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Capitol Hill Association of Merchants & Professionals promotes, stimulates, and develops business and professional activity in the Capitol Hill area of Washington, DC.
Silver Anniversary Annual Meeting planned for June 5th at Marty's!
Our Silver Anniversary annual meeting will be held on June 5, 2008 at
Marty's (upstairs) from 6 pm - 8pm.
Our annual meeting is the time of year where we reflect on what we have
accomplished this year and where are goals for the future lie. We
acknowledge outstanding members, and elect a new a new slate of officers,
and Board members. We also pass any changes to the bylaws. And don't forget
that this is one more opportunity to network and share in the company of
your fellow Capitol Hill businesses.
Please watch your postal mail for slate of candidates and bylaws and provide
your feedback in advance and/or be prepared to give comments if necessary at
the annual meeting.
In September, we will be hosting our 25th Anniversary Gala. We are still
seeking sponsors, both Silver Sponsors and Host Sponsors. If you or your
company is interested, please call 202-547-7788 or email
champs@champsdc.org.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you
there!
CHAMPS LINKS Lunch on June 19th at Union Pub
Our Third Thursday group of local Hill business owners has chosen the topic for our June 19th lunch. It's all about vendors. Each of our businesses need vendors and suppliers in order to function as a business and to provide services to customers/clients. As small businesses, can we get more clout with suppliers of office supplies or printing services by banding together with other CHAMPS members for discounts?
Come to our monthly LINKS Lunch at 11:30 on Thursday, June 19th at Union Pub located at 201 Massachusetts Avenue, NE. The cost is $20 including 3-choice menu meal, beverage, tip and small donation to CHAMPS. Non-members of CHAMPS are welcome to attend a sample LINKS Lunch. Get insights from experts and peers on the following questions:
Which companies have treated us well and poorly?
How do we leverage our buying power with vendors?
What are some good techniques for getting better customer service?
To RSVP by email champs@capitolhill.org
CHAMPS Call for Members Affected by Mayor's Proposed Changes to
Commercial Property Tax Relief Opportunity to Testify to Council
CHAMPS recently received the following update from Dennis Borgault of Chateau-Animaux. Please read, especially if you are a commercial property owner or pay the property taxes on your commercial lease.
Chateau-Animaux co-owner and President, Dennis Bourgault, will testify in support of proposed commercial property tax relief for small businesses in the District on Friday, April 25.
Earlier this year, the Council passed a plan which drew broad support, effectively lowering the commercial property tax rate for the first $3 Million of assessed value.
The Mayor, however, replaced the Council's plan with an alternative which would provide very minimal relief and would create tax penalties around the $3 Million mark.
Bourgault worked on a DC task force which proposed the legislation to try to provide relief for small business who have been hit with skyrocketing taxes as a result of increased property values, either because they own their commercial buildings or are getting the taxes passed down to them through their leases.
He testified previously before the Council on the issue on behalf of CHAMPS and Barracks Row Main Street.
Bourgault notes that the commercial property tax in the District is $.50 to $.70 higher than all neighboring jurisdictions, and is having a serious adverse effect on the ability of small, independent business to survive in the District.
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As we said, CHAMPS urges members to learn more about this legislation and to testify as well.
Please let us know if you plan to testify by emailing champs@capitolhill.org
READ: A Comparison of the Mayor's Plan with the Council Plan.
READ: A Letter from Councilmember Vincent Gray to Mayor Fenty detailing these differences.
READ: A spreadsheet from the DC Chamber reviewing the Mayor's proposed tax increases.
READ: The announcement for the Committee of the Whole Public Hearing on the "Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Support Act of 2008" LINKED HERE
TESTIFY: Persons wishing to testify are encouraged, but not required, to submit written testimony in advance of each hearing to Cynthia Brock-Smith, Secretary to the Council of the District of Columbia; Suite 5; John A. Wilson Building; 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.; Washington, DC 20004. If a written statement cannot be provided prior to the day of the hearing, please have at least 20 copies of your written statement available on the day of the hearing for immediate distribution to the Council. The hearing record will close two business days following the conclusion of each respective hearing. Persons submitting written statements for the record should observe this deadline. For more information about the Council's budget oversight hearing and mark-up schedule please contact the Council's Office of the Budget Director at (202) 724-8139.
Here are some key articles addressing the Mayor's proposal:
Fenty Pushes Back Commercial Property Tax Reduction
Fenty V. Council on Business Tax Relief
Spring Quarterly Event: CHAMPS Thanks Lounge 201
CHAMPS thanks Matt Weiss and the entire staff of Lounge 201 for their generous hosting of the CHAMPS Spring Gathering. Learn more about Lounge 201 and their new chef by visiting their website.
Capitol Hill Business Association Celebrates 25th Anniversary
Washington, DC – For 25 years, the Capitol Hill Association of Merchants and Professionals (CHAMPS) has strengthened the Capitol Hill community by bringing businesses together and providing leadership, promotional opportunities, networking, advocacy and education.
