Mason Enterprise Center 
  November 2016 Newsletter    
MEC-FauquierMEC-Fauquier
Database assistance for local businesses
MEC-Fauquier, in conjunction with the Fauquier County Public Library, sponsored a free business-resource seminar about online resources and library databases for small businesses. Entrepreneurs used the library's computers to receive on-site assistance in accessing important and relevant websites. Responses from participants were very favorable, and discussions are underway to offer the seminar on a quarterly basis. 
Things are moving in Fauquier 
Strategic Alliance Consulting, Inc., a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business, began its relationship with MEC-Fauquier as a co-working client.  President Ken Lukonis said, "We have been very satisfied with MEC's flexibility and what it has to offer." Citing rapid growth, Lukonis and his employee, Lauren Frumusa, needed more space, so they are moving to a residential office. This gives them room for project organization, acquisition support, system design, modeling and simulation, systems, engineering and integration, and training.
MEC-Fauquier welcomes Envirian
Envirian real estate companies have been buying, selling, leasing, and providing property management services to residential and commercial customers in VA, WV, MD, and DC for the last 11 years. "We are excited to open our offices in the MEC-Fauquier complex in Warrenton," said owner and principal broker Dean Wood. "I am looking forward to engaging with other entrepreneurs who have similar interests and motivation to grow their businesses. The congenial atmosphere and access to MEC's consultation and coaching services offer just the right mix of support and infrastructure to assess new directions and fields of expansion."
MEC-FairfaxMEC-Fairfax
MEC-Fairfax workshop:  Creating your personal brand 
In an increasingly noisy marketplace, standing out is increasingly important. Vinita Sahajwala, CEO and founder of Win Styles, conducted a workshop on how to stand out by developing your personal brand for MEC-Fairfax clients and the Fairfax community.  They learned why a personal brand is important, the pertinent elements that define it, tips on how best to convey it, and what pitfalls to avoid. Sahajwala works with politicians, entrepreneurs, CEO's, leaders of Fortune 1000 companies, and large professional firms. 
Vince Randazzo holds Lunch & Learn for leaders on executive presence 
Businesses flourish when effective people hold leadership positions. What if you have the experience and desire to lead, but need some guidance on how to execute?  Vince Randazzo, a GMU-trained coach talked about creating the fine-tuned executive presence needed to be a dynamic leader. Following the presentation, Randazzo generously offered the audience -- MEC-Fairfax clients and Fairfax community members -- the opportunity to have a one-on-one, 40-minut,e pro-bono coaching session. 
MEC-LeesburgMEC-Leesburg
Rockbridge Consulting receives prime award to support the National Defense University 
MEC-Leesburg member Rockbridge Consulting LLC has been awarded a prime contract by the Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center-Norfolk to conduct a "Wargaming and Innovation Study" for the National Defense University (NDU).  "We're excited to have been competitively selected by NAVSUP for this award.  It's an honor to support such a prestigious academic institution as NDU," said David A. Reid, founder and president of Rockbridge.
http://www.rockbridgecorp.com 
MEC alum builds Loudoun Farm Tour app
MEC-Leesburg alum Param Solutions released a mobile app in support of Loudoun County Department of Economic Development's Fall Farm Tour. With 50+ participating farms, the app helps users plan their visits and build an itinerary to navigate Loudoun's countryside. The app is soon to become a major tool for rural economic development in Loudoun as they add additional functionalities for the Spring Farm Tour in 2017 and beyond.   
Virginia Storm taps former Wizards player as '16-'17 head coach
MEC-Leesburg member Virginia Storm signed former Washington Wizards/Washington Bullets NBA Player Harvey Grant to be head coach. Grant was selected twelfth overall by the Washington Bullets in the 1988 NBA draft out of Oklahoma. In his 12-year NBA career, Grant also played for Portland Trailblazers, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers. Filling this coaching slot is sure to bring success for Loudoun's ABA Basketball Team.  
MEC-Leesburg member awarded supply contract for US Army
Three Sixty Corporation was awarded a $142K contract with the Army Material Installation Contracting Command at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, to provide HAZMAT gear, such as cooling vests, butyl gloves, radio vests, and other items. Three Sixty Corporation provides a variety of services including wildlife management, epidemic intelligence services, human resource consulting, and physical product research and development.  http://threesixtycorp.com/
CBP (Springfield)CBP
VBOC Director named Outstanding Boots-to-Business Instructor of the Year 
The SBA Office of Veteran Business Development recognized the top 5 Boots-to-Business instructors from around the world for their expertise, their dedication, and their skill at inspiring veterans to pursue their dream of business ownership. Charles McCaffrey, VBOC Director at CBP (second from the right), was among this honored group. Over 50,000 transitioning service members and their spouses have learn the basics of business ownership since the inception of the Boots-to-Business training courses in 2013.  Read more 
CBP hosts cyber security awareness Lunch & Learn
CBP celebrated National Cyber Security Awareness month by hosting a Lunch & Learn, The Threats From Within:  Educating yourself and employees on how cyber security technology can protect your company from internal threats.  Quiana Gainey, CEO of SecureTech360 and a Business Incubation Center client, presented tips and tools to help identify and manage cyber threats. Tom DeOrnellas, Director of Commercial Insurance & Risk Management Services for Lindsey Business Group, closed the seminar with information on the cost of cyber risk, management options, and future trends.
 


CBP(Springfield) has moved to a new location  
6564 Loisdale Ct, suite 600, Springfield, VA 22150