loudoun business for september 2011

By Kara Clark, Staff Writer

August was a month of big wins for Loudoun County, with the county seat, Loudoun’s vast job growth and Leesburg Airport all receiving state and national recognition. Both Loudoun and the greater state of Virginia received kudos for job growth and business attraction efforts over the last decade. Among counties in the United States, Loudoun has been ranked number two by CNN Money for job growth over the last

10 years, while CNBC ranked Virginia as America’s Top State for Business. With the United States as a whole showing little to no job growth during the last decade, Loudoun’s exceptional growth equates to 46,000 net new jobs in the county. The industry sectors that have seen the most growth include computer systems design and related services with an increase of 4,500 new jobs, and Retail, educational services and construction accounting for almost 20,000 new jobs. The county is home to the highest con-centration of high-tech firms in the nation,

with CNN Money using the familiar moniker “Silicon Valley of the East” to describe Loudoun. As America’s Top State for Business, Virginia beat out the states of Texas and North Carolina in the CNBC ranking by showing dominance in areas such as infra-structure and transportation, economy, education, business friendliness and access to capital. The good news trickled down to the county seat. The Town of Leesburg ranked fourth in Money Magazine’s “Best Places to Live” list released in August. The list counts down the 100 best small towns in which to settle across the coun-try. According to the magazine, Leesburg ranked high due to its “proximity to plenty of good jobs,” including in the govern-ment, defense contracting, consulting and technology industries. While Money notes commutes to and from the town “can be abysmal” many residents surveyed said the tradeoff is being able to live in a beauti-

ful, historic town, with many “antebellum, red brick buildings” now filled with restau-rants, art galleries and shops. Business Retention Coordinator Debi Parry said the designation goes a long way toward recognizing the town’s reputation as a landing spot to grow a business. In 2008, Leesburg landed the 31st spot on FORTUNE Small Business Magazine’s “Best Places to Live and Launch” list. “We have a highly educated workforce and a growing number of families that demand the best from our county schools, our parks and our infrastructure. When CEOs are looking for a home for their busi-ness, quality of life and access to an edu-cated workforce are at the top of the list and we have them both here in Leesburg,” Parry said. Of all the top 10 on the list, Leesburg ranked the highest when it came to median family income, at $128,595, and job growth from 2000-2010, at 47.16 percent. The sur-

SEPTEMBER 2011 VOLUME 8 NO. 10

PRSRT STDU.S. Postage

PAIDPermit #78

Springfield, VA

INSIDE

Loudoun Key To Virginia Wine Industry Push

...... Page 3


One of the most anticipated projects for the Leesburg business community has made its debut. The Mason Enterprise Center Leesburg, the county’s first business incubator, wel-comed its first tenants Tuesday, Sept. 6. The 10,000-square-foot building at 202 Church St. will house start-up businesses with high-growth potential. In addition to the executive suite-style layout of the building, where each company will have its own office, or offices, with a window, incubator staff members will be on hand to guide these businesses from the start-up phase to a successful enterprise. Keith Segerson, managing director of the Mason Enterprise Center, has been busy interviewing prospective tenants for the incubator in recent weeks, as well as

nearing the end of the process for hiring a director for the Leesburg site. Segerson said he had in his hand 14 draft leases, rep-resenting 14 potential companies taking up space in the incubator in separate offices. He called the response to the Leesburg incubator “unprecedented” although, for him, not unexpected. “I expected that in all sincerity because of the community involvement, press sup-port, word on the street, just the buzz and a lot of things we have not had and not benefited from in other [incubator] loca-tions which are much more isolated, inde-pendent, not as fully partnered as this one is,” he said, pointing to the involvement of the Town of Leesburg, Loudoun County, Loudoun Chamber of Commerce and the town and county Economic Development Commissions. “It shows how important

Boosting Budding BusinessesIncubator Welcomes First Tenants

See Incubator, Page 8

Leesburg, County, Airport Receive Accolades

See Rankings, Page 5

The home of the Mason Enterprise Center Leesburg on Church Street.

| Loudoun Business SEPTEMBER 2011

SEPTEMBER 2011 Loudoun Business | PAGE 3

By Margaret Morton, Staff Writer

Loudoun’s wineries are a thriving com-ponent of the Virginia wine industry—and that was apparent during an Aug. 31 Vine to Wine seminar hosted by John Marshall Bank at Sunset Hills Vineyard. An invited audience sampled wines and hors d’oeuvres before settling down to a talk by Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Consumer Services Todd Haymore and a panel discussion by winery own-ers Jim Corcoran and Chris Pearmund. Haymore also is secretary of the Virginia Department of Forestry. Together the two industries contribute more than $79 bil-lion to the Virginia economy and provide 10.3 percent of jobs in the commonwealth,

according to Virginia agriculture statistics. Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell recently announced sales of Virginia wines have reached an all-time high. Fiscal 2011 sales showed an increase of 11.4 percent over FY 2010. Virginia wineries sold 462,112 cases of wine in FY 2011, up from the pre-vious year’s benchmark of 414,785 cases sold. And the financial return is healthy, according to the governor’s office, which reported total sales of Virginia wine during FY 2011 resulted in almost $1.8 million in wine liter tax collections, in comparison with $1.6 million in FY 2010. Those results back up the administra-tion’s determination to make Virginia the wine capital of the East Coast in produc-tion and tourism, Haymore said, noting

Virginia is the third largest wine producer behind California and Washington. First Lady Maureen McDonnell also is behind the effort, having planted a number of vines behind the Governor’s Mansion in what is called the First Lady’s Initiative. Haymore said there will be an increased emphasis on expanding the commonwealth’s foot-print in this country as well as internation-ally. McDonnell and Haymore contend the wine industry also boosts jobs in the com-monwealth, a key focus for McDonnell’s “Jobs and Opportunities” agenda for his term. Virginia is now the nation’s fifth larg-est state in the number of wineries—with Loudoun reportedly having the largest number in Virginia—and the sixth larg-

est wine grape producer. Haymore cited Loudoun and Albermarle counties as the commonwealth’s top producers. The industry draws a record num-ber of tourists per year through visits to wineries and vineyards, Haymore said, noting more than 1 million are said to visit Virginia wineries annually, generat-ing approximately $57 million. And those same wineries and vineyards keep land in agricultural production. According to a recent economic impact study, the Virginia wine industry employs more than 3,000 people and contributes almost $350 million to the commonwealth’s economy per annum. Haymore noted in 2005 there were 120 wineries; today, that