CHAMPS is a grassroots business association that has a long history of involvement in key issues and major initiatives that have shaped the Capitol Hill community. Major milestones include:
1983 – CHAMPS is founded by a group of Capitol Hill business leaders.
1984 – CHAMPS officially incorporates with 40 dues-paying members.
1988 – The CHAMPS Foundation is established, eventually donating thousands of dollars to support organizations on the Hill and recognize community leadership.
1999 – Led by George Didden III, CHAMPS promotes creation of the Capitol Hill Business Improvement District (BID).
1999 – “Barracks Row” Committee supports the Great Streets Initiative on 8th Street SE.
2007 – When a fire devastates Eastern Market on April 30, 2007, CHAMPS raises more than $58,000 to assist market vendors during the restoration.
In addition, CHAMPS has spearheaded and supported many projects to benefit its members and the larger Capitol Hill business community, including
Bringing lit snowflakes on Capitol Hill during the winter holidays to boost business.
Obtaining official declaration for May as “Capitol Hill Month” in Washington,
Launching a “Shop and Dine Capitol Hill” program,
Creating the branding slogan “Capitol Hill, Our Nation’s Neighborhood,”
Starting the Second Saturday program to attract visitors to galleries and shops on Capitol Hill,
Organizing the LINKS Lunch, a monthly networking opportunity for service providers.
“CHAMPS is part of the fabric of life on Capitol Hill,” says Chuck Burger, a realtor and entrepreneur who is one of the organization’s founding members. “Since the beginning, CHAMPS has been committed to making our community a better place to live and work, and our membership reflects the distinctive character of the Capitol Hill community.”
According to CHAMPS President Martha Huizenga, Capitol Hill is a unique place to do business. “It offers a small-town atmosphere along with the advantages of being at the heart of a major metropolitan area,” she says. “CHAMPS operates like a local chamber of commerce, providing networking opportunities and information sharing to keep members of the community connected to each other."
“Our 25th anniversary year is a great time to look back and celebrate the role CHAMPS has played in shaping and preserving Capitol Hill’s unique business environment over the years, and to recognize the people who led the way,” Huizenga explains. “At the same time, we are looking forward to the impact we can have in the next 25 years.”
CHAMPS members include restaurants, retailers, nonprofits, and a wide range of service providers. Most member businesses are located on Capitol Hill, but membership is open to anyone who does business on the Hill.
During its 25-year history, CHAMPS has held thousands of business development and networking breakfasts, lunches and gatherings to build a tight and well-informed business community. As a result, CHAMPS has been able to take action when it comes to zoning, taxation, safety concerns, legislation and other issues affecting Capitol Hill and the District of Columbia as a whole.
For many small business owners, CHAMPS provides a powerful way to network and make new connections. Kathryn Kiel, owner of Top Shelf Design, says, “The opportunities that CHAMPS provides, like the monthly LINKS lunch for service providers, allow me to create word-of-mouth and learn about opportunities to grow my business.
CHAMPS offers benefits to member organizations of all sizes and types. "As the world's largest Shakespeare collection, our audiences come from all 50 states and the seven corners of the world," says Garland Scott, head of external relations at the Folger Shakespeare Library, "but one of our most important constituencies is our neighbors and colleagues right here on the Hill. Our CHAMPS membership keeps us connected to our hometown community in a meaningful, tangible way."
The mission of CHAMPS is to work to enhance the quality of life on Capitol Hill by adding to and maintaining a thriving economic environment. The organization’s Silver Anniversary year will be filled with events and opportunities reflecting this mission, including a 25th Anniversary Gala to be hosted at the Navy Yard on Barracks Row.
LINKS Lunch Continues To Bring Capitol Hill Businesses Together
LINKS Lunch continues to be a popular program with Capitol Hill Business leaders. Join us each Third Thursday for discussion, networking, and more. Lunches are $20 and cover meal, tax, and tip. Next month's LINKS Lunch takes place April 17th at 11:30 am. Stay tuned for location and topic information.
CHAMPS After Hours at the Hawk N' Dove a Hit!
A very special thank you to the great team at Hawk 'N Dove for a fun After Hours on Wednesday. We had a great turnout and it was fun to meet some new members as well. We look forward to seeing members at our April Quarterly event as well. Hawk N' Dove is at 329 Pennsylvania Ave. SE. See information about their menus and events here.
Parking Plan Details Released
The following links will help CHAMPS members learn about the new parking regulations soon to be in effect in the neighborhood.
Getting to Nationals Park - Parking and Transitfrom JDLand (see the plan and much more here)
Ballpark and Beyond from JDLand
"Seriously. Take Metro." Marc Fisher in The Washington Post
"Will Stadium Overwhelm Transit?" from Dr. Gridlock in The Washington Post
CHAMPS 25th Anniversary Sponsorships Announced
Visit here to read about CHAMPS' 25th Anniversary and our silver anniversary sponsorships! To date, we have received several pledges and gifts at the silver $2,500 level.
Sponsorships at the $1,000 and $500 level are available as well.
