Get yours today, and take advantage of the Search Engine Optimization/Online Marketing benefits that result…for example, your link to EDC helps your page ranking, your affiliation with “Loudoun Business” related search terms, your backlinks (from sites like this and social media amplication, for example via @loudounbusiness), and much more!

2011 Loudoun is for Business Badge participants:

KME Internet Marketing & Communications
Gateway to Loudoun Blog (KME – Loudoun Community)
Made in Loudoun Blog (KME – Loudoun Business)
Frias and Daisy LLP Government Contract & Contract Business Law
Notaviva Vineyards
Mesh Multimedia
Clarke-Hook Real Estate
The National Conference Center
Loudoun Chamber of Commerce
Loudoun Small Business Development Center
Fabbioli Wines
Blooming Hill Garden Gift Shop
Susan Wight Business Matchmaking
Ritu Desai – Realtor, Sampson Properties
The Curiosity Zone
Doukenie Winery
Northgate Vineyard
AR Group
Willowcroft Farm Vineyards
Don’s Dahlias
Future Harvest Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (CASA)
Distilled Intelligence Startup Event
2011 Life Science Industry Awards

(Please let us know if we’ve left someone out! – KME)

A couple of representatives from the local entreprenuer community included C2 Management out of Berryville, offering investment recovery and asset management services, software solutions and a service very apropos to the burgeoning Loudoun data center community – secure, onsite sensitive data storage media destruction and removal. The franchise brokerage community was represented, along with startups in the digital marketing, event management and data warehouse analytics spaces. As these Loudoun area startups gain traction and come to market, I’ll highlight their succeses here.

While most of the startup projects and companies in this group are technology-focused, i.e. creating IT services, software or apps to meet consumer or business problems, a very common thread of discussion (at least this night) revolved around a real chicken-or-egg problem for fast-moving, committed, funding-constrained new businesses. How robust, feature-rich and essentially complete does my offering need to be, before I can confirm and define my target market? When can I stop developing, and start selling?

Eager, enthusiastic software developers are typically loathe to release code to the user base, before every last function, image and configuration tweak is fully complete and tested. This includes both the core functions, and usually a whole bunch of other very thoughtful, insightful and frequently esoteric capabilities for many of the users.

The business or project investors are usually unwilling to move too far down the software lifecycle investment path without pretty clearly researched and vetted information regarding who might actually buy the software, and under what circumstances and timeframes. They usually need clear details about the target demographics and the most likely ROI thresholds.

Here’s where inclusion of some professional marketing strategy can be very helpful – to translate and package the core product and all its complexities in a way that is readily consumed and understood by the priority, target demographic. Many times there will not only be a launch marketing strategy, but also a “pre-launch” marketing strategy, to gain early buy-in, to vet the target demographics and to surface early indicators as to whether the ROI is justifiable. An early marketing strategy that also evaluates the digital, social landscape and search engine rankings can very quickly provide input for nailing down the ROI, and therefore the software engineering plan moving forward.

More to come on the Loudoun startup community, a fundamental component of the regional economic recovery and Loudoun business ecosystem in particular.

The-DeckMate is a patent-pending polished, aircraft-grade aluminum and solid glass deck railing table tray, easily and securely installed for additional working or entertaining space on any deck, porch or patio railing. This absolutely unique and highly functional deck railing table is an all-weather, durable and beautifully-designed addition and compliment to any outdoor living area, whether installed permanently or for temporary use.

The-DeckMate is now available for purchase in limited quantities here at The-DeckMate.com, and is available to resellers and retailers in wholesale lots. The-DeckMate is currently available in two sizes, with many additional configurations and uses to come – including a deck rail mounted herb garden, disposal bin and with additional decorative and adjustment features.

Truly Made in Loudoun

Invented and designed in Ashburn, VA by Chris Petrakis of Over The Edge Creations, The-DeckMate is wholly manufactured, assembled and shipped from Tallulah, LA – an agriculture-based yet growing regional center for shipping and manufacturing in the heart of Bayou Country USA. All corporate, marketing and manufacturing operations are based in the Southeast USA, in full support of the renewed and critical “Made in America” movement sweeping the nation during this troubled economic recovery.