Loudoun Plays Key Role In State's Plans For Wine Industry Growth


It was a long, strange trip to Bluemont for Kate Zurschmeide. The owner of Great Country Farms did not have the prototypical journey to head-ing up a large-scale farm/CSA operation and family outing destination. After receiving her degree in finance from West Virginia University, Zurschmeide set out on the corporate path, holding down a job at Verizon for many years. During her tenure there in the early 90s she and her husband Mark purchased Great Country Farms and had their sights set on something big. Kate Zurschmeide continued to work for Verizon until 1999, when she left to devote her full time to the farm. It was three guiding principles that helped Zurschmeide and her husband grow Great Country Farms into the success it is today. Embracing serendipity was key, she said in addressing Sterling Women’s September luncheon crowd. “Look for it everyday, seek it,” Zurschmeide said. “It’s those moments that come by only a few times that can be the catalyst, that can be the thing that takes you to the next level.” For the Zurschmeides one such seren-dipitous moment came when a member of the farm’s CSAs approached them about starting a courier service to drop off pro-duce to customers. It immediately doubled the farm’s CSA capacity, which has helped Great Country Farms to grow into the suc-cess it is today. Another guiding principle was persis-

tence. The day the Zurschmeides signed the purchase contract for the farm property, which had been languishing on the market for six years, the Realtors immediately told them they would see them in a year when they were ready to subdivide, not believ-ing their goal was to operate and sustain a farm. “The naysayers are out there,” Zurschmeide warned the crowd. “But you know your vision, you know your heart, you know where you want to go.” The third guiding principle was seeking wisdom. Leaning on the expertise and expe-rience of others led Great Country Farms to consider entering into sponsorships and other partnerships, as it recently did with its first BBQ Bash. “There are incredible resources out there; we are all small business owners,” she said. “You’re in the right place. You’re surrounded by powerful, wise people.”

White Star Investments held a formal groundbreaking ceremony Aug. 31 for the first phase of renovations and expansion at Purcellville’s oldest shopping center—Loudoun Valley Shopping Center. In addition to getting a new name—The Shoppes at Main & Maple—changes at the 40-year old center include a new BB&T Bank almost double the size of the current branch and that will have additional office space for rent; a Walgreens pharmacy on the site where Al's Pizza once stood; a Station Auto Wash similar to the one on

Catoctin Circle in Leesburg; and improved parking with landscaping. The former Safeway/IGA/ReStore section of the shop-ping center has been demolished leaving one row of retail stores facing into the Breezeway area. Renovations for that area will be in phase two of the project, which includes plans for restaurants. Taking part in the groundbreaking ceremony were Purcellville Mayor Bob Lazaro, Councilwoman Joan Lehr, Rueben Bajaj, president of White Star Investments, and Rick Connor, of Walgreens.

Sterling Women Spotlight: Kate Zurschmeide

New Look Coming For Purcellville Shopping Center

See Wine, Page 8


I have really enjoyed the opportu-nity to share my thoughts with you in this forum. It is my hope that you have come to understand why I became actively engaged in making Loudoun County the best place to live and work in America. In slight devia-tion from my previous articles, and in the shadow of the 10th anniversary of the ter-rorist attacks on 9/11, I would like to intro-duce you to an organization that began as an idea for a film, and has become an organization with the potential to impact communities globally with its mission to promote the unique preparedness needs of first responders as the frontline of disaster recovery. After graduating from Georgetown University, I started my business career on Wall Street in the second tower of the World Trade Center. I have been in Northern Virginia since 1992, but many of my family and friends remain in New York. My brother Nick was married shortly after September 11, 2001—only blocks away from Ground Zero. At the reception, I recall seeing groups of people huddled around the room, crying. These tears were not tears of joy; rather, they were tears of sor-row, mourning the friends and family lost a month prior. Jim Whitaker is an established

Hollywood film producer, and was Nick’s college roommate at Georgetown. When Jim was in New York for the wedding, he visited Ground Zero and realized that no one was capturing the progress happening at the site. Knowing that someday the end-less sea of debris would be removed, with another unknown structure in its place, Jim had an idea. He wanted to document the hope, resilience, and strength that it takes to rebuild after tragedy. Jim approached another college roommate, Pat Ryan, whose father was CEO of Aon Corporation. In memory of the 176 employees Aon Corporation lost in the 9/11 attacks, the Aon Foundation became the lead sponsor of Jim’s idea, which by then was called Project Rebirth. Project Rebirth is an organization that I have been personally involved with since the beginning. Through the vision and direction of Jim Whitaker, 14 time-lapse cameras were stationed at various sites surrounding the World Trade Center dev-astation a few months after September 11, 2001. These cameras would take one picture every five minutes, capturing the rebuilding of Ground Zero in five-minute intervals. In the spring of 2002 my brother Nick and I were invited to preview Jim’s project. After seeing the early footage, we

both volunteered to help in any way pos-sible. I became the treasurer of Project Rebirth in April of 2002 and Nick became the vice president. Together, Nick and I have helped raise over 14 million dollars for the organization. After only a few months of filming, Whitaker realized that the country, specifi-cally New York City, was going through a dramatic personal rebuilding and coping

fol lowing the acts of terror on 9/11. He d e c i d e d to create a human time lapse to capture the emo-tional and s p i r i t u a l rebuilding that hap-pens after t r a g e d y. T h r o u g h the artful

meld of the chronicle of five individuals coping with the aftermath of 9/11 and the powerful visual record of the rebuilding of Ground Zero, the film Rebirth was formed. To date, Rebirth has earned awards and wide praise for Whitaker’s focus on captur-ing the resilience of the human spirit while

