Business

Loudoun Seeing Better Housing Market Than Rest of Country, Summit Says

editor — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:26:29 +0000

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By:

Dorry Samuels

Wednesday, 11 November 2009

Teaser:

The hit to the housing market has not been as hard in Loudoun County as it has in other areas of the country, economists reported at the annual meeting of the Dulles Area Association of Realtors (DAAR) on Oct. 30, but the number of home sales in the area has decreased dramatically in the last four years.

Jobs and the record unemployment rate are some of the main issues, economists said. The high number of jobs lost is having an effect on what will happen in the housing market because people who are afraid of losing their jobs are unlikely to buy a new home, said John McClain, a senior fellow at George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis.

Chamber of Commerce Honors 10 Small Businesses

editor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:37:53 +0000

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By:

Dorry Samuels

Monday, 9 November 2009

Teaser:

During a time when the economy is faltering, small businesses can struggle as well. But the lucky and hardworking ones can also continue to prosper. The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce honored 10 standout small businesses in the county on Nov. 5 during its 15th annual small business awards.

While the total number of nominations for the award – more than 239 this year – and level of competitiveness is comparable to previous years, both large and small businesses have had to work harder through current economic conditions to keep their doors open, said Tony Howard, president and CEO of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce.

County Staying in Newspaper Business

editor — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:32:01 +0000

Subtitle:

Measure to End Print Advertisement Requirement Fails

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By:

Jason Jacks

Monday, 9 November 2009

Teaser:

Chalk one up for the forlorn—and shrinking—newspaper industry: the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors is sticking with print.

On Nov. 4, the board shot down a proposal that would have sought state permission for the county to stop advertising in newspapers, and rely instead on the Web and television to communicate with residents.

For years, Virginia law has required that localities advertise government events, like public hearings, in newspapers. But in early 2009, two bills were introduced in Virginia’s General Assembly that would have removed this requirement. Facing stiff opposition from the newspaper industry and from advocates of open government, both failed.

Loudoun County to Encourage Green Business Ventures

editor — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 20:27:18 +0000

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By:

Dorry Samuels

Friday, 6 November 2009

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As Loudoun businesses look to flourish in the present and future, business leaders look to maximize sustainability. The Loudoun County government and the Chamber of Commerce, recognizing the need for ecologically friendly businesses, are launching the county’s first annual Green Business Challenge.

The challenge will kick off on Thursday, Nov. 19, and will encourage businesses to conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gases in the region.

"The Green Business Challenge will help us engage local businesses in our efforts to address energy efficiency and the environment throughout the county," said County Supervisor Andrea McGimsey (D-Potomac).

Leesburg Wegmans to Open on Sunday

editor — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 16:38:57 +0000

Subtitle:

1,500 Fans Took Part in Pennsylvania Grand Opening

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By:

Jason Jacks

Friday, 6 November 2009

Teaser:

No, it’s not a first for Northern Virginia, or even for Loudoun County, but when a new Wegmans opens its doors for the first time, the excited masses often join in.

Expect that to be the case when the New York-based supermarket chain opens its Leesburg store Sunday, Nov. 8, promptly at 7 a.m. In October, an estimated 1,500 people showed up for the grand opening of a Wegmans outside of Philadelphia.

Goose Creek Village Taking Shape

editor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:28:03 +0000

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By:

John Toler

Thursday, 5 November 2009

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The walls are rising on the first two commercial structures in the Goose Creek Village Center on Belmont Ridge Road, surrounded by grading and infrastructure work on the rocky hillside.

Sunoco service station and convenience store will be opening first.

The project is on schedule, with the Sunoco service station and convenience store to open in December 2009, and the Walgreens store to open in February 2010. The Harris-Teeter grocery, another anchor store, is scheduled to open in October 2011.

MWAA Hosts Free Business Opportunity Seminar

editor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 16:02:41 +0000

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Wednesday, 4 November 2009

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The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority will hold its 19th Annual Business Opportunity Seminar on Friday, Nov. 13, 2009, in Washington, D.C.

The seminar, entitled “Working Together: Local, Small, Minority and Woman-Owned Businesses Working with the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority,” will run from 10 a.m.

Report: Region's Foreclosure Crisis 'Far from Over'

editor — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:30:26 +0000

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By:

Jason Jacks

Monday, 2 November 2009

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Though the housing market is showing signs of life, thousands of more homes in the region will likely go into foreclosure as homeowners continue to have trouble paying their mortgages.

In June, about 104,000 home loans, or 8 percent of all mortgages in the Washington, D.C., region, were delinquent, according to the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Institute's newly released Housing in the Nation's Capital 2009 report. Of those loans, 51,500 were at least 90 days late.

Mortgages in this state of delinquency are likely go into foreclosure, the report stated, meaning tens of thousands of more area homes will soon be up for auction.

Economists Say Loudoun Economy Will Get Worse Before It Gets Better

editor — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:23:25 +0000

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By:

Dorry Samuels

Friday, 30 October 2009

Teaser:

The economic future of Loudoun County is looking up, but residents should expect times to get worse before they start to improve.

That was the message delivered by economists speaking at the fourth annual Virtual Realty Tour on Oct. 23, sponsored by the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce. Casting Loudoun as the “Land of Opportunity,” economists compared the rate of development and costs of rent in Loudoun with neighboring communities and the nation as a whole. They also predicted the rate of development in the coming months and years – expecting to see the next 18 months continuing a dismal path, but prospects looking up by 2012.

Small Business Awards Gala Nov. 5

editor — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 20:19:56 +0000

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Thursday, 29 October 2009

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The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce’s 2009 Small Business Awards Gala will take Nov. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at Lansdowne Resort.

During the event, which is black tie optional, the Chamber will announce the winners of its annual small business awards. Some of the award categories include retailer of the year, product of the year, non-profit of the year and technology business of the year.

Cost to attend is $60 for Chamber members and $90 for non-members. Award finalists get in free.