 Wednesday, July 18, 8:30 am - 11:00 am
Washington, DC Economic Partnership
Insurance For Small Businesses: Exploring The Benefits Of Insure-U
1495 F Street
Join the Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) and the DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) to learn about a new comprehensive resource helping small business owners and managers make sound insurance decisions. Speakers include: Thomas E. Hampton, commissioner, Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking; Erik Moses, director, Department of Small and Local Business Development; the Honorable Kwame R. Brown, councilmember at-large; and Neil Albert, deputy mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Free admission. Advance registration is required by Friday, July 13. Visit https://ww2.eventrebels.com/er/Registration/RegistrationForm.jsp?ActivityID=1807&ItemID=6728 to register online or call 202.661.8670. For more information, visit www.wdcep.com.
Return to Top
 Thursday, July 19, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
ManhattanGMAT Washington, D.C.
ManhattanGMAT Kick-Off Event
1701 Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 300
ManhattanGMAT, the world’s largest GMAT-exclusive test preparation provider, has expanded to Downtown DC and is offering a free, in-person GMAT preview class as part of this kick-off event. Learn how the GMAT works, what it tests and how business schools interpret scores from experts who will separate fact from fiction and offer other practical strategies. Sign up for this event at http://www.manhattangmat.com/EventShow.cfm?EID=3&eventID=1448 or call the student services team at 800.576.4628.
Return to Top
The Year’s Best
The Downtown BID celebrated Downtown’s exciting revitalization at the Annual Momentum Awards on Thursday, June 21, at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill (400 New Jersey Avenue) by honoring outstanding individuals and organizations for their contributions to enhancing the Downtown experience. The BID also recognized the Safety, Hospitality and Maintenance workers (SAMs) - the eyes, ears and caretakers of the Downtown.
 The SAM of the Year award is given to two SAMs that best represent what the BID’s clean and safe program is all about. The Safety Hospitality SAM of the Year is Donna Riley. Donna joined the BID in February 2000 and distinguished herself early as a polite, reliable, pleasant and enthusiastic member of the team. The West Virginia native who lives in the Washington, DC, area has one daughter. When Donna isn’t attending retreats with her church, you may find her reading inspirational books, such as "The Purpose Driven Life." In 2002, Donna was selected as one of five citywide finalists for the Hospitality Employee of the Year Award given by the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) and the Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation. When asked what the best part of her job is, Donna replied, "Greeting people and being there to help those who need our assistance."
Julio Martinez is the Maintenance SAM of the Year. Julio has been with the BID since April 2006. A native of El Salvador, the avid soccer fan has lived in the U.S. for 10 years. Julio is a diligent worker and an asset to the SAM operation. It is his because of his strong work ethic and attention to detail that he is honored with this award.
Thank you Donna and Julio for your leadership and dedication!
Return to Top
Feeding DC Souls and City Coffers with Art
The June report released by Americans for the Arts has the Washington, DC, culture and arts industry singing a tune. According to "Arts and Economic Prosperity III," the greater Washington region’s non-profit arts and culture industry draws an annual attendance of more than 27.2 million people and generates $2.15 billion in organizational and audience expenditures, excluding admission. This activity supports 45,175 jobs and translates into $144 million and $70 million in local and state government revenue, respectively.
DC contributes significantly to these figures. Excluding the Smithsonian Institution, annual attendance at arts and culture events is 3.7 million and annual expenditures total $747 million. The industry supports 11,983 jobs and generates $65.8 million for DC government. In addition, the Smithsonian, which is heavily concentrated in DC, accounts for an additional $951 million of spending per year, or 45% of the total dollars spent by non-profit arts and culture organizations and their audiences in Greater Washington.
Although the study does not analyze the entire center city, Downtown’s impact is clear. According to data gathered by the Downtown BID, museum attendance (including one Smithsonian museum) topped 3,018,000 in 2006 (up 17% from 2005) and theater attendance climbed 11% to reach 650,745 performing arts attendees. In addition to hosting the city’s premier cultural destinations, Downtown is home to influential non-profits such as the Washington Area Lawyers for the Arts and Cultural Tourism DC. In conclusion, "Arts and Economic Prosperity III" indicates that the average event or museum attendee in DC spends $32.16 on meals, gifts, transportation and lodging. With a central location and some of the city’s finest restaurants and hotels, Downtown helps convert this resident and visitor demand into exciting experiences and tax revenue for the city.
Return to Top
A New View at Indebleu
Feast your eyes on the new Indebleu. The contemporary restaurant located at 707 G Street recently completed a transformation and will launch a new look, attitude and menu this month. Make plans to spend an afternoon or evening in the upscale, yet casual facility featuring modern cuisine with a dash of Indian flavor. For reservations, call 202.333.BLEU.