faced with disaster. Rebirth will air on Showtime on September 11, 2011, which is a huge achievement for the entire team at Project Rebirth—many of whom have com-mitted to this project for 10 years. Some may think that after the release of the film, which was 10 years in the making, the work at Project Rebirth would be complete. Not true. The work is just beginning. As the film began to unfold to Whitaker and his team, they came to realize that there was an opportunity to leverage the more than 800 hours of digital interview archive for the greatest social good. With a commitment from Project Rebirth’s incep-tion of providing content to the National 9/11 Memorial and Museum, programming has been developed on the educational and therapeutic fronts, with an emphasis on helping people and communities to be better prepared for and respond to psychological trauma and grief caused by tragic events, such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). With the vision to create educational and therapeutic tools, Project Rebirth has led to strategic partnerships with both Georgetown University and Columbia University. These institutions have worked with Project Rebirth to develop new tech-nology and advanced coursework that draws on Project Rebirth’s digital inter-view archive as a media tool for students

By John Wood

A Bu

sine

ss P

ersp

ectiv

e

Giving BackBUSINESSES South Riding’s Virginia Tire & Auto recently took time to honor the memory of a local fallen soldier and former employee. Aug. 23, the auto shop held a “Crossing of America” rally where employees presented a $1,000 check to the Spirit of Liberty Foundation. The Spirit of Liberty Foundation’s mission is to support U.S. Armed Forces and their families, with an emphasis on wounded warriors and families of fallen heroes. The Foundation’s Crossing of America Jeep tour began May 27 aboard the deck of the USS Midway in San Diego Harbor and was set to conclude Thursday, Sept. 8, on the deck of the USS Intrepid in New York Harbor in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11. The Crossing of America made a special stop at the South

Riding auto shop for the rally. Also during the event, Sgt. Sean Callahan, a former Virginia Tire & Auto employee who was killed while serv-ing in the Marines in southern Afghanistan, was honored. Myron Boncarosky, Virginia Tire & Auto owner, present-ed the Spirit of Liberty Foundation with a $1,000

donation check in honor of Sgt. Callahan, whose mother, Jan Callahan, attended the commemorative ceremony, along with local dignitaries, including former Del. Dick Black and Chairman Scott K. York (R-At Large).

About Project Rebirth

See Wood Page 6


Loudoun Business is published monthly by Leesburg Today

19301 Winmeade Drive, Suite N224Leesburg, VA 20176-3031www.leesburgtoday.com

Editorial Department 703-771-8801

Advertising Department 703-771-8800

Classified Department 703-771-8831

Fax Number 703-771-8833

Loudoun Business welcomes Letters to the Editor. Letters must be signed and include the writer’s name, address and daytime phone number.

All rights reserved. No part of Loudoun Business may be reproduced physically or electronically without the written permission of the publisher. Loudoun Business is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or artwork.

We are pledged to the letter and spirit of Virginia’s policy for achieving equal housing opportunity throughout the Commonwealth. We encourage and support advertising and marketing programs in which there are no barriers to obtaining housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderli-ness, familial status or handicap. All real estate advertised herein is subject to Virginia’s fair housing law which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, elderliness, familial status or handicap or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimi-nation.” This newspaper will not knowingly accept advertising for real estate that violates the fair housing law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. For more information or to file a housing complaint call the Virginia Fair Housing office at (804) 367-8530. Toll free call (888) 551-3247. For the hear-ing impaired call (804) 367-9753. Email: [email protected]. Web site: www.fairhousing.vipnet.org. M e m b e r

JohnMarshallBank.com • 703-779-4811

A good banker is like a good neighbor,

eager to help in good times and in bad.

That’s what you’ll find at John Marshall Bank.

Call our Loudoun Branchtoday. We welcome the opportunity to discuss

the financial needs ofyour business.

842 South King StreetLeesburg, VA 20175

Paul W. Bice, PresidentLoudoun Region

Your localbusiness bank

in Loudoun

JMB_5x5.5_Ad 9/2/11 5:21 PM Page 1

book exhibit spacetoday703.777.2176 lo

ud

ou

nch

ambe

r .o

rg

JOin us @ The MarkeTplace

Thursday OctOber 6

In Partnership with Make-a-WIsh

FoundatIon oF the MId-atlantIc

Signature SpOnSOr:

Workshops door prizes cocktail receptiontaste of loudoun Wineries non profit organizations

silent auction exhibitors sponsors small biz

Loudoun County’s premier business

marketing, networking and procurement

showcase event, held in a prestigious location

with workshops led by business experts,

valuable giveaways and the area’s finest

companies offering their products and services.a complete list of exhibitors and sponsors are listed on the loudoun chamber web site

12:00 p.M. - 6:00 p.M.Dulles Hyatt

gold sponsors:

arGroup

Fortessa, Inc.

George Mason university

loudoun county department of

economic development

The George Washington

university Virginia science &

Technology campus

The National conference center2300 dulles corner blvd.

