Member News
Fairfax County EDA to Host "Procurement Academy" Workshops
Series of 10 workshops helps companies navigate the government contracting process
August 20, 2010 - On September 16, the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA, www.fairfaxcountyeda.org) kicks off its Procurement Academy, a series of 10 workshops running through June 2011 and designed to help businesses navigate the government contracting process.
The workshops are appropriate for procurement novices and those who are seasoned in the contracting arena and will emphasize practical strategies needed to land government contracts. The sessions will be held at Teqcorner in Tysons Corner. More information is available at http://www.fairfaxcountyeda.org/procurement-academy.
Each of the 10 sessions will explore a different aspect of the procurement process. The September 16 session is entitled "Successful Strategies for Government Contracting" and will include a panel discussion featuring three Fairfax County business people whose companies have been successful in government contracting sectors: Joseph Fergus, Founder & CEO, COMTek; Lani Hay, President & CEO, Lanmark Technology and Tony Jimenez, President & CEO, MicroTech, LLC.
Other workshop topics will include legislative issues, communications and marketing strategies, how to pinpoint contracting opportunities and understanding the GSA schedule.
"Government contracting is an important component of the Fairfax County economy, and the Procurement Academy workshops designed by the FCEDA will be an invaluable resource for business people who want to tackle the government market, win contracts and build their companies," said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the FCEDA.
The Procurement Academy is being presented by the FCEDA in collaboration with many partners: the Community Business Partnership, the Fairfax County Department of Purchasing & Supply Management Agency – Supplier Diversity Program, the Fairfax County Small Business Commission, George Mason University's Procurement Technical Assistance Program, the Northern Virginia Black Chamber of Commerce, Teqcorner, Veterans in Business, the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce, the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Women's Business Center of Northern Virginia.
Time magazine called Fairfax County, just outside Washington, D.C., "one of the great economic success stories of our time." Business growth helps Fairfax County fund the nation's top-rated school system and library, park, public safety and human services that contribute to the quality of life of residents. Fairfax County offers businesses a state-of-the-art telecommunications infrastructure, access to global markets through Washington Dulles International Airport and a well-educated workforce.
The FDEDA promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. They offer site location and business development assistance, and connections with county and state government agencies, to help companies locate and expand in Fairfax County. In addition to its headquarters in Tysons Corner, Fairfax County's largest business district, the FCEDA maintains marketing offices in five important overseas business centers: Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv.
MVLE Signs Mentor-Protege Agreement with Northrop Grumman to Enhance Programs That Provide Jobs for Persons with Disabilities
July 28, 2010 - MVLE together with its new mentor Northrop Grumman have announced the signing of a U.S. Department of Defense mentor-protege agreement. MVLE is a nonprofit group that provides jobs and job training for persons with disabilities. Northrop Grumman developed the mentor-protege relationship with MVLE to assist in its development of federal contracting opportunities, as well as infrastructure development that will help provide more employment opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.
MVLE, located in Springfield, was founded in 1971 by parents of young adults with disabilities looking to create opportunities for their children after they finished attending school. MVLE provides daily work opportunities and intensive rehabilitation services to over 630 adults with disabilities. It is an internationally accredited agency and a qualified AbilityOne service provider. MVLE provides custodial, food service, outbound mail, digital mail, and secure document management services. MVLE recently announced plans for a work and rehabilitation program for Wounded Warriors to become part of the workforce.
"MVLE is excited to work with Northrop Grumman to make it possible to provide more training and jobs for persons with disabilities. MVLE appreciates that Northrop Grumman is willing to share its expertise and knowledge to help create a better life for people with intellectual challenges who often are unable to find employment," said MVLE President April Pinch-Keeler.
"This mentor-protege agreement allows Northrop Grumman the opportunity to assist an AbilityOne agency in transitioning into the realm of federal contracting. This program goes beyond the development of contracting activities by allowing people with severe disabilities the opportunity to become gainfully employed." said Susan Cote, Northrop Grumman corporate vice president of contracts and pricing.
Northrop Grumman will provide engineering and technical training to MVLE. This includes formal training at Northrop Grumman facilities and in partnership with the George Mason Technical Assistance Center.
The Mentor-Protege Program was established under Public Law 101-510, Section 831, and the National Defense Authorization Act of 1991.
Belnavis Art Gallery
Now Open In West Springfield
July 16, 2010 - Belnavis Art Gallery will showcase the diversity of the local area art scene. The Gallery features a wide selection of artwork in different mediums - paintings, sculptures and ceramics.
This exciting new Gallery will host an exhibition every first Friday featuring one selected local talent. The Gallery will be open to the West Springfield and surrounding communities to enjoy music, poetry and many different art forms.
Belnavis Art will offer services like
~ Expert custom framing
~ Art classes for adults
~ Calligraphy
~ Murals
~ Portraits
The Gallery is available to host private events, like educational workshops, fund raisers, book signings, meetings and small parties.
The Grand Opening Exhibition titled "Earth's Bounty" features works by twelve of the best local Artists. This exhibition will run through August 30.
Belnavis Art Gallery is located at
6208 Rolling Road in West Springfield.
Open Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:30am to 6:30pm. 703-866-0040. belnavisart@cox.net.