“It’s incredibly important to both support local economies and help small businesses such as mine create and produce products that employ Americans and save jobs” says Mr. Petrakis, “my own story is similar to many, many others generated out of family-run startups, balancing the needs of raising a family with building a small business in a very tough economy. I’m very happy to support the engine that drives America’s growth and global leadership for future generations”.

The-DeckMate solves many challenges and offers many solutions for small or cramped outdoor deckspace, quickly and easily creating an extra surface that’s both practical and decorative. It functions as a removable deck caddy, a temporary deck tray, a deck railing table accessory and as a porch or balcony rail table – highly functional, extremely useful and set up or removed in minutes.

Purchase The-DeckMate today for your own deck, as a winter or spring holiday gift (Christmas to Mother’s Day), and find additional space and use for your outdoor deck railings when entertaining, gardening or simply for decorative appeal!

Join a timely gathering of Fairfax, Loudoun County and Northern Virginia’s most interesting and successful local businesses and business leaders for this valuable Dulles area regional networking and business development event. Experience over 100 exhibitors and sponsors, onsite catering plus door prizes, social media and marketing seminars. Hear opening remarks and leadership address by Gerald Gordon, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority and Kristina Bouweiri, President and CEO of Reston Limousine.

This is THE local business networking event this holiday season in the Dulles region – sign up early as a visitor or sponsor!

Friday, December 2nd, 2011, 08:00am- 01:00 pm
NORTHERN VIRGINIA SPORTSPLEX (Formerly Hoop Magic)
14810 Murdock Street Chantilly, VA 20151-1018
More Info and Registration at: www.ultimatenovabizexpo.com

Register today to visit the EXPO, and network with our broad, diverse and accomplished local and DC regional business community…knock a few items off the holiday gift list, as well!

For more details on sponsorships/exhibitors reservation, email basilelemba@yahoo.com or call (703) 359-5642.

Events Schedule:

7:30 – 8:15am: “Introduction to Engagement Marketing & Social Media” – Gina Watkins, Constant Contact
7:30 – 8:00: Networking reception (exhibitors only)
8:00 Doors Open!
8:00 – 8:30: Registration, Exhibit and Networking
8:30 – 8:50: Introductions, keynote speaking and ribbon-cutting
8:50 – 12:15pm: Exhibit and Networking
12:15 – 12:45: One-on-One Networking
12:45 – 1:00: Door prizes session and farewell remarks
1:00 – 2:30: “Social Media Made Easier” Seminar by Gina Watkins (optional, with lunch for attendees/Must register)

The NOVA Business Expo asks each attendee to bring one or more unwrapped toys to lighten up the Holiday Season of underprivileged children. These toys will be received and distributed by Reston Interfaith, Inc.

Booths are now on sale! Call (703) 359-5642 or e-mail to basilelemba@yahoo.com to reserve – discounts are available for early registrants. Only 3 companies per local industry segment.

Local Media Sponsor:

KME Internet Marketing – DC and Northern Virginia Digital Interactive Marketing, Social Media

This heart-warming musical will be performed on Friday, December 2 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, December 3 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Friday, December 9 at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday, December 10 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online via Paypal at the Pickwick Players website, or at the door.

There will be a $50 Wegmans gift card given away at every performance to one of the lucky people who brings canned goods for Loudoun Interfaith Relief. In addition, a portion of the proceeds from the performances will be donated to Loudoun Cares.

Featuring over eighty local children, teens, and adults, Scrooge, The Musical is adapted from the classic Charles Dickens ghost story “A Christmas Carol”, and set to lively music by Leslie Bricusse. Taking place in London, England in 1843, wealthy yet miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his former partner, Jacob Marley, and the Ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future, causing him to realize the error of his ways. Filled with crowd-pleasing songs such as “I Hate Christmas”, “Thank You Very Much”, and “December the Twenty-Fifth”, Scrooge, The Musical is a holiday classic the whole family can enjoy together!