herndon, va 20171

Free admiSSiOn

HOSt & receptiOn SpOnSOr: dulles hyaTT

vey also compared statistics on quality of life, education, housing, leisure and culture, and weather. Rounding out the top four on the “Best Places to Live” list were Louisville, CO; Milton, MA; and Solon, OH. Leesburg joined several other cit-ies and towns from Virginia on the list: Herndon (34), Montclair (35), Oakton (36) and Manassas Park (56). The town’s airport also received some accolades of its own. Leesburg Executive Airport ranked third among the state’s gen-eral aviation airports in terms of the amount of economic activity it generates. The town-based airport generated more than $78 million in economic activity in 2010, accord-ing to a report released by the Virginia Department of Aviation. The Virginia Airport System Economic Impact Study was released by the state aviation department in an effort to shine a light on the economic benefits offered by the state’s nine commercial service and 57 general aviation airports. In total, Virginia’s airports are estimated to contribute more than $28 billion to the Virginia economy, representing about 4.4 percent of the state’s total economic output. Every $1 spent at a Virginia airport, the report states, contrib-utes an additional $3.48 in economic activ-ity for the state. The economic contributions of the state’s 66 airports were measured in terms of jobs, payroll and economic activity, with the latter classified into three impact cat-egories: direct, indirect and induced. For every take-off and landing at a Virginia airport, the department notes, $722 of eco-nomic activity is produced. Only Manassas Regional and Bridgewater Air Park outpaced Leesburg’s airport in terms of economic activity, with the former bringing in more than $234 million last year and the latter $85 million. Leesburg Airport produced the second-most amount of jobs, including in the local region and the greater state, at 634, with Manassas Airport again the top job-creator with 1,056 in 2010. According to Cliff Burnette, direc-tor of the Airport Services Division at the state aviation department, the jobs number generated for Leesburg and other airports takes into account “the multiplier effect.” “It’s the bits and pieces of people….everything from the UPS driver to the per-son who delivers fuel; it multiples into the community,” he explained. More than 63,000 individuals used Leesburg Airport’s services last year and, according to the report, 226 aircraft are based at the airport. Airport Commission Chairman Dennis Boykin said the report is validation of what he and other commissioners have been saying for years: airports are not about airplanes, they’re about commerce. “It’s really about providing jobs and

supporting interstate commerce,” he said. “There are businesses that locate here in town because of the airport and there are businesses coming here because of the airport.” Boykin also remarked that at the recent Virginia Department of Aviation conference, where the report was unveiled, attendees were reminiscing about how at one time there were questions as to whether the airport could survive as an entity. “Now we’re seeing today that it’s num-ber three in terms of economic activity. It’s a job producer,” he said. Shye Gilad, CEO of ProJet Aviation, which opened its Leesburg Airport-based facility last year, said the results of the study speak directly to their experience in the town. “Our own internal performance exceed-ed our projections in the first year,” he said. “What [the study] does is it reaffirms our investmen; it lets us know that we’re on the right track and it further validates our opinion on the long-term viability of the development of Leesburg into a major pri-vate aviation hub.”

RankingsContinued From Page 1


studying human development, psychol-ogy, social work and education. This type of hands-on educational tool transcends the traditional case-study analysis. This coursework also will transcend the typi-cal classroom setting, as it will be used to

educate our first-response teams. First-response programs are being developed for both the New York Police Department and the Arlington County Fire Department. Brian Rafferty, the Chairman, has led the educational component of Project Rebirth. He has used the film Rebirth as a call to action and a fundraising tool to help meet the urgent need to better deal with psychological trauma and grief associated with disasters. Community disaster and traumatic loss are fundamental part of the human experience. Although the partici-pants in the film Rebirth are rooted to the manmade disaster in New York City, the healing process they go through is innate to any grief, regardless of geographic loca-tion. Many people suffer from PTSD—mem-bers of the military and their families, along with survivors of natural and manmade disasters. The Project Rebirth archive will make a lasting difference by providing professionals and first responders with the tools they need to better understand and treat PTSD. Rebirth will air on Showtime on Sunday, September 11, at 9 p.m. Eastern Standard time. It will continue to air on Showtime at various times throughout the month of September. For more infor-mation about Project Rebirth, including viewing opportunities and how to pur-chase the film on DVD, please visit www.ProjectRebirth.org.

[John B. Wood is the CEO of Telos Corporation in Ashburn, founder of the CEO Cabinet and current chairman of the county Economic Development Commission. His monthly column will appear in Loudoun Business. Follow John on Twitter at twitter.com/john_b_wood.]

In an effort to aid the local busi-ness community, the Leesburg Economic Development Commission is hosting the Leesburg Financial Roundtable: a Summit on Economic Growth, Thursday, Sept. 15 ,from 8 to 11:30 a.m. The roundtable will take place at 1602 Village Market Boulevard, Suite 400 in Village at Leesburg. The Leesburg Financial Roundtable will bring together leaders in business, banking, government and higher educa-tion to develop actionable concepts that increase the flow of capital to local compa-

nies for economic growth and job creation. The vision of the roundtable, EDC Vice Chairman Jim Sisley said, is to “develop actionable concepts to increase the flow of capital to local companies for economic growth and job creation” with the goal in mind of being a catalyst for growth for both the town and the greater county. The event includes keynote speak-er Andy Bauer, economist at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, and a panel dis-cussion with the attendees. Leesburg Mayor Kristen C. Umstattd, Loudoun County Board

of Supervisors Chairman Scott K. York and Leesburg District Supervisor Kelly Burk will provide insight regarding the state of the local economy. Panelists include Kitty Kearns of Middleburg Bank; Harry Hager of Sandy Spring Bank; David Caruso of Dominion Advisory Group; Greg Ellwood of the Loudoun Chamber of Commerce; Ruth Sandoval, a former Clinton advisor and board member of the Virginia Economic Development Partnership; Leesburg EDC Chairman Scott Gustavson; Shaun Kelly of the Loudoun County EDC; and a rep-resentative from the Loudoun Industrial Development Authority. “The general direction of the economy and opportunities for employment are top-of-mind issues for the citizens of Leesburg. This event seeks to define what can be done at a local level, now and in the near future, to help businesses prosper and cre-

ate net new jobs,” Sisley stated. “We hope the work done in these few hours will have a measurable positive impact on the qual-ity of life in our community.” The morning’s events conclude with a Q&A with the audience and a one-hour deal-making session, which Sisley said is intended to bring together businesses and capital resource providers to begin imple-menting equity solutions. To that end, the EDC hopes for a lot of participation in the event. “The more businesses and residents that are there, the more that will under-stand the dynamics of the situation and do something,” Sisley said. The event is being hosted by Village at Leesburg and Sperry Van Ness Commercial Real Estate. A continental buffet breakfast will be served. For more information, visit www.leesburgva.gov.