Return to Top
 Fringe By the Numbers
The Capital Fringe Festival heads Downtown from July 19 - 29 for a second smashing year. What is Fringe you may ask? Created to provide an outlet for DC area fringe artists, the non-traditional performing arts festival offers new and current works produced in unusual spaces and merges exploratory artists with a wider audience.
With more than 400 performances featured throughout Downtown involving 1000 artists and ensembles in 18 venues, the inaugural Capital Fringe Festival made a significant impact on the Downtown arts scene last July. This year, the annual event is primed to bring many more new artists and arts patrons to Downtown.
Here’s a look at the Festival numbers:
· 11 days
· 20+ venues
· 1000+ artists
· 20,000+ tickets
· 400+ performances
· 100+ volunteers
For more information, visit the box office (507 7th Street) July 9 - 29, or www.capfringe.org.
Return to Top
Downtown Mix N’ Mingle
The newly formed Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) will host a happy hour for Downtown residents and friends on Friday, July 27, from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm, at UltraBar (911 F Street). Enjoy special martinis, imported beer and a complementary open buffet. Proceeds will benefit the YWCA National Capital Area (624 9th Street). All residents are encouraged to attend and bring friends. For more information, e-mail Jacqueline.Cawthon@occ.treas.gov or miles@milesgroves.com.
Return to Top
The Verdict is in
Nixon Peabody LLP (401 9th Street) can add an award-winning work environment to its list of achievements. The Downtown law firm recently racked up double recognitions for being one of the area’s best places to work. FORTUNE Magazine recognized the firm earlier this year as one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For" in 2007 and the Washington Business Journal acknowledged Nixon Peabody in their "Best Places to Work 2007" edition. For information on Nixon Peabody, visit www.nixonpeabody.com.
Return to Top
A Winning Streak
The Willard InterContinental Hotel (1401 Pennsylvania Avenue) and Auteur Productions, Inc. have been awarded the Hermes Creative Gold Award in Video/Internal Communications for "Willard 2006 - A Hotel's Legacy, A Nation's History," a video chronicling the 20th anniversary of the 1986 re-opening of the hotel -- saved from demolition after closing in 1968.
The Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals administers and judges the distinguished creative award and recognizes outstanding work in concept, writing and design of traditional and emerging media. Earlier this year, the production team and historic hotel were also honored with the Pegasus Award for video production excellence for this project. For more information, call 202.628.9100 or visit www.washington.interconti.com.
Return to Top
Spy For the Ages
 The International Spy Museum (800 F Street) earns its "cool factor" in the July/August edition of AAA World magazine by doing what it does best -- thinking like a spy. The magazine commends the museum for its ability to be "different things to different people" and for being in "the right place at the right time." History-buffs and amusement park fans alike will find something to please the senses, including the museum’s new Operation Spy(TM) program, an action-packed hour combining live-action, video characters, themed environments, special effects and hands-on activities where participants assume the role of U.S. intelligence officers on an international mission to locate a missing nuclear device.
The museum was also commended for its interactive exhibits, historical content, innovative evening programs, Penn Quarter location choice and noted restaurant, Zola, residing next door. Visit the museum during its fifth anniversary celebration on Thursday, July 19, and pay only $5 for admission. To read the article in full, visit http://www.aaamidatlantic.com/aaaworld. For more information on Operation Spy, visit www.OpSpy.com.
Return to Top
Summer Arts Hiatus
July brings noticeable changes to the avant-garde theater located at 1017 7th Street. Two facilities within the Warehouse Theater and Gallery will permanently close this month. Warehouse Next-Door will close its doors mid-July and the Warehouse Bar and Café will close July 30.
After hosting more than 100 performances in the theater space for the second annual Fringe Festival running July 19 through July 29, the theatre and gallery also will shut down temporarily to receive minor physical improvements. In September, the facility will reopen with a new fall schedule and begin focusing on finding a new home for the Warehouse Bar and Café.
Return to Top
Changing of the Guard
Washington Sports and Entertainment president Susan O’Malley’s recent departure from the business operation she helped build for the Verizon Center, Washington Wizards and Ticketmaster Washington-Baltimore franchise leaves room for new restructuring at the organization. Among the organizational changes taking place is a promotion for Jane Taylor to senior vice president and chief marketing officer. Taylor is also a new member of the Downtown BID Board of Directors.
O’Malley, who chose not to renew her contract, will continue to work on planning the Verizon Center’s 10th Anniversary celebration next December.