Since their incorporation as a non-profit organization in 2005, The Pickwick Players have provided entertainment and enrichment for the Northern Virginia community with their quality, wholesome, and family-oriented musical productions. The Pickwick Players’ website and Facebook page contain additional information about the organization, including current happenings and photographs.

One of the most persistent issues we face is the difficulty in attracting and retaining large commercial taxpayers – complete with local employment and economic trickle-down, community development and investment, and contribution to local market, transportation and educational amenities.

From one of the many “rampant-population-growth-without-corresponding-large-commercial-development” centers of the County, here in the Dulles District, we asked the Dulles BOS challengers:

“How can the Board of Supervisors help the local business community work together to attract and/or retain new commercial businesses?” Also, “What immediate or very tactical activities will you undertake or consider, if elected, with respect to improving Loudoun County’s economic development posture, outreach, activities or other initiatives – with the goal of dramatically improving the commercial investments and resultant tax base in the County?”

Read the responses from Republican challenger Matt Letourneau, and Democrat challenger Larry Roeder here at Gateway to Loudoun County …

Excerpt – Mr. Letourneau:

“Economic development is a major focus of my campaign for Dulles Supervisor. My experience at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world’s largest business organization, has given me insight into what the business community needs to be successful in Loudoun. Right now, our county is far too reliant on residential property taxes, resulting in high taxes for homeowners. By bringing in businesses, we’ll create new revenue streams to help pay for needed infrastructure, and we’ll improve traffic by reducing commutes.

I believe that Loudoun County should create an Economic Development Authority (EDA), like Fairfax County did in 1976. We need a professional sales force that will sell Loudoun to the global business community. With a world class airport that has room to grow, excellent schools, and a highly educated workforce, we can be more successful in attracting businesses, but we must be much more aggressive and make it the next Board’s mission from day one. ”

(Advertisement) Need to get the word out, about your business or message in Loudoun County, Northern Virginia or DC? KME Internet Marketing offers the #1 Online Digital Interactive Marketing services and channels in Loudoun and Northern Virginia, including a Twitter network reach of over 50,000 followers, and access to the Dulles Corridor’s only Mobile Events Apps for iPhone and Android at GoFFX and Loudoun360…

Spaces are going fast for this exclusive, engaging and extremely timely business information sharing and network event among the Dulles Regional area leaders, investors and business stakeholders. We’ll be writing about the event, speakers and topics – look for an update here!