ANS’ talented professionals develop and implement solutions with only one purpose in mind: to help our clients achieve their mission objectives.TECHNOLOGY WITH A GOAL

• Consulting / Network Design & Setup• On-Site or Remote Help-Desk Support• Firewall / Intrusion Prevention Systems• 24/7 Network Monitoring• Internet / Email / Web Hosting• ZIX Email Encryption Services•• Data / Voice Cabling Installation• Servers / Routers / Switches• Desktops / Laptops / Printers• Bank Integration Specialist• LAN / WAN / Wireless / VPN Services• T1 / DSL / VOIP / Internet Access

Call Today for a Free Network Evaluation Call Today for a Free Network Evaluation

Advanced Network Solutions45300 Catalina Court, Suite 104

Sterling, VA 20166

703.444.9700 or email: [email protected]

Visit us at www.ansnetworks.com

Take Advantage of Our Experienced, Certified Engineers

Does Your Network Perform Like It Should?

working for your interest

We Help Members Untie Financial Knots!

Join Today!703 . 777 . 4744www.loudouncu.com

Leesburg EDC Plans Financial Roundtable

WoodContinued From Page 5


figure is up to 200 farm wineries. A new economic study should be completed next year, he said. Haymore also cited the expansion of the commonwealth’s Promotion Fund, which has more than doubled to $1.325 mil-lion per year. “We worked to release funds for research and marketing,” Haymore said. The augmented funds enabled a new wine marketing office employee position working to expand Virginia wine pres-ence in retail stores, restaurants and wine shops; underwriting of "Vintage: The Winemaker’s Year," a soon-to-be aired documentary on PBS; and the first dedi-cated international marketing efforts. Two trade missions have been made to the United Kingdom and one to Hong Kong, while other partnerships have grown also, including a visit by the European “Circle of Wine Writers” to this country in 2010, and a campaign to highlight Virginia food and beverage products. “We want to put financial resourc-es to promote Virginia’s wine industry,” Haymore said. Other successes include the First Lady’s FLITE—the First Lady Initiative Team Effort—that helps focus attention on Virginia wineries and further encour-ages retail and restaurant sales as well

as tourism, Haymore said. In addition to general rising wine sales over FY 2010 and FY 2011, Virginia wine distribution com-pany sales are up sharply after an online purchase system was installed. The General Assembly also is sup-portive of the wine industry and the Virginia Wine Board now can use tax money to promote, research and educate about the wine industry. In this year’s General Assembly session, further mea-sures were enacted that have had a posi-tive impact, Haymore said. A winery/vineyard tax credit now cre-ates a 25 percent reimbursable tax credit for those wishing to establish or expand a winery or vineyard under a program that is capped at $250,000 for tax year 2011. A budget amendment was passed whereby Virginia wine liter tax proceeds will be dedicated to the Virginia Wine Promotion Fund, with the yearly balance rising or falling on wine sales. Another piece of legislation now allows restaurant customers to bring their own wines with them, subject to the res-taurant’s corkage fee. On the thorny issue of double taxation, the General Assembly enacted legislation that has removed the tax on Virginia wines shipped to out-of-state customers. Haymore said plans for further pro-motions of Virginia wines this year will include continuing to work with the First Lady on winery tours and further vine

planting at the Governor’s Mansion; trade missions to Asia, Canada, the U.K., Europe and India; continuing domestic and global public-private partnerships; trade shows and conferences; and hosting an inaugural Virginia wine summit. Urging planting of more grapes, Haymore said in January he hoped to show a good investment return to the General Assembly through the burgeoning wine industry and consequently move the $250,000 tax credit cap much higher—to $1.3 million. “We’ve had a lot of success in the last 18 months,” he said. “Virginia sales are at an all-time high.” Following Haymore’s talk, it was the turn of Corcoran and Pearmund to field questions from the audience, both of whom have extensive experience at the local and state level of the industry. Corcoran not only manages Corcoran Vineyards, which he founded in 2002, but is tasting officer for Corcoran Brewery, opened this year. The two form the first winery/brewery combination in the com-monwealth. Corcoran is a former chairman of the Virginia Wine Council and works on behalf of the industry on legislative action in Richmond. He serves on the board of the Virginia Wine Distribution Company and is active with the Virginia Department of Agricultural Consumer Services and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Locally, Corcoran serves on the board of the Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce and works with county elected officials to promote Loudoun as a top winery location. Executive Winemaker Pearmund has more than 25 years of experience in the wine industry—as winemaker, vineyard manager, winery operator and certified wine judge. He is managing partner of Vint Hill Craft Winery, Pearmund Cellars, the Winery at la Grange and Meriwether Vineyard. He also has helped open more

than a dozen wineries in Virginia. In 2010, Pearmund repeated as the winner of the Virginia Governor’s Cup for making the best wine. A former president of the Virginia Vineyards Association and a board member of the Virginia Wineries Association, Pearmund is the current chairman of the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce. During the panel discussion, Corcoran said one of Loudoun’s advantages is that it is “by far the friendliest place to open a winery,” citing easier zoning requirements and county staff “that work with us,” in contrast to Fauquier County, which he dubbed “the worst.” His biggest concern, he said, was that the Virginia wine industry has had “huge growth” in a short time—and that places a corresponding burden on land. With 235 wineries on 2,700 acres of land, “We need land—there’s not enough,” he said, adding he hoped to see more tax credits for potential winery and vineyard owners. Pearmund also seeks to greatly increase production and consumption. “There’s a lot of wine potential, and we need better and bigger growers,” he said, noting a need for larger parcels under production. Winery owners have knowledge. “We just need the product,” and to achieve that, the industry needs more growers, Pearmund said. Although only 5 percent of wine production nationally comes from Virginia, well behind California and Washington, that percentage is grow-ing and gaining more recognition. Like Corcoran, Pearmund sees “a lot of oppor-tunity for increased growth,” citing the importance of tax credits for wineries. Larger scale production, more mecha-nization and efficiency and reduced coo-perage costs were among improvements the three men listed as essential if Virginia is to build on success so far and truly compete nationally and internationally.

Giving Back

Does your business need a 50-Meg connection to

the Internet?