Get $100 of Hard Times Gift Cards for Only $79 at Costco
July 2, 2010 - Two Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce members - Hard Times Cafe in Springfield Plaza and Costco in Newington - have partnered and you are the winner. Costco is now selling Hard Times Cafe gift cards at a 21% discount. That's right, you get four $25 Hard Times gift cards totaling $100 for just $79.
Step one, pull out your Costco membership card and visit the warehouse. Not a Costco member, head over to the warehouse and sign up today. A variety of membership levels are available for individuals and businesses. You're now ready to buy your Hard Times gift cards.
Step two, find a friend and mosey on over to Hard Times Cafe. They're ready and waiting to take your order. Consumer note: it is not recommended that any individual eat $100 worth of chili in any single sitting!
So stock up on a few for gifts for your family, friends and that person in the office you know will take you with them. Supplies are limited so make your purchase early. You must be a Costco member to purchase gift cards. Gift cards can be purchased at ten area Costco locations and redeemed at all Hard Times Cafe locations except Nationals Ballpark.
The Cellular Connection Opens First Store in Virginia
June 4, 2010 - The Cellular Connect will host a grand opening ceremony at our new location in West Springfield at 6230-X Rolling Road, next to Panera Bread, June 18 at noon.
Register to Win a Bluetooth Headset or Spin the Prize Wheel to get a great offer on a new phone or accessory.
Refreshments will be provided. Live Demos. Come and meet your new neighbor.
The Cellular Connection is an Indiana based company that is your Premium Retailer for Verizon Wireless and DISH Network. At The Cellular Connection we take time to get to know you by name to help you select the products and service that fit your needs.
PANERA BREAD OPENS NEW BAKERY-CAFE IN WEST SPRINGFIELD
May 12, 2010 - Panera Bread will open its newest bakery-cafe in West Springfield at 6230 West Rolling Road on Saturday, May 15, 2010.
With its identity rooted in handcrafted, freshly-baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients and a menu with zero grams added trans fat, Panera's bakery-cafe selection offers flavorful, wholesome offerings. The menu includes a variety of year-round favorites to complement seasonal items and breads baked fresh daily in each bakery-cafe by skilled bakers.
A Neighborhood Approach
The new bakery-cafe in West Springfield offers a warm and welcoming environment including intimate seating areas, comfortable chairs, a community table and free WiFi Internet access.
"We are thrilled to open our newest bakery-cafe in such a dynamic community," said Robert MacEachern, Area Director, Panera Bread. "We are happy to offer the many business professionals, families and students in the community fresh and wholesome food choices, paired with the convenient service their busy schedules demand. Our concept has been embraced by many surrounding communities in the past eleven years, and we look forward to sharing our signature Panera warmth here in West Springfield."
Bakery Fresh Catering
Panera's innovative take-out concept, Via Panera, will be offered at the new bakery-cafe. Available for breakfast, lunch and snacks, Via Panera is ideal for any group from five to five hundred. Via Panera emphasizes accuracy and efficiency in delivering the experience of fresh, handcrafted, quality meals to any workplace setting, social event or gathering. In addition, every bakery-cafe has a dedicated Via Panera Coordinator on site to manage the entire process, from order to pick up or delivery, to ensure customer satisfaction.
An Active Community Partner
Since Panera Bread was founded, the company and its franchisees have been active participants in the communities in which it does business. As part of Panera's broader national Operation Dough-Nation program, which was created in 1992 to formalize Panera's commitment to community involvement, the new location will join the West Springfield community in giving back through its local Day-End Dough-Nation and Community Breadbox programs.
As part of the local Community Breadbox program, all cash donations made by customers in all company-owned bakery-cafes in the northern Virginia area, including the new West Springfield bakery-cafe, are matched by Panera Bread and distributed to Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children. Last year Panera's 30 bakery-cafe locations joined the community in contributing more than $65,000 to the Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children.
At the end of each day, Panera Bread also donates all unsold bread and baked goods to local area hunger relief agencies as part of its local Day-End Dough-Nation program. Collectively, Panera bakery-cafes donated over $50 million worth of unsold bread and baked goods in 2008 to help people in need.
The hours of operation for this location are Sunday from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Monday through Saturday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, call Panera Bread at 703-644-2259. Major credit cards are accepted.
Panera Bread Company owns and franchises 1,380 bakery-cafes as of December 29, 2009 under the Panera Bread, Saint Louis Bread Co., and Paradise Bakery & Cafe names. With our identity rooted in handcrafted, fresh-baked, artisan bread, we are committed to providing great tasting, quality food that people can trust. Nearly all of our bakery-cafes have a menu highlighted by antibiotic free chicken, whole grain bread, select organic and all-natural ingredients, with zero grams of artificial trans fat per serving, which provide flavorful, wholesome offerings. Our menu includes a wide variety of year-round favorites, complemented by new items introduced seasonally with the goal of creating new standards in everyday food choices. In neighborhoods across this country and in Ontario, Canada, our customers enjoy our warm and welcoming environment featuring comfortable gathering areas, relaxing decor, and free internet access. Our bakery-cafes routinely donate bread and baked goods to community organizations in need. Additional information is available on the Company's website, www.panerabread.com.
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