses and other emerging and developing sectors of the economy, which are of critical importance to the Commonwealth's global competitiveness. Goal 5: Concentrate economic development efforts on areas of greatest need to help reduce economic disparity and increase the prosperity of all Virginians. Goal 6: Strengthen the market position of all of Virginia's regions as travel destinations for national and international visitors. Goal 7: Encourage the growth of Virginia's economy through support of exports by Virginia companies and other forms of international trade.

A series of public industry session will be held throughout the state, specifically to garner your input and support. I have attached Secretary Schewel's letter inviting members of the industry. I hope you are able to attend a session near you. For more information, please contact: Diane Béchamps, Director of Marketing and Promotions, Virginia Tourism Corporation, (804) 371-8145 dbechamps@virginia.org

U.S. Small Business Administration is offering three loan guaranty programs that require minimal documentation for SBA with a 48-hour turnaround. Community Express applicants must be located in low-to-moderate income urban and rural areas, OR be identified as small businesses owned by minorities, women or veterans, and lenders must arrange for borrowers to receive technical assistance. In addition, the maximum loan amount is $250,000, and the SBA guaranty is 85 percent on loans up to $150,000, and 75 percent for loans over $150,000. As a result of the Express loan guaranty programs, there is a new initiative to provide loans of $5,000 to Small Office/Home Office (SOHO) businesses in the Washington metropolitan area. The Washington Metropolitan Area District Office (WMADO) will provide application training for these loans every Thursday. To make reservations for the training, contact Larita Glenn at (202) 606-4000, ext. 220 or larita.glenn@sba.gov.

U.S. Small Business Administration's ExportExpress loan program will simplify export-financing opportunities for small businesses and attract more lenders to participate in the program.

The recent changes to ExportExpress include the availability of the program through an additional 2,400 small and rural lenders, increased maximum loan amount from $150,000 to $250,000, and interest rate incentives that encourage lenders to make smaller loans more readily available to small businesses.

The program opens up to lenders that previously did not participate with SBA but that have experience in small business lending. ExportExpress offers a streamlined application process. SBA's guaranty for ExportExpress loans of $150,000 or less is 85 percent while the guaranty on loans above that amount, up to $250,000, is 75 percent.

The ExportExpress program is designed to finance a variety of needs of small business exporters, including: participating in a foreign trade show; translating product brochures or catalogues for use in overseas markets; opening general lines of credit for export purposes; service contracts from buyers located outside the United States; financing transaction-specific requirements associated with completing actual export orders; and purchasing real estate and equipment for the production of goods or services to be exported.

For more information about all of the SBA's programs for small businesses, call the SBA Answer Desk at 1-800 U ASK SBA or TDD 704-344-6640, or visit the SBA's extensive Web site at http://www.sba.gov

Arlington Economic Development is sponsoring a one-day workshop on Thursday, October 17, 1100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1500, Arlington, VA 22201, 2:00-4:00 p.m. Do you know all of the benefits and services currently offered by the SBA’s Washington Metropolitan Area District Office? Have you utilized the complimentary business resources offered by the SBA? Such as SCORE, 8(a) and BIC? If those names don’t mean anything to you come learn why they should. Plus, don’t hire a private consultant just yet – join this workshop to discover ways that you can improve your business. RSVP by October 15 to Tara Miles, (703) 228-0853.

Job Announcement CSR's needed for busy Reston, VA call center. FT or PT, pay is $10.00/hour. Must be willing to work a 3 or 6-month contract. Call Jackie Jensen at (703) 448-8000 fax: (703) 448-8060 tysons@venturipartners.com

National Women's Business Council (NWBC) Marilyn Carlson Nelson, chairman and chief executive officer of Carlson Companies, was sworn in by Vice President Dick Cheney at the White House as the new chair of the National Women's Business Council (NWBC). Ms. Nelson, a prominent woman business owner in Minnesota, will serve as the NWBC’s chief adviser to the President, the Administrator, Congress and the Interagency Committee on Women’s Business Enterprise on economic issues, policies and programs that encourage women's business ventures.

Established in 1988, the NWBC serves as an independent source of advice and counsel on matters of importance to women business owners and on the effectiveness of programs and policies designed to support women-owned businesses. Additional information about the NWBC can be found online at www.nwbc.gov

Membership News and Newsmakers

Goodman & Company Presents Seminars For Small Businesses
Goodman & Company, a leading Southeast accounting and professional services firm will present breakfast seminars focusing on the needs of small businesses during September to December, at the Tower Club in Tysons Corner, Virginia. Goodman & Company currently in its 70th year of operations performs traditional accounting, auditing, and tax services in specialized industries such as healthcare, real estate, financial institutions, construction, not-for-profit, manufacturing and other professional services in nine offices throughout the state of Virginia and Maryland.

Seminars schedule and topics include:
October 22nd – Tuesday: 10 Keys to Financial Contract Management
November 14th – Thursday 10 Key Issues – Employees and Benefits
December 11th - Wednesday 10 Key Exit Strategies

The fee per seminar is $35 for non-clients, $25 for clients of Goodman & Company and includes breakfast. To register for any or all of the conferences, please contact Mr. Matthew Brensy via e-mail at GOVCON@Goodmanco.com or phone
(703) 970-0400 or register or fax with your name, title, company name and address with the date of the seminar or seminars that you would like to attend to (703) 970-0401.