Get up to speed today with

Roadstar High SpeedInternet Access

• Reliable, local service • Support Home Networking

• Professional, timely installation

New Fiber Level Speeds

20130 Lakeview Center Plaza, Suite 140, Ashburn, VA 20147

[email protected] • www.roadstarinternet.com

this new facility and all the services are to the business community in Leesburg and Loudoun County.” Of those who have signed leases, Segerson estimated about 60 to 70 percent are technology companies. “We look for companies that have high potential for growth and certainly technology companies historically have demonstrated that ability to look for prod-ucts and services,” he said. “From the call volume it’s been a majority of companies in software, product development in the technology field.” In addition to incubator tenants, both the Loudoun Small Business Development Center and the town’s Economic Development Department will set up shop

in the space. The Church Street building includes three floors and a mezzanine area, where economic development staff will be locat-ed. There is room for about 30 businesses in the incubator, although others could set up “virtually” with the incubator’s server for cloud computing. Each floor also contains its own kitchen and bath-room space and the third floor contains a large, handsome conference room that can be used for business meetings or other functions. Other floors contain room for lounge space. A formal ribbon-cutting/grand open-ing ceremony is expected to be scheduled in the near future.

In next month’s issue, Loudoun Business will profile the companies setting up shop in the county’s first incubator, as well as its new director.

IncubatorContinued From Page 1

WineContinued From Page 3


By Rosemary deButts, Contributing Writer

There were two really great pieces of information for the housing market in Loudoun County during the second quarter of 2011: interest rates were at a remarkably low level, 4.95 percent, and the median sales price increased 11 per-cent from the first quarter. Over the past 30 quarters since the first quarter of 2004, the mortgage rate was below 5 percent in only four quarters—as it turns out, the past four quarters. This is one of the two largest factors affecting the share of Loudoun households that can afford the median priced home. The second major factor is the me-dian sales price itself; the lower it is, the more households can afford to live here. However, after the freefall in prices in recent years, it is refreshing to see that the median jumped significantly in the second quarter. In fact, the median sales price reached its highest level since the fourth quarter of 2007. That is good for sellers but does not bode well for buyers searching for affordability. There are other factors that figure into how affordable an area is—specifically, house-hold income, homeowner’s insurance, homeowner’s association fees and prop-erty taxes. Assuming that monthly mort-gage bills in addition to these other costs amount to 29 percent (or less) of home-owner’s monthly income, 59 percent of Loudoun County households could afford the median priced home in the second quarter of 2011. For the last eight consec-utive quarters, the housing affordability index has exceeded 59 percent. Compare that to the second quarter of 2006, at the height of an overheated housing market, when only 15 percent of Loudoun house-holds could afford the median priced home. Household income has steadily risen over the last five years. Loudoun regu-larly ranks among the top three coun-

ties in the country for median household income. While mortgage rates and median home prices were declining, the medi-an household income rose every year since 2006 (from $98,483 to $114,204 in 2010). Homeowner’s insurance rates have declined from an average of $55 in 2006 to $49 in 2011. These factors push afford-ability up. Downward pressure came from home-owner association dues that climbed, on average, from $69 per month in Loudoun

to $83 (+20 percent). Real property tax rates also increased, from 89 cents per $100 of assessed value in 2006 to $1.285 in 2011. Neither of these factors were enough to negatively affect affordability though. This two-year trend suggests that the Loudoun market has stabilized. And, the Federal Reserve has as much as guaran-teed that mortgage rates will remain low through 2012. However, if home prices continue to advance, as it looks like they

will, affordability will be sacrificed.

[Rosemary deButts is a Realtor associated with Atoka Properties in Purcellville. She is certified by the National Association of Realtors as a Short Sales and Foreclosure Resource and is a Member, Institute of Residential Marketing (MIRM) from the National Association of Home Builders. Visit her website, www.housinganalyst.net, for more facts and figures.]

Your best source for daily news in Loudoun.

Office

Flex

Industrial

Retail

Gov’t/Defense

Green-Build

Merritt Properties took time to understand our business and responded with a host of resources and services that made us feel extremely comfortable during a time where our business was making dramatic changes.

Mike KeoughPresident, E-Structors

“

“

703-858-2725www.MerrittProperties.com

When you work with Merritt, you get more than just a space

for your company. You get a partner. We consider your

business our business, and we’re dedicated to working with

you to meet your company’s goals and challenges. Merritt

Properties, Creating Homes for Businesses Since 1967.

Partnerships

15 million square feet throughout Maryland & Northern Virginia

Rising Median Home Prices Affect Affordability


Ashburn resident Dennis J. Manning has been appointed to the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities by Gov. Bob McDonnell. Manning has been the president and CEO of Community Residences since 2006. Incorporated in 1975, Community Residences Inc. is a non-profit orga-nization that p r o v i d e s community-based caring services that enable indi-viduals with a wide range of disabili-ties to live as independent-ly and with as high a quality of life as possible. The state board serves as Virginia’s Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, addressing the needs of people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The board advises the governor, the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, federal and state leg-

islators and other constituent groups on issues related to people with disabilities in Virginia. The board’s purpose is to engage in advocacy, capacity building and systems change activities that enable individuals with developmental disabilities to exercise self-determination, be independent, be pro-ductive and be integrated and included in all facets of community life. Prior to his employment at Community Residences, Manning held clinical and administrative positions with Catholic Charities of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse, the Oneida County Department of Mental Health and the U.S. Army and Air Force Reserve. Manning has served on the board of numer-ous nonprofit agencies and community and professional associations, and was honored with outstanding leadership awards from United Way and Rotary International. He is a decorated veteran having served during the Vietnam conflict, Operations Desert Storm/Desert Shield in 1991 and Operation Enduring Freedom in 2002. Manning holds a master's degree in human resource manage-ment from the State University of New York at Binghamton; a master's of social work from Syracuse University and a Bachelor

of Arts in Social Work from Utica College of Syracuse University.

