The National Association of Counties (NACo) has named Centreville resident James Philipps as its new manager of media relations. He will be responsible for getting NACo media coverage of issues critical to county governments in the nation’s capital and across the country.
Philipps, a native of Buffalo, served four years as press secretary for U.S. Rep. Sherwood L. Boehlert (N.Y.) and three years as press officer for New York Attorney General Dennis C. Vacco. Previously, he worked as managing editor of the Freeman's Journal in Cooperstown, N.Y., news director at WZOZ-FM radio in Oneonta, N.Y., and a reporter for the Southtowns Citizen in Orchard Park, N.Y. Philipps earned a master’s degree in policy/labor studies from the State University of New York-Empire State College and a bachelor’s degree in communications from Buffalo State College.
Philipps and his wife, Kelly, reside in Centreville with their daughters Julianna and Dianna.
Business and Professional Women (BPW) of Greater Fairfax will host Mary Grate-Pyos, president of Financially Focused Inc., author and columnist, speaking on "Real Women, Real Money, Real Financial Solutions" at its monthly dinner meeting on Monday, April 10, from 6:30-9 p.m., at Tysons Corner Embassy Suites, 8517 Leesburg Pike (Route 7), Vienna. Cost of the meeting is $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Call Elyse Galik at 703-652-8364.
Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce upcoming events:
* The Herndon Dulles Chamber of Commerce invites local businesses to its "Better Business Luncheons," held monthly at Sheraton Reston. On Tuesday, April 11, 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m., while enjoying a hot buffet lunch, Cindy Gavelek of C-Scape Inc. will explain how to become a power user of a contact management tool to gain more revenue. Register online or by calling 571-323-5300 or send an e-mail to info@herndondulleschamber.org. Fees: Chamber members $25 in advance or $30 at door; $35 Nonmembers in advance or at door. Location: Sheraton, 11810 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston.
* Chamber 101 is Wednesday, April 19. Learn how to use Chamber events and programs most effectively. Pre-register with Membership Director Ellen Kaminsky 571-323-5302 or by e-mail: membership@herndondulleschamber.org. Location: ITT Technical Institute, 14420 Albemarle Pt. Place, Suite 100, Chantilly.
* Chamber of Commerce Mixer is Thursday, April 13, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at HRI Associates, 505 Huntmar Park Drive, Ste. 220, Herndon. Sample excellent wines, cheeses, etc., etc. Make great business connections. Fees: $10 for Chamber members; $15 for non-members. Register with the Chamber online at HerndonDullesChamber.org or call 571-323-5300, or info@herndondulleschamber.org.
* Annual Student Job Fair – Meet hundreds of job candidates in one day in Chantilly on Wednesday April 19 from 3-6 p.m., at Dulles Expo Center (North Hill). Register by April 12 to recruit. Address: Chantilly Shopping Center Drive, Chantilly. Fees: $50 for Chamber members; $70 for nonmembers. Free to students. Register by April 12 for display space via the Events page of www.HerndonDullesChamber.org or call 571-323-5300.
McKay's Used Books and CDs in Centreville will be closing in April. The last day open is April 15.
A free home financing seminar will be held Thursday, April 20 from 7-9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Select Chantilly, 4335 Chantilly Shopping Center, Chantilly. Free credit report for all who pre-register for the event. Space is limited, call 703-734-7499 ext. 301.
"Entrepreneurship 1-1: Starting a Business in Fairfax County" seminars will continue in 2006 with nine dates for the year. The Fairfax Economic Development Authority conducts the workshop for individuals interested in beginning a business in Fairfax County.
Held on the first Tuesday of each month at FCEDA headquarters, 8300 Boone Blvd., Suite 4550, Vienna. Sessions begin at 8 a.m. with refreshments and networking. Sessions are free but pre-registration is required. Interested participants can register on the FCEDA's Web site at www.FairfaxCountyEDA.org. The scheduled 2006 dates are: May 2, June 6, Sept. 12, Oct. 3 and Nov. 7.
The FCEDA promotes Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA assists businesses by identifying possible sites and facilities, and is a source for up-to-date demographic and economic information.