[Archived] West End Business Association Holds First Meeting

City Press Release


	City of Alexandria, Virginia Office of the City Manager Alexandria City Hall 301 King Street, Suite 3500 Alexandria, Virginia 22314-3211 www.alexandriava.gov Telephone: 703.838.4300 Fax : 703.838.6343

For Immediate Release
September 14, 2004
PIO 221-04/bg

Newly-Formed West End Business Association
To Hold First General Membership Meeting

Alexandria’s West End Business Association (WEBA) is officially off and running, and will host an open Membership Meeting on Sept.15, from 8 - 9:30 am at Koons Collision Repair Center, 5800 Edsall Road (one block west of Van Dorn). Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille will make welcoming remarks.

Over the last several months, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Inc. (AEDP) and Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille, Chairman of the Board of AEDP, have hosted a series of informal meetings designed to catalyze interest in forming a West End Business Association. The initial attendees were briefed on how a business organization could help increase visibility for West End businesses, provide resources, help business operators understand services available to them, provide networking opportunities, and present opportunities to interact with City staff and elected government officials.

A core group, representing a diverse array of West End Businesses, has been meeting regularly to formally and legally create the organization. This group, with the cooperation of the City, has compiled a comprehensive mailing list of all businesses in the West End, and will host a meeting to attract members.

The group seeks to:

q Spur business development through information and outreach
q Bolster business-to-business networking
q Promote community relations
q Provide a liaison with political leaders
q Encourage creative and innovative ideas
q Enhance the image and appeal of the West End business community

Throughout the year, WEBA will host a number of membership and networking opportunities including a networking night, monthly business luncheons, and opportunities to be active in Special Interest Groups, designed to provide a forum for interaction among groups interested in special issues, business sectors, or common locations in the West End.

For more information on the West End Business Association, visit or email < www.alexandriaWEBA.com, or email info@alexandriaWEBA.com.

The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, Inc. is a public/private partnership that plans, directs, manages and implements efforts to attract, expand, and retain business operations in the City of Alexandria. AEDP has worked since 1981 as a facilitator to establish Alexandria as a nationally recognized community and business center. AEDP is located at 1729 King St, Suite 410, Alexandria, VA 22314 and can be contacted at 703.739.3820, or