Increasing diversity for board service
Board Diversity is a critical factor for business success, and preparing future board members is on the minds of George Mason University and Washington Women's Leadership Initiative. They are partnering on an initiative for emerging leaders who have expertise and passion to contribute to corporate or philanthropic boards. The unique educational program
is designed to help prepare women and minority executives for board service. The first course begins January 27 and will meet in Founders Hall, Arlington on the 4th Friday of each month through July 28. There is a special discount for friends of MEC. Please contact 703-993-8275 for registration and details.
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MEC-Fairfax
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 Visionary's stellar year
Visionary Consulting Partners is very grateful to MEC-Fairfax for its continued training, mentorship, and guidance that provide a collaborative environment to support business growth. With this help, Visionary had a stellar year. They won a spot on two GSA schedules (Professional Service and Information Technology), and were awarded a HUD contract for Executive Coaching, a DOJ contract for Child Waiting Room Services, and a VA contract with Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System.
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 KME.digital presents "micromoments"
A representative from KME.digital and Google gave an interactive breakfast presentation about how "micromoments" have changed consumer outlooks. The 60+ people from MEC-Fairfax and the wider community learned how online advertising, recent consumer behavior trends, Google AdWords, and the rise of mobile usage can help grow small businesses.
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 The innovation equation "whodunnit"
Innovation is today's business imperative. In Solving the Innovation Mystery, executive coach Steve Gladis provides a framework for innovation. Delve into the experimentation, failure, and learning that makes innovation possible and then solve your own innovation equation and understand how to fuel your company's innovation engine. Check out the interview with Dr. Gladis by Kathryn Stafford, Association for Talent Development, at https://youtu.be/qyxls8HrSYM
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MEC-Fauquier
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 MEC-Fauquier spreads the word throughout the county
The Young Professionals of the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce and Lord Fairfax Community College sponsored a small-business resource panel to educate students on starting a business. Panelist Renee Younes, Regional Manager of MEC-Fauquier, provided material on various county resources available to new entrepreneurs. Other panelists gave information on obtaining licenses and permits, managing the challenges of starting a business, and more. (L-R standing, D. Maza, LFCC SBDC Counselor; C. Butler, Fauquier County Board of Supervisors; C. Coutts, LFCC Provost; L-R seated, K. Jenkins, Puffenbarger Insurance and Financial Services; R. Snyder, Sobo Mobile owner; and R. Younes, MEC-Fauquier.)
MEC-Fauquier also participated in the annual Leadership Fauquier "Economic Development Day" with a presentation to the Class of 2017. County economic information and materials about the services and programs of the MEC were distributed to participants. (L-R, M. Friedman, Fauquier County Director of Economic Development; H. Stinson, Warrenton Town Economic Development Manager; and B. Pullen, Business Coordinator for Economic Development.)
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MEC-Leesburg
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 Lindsey represented US business in South Africa
Kenneth Lindsey, President of Lindsey Consulting and MEC-Leesburg member, traveled to South Africa this month to participate in USAID's first international small-business conference in Boksburg. Among the 350+ attendees, Lindsey was one of several who represented the capability of US small businesses and exchanged ideas on how thery could significantly contribute to USAID's mission, both domestically and overseas.
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 Odutola checks out Korea's business scene
Ade Odutola of Solvitur Solutions and a MEC-Leesburg member, recently had a whirlwind tour of Seoul's business scene. Invited by an agency of the Korean Ministry of Science, ICT, and Future Planning, Odutola attended a technology conference hosted by the ministry, met with South Korean IT security firms, gave a cyber security presentation to Korean startups in Pangyo, and attended a business breakfast roundtable hosted by GMU Korea, where Odutola met with its president Steven Lee (L - R, Steven Lee, Ade Qdutola).
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CBP (Springfield)
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 MEC-CBP gets bigger and better!
The programs and services at Community Business Partnership (MEC-CBP) grew -- until they outgrew their space. With high anticipation, they moved into a beautiful new facility that includes three training
 rooms, two conference rooms, an office for the day, co-working space, an expanded business incubation center, and office space for long-term use -- all at rates designed to keep business overhead expenses under control. Video teleconferencing capability is being added to support distance learning initiatives. "What makes us different from other 'office rental spaces,'" said Kathy Wheeler, CBP CEO "Is the expert training and
 counseling support provided by our knowledgeable staff and volunteer counselors."
SAVE THE DATE: Open House will be held on Wednesday, January 11, 3:00 to 5:00 PM. (Snow date: Same time on Thursday, January 19.)
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 MEC-CBP welcomes RX-IT Technology Solutions
Having outgrown its home office, RX-IT joined CBP's incubator. and is poised for growth and ready to take advantage of the services and programs at the new incubation center. Rx-IT has helped hundreds of businesses increase productivity and profitability by making IT a streamlined part of operations. "Maintaining, updating, and integrating technology can be a full-time endeavor, taking focus away from your business." explained Bill Whelden, President & CEO. "That's why we offer reliable IT outsourcing. Our clients tell us what sets us apart from other IT providers is our expertise, professionalism, and dedication to providing solutions that result in a positive ROI."
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