January 8, 2007
MEMBERSHIP NEWS

Newsletter of the District of Columbia Chamber of Commerce
YOUR CHAMBER at WORK for YOU

UPCOMING EVENTS, SEMINARS & MEETINGS

Hong Kong and Shenzhen: Your Winning Formula for China
Learn why:
- Hong Kong was the 2nd largest destination for Foreign Direct Investment in Asia in 2005
-Over 70 Fortune 500 companies have offices in Shenzhen
- $460 billion worth of merchandise is produced for export in Hong Kong,  Shenzhen and the surrounding Pearl River Delta region

Date: Wed., January 17, 2007
Registration
9:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
Seminar: 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Lunch: 12:30 p.m. -  2:00 p.m.
One-on-one meetings: 2:00 p.m.
Location: Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center- Atrium Hall
1300 Pennsylvania Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20004
Cost: No Charge

*Speakers include:- Mike Rowse, Director-General, Invest Hong Kong- Wang Xiao Chun, Deputy Director-General,  Shenzhen Bureau of Trade & Industry

For more information, please email fli@dcchamber.org

Business Resource Center

1/18/07
Business Legal Structure & Taxes
1/23/07
Business Planning 101
1/25/07
Credit Repair

IN THIS ISSUE...

• Meet Our New Chair Mr. Anthony Lewis
• Chamber Releases 2007 Policy Agenda  
• Chamber Lobbyist Leaves for Top Job with DC Council 
• TIM at the 2007 NBC 4 Health & Fitness Expo
• 2007 DC Chamber of CommerceMembership Directory
• Download the latest version of the Legislative Year in Review
• Application for Sloan Awards Extended
• Member News
• Member Profile

On December 15, at the Chamber’s 2006 Annual Meeting and Chairman’s Inaugural Lunch, Anthony A. Lewis took over as the new chairman of the DC Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Lewis takes his position as chair from Stephen W. Porter, senior partner at Arnold & Porter, who has graciously served as chair for the last year.

Other changes to the 2007 Chamber board included the election of Kate Carr, president of Cardinal Bank, to the position of chair-elect and the election of Washington Business Journal Publisher Alex Orfinger to the position of 1st vice chair.   

In addition to the election of new board members and officers, the Chamber’s Annual Meeting also featured a keynote speech by then Mayor-elect Adrian Fenty.  He spoke to his vision for the new administration and the role business can play in that vision. 

Chamber Releases 2007 Policy Agenda  

The DC Chamber of Commerce released its 2007 Public Policy Agenda, outlining the year’s core initiatives, including the primary belief that business, government and residents must work in a partnership to improve the economic conditions of our city.   

To download your copy of the 2007 Policy Agenda

Chamber Lobbyist Leaves for Top Job with DC Council

The D.C. Chamber of Commerce lost its top lobbyist, Cynthia Brock-Smith to the Wilson Building.  Ms. Brock-Smith is now serving as secretary to the council for DC Council Chairman Vince Gray.  We congratulate Cynthia on her new success and we wish her the best in all future endeavors.

TIM at the 2007 NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo

The Chamber's Tourist Information Mobile will be making a special appearance at the 2007 NBC4 Health and Fitness Expo to hand out information about city sites and services.

The Expo offers something for all ages and will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, January 13th and Sunday, January 14th at the Washington Convention Center. Admission is free.

Free health screenings run the gamut from hearing and vision testing to cancer, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings. There’s also an opportunity to donate blood onsite.

NBC4 Health & Fitness Expo favorites like the Rock Climbing Wall, Healthy Cooking Stage, Fitness Demos, and the Get Healthy 4 Life Walking Track will return this year. New features this year include an opportunity to get your “Passport to Health,” a Virtual Tour through the Human Heart, and Dance Dance Revolution!

Meet your favorite NEWS4 anchors and reporters - and stay tuned for news about this year’s special celebrity guest. For continuous updates on exhibitors, features and more, log onto www.nbc4.com and click on “health.”

2007 DC Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory

When it comes to reaching D.C.’s most influential business audience, the 2007 DC Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory is your ideal marketing tool.  This directory will help you get your message into the hands of your targeted customers and prospects.

By advertising in the 2007 DC Chamber of Commerce Membership Directory, you not only maximize your membership commitment, but you also build more business with prospective customers and potential employees.  The directory serves as one of the most comprehensive resources specifically targeting the D.C. area.