The nation’s wealthiest county is also home to some exciting new mixed-use projects including Kincora, Arcola, and Dulles World Center. Loudoun is also the site of a growing number of data and technology center projects.  Come hear from the developers and executives leading the projects that are shaping the future of the county. What significant mixed-use projects are underway?  And when will they deliver? Is the data center growth trend likely to continue?  And what will that mean for the county? What impact will the metro have on Loudoun? What are the other key trends and obstacles that will affect Loudoun County over the next decade? Tuesday, October 25, 2011 Hilton Washington Dulles Airport 13869 Park Center Road, Herndon, VA 20171 Agenda 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM Breakfast & Networking 8:00 AM – 8:45 AM Mixed-Use Project Panel 8:45 AM – 9:30 AM Data Center & Technology Panel 9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Post-Game Networking Or email advertising@bisnow.com Price $54 Space is limited   Scott York Chairman Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chairman York was elected as Chair in Nov. ‘99 and was re-elected in ‘03 and ‘07.  He currently serves on the Board of Supervisors’ Transportation/Land Use Committee and Finance, Government Services and Operations Committee.  He also represents the Board on the County’s Economic Development Commission, on the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority and on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission.   Jim Duszynski SVP Greenfield Partners Jim oversees Greenfield Partner’s assets in the DC market including Dulles World Center, a mixed-use community in the Route 28 corridor that will include 4.1M SF of office, retail, hotel and civic space and apartments.   Daniel Coughlan Principal Tritec Dan focuses on financing, leasing and asset management for Tritec including Kincora, a $2B mixed use project at the intersection of Rtes. 7 and 28, that Dan will include 4M SF of office, 1,400 residential units, and 475k SF of retail, plus a $25M, 5,500-seat baseball stadium for the Loudoun Hounds.   Peter Stevenson CEO Latysis Peter co-founded Latisys (formerly Managed Data Holdings) in 2007.  Latisys operates high-density Tier III data centers located in all four U.S. time zones, including a very recent expansion into a 123k SF data center campus in Ashburn.   Arthur Fuccillo EVP, Development and Construction Lerner Enterprises Since 1972 when Ted Lerner bought the property at Route 7 and Route 28, Lerner has been an integral part of Loudoun’s growth.  In the 1980s along with the Abramson Family, Lerner purchased what is now Vintage Park at Loudoun Gateway, Sterling Business Park, Highpoint Business Park, Beaumeade, The 1757 Golf Club Property, The residences at Roundhill and the 554 acre Dulles Town Center mixed development.  Lerner is the largest taxpaying entity in Loudoun with assessed values directly and thru partnerships of close to $600 million dollars.   Bill May VP Miller and Smith Bill is the Managing Director of One Loudoun, a 358 acre mixed-use community at Route 7 and Loudoun County Parkway that will be home to the World Trade Center Dulles Airport, 3.1M SF of office, 700,000 SF of retail, 750 hotel rooms and 1040 residential units. One Loudoun is a joint venture of North America Sekisui House (NASH) and Miller and Smith.   Buddy Rizer Director of Business Development Loudoun County Buddy is the Business Development Officer for Loudoun County. His focus is on the technology arena including Loudoun’s thriving Data Center cluster. He works with a stable of companies that include Digital Realty Trust, DuPont Fabros, Equinix, AOL, Orbital Sciences Corporation, Neustar and the Washington Redskins.     *More Speakers to be Announced*

The marketplace provided an opportunity to showcase locally-produced goods and services, announce new offerings and programs, and share information among Loudoun businesses and with the public. This is one of many outreach and marketing services available to Loudoun businesses; contact KME Internet Marketing of Loudoun for the broadest scope of local and regional digital marketing and advertising options in Loudoun County and the Northern Virginia area.

Gold Sponsors included: Fortessa, Inc., George Mason University, George Washington University Virginia Science & Technology Campus, Loudoun Department of Economic Development, Malvin, Riggins & Company, PC

In a nutshell – things are looking pretty good for the opening of “Phase 1″ on December 20th, 2013 – through Tysons Corner to Wiehle Ave. Things are somewhat still up in the air, particularly with respect to funding, for Phase 2 – extending to the airport and possibly to Routes 606 and 772 in Loudoun.

On the note of funding for Phase 2, Til was especially blunt – expressing that the notion that tolls paid by Toll road commuters paying for the construction is “absolute nonsense”, and the overall funding realities are simply not being addressed. Far more important to the regional transportation system is the need for additional bridges across the Potomac “ocean” as he calls it, including through the Western Corridor (i.e. Loudoun). Also, there seems not yet enough planning and development progress with respect to the 30,000 extra homes needed to be built per year, to accommodate the regions’s growth and support the commercial development underway.

Bob Simon was all about community as you’d expect, focusing on the intersection of residential and business development that’s essential for the success of the Dulles Rail corridor, making the astute observation that the “plaza (open public space surrounded by ground-floor retail and attached residences) is a successful concept recognized everywhere in the world BUT the U.S. Eery development should have at its core a plaza driving community success and family fun with its mix of social, artistic and economic impact. He’s not a fan of non-communicative art, however, that appeals only to the artist, that the rest of us really don’t understand.”

Other interesting points:

Pete Otteni of Boston Properties described their development planning for the “connector” area buacting as a pedestrian connector, with elevated urban plazas, to the urban core. Maggie Parker of Comstock Partners described the very successful public-private partnership underway for the large Wiehle Ave. station, with its integrated underground parking facility for Metro buses, commuters (2300 spaces), the public – intended really to become the “6th neighborhood” of Reston. On the subject of Reston vs. Tysons Corner growth models, the consensus seemed to be that Reston Town Center area truly was an “urban” model on par with the pedestrian-friendly advances made in the Ballston/Clarendon area, while Tysons was more of a “suburban” model (i.e. drive, park, leave). Art Fucillo of Lerner Enterprises was especially blunt, advising less access (and less parking) to cross-regional transit from the new population centers, as “creating the bottleneck creates the city”.