Return to Top
Downtown Loses a Neighbor
The DC Commission on the Arts and Humanitiesis moving from its Downtown BID location at 410 8th Street to 2901 14th Street. The main phone number and e-mail addresses for the organization will not change. For more information, call 202.724.5613 or visit www.dcarts.dc.gov.
Return to Top
Art With a Cause
WVSA ARTs connection (formerly Washington Very Special Arts) is renting their space at 1100 16th Street at affordable prices to raise money. The new rental program titled “Top of the Art” allows patrons to rent the main gallery, conference room, great room or starlit terrace -- which offers great views of the White House and the Washington Monument -- for board meetings, receptions, parties, dances, dinners, fundraisers and gallery openings.
The "Top of the ART" program provides students with vocational training by allowing them to show the space to potential clients and aid in the events by guiding guests and assisting in the catering set-up. Proceeds from "Top of the ART" will continue to help WVSA provide an arts-integrated education to students with special needs, talents and abilities. For more information, contact Samar Modonpour, gallery manager, at 202.261.0233 or by e-mail at smodonpour@wvsarts.org.
Return to Top
 DC Sweets On the Move
Since 1886, Reeves Restaurant and Bakery (1306 G Street) has offered  delectable sweets to Downtown patrons. In June, the well-known bakery lost the lease to their second location and staff is currently searching for a new home for the popular bakery. For more information, e-mail reevesbakery@reevesbakery.com.
Running Out of Time
After 68 years on the second floor of the International Building at 1319 F Street, the Downtown DC fixture, Bensons Jewelers, will be moving further Downtown - well downstairs that is. The landmark jewelry store will relocate this fall to a vacant street level space west of their current location on the 1300 block of F Street.
Return to Top
 Trees Are Our Friends
The District Department of Transportation (DDOT) has released 10 tips DC residents can follow to help our trees thrive. Among the list of helpful hints: water trees on hot days, maintain space by pulling weeds and adding mulch and for any noticeable changes in trees or call DDOT at 202.727.1000 to request a tree inspection. DDOT's Urban Forestry Administration oversees 144,000 street trees in the city. For more information on DDOT's tree program or to view the full listing, visit www.trees.ddot.dc.gov.
Return to Top
Parking Rules at Your Service
Help DDOT improve valet parking regulations in the city’s public space by providing feedback. New regulations proposed by DDOT have been placed online at http://newsroom.dc.gov/show.aspx?agency=ddot§ion=2&release=11325&year=2007&file=file.aspx%2frelease%2f11325%2fValetParkingRegulations_2007-06-15.pdf. Public comments can be filed by e-mailing publicspace.committee@dc.gov. Those wishing to file written comments may forward via fax to 202.671.0636 or mail to the following address: Public Space Management Administration, District Department of Transportation (DDOT), 2000 14th Street, NW, 5th floor, Washington, DC 20009. For more information, call Alice Kelly at 202.671.2333.
Return to Top
Getting Ahead in Business
The DC Chamber of Commerce’s 2007 State of the Business Report is now available online. Titled, "The District’s Economy: Strengths, Weaknesses and Opportunity," the report aims to help businesses prepare for the global marketplace by thinking ahead and working smarter. To download a copy of the report, visit http://www.dcchamber.org/clientuploads/2007_Biz_Report.pdf.
Return to Top
Main Street Ideas Wanted
The National Trust for Historic Preservation (NTHP) is accepting presentations for the 2008 National Main Streets Conference, which will focus on creating new opportunities and building stronger Main Street programs and districts. Proposals should focus on the conference theme as well as other areas of commercial district revitalization and offer examples from urban neighborhood districts to small towns or rural downtowns. The conference will be held March 30 - April 2, 2008, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Submit proposals online at http://conference.mainstreet.org by August 1, 2007. For more information, e-mail msconference@nthp.org.
Return to Top
Extreme Business Makeover
IKEA is giving small businesses the opportunity to create a better life at work by launching IKEA BUSINESS, an online network providing entrepreneurs with practical design solutions for your office or workplace. Downtown businesses can get in on the action by entering "Small Businesses, Big Dreams: Furnished by Ikea," a national contest launched to celebrate IKEA’s new "Main Streets" efforts. Businesses can post entries to www.ikea.com/business describing why their main street business deserves an IKEA makeover. The winner will receive a $50,000 makeover and a $5,000 check, plus an IKEA design consultation and furnishings for up to 10 businesses on the winner’s main street.
Return to Top
Would you like to receive Downtown DC Updates in your email? Click here to sign up.
|
