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More News
Mayor Approves New Alcohol Bill
Changes to the District's alcohol laws are in the works.
On Feb. 15, Mayor Muriel Bowser approved the Omnibus Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Amendment of 2016 (A21-0678), which makes several changes to the law regarding the sale, transportation, and regulation of alcohol in the District. The legislation must now undergo a 30-day Congressional review period.
Notable items in the bill include a ban on the sale of powdered alcohol in the District. The product is already illegal in several states across the country. The law will also institute a $1,000 fine for any person that violates the ban.
Other provisions of the bill will update laws already on the books, including expanding the types of containers businesses can use. Under the legislation, grocery stores will be able to sell wine in growlers for the first time. Establishments like restaurants and taverns that brew beer—known as brew pubs—will be able to sell the beer they manufacture in cans, kegs, bottles and other sealed containers. Currently, brew pubs are only permitted to sell beer in growlers for customers to take home. Additionally, the bill will allow distilleries and wineries to sell their products in cans and kegs instead of only barrels and bottles.
Another item for distilleries does away with a requirement that cocktails served by the manufacturer primarily contain the distiller's spirits over any other brand. As a result, a distillery will be able to freely mix cocktails with its brand of spirits as well as other brands as long as they have the proper license to do so.
The legislation also creates a new bed and breakfast license that is the first of its kind in the District. The license permits an inn to serve alcohol to registered guests, similar to hotels.
Complete details of the legislaton can be reviewed online
. Stay tuned for updates from the Alcoholic Beverage Regulation Administration on the legislation's implementation following its 30-day Congressional review.
Participate in Congresswoman Norton's Small Business Fair
On June 15, 2017, Congresswoman Norton will host her Small Business Fair from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place, NW) for residents and small businesses in the District of Columbia.
Congresswoman Norton would like to invite local businesses to participate in the Exhibition Hall portion of her program from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Resource Hall will allow participants to learn more about the services you provide.
If you would like to sign up as an exhibitor,
RSVP here
.
SafeTrack Surge #13: Continuous Single Tracking, Blue/Yellow Line, March 4-April 9, 2017
Beginning at 7:00 a.m. this Saturday, March 4 until closing, Sunday, April 9, Blue and Yellow Line trains will continuously single track between Braddock Rd and Huntington/Van Dorn St stations.
Surge #13 will be completed in two phases. Highlights include:
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No Yellow Rush + trains (Franconia-Springfield to Greenbelt weekend rush) will operate during the entire Surge #13.
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From March 4-April 1 weekdays, Blue and Yellow Line trains will operate every 24 minutes. Additional Yellow Line trains will operate between Reagan National Airport and Mt Vernon Sq. All Yellow Line riders south of Reagan National Airport and all Blue Line riders should consider alternate travel options.
Single track zone: Braddock Rd-Huntington/Van Dorn St
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From April 2-9 weekdays, Yellow Line trains will operate every 24 minutes. Blue Line will return to normal and operate every 12 minutes. All Yellow Line riders should consider alternate travel options.
Single track zone: King St-Huntington
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Weekend train frequencies may change to coordinate with other planned track work on the Metrorail system. Weekend service information is posted in the Alerts & Advisories section of Metro’s website.
**NOTE** Blue and Yellow Line trains serving stations south of National Airport, especially during rush hour, may be extremely crowded. Customers at those stations should expect delays due to the severe service reductions. Metro riders who have the ability to do so should consider alternate travel options and avoid traveling during rush hour if possible. For more information about upcoming SafeTrack Safety Surges, and how it may impact you and your organization, please visit wmata.com/safetrack and view the SafeTrack plan.
Weekend Track Work, March 4-5, 2017
Reconstruction of the Metrorail system will continue over this weekend. More information about this weekend’s track work can be found at wmata.com.
Silver Spring-Forest Glen Shutdown
7:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4 – closing, Sunday, March 5
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· Free shuttle buses will replace train service between Silver Spring and Forest Glen. Please add 10 minutes of travel time through this zone.
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· The Red Line will operate every 15 minutes between Glenmont and Forest Glen and every 10 minutes between Silver Spring and Shady Grove.
Smithsonian-Federal Center SW Shutdown
7:00 a.m. Saturday, March 4 – closing, Sunday, March 5
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L’Enfant Plaza lower level platform (Blue/Orange/Silver) will be closed.