Former U.S. Representative for Virginia Tom “I left Congress undefeated and unindicted” Davis explained (and was supported by Sharon Bulova, Fairfax County Supervisor) that Phase 2 will indeed happen, though under 3 certainties – higher commercial/residential densities were necessary, higher tolls, and higher operating expenses for the Rail. A lot of negotiation is underway to reduce the cost of the 2nd estimate to date (at $3.8 Billion), and to find the best balance between anticipated toll revenues, bonding and returns from local tax jurisdictions (no Federal funding is available for Phase 2, unlike Phase 1).

Conclusions?

1) The Rail is coming, for sure to Reston, riding the wave of commercial development initiative, funding and partnership initiatives with Fairfax County – not clear yet if all the way to Loudoun.

2) Right now seems to be a good time to think about both commercial and residential investment along the Dulles Corridor, especially near the Reston Town Center.

3) Find a job that doesn’t involve driving the Toll Road, preferably in Loudoun or the Reston area.

4) Everyone should download the first and only GoFairfax (GoFFX) Mobile App for Android/iPhone to keep up with the very latest in Fairfax events and entertainment along the Dulles Corridor, from Tysons to Reston. Download Loudoun360 for events in Ashburn, Leesburg and beyond. Will be especially useful riding the Silver Line, or sitting in $10 traffic on Rt. 267 watching the metro flash on by. Dulles corridor businesses – add your events/places for free – or contact GoFFX to highlight/advertise!

Download the FREE Loudoun360 Mobile App

“Hey Loudoun, there’s an app just for us,” says Brandon Rigsbee, creator of “Loudoun360“, the new, free mobile application (app) available for iPhone and Android users. Loudoun360 makes it easy and fun for residents and visitors to connect with the people, places, businesses, and events of Northern Virginia’s Loudoun County and Dulles-area community in real time…and from every angle.

Loudoun360 is a free mobile app that provides an interactive real-time guide to local restaurants, activities, and fun events in Northern Virginia’s thriving Loudoun County, part of the Washington DC metro area. “This is an app just for us in Loudoun,” says Brandon Rigsbee, Loudoun County resident and creator of Loudoun360. “It connects our residents and businesses to one another and gives visitors and business investors a chance to look at us from every angle.”

In addition to Loudoun County events and activities, the new app also highlights local small businesses and personalities with integrated GPS mapping, and promotes Loudoun local charity events on a regular basis. Loudoun360 also delivers interactive photo galleries from professional and amateur photographers, plus streaming Loudoun County videos.

Birth of a Loudoun App Whose Time Has Come

According to findings by the Internet marketing research firm, ComScore, over 45.5 million people in the United States owned smartphones in 2010. “And by 2013, that number is expected to quadruple,” says Rigsbee, referring to predictions shared by respected business sources such as Crain’s Business and CNET.

Fortune magazine recently published research clearly showing that mobile devices will soon become the most dominant computing platform on the planet, far exceeding desktop PC usage. And according to a Google study, 74% of smartphone shoppers make a purchase as a result of using their smartphones to help with shopping, and 88% of those who look for local information on their smartphones take action within a day.

“It’s clear that we are deep within a paradigm shift when it comes to accessing the Internet for information and content” observes Rigsbee. “And we truly believe that the Loudoun360 app has arrived just in time to capitalize on that trend.”

An App to Share with the People and Businesses of Loudoun

“We hope the free Loudoun360 app is recognized by business owners as something that can help them increase sales and their own brand recognition,” reports Rigsbee. “I believe users will enjoy the fun, 100% positive and upbeat vibe that my product and company projects…and lives!”

“I use the app every day,” says Loudoun local Carrie Harris. “It’s the easiest way to find out what’s going on around me, right now, whether I’m leaving work, in a restaurant, the doctor’s office, or at the mall. It literally puts Loudoun’s social and business events right at my fingertips.”

