Send announcements to The Loudoun Connection, 7913 Westpark Drive, McLean, VA 22102, e-mail to loudoun@connectionnewspapers.com or fax to 703-917-0991. Deadline is Friday, two weeks before the event. Photos/artwork encouraged. For more information, call Jennifer Lesinski at 703-917-6454. This free listing is reserved for activities and events that are open to the public at no or minimal cost.
The Brambleton Group announces the Harris Teeter Food Store opened Oct. 18, in the first phase of the retail
center in the development. The store, a 24-hour 56,981-square-foot flagship design, is located at 42415 Ryan Road, Brambleton, has enjoyed steady traffic since opening. Additionally, Chevy Chase Bank opened its 250th branch in the center, which is expected to be fully open by spring 2006. Other tenants include Caribou Coffee, Cold Stone Creamery, Cingular, Scotto's Rigatoni Grille, Subway to name a few. The subsequent phases include a 16-screen theater, regional and national retail, public amenities including an ice skating rink and office space.
Sawdust Specialties and More, 8 Fort Evans Road at East Market Street, is hosting its 8th annual Holiday open house featuring new items from more than 50 local and national artisans, special sales, prizes and free refreshments. Friday, Nov. 25, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 26, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 27, from noon-5 p.m. Call 703-779-2991 or visit www.sawdustspecialties.net.
Loudoun Women Business Forum, Dec. 1, noon, at ZeffirelliÕs Restaurant, Leesburg. Speaker is Susan Kousek on the topic of "Organize Your Life." $15, includes lunch. 703-728-8900.
The Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce has the following upcoming events:
* Holiday Celebration, Thursday, Dec. 1, 5:30-10 p.m. Shop Loudoun will feature an array of Loudoun business presenting their wares for a shop and carry experience. National Conference Center, 18980 Upper Belmont Pace, Lansdowne. Tickets $25. Visit www.loudounchamber.org.
* Business Showcase Breakfast, Thursday, Dec. 8, 7:30-9 :00 a.m., Belmont Country Club, 19961 Belmont Manor Lane
Ashburn. Tickets: $15 for members in advance, $20 for members at the door, $25 for nonmembers. Preregistration is required no later than Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 5 p.m. RSVP to skeus@loudounchamber.org or call 703-777-2176.
* Chamber Holiday Open House, Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2-5 p.m. Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served. Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce, 101 Blue Seal Drive, Suite 100, Leesburg. This event is free and open to all members.
Small Business Resources, Wednesday, Dec. 16, 6 p.m., at Sterling Library, 120 Enterprise St. Learn about various small business resources available to the public both in print and online. A portion of the program will be devoted specifically to small business development in the ESL (English as a Second Language) and Hispanic communities. For adults. Advanced registration required, call 703-430-9500.
Local area vendors are invited to the 2005 Loudoun County
Procurement's Buyer/Seller Information Exchange sessions. The purpose of these informal sessions is to give area businesses the opportunity to meet the county's procurement staff and become familiar with the county's procurement process. The next round of sessions are as follows:
* Thursday, Dec. 22, 2 p.m.
* Monday, Jan. 23, 10:30 a.m.
* Friday, Feb. 24, 2 p.m.
* Thursday, March 23, 10:30 a.m.
* Friday, April 21, 2 p.m.
* Friday, May 19, 10:30 a.m.
* Thursday, June 22, 2 p.m.
* Monday, July 24, 10:30 a.m.
The sessions will be held in the Lovettsville Room on the first floor of the County Government Center, 1 Harrison St., S.E., in Leesburg. Call 703-771-5142 or send an e-mail to sfields@loudoun.gov.