<b>SFDC Shopper Survey Underway</b>
What do shoppers along the Route 1 corridor in southeaster Fairfax County want and need? That is the question being asked by the second phase of a survey being conducted by Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation. It will augment numerical data collected earlier this year.
"Richmond Highway businesses are a vital source of goods and services for our community. Survey responses will give us data to market proactively to existing and new businesses. SFDC is dedicated to recruiting and retaining businesses to meet the desires of our local residents," said Rick Neel, president, SFDC.
Area consumers are encouraged to respond to the survey online at www.sfdc.org no later than Dec. 20. As an added incentive, the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce will provide a $100 gift certificate from a Chamber member business to a respondent chosen at random.
SFDC promotes the economic revitalization of Richmond Highway by assisting businesses identify possible sites and facilities for their operations, and expediting the Fairfax County development and permitting process. It also markets the Richmond Highway corridor as a business location, encourages economic restructuring and develops urban design plans.
<b>SFDC Hires Marking/Communications Manager</b>
Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation recently announced that Anne Richardson has joined SFDC staff as Marketing and Communications Manager.
A graduate of Northern Arizona University, where she studied public relations, Richardson's experience includes both international public relations and business-to-business communications. She replaces Americo Valdes who decided to become a freelance graphic designer.
"SFDC is pleased to add Ms. Richardson to our professional staff and looks forward to utilizing her unique background in helping to continue the revitalization of Richmond Highway," said Rick Neel, president, SFDC.
<b>Food Needed For Rising Hope Christmas Baskets</b>
Rising Hope United Methodist Mission Church, 8220 Russell Road, in Mount Vernon District, is in "desperate need of turkeys, hams and roasting chickens" for their Christmas food baskets that are distributed to families in need along the Route 1 corridor, according to Pastor Keary Kincannon.
"On Thanksgiving over 950 individuals in 263 families received food. And another 60 individuals walked in for the hot meal served on Thanksgiving Day. We fully expect to have a similar number of requests for Christmas," Kincannon said.
"We have sent out notices to all the churches in the area and they have been collecting food donations. But, there is still a great need," he said.
All donations are needed no later than Sunday, Dec.16. For additional information, contact Linda Surridge, coordinator, Food Ministry, Rising Hope, at 703-360-1976, Ext. 2, or via email at lsurridge@risinghopeume.org.