Off and Running

Release Date: Thursday, September 15th 2011

Over the summer, the SAMs mingled with U.S. presidents and gave actors Denzel Washington and The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) a lot of love at Madame Tussauds (1025 F Street), which hosted the August SAM of the Month meeting. General Manager Dan Rogoski and Marketing, Promotions, and Social Media Specialist Josh DeNutte praised the DowntownDC BID and the SAMs for their hard work and contributions which have helped to create an immaculate and more hospitable Downtown.

The SAMs toured the entire wax museum, including the new, $2 million President’s Gallery, a one-of-a-kind exhibit which displays all 44 U.S. Presidents in an educational and interactive environment.  Throughout the experience, guests learn about America’s history through the lives of its iconic leaders. In fact, workers in Downtown’s Penn Quarter neighborhood will be able to share in this experience for a special lunchtime admission rate of $5 through December 15. All that’s required: proof of employment in Penn Quarter. The chance to dine with the presidents and share dessert with Denzel is available Monday through Thursday, from noon to 2:30 pm.

During the meeting, Maintenance Team Member Michael Winder and Safety/Hospitality Team Member Oyoo Okumu were recognized as the July SAMs of the Month.

Michael Winder joined the BID in April 2011. The Richmond, Virginia, native moved to DC last fall to job hunt and ended up with the Maintenance Team. Having previous landscaping experience didn’t hurt. Described as a “good guy with perfect attendance and a strong work ethic,” Michael is known for diligently carrying out every task assigned to him. In his spare time, he details cars, watches movies, basketball, and football.

Oyoo Okumu is another newcomer, joining the Safety/Hospitality Team in April 2011. The Ugandan native acknowledges the BID trained him well to serve Downtown workers, visitors, and residents. The former Giant Foods cashier enjoys meeting, greeting, and helping people on the streets. In his free time, Oyoo finds comfort in the library and watching movies; his family resides in Uganda.