Northern Virginia voters will decide in November whether to increase their sales tax a half-cent, to 5 cents per dollar. The tax would raise about $130 million a year to finance a total of $5 billion in bonds over 20 years for spending on transportation projects. An Arlington County web site (http://www.commuterpage.com/cnews/vatax.htm) provides a special section in an effort to furnish the public with the resources to make an informed decision on this important vote. The site provides links to other web sites for and against the Transportation Sales Tax Referendum. They include Citizens for Better Transportation (for) (http://cbt.policy.net), and the Piedmont Environmental Council (against) (http://www.pecva.org/transportation/10reasons.asp). To view proposed Northern Virginia Referendum Projects go to web site and click on the map.

New bus service connects Reston and Tysons
On Sunday, September 29 new route 504 will begin operating between Reston Town Center and the Tysons-West Park Transit Station on weekdays, Saturdays and Sundays. This route will partially replace Route 984 and weekend service on Route 574. Route 984 is being eliminated and weekend service on Route 574 will no longer operate. Route 504 service will provide 30-minute service during weekday rush hours and hourly service during non rush hours and on weekends. It originates at the Reston Town Center transfer station, will make stops along Sunset Hills Road between Reston Parkway and Wiehle Avenue, will stop at the Reston East Park and Ride facility and then travel express along the Dulles Toll and Access Roads to the Tysons West Park Transit Station. The new route 504 schedule is coordinated with all buses serving Reston Town Center.

What the Home-Based Business Owner Needs to Know about Taxes
Herbert (Ley) Mills, a senior tax specialist from the IRS will meet with our home-based business owners to "clue them in" on what they can and can't do when filling out tax returns. According to Lee, "there are a number of things that are okay for the one person business operating from home to do. It is my job to help them know about this to help them save money." We will meet on October 8th at Carlos O'Kelly's Mexican Restaurant at 9959 Main Street in Fairfax for networking at 11:15 a.m. and for lunch at noon. The cost is $15 and attendees will choose from three menu selections. Lee will have materials for each one to use as references after the presentation. We have invited the home-based business owners from Vienna and Annandale to join us for this event. Make your reservations early by calling (703) 591-2450. Seating is limited to the first 50 to call.

TML Copiers & Digital Solutions, a locally owned and operated Office Technology Dealer of Manassas, Virginia, has been named one of the country’s Elite Dealers by OfficeDEALER magazine. The magazine, representing the top office equipment, office products, and office furniture dealers in the U.S., presents the award annually. According to publisher Rich Kunkel, the 100 dealers presented with the prestigious 2002 Elite Dealer awards were selected from a record number of entries. Michael W. Hoover, President of TML Copiers & Digital Solutions, stated, “Receiving this award demonstrates the hard work and dedication of our entire staff and our organization’s role in being an active neighbor in our community.”

The Women’s Center offers educational programs on Separation & Divorce; Relationships & Family; and Job Search & Job Effectiveness. For additional program information and for registration, please call (703) 281-2657 or visit www.thewomenscenter.org

United Bancshares, Inc. declared a third quarter dividend of 24 cents per share for shareholders of record as of September 13, 2002. This is a 4% increase over the 23 cents paid in both the second quarter of 2002 and the third quarter of 2001. Dividends per share of 70 cents for the first three quarters of 2002 represents a 3% increase over the 68% per share paid for the first three quarters of 2001. The dividend payout of approximately $10.2 million on 42 million shares is payable October 1, 2002. The year 2002 will be the 29th consecutive year of dividend increases to United shareholders.

Historic Vienna, Inc. will sponsor Vienna Day on Saturday, October 12, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the historic Freeman House store and museum, located at 131 Church Street in Vienna. Activities will include live music provided by ensembles from the Vienna Town Band and the Vienna-Falls Church Sweet Adelines, storytelling by The Story Minstrels, and 19th century games and diversions for children. The Freeman House store and museum will be open, along with the historic one-room library and the red caboose. Admission is free; refreshments will be provided.

The Freeman House Store and Museum will be selling notecards and calendars featuring prints of original art by local artist Robert A. Johnson. His artwork is sold locally at the Atlantic Gallery of Georgetown, as well as galleries in New York and throughout the Southwest. Copies of Mr. Johnson’s book, Robert A. Johnson: On Becoming a Painter, will also be available in October. Mr. Johnson’s original oil painting of 94-year-old Vienna resident, Sam Berry, will be on loan to the museum.

Fairfax City Auto Dealers Will Hold Credit Union Sale at The Patriot Center October 19-20, 2002

Credit Union Members Rejoice! The popular no-hassle credit union sale has returned for two days only. Now, conveniently located at the Patriot Center at George Mason University, Credit Union members can shop among 21 franchises for new 2002 and 2003 models of cars, trucks, and vans.

Sale hours are October 19th from 9-7 pm and Sunday, October 20, from noon to 5 pm at the Patriot Center, 4500 Patriot Circle, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA.

Here's how it works! Contact your Credit Union before the sale to get your loan approved. Bring your old car and title to the sale for the best buy on a new car this year! www.fairfaxautomobile.com.

Chamber Credit Unions include Northwest Federal Credit Union and Navy Federal Credit Union.

The Stork Delivered a Beautiful Baby Girl!

Congratulations to Joseph and Karen Cacciapaglia on the birth of their daughter, Daniela Francesca, on September 24th at Inova Fairfax Hospital. She weighed in at 6 pounds 7 ounces, 19 1/2 inches and has a full head of dark hair. Joe (a Chamber member with First Financial Group) says that Karen is so thrilled to be a new mother that she can hardly sleep!