Advertising in the directory helps you:

          Build strong relationships with a powerful    buying audience
          Differentiate your company from your    competitors
          Develop recognition through repeated    exposure
          Access potential customers before they    become residents
          Distinguish yourself as a community    leader
Don’t miss your opportunity to showcase your business.  Lock in your advertising space today by contacting Titan Publishing toll free at 866-848-2672, or by email at sales@titanpubs.com.

If you have any questions regarding the 2007 directory, please contact Maryann Lesso at 202-638-7337 or by email at mlesso@dcchamber.org.

Download the Latest Version of the Legislative Year in Review

To view or download your copy please click here.

The DC Council has changed dramatically in the last few months.  Here is the direct contact information for your legislators. 

To view the most up-to-date version of your legislator's contact information click here. 

Applications Are Now Open for the 2007 Alfred P. Sloan Awards for Business Excellence in Workplace Flexibility

DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 26, 2007!

This prestigious award recognizes employers in 24 select communities nationwide that are successfully using flexibility to meet both business and employee goals. Apply now!  

For more information please contact Margaret Singleton at msingleton@dcchamber.org or 202-638-7336 for additional information.

Winter Restaurant Week Jan. 8-13.

Indulge your culinary curiosity at 170 of Metropolitan Washington's finest restaurants for delicious culinary delights. Enjoy 3-course prix-fixe meals for lunch or dinner at amazingly affordable prices, lunch $20.07 and dinner $30.07. (Prices do not include beverage, tax or gratuity)

To see a list of participating restaurants go to www.ramw.org.

Save the Date! 25th RAMMY Awards

The Silver Aniversary is here!  Please save the date for the 25th RAMMY Awards on June 17, 2007 at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel.  To nominate your favorite restaurant click here or visit the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington website at www.ramw.org. 

Perkins+Will announces year-end promotions

On December 15, 2006, Rusty Meadows, managing principal in the Washington, DC office of Perkins+Will (www.perkinswill.com) announced the following promotions:

Gretchen Leigh - senior associate, Interiors
Bo Soon Kim - associate, Interiors
Thomas Gregory - associate, Interiors
Li Wang - associate, Healthcare Interiors
Ken Lowery - associate, Architecture
Les Taylor - associate, Architecture

Perkins+Will is an integrated architecture, interiors, and planning practice recognized as one of the leading sustainable design firms in the world.  The firm disciplines include architecture, interiors, branded environments and planning + strategies serving clients in corporate + commercial + civic, healthcare, higher education, K-12 education and science + technology.  Perkins+Will routinely ranks among the world’s top design firms and has received hundreds of awards, including the prestigious American Institute of Architects “Firm of the Year Award.” Perkins+Will was ranked No. 1 in its “Healthcare Giants” survey by Interior Design Magazine in 2006. Perkins+Will serves clients from offices in Atlanta, Beijing, Boston, Calgary, Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, Research Triangle Park, San Francisco, Seattle, Shanghai, Vancouver, Victoria and Washington, DC.   


Chamber Member and Circle Partner, New Owner of DC United!

Victor MacFarlane, founder and managing principal of MacFarlane Partners, LLC., Chamber member, circle partner and sponsor of the 2006 Annual Chamber Choice Awards today annouce that he has purchased the D.C. United soccer team. http://dcunited.mlsnet.com/t103/index.jsp

Top Shelf Design

Top Shelf Design is a graphic design and marketing firm located in downtown Washington, DC, serving clients throughout the region and the entire East Coast.  Using a personalized approach, Top Shelf Design guides clients through every aspect of planning and implementing a successful marketing strategy.  We provide high-end, unique graphic design services, including both print and website design.  Top Shelf Design’s print design services ensure that clients’ marketing materials, from logos to business cards to brochures and annual reports, are eye-catching and professional.  Our web design services can accommodate the requirements of any business website, from small informational sites, to large, complex web applications. 

Top Shelf Design was formed in 2004 through the merger of two existing companies.  Our offices are located downtown in the Penn Quarter.  We have been a member of the DC Chamber of Commerce since October 2006.  Please feel free to call us at 202-667-1966 or email us at kathryn@topshelfdesign.net  to discuss ways in which we can work together.  You may also visit our website at www.topshelfdesign.net. 

