Community
Business PartnershipsCommunity
Business PartnershipsTwenty-seven enterprises located in two distinct areas of Washingon, DC, the Marshall Heights area, in ward seven, to the east and the Columbia Heights area, in ward one, just north of downtown have become participants in a program that encourages the building and strengthening of relationships between The Greater Washington Board of Trade members and neighborhoods in the District. Implementation of a pilot program to expand economic development in inner city neighborhoods, empower neighborhood-based enterprises and facilitate a more conducive environment for longer-term and larger-scale business investment and development.
With the stated mission to build and strengthen relations between The Greater Washington Board of Trade and two community development corporations - Marshall Heights Community Development Organization (MHCDO) in northeast/southeast and Development Corporation of Columbia Heights (DCCH) in northwest - so that those neighborhood commercial corridors will realize their potential for short- and long-range economic and community development, to include income generation, employment expansion, and business development, retention and investments.
** Members of the Board of Trade
Joanne
& Derek Taylor, Owners, 2908
Alabama Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20020 202.582.0959, 301.839.3825Locks: commercial, residential, automobiles
When Joanne and Derek Taylor decided to create their business in 1993, two things were established early on: provide quality service "any-time-you-want-it" and be amongst the first to appear in the "locks" listings in the phone book. Building this family business around Derek's ten years experience in locksmithing, the Taylors focused on the on-call business as their as the initial core of their enterprise.
Focusing on servicing the construction industry and builders hardware installers, with requirements for installations sensitive to the disabled community pointed the Taylors towards a service specializing in fulfilling American Disability Act (ADA) requirements. Consulting services offered address a client's questions concerning ADA related installation costs, tax credits, legal issues, building surveys and transition planning. Currently, 35 to 40 percent of their business is in this area.
Grace
Breedlove, Owner Nehemiah Shopping Center 2400 14th Street,
NW Washington, DC 20010 202.667.6460 (voice) 202.667.6470 (fax)
Caterer, restaurant.
Chat & Chew is located in the new Nehemiah Shopping Center. The shopping center is a project of the Development Corporation of Columbia Heights. Chat & Chew, opened in July 1996, has a small seating are, however owner Grace Breedlove is concentrating on building up her catering business. "An increase in business means I can employ more people from this neighborhood." Current catering customers include the Republican National Committee, Xerox, and the Board of Trade. Long term, Grace Breedlove wants her catering business to compete with some of the larger catering services in the region. She anticipates that completion of Metro’s Green Line in 1999 will have a positive impact on her business.
Donald
Delandro, President, 5121 Nannie Helen Burroughs Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20019 202.388.0255 (voice) 202.388.0258 (fax) e-mailto:affsupco@msn.com
Janitorial & food service supplies; warehousing, storage, receiving and delivery
Established in December, 1986, Affordable Supply Company is a full line janitorial and food service equipment and supply company. The Affordable concept is really a movement. The supply company was the initial vehicle, launched by retired Brigadier General, Donald Delandro, to demonstrate that a company can be successful in Washington’s Ward Seven. Our emphasis is on recruiting, hiring, training and developing young high school graduates of the Washington DC school system.
A Small Business Administration certified 8(a) corporation, Affordable Supply Company is also certified as a small disadvantaged business by the District of Columbia and recognized as such by neighboring jurisdictions. In addition to our North East Washington location, we operate a warehouse in Hyattsville, MD. We own capable and reliable delivery vehicles, which when coupled with professional employees, enable us to assure "Prompt Delivery of Quality Products and Services at Competitive Prices." Affordable Supply Company is currently qualified to operate with the following approved SIC Codes 4212, 4215, 4225, 4226, 5063, 5087, 7331, 7334, 7349, 7363, 7371, 7374, 7376, 7379, 8741, 8742, and 8744. We also are EC/EDI (Electronic Commerce/ Electronic Data Interchange) Capable.
Delandro’s long-term business goals include expanding dramatically in the next 2-3 years and to construct a warehouse facility, as part of an industrial park. We hope you will use the A-Team.
Angeline
Perkins, Owner, P.O. Box 62452, Washington, DC 20019 202.584.5633
Wholesale greeting cards; Graphic design services including business cards, brochures and newsletters
It is a pleasure for me to introduce this new collection of greeting cards to you. Our mission is to design high-quality products and services that are accessible, reflect your lifestyle and are economical. We are an African-American owned, female-operated, home-based business that strives to achieve the very best product-one that you can be proud to share with family members and friends.
Since 1993, we have created a diverse collection of greeting cards that include everything from Christmas and Kwanzaa cards to religious, and Afrocentric every day cards. Recently, we designed a card for all occasions and coined it the "portrait 'n greeting card." This new item is intended give you flexibility. It will change the way you communicate with your loved ones. You can save it for school pictures; make them a Mother's Day, Father's Day or graduation gift. Whenever you want to send a smile, you have the advantage of sending customized greetings and timeless portraits.