All Loudoun, All the Time in Real Time

“I’d like Loudoun360 to become a trusted and on-demand resource that users depend on for info about fun and interesting events in Loudoun,” says Rigsbee. “Users can turn on the Loudoun app for instant access to a laundry-list of information at their fingertips, so that they can decide how to best spend their day and entertainment dollar. We compile the best of Loudoun all on one free app for everyone to use. And we’re just getting started! The Loudoun360 brand will continue to grow in its support of local businesses and events, and we’re excited to offer our mobile platform as THE go-to resource for what’s happening in Loudoun and additional nearby areas along the Dulles Corridor.”

The free app provides real-time location-based information on events, dining, festivals, wine-tastings, live music, children’s activities, and much more. “We update our database daily so that it’s always current and relevant,” says Rigsbee. “As part of its interactive features, the Loudoun360 app even allows users to submit their own events and event photos. The goal is to make sure that everything of interest is illuminated and accessible the way people want it…on their mobile devices. The Loudoun360 brand covers all of Loudoun, from Ashburn, Brambleton and Sterling, Purcellville and Lovettsville, to South Riding, Middleburg, Leesburg and Lansdowne – and many other local towns and neighborhoods.

I love the Loudoun community. It’s an amazing place to live and I feel fortunate to be here. As I researched the Loudoun360 idea it really hit me; there are so many great events in our area and so many exciting ways to spend each day that I just had to do it. Honestly I thought I had a grasp on the Loudoun County scene but was pleasantly surprised to find out about so much more. The number of great events and the people behind them are absolutely impressive. Couple that with the sheer number of people in our area that are using smartphones…I mean it just seemed like a natural progression to build something useful that would easily connect the people of Loudoun to all of these great events.”

Loudoun360′s partner brand, “GoFairfax” (GoFFX) by KME Internet Marketing is also starting to deliver integrated mobile event and entertainment information to users east of Loudoun along the entire Dulles Corridor, from the Dulles Airport area, Herndon and Reston through Great Falls and into Tysons Corner, McLean and Vienna. GoFairfax mobile events and business information sharing via iPhone and Android apps is available now, at http://www.goffx.com .

Business owners and local event planners, advertisers – KME Internet Marketing is Loudoun and Northern Virginia’s #1 resource for online and mobile marketing – contact KME today to advertise or promote events in Loudoun and Fairfax, via mobile apps, SEO, online advertising, local content networks and social media.

Use of the Loudoun360 app is already in full-swing.

Loudoun360 recently partnered with Leesburg’s First Friday to offer the monthly event on its mobile platform. The Loudoun360 app’s GPS-capabilities enabled users to find out exactly what was happening during the event depending on their location; it was a great success and the partnership will continue each month. In addition, Loudoun360 recently announced an exciting new partnership with the Loudoun County Fair to promote and host Fair event information on the Loudoun360 mobile platform.

Loudoun360 Today and Tomorrow

The company’s website, http://www.loudoun360.com, features the same information as the app and can be accessed from any smart phone or traditional browser. The website also offers users and business owners the ability to load their own events, specials and videos for promotion across the site and app. Like the Loudoun360 app itself, most promotional opportunities are free. “It’s our way of serving our community and helping our neighbors succeed,” explains Rigsbee.

The Loudoun360 app will continue to evolve with the times. In addition to being compatible with iPhone and Android devices, the new app also works on Apple’s iPad and iPod Touch. In the future, the company plans to release versions of the product on other mobile platforms as well.

The Loudoun360 app is available for free download at http://www.loudoun360.com, as well as worldwide through Apple’s App Store and in Google’s Android Market. The Loudoun360 community can be found at Loudoun360 Facebook and also on Twitter @loudoun360. For more information, visit http://www.Loudoun360.com or call Brandon Rigsbee at (703) 999-3703.

The GoFFX app is likewise available for free download at http://www.goffx.com, through Apple and Google, and via new communities at GoFairfax Facebook and Twitter (@fairfax_county and @gofairfax).