Business Parking Meeting Report
Members of the Capitol Hill business community met for a discussion about neighborhood parking with Councilmember Tommy Wells on January 18th.
CHAMPS members and business leaders, including representatives from Barracks Row/Main Street and he Capitol Hill Business Improvement District heard a presentation about Councilmember Wells' proposed performance parking legislation. Members then had an opportunity to give feedback on the plan and discuss.
To learn more, visit Councilmember Wells new web page with a FAQ on the proposal. Members and the community are encouraged to attend one of the following community meetings about the legislation:
-- January 22nd, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, Performance Parking Public Town Hall #1, Westminster Presbyterian Church, 400 I Street, SW
-- January 23rd, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, Performance Parking Public Town Hall #2, Brent Elementary School, 301 North Carolina Ave, SE
-- January 30th, 6:00 pm, Public Hearing on the Pilot Legislation, 5th Floor Chambers, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Ave, NW
CHAMPS LINKS Lunch Celebrates 2 Years!
Two years ago in January, CHAMPS launched a monthly lunch group for small service-oriented businesses to meet so they could learn about each others' businesses; support each other with helpful ideas and information; and promote each other in our community. We even recently started a group ad campaign in the Voice of the Hill. Although only CHAMPS members can attend regularly, any small business owner working on the Hill can attend one lunch.
These lunches always take place on the Third Thursday of the month at a rotating CHAMPS-member restaurant venue. Let us know if you would like to join us by emailing champs@capitolhill.org. We always enjoy seeing some new faces.
Members: Click Here to take the 2008 CHAMPS survey
SPACE: We're hoping to build a comprehensive list of available space and places to hold meetings and events in the area. If you have or know of space, or if you have available office space, we would love to have you fill out the survey found here.
CHAMPS Sponsorship Opportunities Now Available
Partnering with CHAMPS on events and seminars is a great way to connect to the Capitol Hill business community. We also rely on sponsorships and partnerships to continue operating and bringing business leaders together. There are several levels available and each comes with promotional consideration for your business. To learn more, download our CHAMPS Sponsorships (Microsoft Word) document here: CHAMPS Sponsorships.
CHAMPS is especially interested in securing sponsorships for our 25th Anniversary year. 2008 will be an exciting time for CHAMPS and we'd love to talk to you about being a part of events like our annual auction, Quarterly Gatherings, and more. Contact Jonathan Darr for more information.
Report on November LINKS Lunch: Business Planning
At the November LINKS Lunch, CHAMPS members met to discuss business plans and share business planning resources during our regular LINKS Lunch. These Third Thursday gatherings are becoming quite popular and we would love to see more of our members. Recent topics have focused on sharing resources and information about growth, networking, and more. We'll have a full calendar during our 25th Anniversary Year and look forward to seeing you at an upcoming lunch.
LINKS stands for the Local Independent Network of Key Services. Every month, we meet on the Third Thursday at 11:30 and sample the menus of as many CHAMPS member restaurants as possible.
From the November Lunch: 6 QUESTIONS ABOUT BUSINESS PLANNING
*What is the state of your current business plan?
*Has business planning helped you? What helped most?
*When was the last time you looked at your business plan?
*Would it help to swap plans with another business owner and do a check-in?
*What do you know now that you wished you would have planned for?
*When was the last time you checked your business plan's data and assumptions?
*LINKS Links
Small Business Administration's business planning site
Short article on revisiting your business plan
UC Berkeley's business planning resources
SCORE's business plan (and other templates) gallery
Some useful lists for looking at what is in/not in your plan
A PDF on strategic planning
CHAMPS Fall Gathering a Hit at the Folger Shakespeare Library
A very special thank you to the Folger Shakespeare Library for hosting the CHAMPS Fall Gathering. More than 60 CHAMPS members and guests enjoyed a lively reception. Stay tuned for more opportunities to connect with the CHAMPS business community. CHAMPS would also like to thank Schneider's of Capitol Hill for their support.
Great Turnout for Economic Development Committee Meeting
On Thursday, September 20th, the CHAMPS Economic Development Committee held a meeting with city leaders, local businesses, and representatives from business-related organizations to discuss small commercial property taxes and legislation being developed within the DC Council. A hearing before the DC Council has been scheduled for October 10th and CHAMPS plans both to attend and to testify. If you have a story to share about major increases in your tax assessment, please contact Jonathan Darr in the CHAMPS Office.
From a press release: Councilmember Jack Evans, Chairperson of the Committee on Finance and Revenue, announces a public oversight roundtable on the matter of small business commercial property tax relief. The public oversight roundtable will be held on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers, Fifth Floor, John A. Wilson Building, 1350 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20004.
Weekly Emails
Are you getting the CHAMPS Weekly Emails? If you are a current member and are not receiving a weekly email, please contact the office today at (202) 547-7788 or champs@capitolhill.org.
LINKS Lunch Takes Off!
October LINKS Lunch was a great opportunity for Capitol Hill service-focused businesses to get together and discuss business growth. Join us on the third Thursday of each month. Want to be added to the LINKS List? Email Office Administrator, John Singer.
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