Michael Snow is the new director of farm operations for Willowsford Farm. Snow brings more than 10 years of experience in farming using low-impact practices to grow a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables. Willowsford is a new 4,000 acre community that includes 2,000 acres of conservancy-managed natural open space. A portion of the open space will include agricultural production by Willowsford Farm. Snow is currently working on refining the business plan for the farm’s initial year of operations in 2012, which will detail planting, growing and harvest seasons. Prior to joining the Willowsford team, Snow was the manager of the Ecosystem Farm and farmer training program at The Accokeek Foundation. He graduated from Middlebury College with a degree in geography with independent work in environmental studies. “We are looking forward to having great produce from Willowsford Farm under Mike’s direction,” Brian Cullen, regional president for RPL, the developer of Willowsford, stat-ed. “Locally pro-duced food has gained tremen-dous appeal in recent years and, given Mike’s significant expertise and dedi-cation, we believe Willowsford Farm has the potential to become a tremendous asset for Willowsford residents and the surrounding

community.” Harry Simmerman has joined the Loudoun Credit Union as its new CEO. Simmerman comes to LCU with more than 25 years of experience in the financial ser-vices industry. Prior to joining the credit union, he served on the senior management staff of VACORP Federal Credit Union in Lynchburg. “I am very excited about being on the team at LCU,” Simmerman stated. “Credit unions are unique in that they are a member-owned, not-for-profit, volunteer driven cooperative. Next year we will cel-ebrate 35 years of providing the broad range of financial products and services needed by our members. My goal at LCU is to be certain that we continue to remain financially strong, competitive in the mar-ketplace and always focused on providing exceptional member service.” Sterling-based designer Michael Iannarelli recently took on a special proj-ect—detailing Air Force One. Iannarelli, of Extreme Details, was assigned to work exclusively on the exterior paint and some of the aluminum “brightwork” on Air Force One’s belly, fuselage, wings and engine shrouds. Iannarelli called the pro-cess “hardcore” because of its exposure to Seattle’s brutal weather elements—this Air Force One was used during the Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon administra-tions and currently sits on the tarmac of Seattle’s Museum of Flight—which made it difficult to clean, not to mention it hadn’t been detailed in three years. The nine-day detailing project also involved restor-ing the shine to a rare WWII B29 Bomber known as T-Square 54, one of the actual planes that flew 37 bombing missions with

Fall 2008 | Washington Home &Garden 55

Wet Yard! Wet Basement! We Have Your Solution!We solve your wet basement, foundation or yardproblems with the least expensive option first. Ourteam of licensed professionals, whether consulting orinstalling, will find the best solution for your problem.Make us your first call.

Additional Services: Patios • Walkways • Window Well Systems

25 Years of Solving Erosion,Foundation & Drainage ProblemsKenneth G. Fraine, P.E., Consulting Engineer

Mark J. Lane, Landscape Designer

www.DrainageandErosion.com

703-391-0040

Ideas Choices Solutions

Our Process Makes it Perfect.We’re Celebrating Our 25th year!

Design-Build Remodeling in Northern Virginia Since 1983www.FosterRemodeling.com 703.550.1371

7211-H TELEGRAPH SQUARE DR. LORTON, VA 22079

Kitchens

Master Suites

Bathrooms

Whole House Remodels

1st and 2nd Floor Additions

Family/Great Rooms

Sunrooms

“Fantastic experiencefrom start to end.

It couldn’t have beenmore painless!

Our lead carpenter and sales person

were the utmost in professionalism and

responsiveness. We hope to useFoster again.”

Kevin M. – McLean

Make all your productselections in one visitto our comprehensive

Idea and SelectionCenter.

WHG0908p055VA.qxd 9/18/08 5:11 PM Page 55







703-391-0040





Kitchens

Master Suites

Bathrooms



Family/Great Rooms

Sunrooms






Kevin M. – McLean










703-391-0040





Kitchens

Master Suites

Bathrooms



Family/Great Rooms

Sunrooms






Kevin M. – McLean




Have Recent Showers Exposed

Your Drainage Problems?

WE HAVE YOUR SOLUTION!

We solve your wet basement, foundation or yard problems with the least expensive option first. Our team of li-censed professionals, whether consulting or installing, will find the best solution for your problem.

Additional Services:Patios • Walkways

Window Well SystemsMoisture Stained Foundation

Falling Retaining WallsFlooded Basement

MAKE US YOUR FIRST CALL!

In Brief

Manning

Snow

Michael Iannarelli details a vintage Air Force One


the 875th Bomb Squadron, 498th Bomb Group in WWII. Although not a part of the original project, Iannarelli also waxed and polished a Fiat Fight and a F14 Tomcat “just for fun.” Iannarelli has specialized in high-end, full-service automotive detailing for 25 years. Extreme Details is a member of the International Detailing Association.

NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has selected Dulles-based Orbital Sciences Corporation to design, build and test the Ice, Cloud and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2) Earth science satellite. Scheduled for launch in 2016, ICESat-2 is the next-generation successor to the original ICESat satellite, which operated from 2003 to 2010. The contract award is valued at $135 mil-lion, including the spacecraft and associ-

ated options. Orbital will base the ICESat-2 satellite on its LEOStar-3 platform, the same technology that is being used for NASA’s Landsat Data Continuity Mission space-craft, which is currently being assembled and tested at the company’s Gilbert, AZ, satellite manufacturing facility. ICESat-2 will also be built and tested at the Gilbert loca-tion. Orbital is also in production on three science satellites for NASA at its Dulles cam-pus, including the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), Orbiting Carbon Observatory (OCO) and Gravity and Extreme Magnetism Small Explorer (GEMS) programs. “Our selection by Goddard Space Flight Center to design, build and test the ICESat-2 spacecraft adds to our extensive and growing history of producing high-quality and reliable satellites for NASA’s

Earth and space science programs,” Mike Larkin, Orbital’s executive vice president and general manager of its Space Systems Group, stated. “The ICESat-2 program will be a welcome addition to our NASA activi-ties at the company’s Gilbert, Arizona facil-

ity, which currently includes work on the LDCM satellite and on national security satellites.”

Katie Simmons is the National Conference Center’s new catering sales manager. In her role, she is respon-sible for weddings,

corporate events, holiday parties and other private functions. Simmons is the former director of sales at Heritage Hunt Golf and Country Club and also served as the cater-ing manager at the Heritage Shores Club. She is a Gainesville resident.