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Free shuttle buses will replace trains between Smithsonian and Federal Center SW with an intermittent stop at L’Enfant Plaza. Please add 10 minutes of travel time for each station stop.
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Orange Line will operate every 24 minutes between Vienna – Smithsonian and every 15 minutes between Federal Center SW - New Carrollton
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Blue Line will operate every 24 minutes in two segments between Franconia-Springfield – Smithsonian and every 15 minutes between Federal Center SW – Largo Town Center
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Silver Line will operate every 15 minutes between Wiehle-Reston East & Ballston only. Customers traveling to/from other stations should use Orange and/or Blue Lines to complete their trip. At Ballston, transfer between Silver and Orange line trains on the same platform.
Upcoming this month from DCRA's Small Business Resource Center
Navigating Government Contracting with DCPTAC
Date
: Thursday, March 9, 2017
Time
: 1:00 pm- 2:30 pm
Location
: DCRA – 1100 4th Street SW, 4th Floor (Room E-4302), Washington, D.C. 20024
To Register
: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/43350
The District of Columbia Procurement Technical Assistance Center (DC PTAC) is a program within the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD). DC PTAC offers confidential, personalized, one on one business counseling and competitive insights for navigating the government contracting process successfully. Whether you already have experience working on government contracts, or are looking for help to win your first one, we are available to help. At the DC PTAC, businesses can get assistance with developing strategies to pursue state, local and federal government contracts. We help you navigate the procurement process more confidently and efficiently. Our assistance is tailored to meet your specific goals in areas such as:
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Contract research
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Bid matching
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Marketing plans
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Subcontracting and Teaming
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Proposal preparation
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GSA schedules
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Certifications (HubZone, 8(a), VA CVE, WOSB)
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Post contract award counseling
How to Open a Small Business by Navigating through DCRA’s Regulatory Process
Date
: Wednesday, March 15, 2017
Time
: 9:00 am – 10:30 am
Location
: DCRA – 1100 4th Street SW, 2nd Floor (Room E-200), Washington, D.C. 20024
To Register
: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/43569
If you are interested in learning How to Open a Small Business by Navigating through DCRA's Regulatory Process then this session is for you. During this event the SBRC will be featuring DCRA's subject experts from:
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Business Licensing Division
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Corporations Division
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Occupational and Professional Licensing Division
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Permits and Inspections Division
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Weights and Measures Division
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Zoning Division
Understanding Your Rights Seminar for Landlords
Date
: Thursday, March 16, 2017
Time
: 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Location
: DCRA – 1100 4th Street SW, 4th Floor (Room E-4302), Washington, D.C. 20024
To Register
: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/43469
The D.C. Bar Pro Bono Center is partnering with the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) Small Business Resource Center to offer monthly informational sessions to small landlords renting residential property in the District of Columbia. The sessions will provide general information on the eviction process, landlord tenant court procedures, and regulatory requirements.
Senior Entrepreneurship Program
Date
: Thursday, March 16, 2017
Time
: 10:15 am – 11:45 am
Location
: Washington Senior Center – 3001 Alabama Avenue SE, Washington, D.C. 20002
To Register
: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/42989
The Department of Consumer and Regulatory (DCRA) Small Business Resource Center (SBRC) is collaborating with the D C Office of Aging (DCOA) to host its Senior Day Program for residents 60 years of age and older.
If you are interested in starting a new business or need information on sustaining an existing business, this program is for you? The program is designed to provide information on starting new and existing businesses. During this these sessions DCRA’s staff will be on hand to provide the regulatory process of the following:
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Corporate Registration
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Business Licensing
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Vending & Events
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Farmer Markets
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Q&A
Learn the Process of Starting a Business at the DC Public Library
Date
: Tuesday, March 21, 2017
Time
: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Location
: Southwest Neighborhood Library – 900 Wesley Place SW, Washington, D.C. 20024
To Register
: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/43012
During these FREE monthly sessions, the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) will partner with District government agencies to educate customers on how to start a new business in the District of Columbia. The following topics will be discussed:
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Business Licensing
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Corporate registration
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Certificates of Occupancy (C of O)
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Home Occupancy Permits (HOP)
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Grant Opportunities
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Vending
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Farmer markets
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Certified Business Enterprises (CBE)
A Comprehensive Guide for Small Business Planning
Date
: Thursday, March 23, 2017
Time
: 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm
Location
: DCRA – 1100 4th Street SW, 4th Floor (Room E-4302), Washington, D.C. 20024
To Register
: http://dcbiz.ecenterdirect.com/events/43570
Why develop a business plan? The purpose for which you write a business plan is almost as important as the content of the plan itself. Writing a well-thought-out and organized business plan dramatically increases your odds of succeeding as an entrepreneur. This workshop covers the basics of business planning and why it’s important for business success. Topics include starting-up a success business, the important linkages between the marketing, sales, and your financial projections, and gaining a competitive advantage.