Hiram
Russell, Owner, 1526 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 202.265.0271
(voice) 202.986.0172 (fax) e-mailto:bluboyz@juno.com
Specializes in large and small document copying; Digital plotting; Architectural and engineering blueprints.
Blueboy Blueprinting provides services to construction, architectural and engineering companies, government agencies, hospitals, and a variety of other industries. Current clients include the National Airports Authority and Clark Construction Company and the new Redskins Stadium. Russell’s long-term goals include enhancing his marketing tools to increase his customer base and strengthening his advertising program to reach other major developers in the region.
vernard
r gray, ceo 116 35th street, ne washington, dc 20019-2504 202.398.1908
e-mailto:nsagi@InterCHANGE.org
http://www.InterCHANGE.org
Interactive communications services
CA-FAM III, Incorporated, located in Washington, DC, is a tax-exempt, 501 (c) (3) virtual corporation dedicated to empowerment through effective use of applied technology. Founded in 1973 by vernard r gray, the organization has designed and implemented several projects in Washington, DC. CA-FAM III, Incorporated is supported, significantly, by Information Brokers, Inc. and is a participant in the Potomac KnowledgeWay Netpreneur Program of the Morino Institute.
CA-FAM III, Incorporated in partnership with Eric D. Williams of Information Brokers, Inc. provides InterNet related services to enterprises at a cost effective level:
CA-FAM III’s current clientele includes the Philippine Centennial Foundation USA and the International Black Buyers & Manufacturers Expo and Conference.
http://www.InterCHANGE.org , it's most recent project, is a place on the InterNet where two principal activities occur-interactivity and the process of change-hence the name InterCHANGE.org. The World Wide Web has contained within it thousands, if not millions, of interactive tools/technology enabling a person, family, community, organization, nation, continent, world to bring about Social Change.
http://www.InterCHANGE.org invites you to join us in a sharing process where you can come and go as you please. We require only that, within this domain, you promise to Interactively Share Information and Resources for meaningful Social Change. Perhaps the experience will facilitate this sharing spirit within the "other" domains you find yourself………………….peace.
Kateri
Ellison, Owner, 1111-F Harvard Street, NW Washington, DC 20009-5309
202.588.0215 e-mailto:DesignerK@aol.com
Custom clothing designer: women; Soft tailoring: men.
Caple
E. and Shirley Green, Owners, Chesapeake Bagel Bakery Franchise
3839 Minnesota Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20019 202.399.7427 (voice) 202.399.7432
(fax)
Bagels and other baked goods, full-service catering, and specializes in West Indian dishes.
The Chesapeake Bagel Bakery franchise owned by East River Bagel is the only sit-down restaurant in Marshall Heights. East River Bagel, which started business in June, 1995, makes approximately 5,000 bagels each day, most of them are delivered to businesses throughout the region. Currently, their largest customer is the Marriott at the Georgetown University Conference Center. Other major customers include Catering by Windows, Bell Atlantic, Ridgewell's Catering and the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization. Franchisee, Caple Green, previously worked as a consultant with McDonald’s. Green’s long-term business goals are to expand the market for bagels, baked goods and catering from Marshall Heights, develop an advertising campaign and increase sales. He also would like to open Chesapeake Bagel Bakeries in other District of Columbia neighborhoods.
Gail
Oliver, Owner 3308 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20010 202.234.9223
(voice) 202.483.4982 (fax)
Catering, special gifts, floral arrangements
Gail Oliver recently changed the name of her business to reflect her love and talent for floral arranging. Gifts by Gail is now called Fantasy Flowers and Gifts. Residents for the Columbia Heights community make up a sizable portion of her client base. Her long-term goal is to broaden her customer base to include more corporations from the region and increase sales will allow her to hire more Columbia Heights residents.
Derek
E. Slocum, President, 19 Fifty-third Street, SE Washington,
DC 20019 202.582.2525 http://www.intr.net/mhcdo/funeral
Funeral Service Merchandise
Derek E. Slocum, president of Funeral Service Merchandise, is a licensed Funeral Director and Embalmer for the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia. Very active in his community, he serves as President of the Capitol View Civic Association and was the 1995 recipient of the Federation of Civic Associations "Grass Roots" award and currently volunteers for the Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind.
Funeral Service Merchandise was established to provide services that will enable you to economize without sacrificing quality. Our service will provide a substantial savings on all merchandise, while allowing you to select the funeral home of your choice. We will be happy to provide you with any additional information you may need via telephone.
Naomi
Turner, President, 1235 Kenilworth Avenue, NE Washington, DC
20019 202.388.1346 (voice), 202.399.1644 (fax)
Authorized Xerox dealer; Office supplies
Since 1987, NVT, Inc. has been providing customers in the Washington area with the finest graphic arts and office supplies available. Whatever is needed, darkroom film, to paper, top toner cartridges for your laser printer, we have always provided our clients with exceptional Quality, Service and Value.
