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Online LSDBE Center, Way to Work, Insure U, Award Competition, NOMA Event,
1. DSLBD Launches New Online LSDBE Business Center
The Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) announces the launch of its new online Local, Small and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LSDBE) Business Center. The Business Center provides quick access to several features for companies who wish to do business with the District government or with other LSDBEs. Companies can perform the following:
To begin using these and other features, a user must:
Visit DSLBD. For additional information, please contact DSLBD at (202) 727-3900.
2. Mayor Signs Way to Work Act and Baseball Project Labor Agreement On March 25, Mayor Anthony A. Williams signed the Way to Work Amendment Act and the Project Labor Agreement (PLA), both of which will address several employment barriers facing District residents. The Way to Work legislation provides a living wage of $11.75 per hour for District residents who work for local employers who receive economic development assistance and funding from the District. The bill also enacts stronger first source hiring requirements, and establishes a job opportunity bank to provide job training to District residents. The PLA guarantees that a certain percentage of the work on the new ballpark will go to minority contractors; it ensures that many of the workers hired are District residents; and, it offers a great chance for youth and unskilled workers to learn valuable trades. The agreement also calls for unskilled apprentices to be hired at the launch of the project and when it's complete they will be certified journeymen. "Thanks are due to the representatives from the business and labor communities, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies who worked tirelessly to refine and improve the Way to Work Amendment Act," said Mayor Williams. "Ultimately, this law will increase employment opportunities for every segment of the District's population-especially those District residents who are unemployed or underemployed and in need of additional training. This legislation will help get people back on track to greater self-reliance that comes from earning decent wages." At the signing ceremony, Mayor Williams was joined by Council Chair Linda Cropp and Councilmembers Vincent Orange and Jim Graham along with Barbara Lang from the DC Chamber of Commerce, Joslyn Williams, president of the Metropolitan Washington Council AFL-CIO, Jerry Lozupone, executive secretary treasurer of the DC Building and Construction Trades Council, and members of the Way to Work Task Force. At the same event, DC Sports and Entertainment Commission CEO Allen Lew and Jerry Lozupone, along with representatives of other labor unions signed the landmark PLA for the development of the District's new ballpark on the Anacostia Waterfront. The Mayor's Way to Work Task Force provided recommendations for revising the original legislation to reflect the concerns of all interested parties. Following the task force meetings, Mayor Williams revised the Way to Work Amendment Act-which received the endorsement of the labor and business communities-and forwarded this version to the DC Council. "I am confident that through this PLA, we are fulfilling the promise of economic growth, new jobs and opportunities for our residents. Baseball is back, and we're using the return of the sport to help 'lift all communities' across our city," concluded Mayor Williams. For more information, visit DOES.
3. Acting Commissioner Thomas E. Hampton Helps Launch Insure U National Public Education Program
On March 29, Acting Commissioner Thomas E. Hampton of the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) joined several state insurance commissioners in New York City to launch an ambitious national public education program on insurance issues under the banner "Insure U." Developed by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), which DISB is a member, Insure U has two objectives: to help consumers get smart about insurance as their life stage needs change, and to educate them about ways to avoid being scammed by fake insurance companies. The program includes an online education site, public service announcements in English and Spanish and community educational presentations. "DISB enthusiastically supports the NAIC's Insure U initiative," Hampton said, "and we will be implementing its educational components throughout the coming year to help District residents better understand insurance products and services and how they fit their needs at different life stages." Insure U's curriculum, available at www.insureUonline.org includes a basic introduction to the four major types of insurance-auto, home, life and health-as well as special considerations for young singles, young families, established families, and empty nesters and seniors. Consumers can test their knowledge about insurance by taking an online quiz. Upon successful completion, they can download an Insure U diploma. The campaign's TV public service announcement (PSA) warns consumers about the growing threat of fake insurance policies and encourages them to call DISB's Insurance Bureau before purchasing a policy to confirm that they are dealing with a credible insurance company licensed to do business in the District of Columbia. The PSA spot ends with an on-camera tag by Acting Commissioner Hampton. A radio PSA in Spanish will carry the same message. Consumers who want to check on an insurance company or an agent before purchasing a policy or who have other questions about insurance should contact the Insurance Bureau at DISB at (202) 727-8000. Visit Insure U.  
4. National Women's Business Center and PNC Announce Award Competition Could your business use a $5,000 cash grant to help move it to the next level? Or, could you use $1,000 worth of free training and counseling from the National Women's Business Center? If you have been in business for at least a year, are at least 51 percent woman-owned, are a member of NWBC, your business is located in the mid-Atlantic region and you can show how an infusion of $5,000 will move your business forward, you are eligible to apply for this award. Four finalists will be selected from the entries by a panel of judges from the local business community. These four finalists will be highlighted in a video production filmed at each of their business locations. This video will be shown at the NWBC Awards Dinner on June 12 at the J. W. Marriott. After the video is shown, the winner will be announced and handed a check for $5,000. The three runners-up will receive certificates worth $1,000 each for NWBC services. For details, visit NWBC. The application is simple and does not require a current business plan. Just convince the judges that this cash grant would have a significant effect on your business's growth. Entries must be in the NWBC offices no later than 5 pm on Monday, April 24.
5. DC Economic Partnership Profiles NoMa, the New York Avenue Corridor and Mt. Vernon Triangle at Business Initiatives Breakfast The New York Avenue entrance to the District of Columbia is receiving a $1 billion facelift. ABDO Development will transform 15 acres at New York Avenue and Bladensburg Road into a four-plus million square-foot housing and retail development project. This project along with developments in NoMa support Mayor Williams' goal of attracting new residents to the city and providing affordable housing options. NoMa, or north of Massachusetts Avenue, is undergoing a revitalization that will eventually provide a wide variety of office and retail developments, employment opportunities and open space. Hear the District's vision for development, how public and private investors are coordinating to make DC a viable option for middle income people and how these projects will benefit the city's economy. Thursday, April 20, 2006 Featured speakers: Eric Price Ellen McCarthy The cost to attend this event is $35 and registration is required. Seating for this event is limited, please download the registration form* and RSVP by Wednesday, April 12. Visit WDCEP.
Submit Feedback to brc@dc.gov
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