3 Ways to Make Carpooling Great for Your Employees
Your workplace depends on employees who are healthy and productive. The stress of unpredictable traffic and congested roads everyday hinders an employee's ability to arrive to work on time and with a clear mind.
Imagine if 30% to 40% of your employees carpooled to work? Encouraging employees to carpool is a great way to save them from a stressful commute, lower your organization's parking costs, and help your employees save money on their commuting expenses.
Read on to learn three strategies you can utilize to get your employees carpooling to work today!
Promote FREE Ride Matching by Commuter Connections
Your employees are really going to love you for sharing this FREE resource! Commuter Connections has a FREE ride matching service to help those looking for a carpool arrangement. The ride matching system is completely free, and employees will be able to share commuting expenses, as well as have the opportunity to take advantage of HOV lanes.
Create and Provide Low-Cost Incentives to Drive Carpool Participation
Friendly competition among colleagues is always fun to get folks motivated to try carpooling and to lead a more active lifestyle. Create an internal commuter challenge that encourages employees to participate in carpooling with their colleagues. Have the challenge run on a monthly basis and reward them with annual Capital Bikeshare Memberships or restaurant gift card for lunch.
Provide Parking Benefits to Carpool Commuters
Very often employees are more inclined to try carpooling if they are provided a tangible cost-saving incentive. If you can, offer priority parking or discounted parking rates to carpool commuters for choosing a commute option that reduces traffic.
If you would like assistance in setting up carpool matches within your office, contact goDCgo Employer Services team for a complimentary consultation.
Meet with Employer Services Today!
New goDCgo Website Coming Soon!
Have you heard? The goDCgo website is getting a complete facelift! That means more opportunities to share information about sustainable transportation with your employees and learn the best ways to become a commute-friendly workplace.
New features include a robust transit map and trip planner and even more resources to help you comply with—and go above and beyond—the DC Commuter Benefits Law. Stay tuned for a launch notice—we’ll be looking for your feedback!
Attend ABRA Orientation Training March 30, 2017
New and existing ABC licensees are invited to attend ABRA’s Orientation Training from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, March 30, 2017 to learn about:
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District ABC laws and regulations (including recent changes to the law),
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Tips for working effectively with the community,
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Settlement Agreements,
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Expectations of licensees,
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Best practices, and
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Noise abatement and sound management.
Contact ABRA Community Resource Officer
Sarah Fashbaugh
by Friday, March 24, 2017 to register: (202) 397-3971
Attendance for this class is strongly recommended for new license holders. Training is free of charge. Requests for interpreters may be made; however, they must be submitted by the registration deadline.
Training Location
2000 14th St., NW
Suite 400 South, 4th Floor
Washington, DC 20009
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www.abra.dc.gov
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Save the Date: GWHCC Annual Business Expo, April 17
From the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce:
Join us at our biggest event of the year and connect with the region’s leading minority-owned businesses. Last year, we brought together 1,880 attendees, 172 exhibitors, and 97 Sponsors and Partners. This year will be even bigger and better, so mark your calendars!
Some of Our Expo Sponsors
Thank you to our presenting sponsors and partners: Gelberg Signs, Erie Insurance, DC Health Link, Events DC, DHCD and MOLA.
How You Can Become a Sponsor
Would you like to become a sponsor? Please contact Alma Alfaro-Laska at
aalfaro-laska@gwhcc.org
.
If any Adams Morgan business wants to have a booth, please contact
Kristen Barden
(202) 997-0783 and AMPBID will pay the registration fee.
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