Leesburg resident Michelle Bemis has been named to Travel + Leisure’s A-List, measuring the world’s top travel agents, for 2011. Bemis has been a travel agent for 18 years and specializes in adventure and group travel. She works at McCabe World Travel in McLean. This is her first time mak-ing the list.

Share your company's news. Email us at :[email protected].

Sept. 14Board of Supervisors Candidates ForumLoudoun Chamber of Commerce8-10 a.m., The National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Lansdowne The candidates for the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will face off in the 2011 election’s premier candidates forum, where a panel of local business leaders will pose questions based on the Chamber’s 2011 Public Policy Agenda. For registration and pricing information, visit www.loudoun-chamber.org.

Young Professionals MixerLoudoun Chamber of Commerce5:30 to 7 p.m., Dulles Golf Center & Sports Park, 21593 Jesse Court, Dulles Join the Young Professionals for their monthly mixer for an evening of networking around tasty treats and frosty beverages. Pre-registration fee is $15 or $20 at the door. To register, visit www.loudounchamber.org.

Sept. 20Grow Your BusinessLoudoun Chamber of Commerce11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Chamber offices, 19301 Winmeade Drive #210, Lansdowne “Engagement Marketing – The Quick & Easy Way to Business Success” will be the monthly topic in a series that gets attend-ees up close and personal with experts in different business fields. Each luncheon in the Grow Your Business series features a prepared presentation followed by an extensive Q&A session. Lunch is provided. Cost for the event is $10 for Chamber mem-bers and $15 for non-members and walk-ins. To register, visit www.loudounchamber.org.

Sept. 21Middleburg Women10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast, 23130 Briar Patch Lane, Middleburg The networking group’s third quarter-ly panel on topics of importance to women this month features women in finance. The luncheon will feature panelists Jennifer Du Plessis of George Mason Mortgage; Mary Grate-Pyos of Financially Focused, Inc.; and Jennifer Shtipelman of EagleBank. Networking will begin at 10:30 a.m., with the panel discussion and Q&A session beginning at 11 a.m., followed by lunch and door prizes. For pricing information and to register, visit www.middleburgwomen.com.

Sept. 22Best Practices for a Basic WebsiteLoudoun Small Business Development Center6 to 8:30 p.m., The George Washington University Virginia Campus, 20101 Academic Way, Exploration Hall, Room 101, Ashburn Jim Huber, founder of Huberspace Web Design, provides cost effective tips and tools for how to set up a basic web-site. Huber will explain how usability is the key to success for your business website; affordable tools to set up your own basic website; do’s and don’ts to achieve best practices; why you should consider adding a mobile website; and how to add links to social media like Facebook and Twitter on your website. There is no charge for SBDC workshops in September, but pre-registra-tion is strongly preferred. To register, visit www.loudounsbdc.org.

Sept. 23House of Delegates Candidates ForumLoudoun Chamber of Commerce8-10 a.m., The National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Lansdowne The candidates for the House of Delegates seats representing Loudoun County will face off in the 2011 election’s premier candidates forum, where a panel of local business leaders will pose questions based on the Chamber’s 2011 Public Policy Agenda. For registration and pricing infor-mation, visit www.loudounchamber.org.

Sept. 27Start Your BusinessLoudoun Small Business Development Center 6 to 8:30 p.m., The George Washington University Virginia Campus, 20101 Academic Way, Exploration Hall, Room 101, Ashburn SBDC Executive Director Robin Suomi and Art Thompson, principal with Keyser Thompson Insurance Agency, Inc., provide attendees with the basics of starting a business. Highlights of the seminar include: taxes and licensing; business plan develop-ment; sources of financing; marketing; insur-ance; and entrepreneurial traits. There is no charge for SBDC workshops in September,

but pre-registration is strongly preferred. To register, visit www.loudounsbdc.org.

Oct. 4State Senate Candidates ForumLoudoun Chamber of Commerce8-10 a.m., The National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Place, Lansdowne The candidates for the State Senate seats representing Loudoun County will face off in the 2011 election’s premier can-didates forum, where a panel of local busi-ness leaders will pose questions based on the Chamber’s 2011 Public Policy Agenda. For registration and pricing information, visit www.loudounchamber.org.

Oct. 6The MarketPlaceLoudoun Chamber of CommerceNoon to 6 p.m., Hyatt Dulles, 2300 Dulles Corner Boulevard, Herndon The second annual MarketPlace event is built for businesses of any size, with opportunities to showcase one’s company, network with others or attend one of sev-eral free workshops based on timely and important business topics. A silent auction will benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation of the Mid-Atlantic. For registration and pric-ing information, visit www.loudouncham-ber.org.

Licensed ♦ Insured ♦ References ♦ Free Estimates

Custom Painters, LLC

[email protected]

♦

Interior ♦ Exterior ♦ ResidentialFaux Finishes ♦ Pressure Washing

Serving Northern VA Loudoun County area since 1983

Professional BusinessConnections Call us to place

your ad 703-771-8831

■ Business Calendar

Simmons


BIG CITY BUSINESS, MEET SMALL TOWN CHARM.Businesses thrive and communities grow stronger when

they’re fueled by the right kind of people. And that’s exactly

what you’ll fi nd in Leesburg. Located just minutes from the

DC Metro area, Leesburg is a hotspot for emerging leaders

and bright minds. Shye Gilad and his team understand the

importance of location, which is why they selected Leesburg

Executive Airport as their headquarters. You need an area

that’s solid in its roots, supports economic development

and works as a community to help create success stories.

Leesburg is the winning combination of history, change and

community that you won’t fi nd anywhere else.

the hometown of the 21st century Shye Gilad, CEO, ProJet Aviation

Find us on Facebook.703-737-7019 • www.leesburgva.gov

202 Church Street, SELeesburg, VA 20175

loudoun business for september 2011

Documents

leesburg business community

town of leesburg

business friendliness

business incubator

loudoun county

leesburg airport

county seat

live list