WE NEED MEMBER PROFILES

Are you interested in free publicity? Our newsletter goes out to over 2,000 businesses in the D.C. area. Your profile should be 2-3 paragraphs no more than 200 words. You are welcome to use bullets. 

Profiling your company is a member benefit. Please submit your company’s profile to Amanda Movahhed at amovahhed@dcchamber.org.

Blair Road Self Storage
5909 Blair Rd., NW
Washington, DC  20011
(202) 291-7867
(202) 291- 7868
Fax: (202) 291-7896
E-mail: blairdss@verizon.ne
www.unitedsforall.com
Real Estate - Commercial
Shawn Herbin

Blue Fusion Environment
1117 10th St., NW
Suite 313
Washington, DC  20001
(202) 422-6123
E-mail: denniszirkle@msn.co
www.bfenvironments.com
Project Management
Dennis Zirkle

The Carmen Group
1301 K Street, NW
8th Floor East
Washington, DC  20005
(202) 218-4138
E-mail: lesliej@carmengroup.co
www.carmengroup.com
Lobbying
Jana Leslie

Charpn
5810 Kingstown Dr.
120-244
Alexandria, VA  22315
(571) 271-1545
E-mail: charpn@gmail.com
Real Estate Advisory Services
Highland Smith

Barbara G. Farishian, DDS, PLLC4201 Cathedral Ave.
Suite 109 W
Washington, DC  20016
(202) 363-0106
Fax: (202) 363-4876
E-mail: barbara@farishian.com
www.drfarishian.com
Dentistry
Barbara Farishian, DDS

Gray Plant Mooty
2600 Virginia Ave., NW
Suite 111-The Watergate
Washington, DC  20037
(202) 295-2200
Fax: (202) 295-2250
www.gpmlaw.com
Legal Services
Stephen Vaughan

KC Company Inc., Pella Windows and Doors
7613 Wisconsin Ave.
Bethesda, MD  20814
(202) 285-8798
Fax: (301) 254-9795
E-mail: mweisberg@kc-pella.com
www.kc- pella.com
Construction Companies -
General Contractors/Developers
Michael Weisberg

Mason Media Group, LLC
1620 I St., NW
Suite 1000
Washington, DC  20006
(202) 775-0086
Fax: (202) 775-0570
E-mail: tmason@masonmediagroup.com
www.masonmediagroup.com
Telecommunications/Media
Todd Mason

MarcParcValet Inc.
P.O. Box 18635
Washington, DC  20036
(202) 223-2830
Fax: (202) 223-2831
E-mail: nnacif@marcparcvalet.com
www.marcparcvalet.com
Transportation

 Join DC Chamber Network Today and Increase Your Qualified Leads
Do you want to grow your business through DC Chamber Involvement? DC Chamber Network is a leadshare program designed to increase your exposure to a variety of business people in the District.

DC Chamber Network brings together owners, entrepreneurs and selling professionals to leverage referrals to build new business. The program is free to all dues-paying members of the DC Chamber and is a program that helps businesses and individuals exchange ideas and information about business opportunities. It gives you a scheduled time and place each month to increase qualified leads and business opportunities.

Please contact Amanda Movahhed at 202-624-0609 or amovahhed@dcchamber.org if you are interested in participating in the DC Chamber Network---another way the Chamber works for you!

Did You know...

Last year, 18 out of 34 Local, Small, Disadvantage, Business Enterprise (LSDBE) contracts awarded through the National Capital Revitalization Corporation (NCRC )and its subsidiary RLA Revitalization Corporation (RLARC) were given to DC Chamber members. To learn more about other opportunities available through NCRC, visit our their website www.ncrcdc.com.

Chamber News
The DC Chamber is interested in any charitable or volunteer programs your company supports.  If your company participates in any charitable or volunteer programs, please send a brief note describing the activity to Cathleen DeLoach in External Affairs at CHarrington@dcchamber.org. 

Business OpportunitiesBaseball Procurement  Opportunities in Washington, DC
To learn more about the DC Ballpark bid/purchasing schedule visit http://www.dcballpark.com. The schedule is in PDF format and requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader download.  The Subcontractor Qualification Form, a prerequisite to bid on subcontracts for the project can be completed online.

Visit us online at www.dcchamber.org