We specialize in finding unique or hard-to-find items for our clients. Whether or not it is one item, or thousands, our experience enables us to find these items and deliver them to you quickly, minimizing downtime.
When expertise and excellence are important to you, we can help you. No matter what your needs are, NVT, Inc. is your full service source for quality graphic arts and office supplies.
A partial list of satisfied customers includes: The American Gas Association, The American Red Cross, Children’s Hospital, Fairfax County, Fannie Mae, Japan Economic Institute and the World Bank.
NVT, Inc. is a woman owned, African-American small business with current 8(a) status with the U.S. Small Business Administration. We are certified as a minority owned business with the District of Columbia, as well as many other state and local governments .
James
Powell, President 258 35th Street, NE Washington, DC 20019 202.575.5141
(office) 202.398.5669 (factory) 202.575.4007 (fax)
Manufacturer of mops, brooms and floor brushes.
Powell’s Manufacturing Industries, Inc. is the only manufacturing company owned by African Americans in the District and only manufacturer of mops, brooms and brushes in the region. Powell’s Manufacturing owner, James Powell, describes his mops as the "best anywhere." Giant Food Stores is Powell’s Manufacturing’s largest customer. One of Powell’s long-range goals is to expand globally especially in the United Kingdom. Powell recently traveled to Moscow as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business. He signed a letter of intent with the Moscow Chamber of Commerce for $1.5 million in products.
Ali
Shaleh, President, 3907 Benning Road, NE Washington, DC 20019
202.388.3096, 202.388.3165 )
Special gifts and floral arrangements for funerals, weddings and all occasions.
Located in the East River Park business district, Shaleh’s Cards, Flowers & Gifts provides unique floral designs for funerals, weddings and all occasions. In addition to floral offerings, Shaleh’s stocks an assortment of more than one hundred balloons for all occasions and greeting cards, small gifts, vases, personal mugs, stuffed bears, wrapping paper, bows and ribbons. Shaleh’s Cards, Flowers & Gifts is FTD Worldwide certified. With more than thirty years experience, Mr. Saleh guarantees excellence of service and prompt delivery of his products.
Faye
Williams and Cassandra Burton, Partners 1354 U Street, NW Washington,
DC 20009 202.332.3433 (voice) 202.986.7092 (fax) e-mailto:sisters@erols.com
Bookstore devoted to the needs of African American women.
It started out in Cassandra Burton’s consignment clothing shop for women, up in a small third-floor space in the reviving U Street Commercial strip - Columbia Heights’ southern border. The shop drew women from all over the neighborhood.
"We saw there was more going on than clothes," says Faye Williams, Burton’s partner in what has become Sisterspace & Books, the District’s only bookstore devoted to the needs of African American women. "You’d see a woman flipping through a rack of dresses, tears streaming down. So you ask what the trouble is, and it comes out that the man she’s in love with is beating her; or she’s just lost her children because she’s a lesbian. And so you say, look, it’s fine to buy yourself something pretty, but maybe you want to talk about this situation"
The shop became a gathering place for community women and soon a workshop, the In-Her-Light series, began to evolve under William’s stewardship. The workshop met Saturdays, addressing issues of concern to African American women, and quickly expanded. The idea of opening a bookstore came out of the workshop discussions.
Sisterspace & Books, opened in 1994, stocks more than 3,000 titles on, by and about African American women and is preparing to co-host the First Annual African American Women’s Writers’ Conference, April 25th - 27th, 1997.
Alvin
D. Venson, President, Agnes R. Venson, Vice President, 3201
Alabama Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20019 202.584.8410 (voice) 202.575.6614
(fax) 202.583.3519 (24 hour answering service) e-mailto:AVenson677@aol.com
)
Selling and servicing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration units, heat pumps, boilers, and hot water tanks.
In 1978, Twin Air, Inc., a small, family-owned business, opened its doors for business in Maryland to sell and service air conditioning and heating units. In 1992, the company incorporated in the District of Columbia and gained certification to do business in Virginia and Maryland. Twin Air, Inc. specializes in selling heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration units, heat pumps, boilers, and hot water tanks. The company also provides a variety of services, including installations of units, cleaning of furnaces, air conditioning units, and facility services for plumbing and electrical systems. Twin Air, Inc. provides year-round maintenance and emergency service, as well.
Currently registered with the Washington Gas and Light Company, Pepco, and Baltimore Gas and Electric Company enables the company to offer financing to its customers. Twin Air is also a member of the Better Business Bureau. We are a growing company full of vision and the desire to provide quality services through individualized attention. Over the years, Twin Air, Inc. has found that its best marketing tool is its customers. Time and time again, its customers recommend Twin Air, Inc.'s services to other because of the courteous, reliable, and professional service they receive. Twin Air, Inc., truly strives to keep its customers happy and comfortable for a life time. By providing the best possible service at a reasonable cost to its commercial and residential customers, the company maintains its goal: "We Keep You in Comfort."
