long branch newsletter april 2015 final
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Volume 8
Supported by:
Long Branch Business League Issue 3 April 2015 Long Branch Business League
Join the Business League
Over the last four years the Long Branch Business League, with its Dis-cover Long Branch! initiative, has gradually built a more exciting im-age for Long Branch commerce. We brought the community the suc-cessful Super-Block Party last May; we started a Salsa Night series this September and we have helped install art work.
What is more, the Business League's newsletter keeps you up-to-date on important events, local business news, and business tips.
What are the benefits to you of membership? Preferred access to store design improvements Assistance with marketing and business planning Help with Enterprise Zone tax credit applications Greater visibility in business league marketing materials
And with big changes coming to our area because of the Purple Line, now more than ever we need to stand together to make sure all of us benefit from the expanded customer base the Purple Line will bring.
Making Long Branch successful for everyone.
Carlos Perozo, President Long Branch Business Leagues [email protected]. 301-587-4829 or 301 812-4141
IN THIS ISSUE
Tom Hucker Meets League
Page 1
People or Machines?
Page 2
Getting to Know ... John Angel
Page 2
Unity Festival
Page 3
Rainbow in the News
Page 3
Earth Day 2015
Page 3
Resources:
Small Business Development Center
SBDC provides counseling and classes. Coun-
selors speak Spanish and other languages.
301-403-0501x11
7100 Baltimore Ave, Suite 303,
College Park, MD 20740
Enterprise Zone Tax Credit Program
Access to County tax credits for real estate
improvements and employee hiring.
Mr. Pete McGinnity
240-777-8126
Montgomery County Council
240-777-7900
Department of Permitting
Responsible for all permits to make property
improvements and signage.
permittingservices.montgomerycountymd.gov
240-777-0311
DED’s Small & Minority Business Empowerment
Resources and training for small businesses.
Judith Stephenson
240-777-2012
Montgomery County Police
Non-emergency dispatch for Long Branch:
301 279-8000
All emergencies: 911
Montgomery County (All other services)
For all Montgomery County services there
is now a single number you can call, this
includes bulk trash pickup
(5 requests annually)
311 (English)
311 + 1 (Español)
Department of Liquor Control
DLC licenses and regulates businesses that
sell alcohol, and provides education and
assistance to businesses and their
employees.
Emily DeTitta
240-777-1904
Business League Gathering
Tuesday, April 7, from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
El Gavilan Restaurant, 8805 Flower Avenue
Guest presenters: MTA with update on Purple Line Long Branch Business News, a monthly publication , Paul Grenier, Editor 301-622-2400, x 41 [email protected]
During his first meeting with the Long Branch Business League, District 4’s new Councilmember Tom Hucker wasted no time getting down to business.
“We know our area sometimes gets neglected,” Hucker said. “My office can get faster action if something isn’t happening, such as a pot hole that needs fixing.”
We’ve seen this in action. The February Newsletter described Hucker’s office’s help this winter getting quick action on a Long Branch sign that had been flattened by a car.
“Keep the complaints coming,” Hucker said. He also encouraged the continued use of the County’s 311 phone number to report problems.
When calling to let his office know about a light that is out, be sure to get the number of the pole, or send a photo, Hucker added.
See Tom Hucker, p. 2
Nok Kim and Maria Fuentes, both owners of Long Branch Laundromats, came to the meeting with big concerns about the high cost of water, which threatens the success of their businesses.
In response to their concerns, Hucker pointed out that his past work as a state delegate involved oversight of the water utility, WSSC. He offered to set up a meeting with WSSC, and to look into possible other solutions, such as targeted relief for vulnerable businesses in an Enterprise Zone.
Tom Hucker Meets Business League
Tom Hucker (center) at El Golfo.
Tom Hucker, from p. 1
3 2
Many other questions were raised during the Business League’s gathering with Hucker, from problems with landlords to agreeing on a common vision for street and facade improvements.
In just about every case, Hucker’s response was open and enthusiastic. The theme of the day might be summarized: ‘Stay in touch, we want to help.’
Which is Cooler:
Internet or Store?
It has recently come to our
attention that something called
‘the Internet’ is becoming fashionable. Instead of talking face
to face, as they used to do, people
increasingly ‘chat’ on computers,
or send ‘text messages.’
What is more, instead of visiting
actual stores to buy things, many
people now order them over the
‘Internet.’
Where will it all end? Will people
soon be using 3-D printing
machines to make their meals
instead of visiting restaurants?
This computerized trend misses the whole point of living in a city.
And what is that point? To see people! Here’s how. Get out from behind that gadget your staring at and go visit one of our many warm and wonderful Long Branch retail stores, restaurants, bakeries …
You can find them at: DiscoverLongBranch.com/businesses.
DiscoverLongBranch.com DiscoverLongBranch.com
Getting to Know … El Gavilan’s John Angel Join Earth Day 2015!
Title: Manager, El Gavilan Restaurant, 8805 Flower Avenue;
Years on the job: Three as manager of el Gavilan Restaurant. Has been part
of the family business for over 20 years;
Present Positions: In addition to managing El Gavilan, is also part-owner of
Chapala Blue Beetle Bar in Burtsonsville, Md. (18 employees);
First job: Cashier and butcher at El Gavilan grocery store in Washington,
D.C. (at age 14);
Grew up: Washington, D.C. and Silver Spring, MD;
Childhood memory: Wearing a red super-hero cape (which was really just a
red towel) and running around on 16th street near the White House; Current home: Long Branch;
Job in another life: School teacher or movie director;
Person to meet: From the present: George Clooney. From the past: Martin
Luther King;
Favorite apps: Google Translate; YouTube;
Favorite movies: Fight Club; Out of Sight;
Favorite restaurant: Other than El Gavilan, Pupatella Pizza (in Arlington);
Favorite music: The Indy-progressive band ‘Coast.’ Also loves Brazilian
music such as Caetano Veloso Bossa Nova;
Favorite book: The White Tiger by Aravind Adiga; Favorite vacation spot: For relaxation: Positano on the Amalfi Coast, Italy.
For fun and inspiration: Los Angeles (John has visited every continent
except Australia and Antarctica);
Favorite sporting event: NBA finals; Guilty pleasure: French fries; Bucket list: Visit Brazil and speak Portuguese fluently enough to be easily understood by anyone; Hobbies: Dancing and reading comic books; and Startling fact: Is a practitioner of Thai massage.
John Angel relaxing with friends.
Unity Day Celebration —
And Afterwards
The Unity Day festival is still on, even
though the hoped-for parade will be
delayed until next year.
In an email announcement, Community
Center director Morris Buster explained that the parade route would not be
feasible this year due to logistical
challenges.
The Long Branch Unity Day festival
features music, dancing and games, and
culminates in a celebrity basketball game.
It takes place this year on Saturday, May 2,
2015 from 9 a.m. — 4p.m. at the
Community Center (8700 Piney Branch).
For the first time this year, several Long
Branch restaurants are holding ‘Unity Day
Specials’ to continue the celebration.
Participating restaurants include Samantha’s (631 E. University), El Golfo
(8739 Flower Ave.) and El Gavilan (8805
Flower Ave.)
Though the parade was not feasible this
year, next year it will be able to cross the
new bridge linking the library and the
Community Center.
Gazette Covers Rainbow
Tutoring Story
On March 20 the Gazette ran a story on
the tutoring program organized by
students from Washington Adventist
University (WAU) at Rainbow Laundry
on Flower Avenue. The story, by reporter
Kevin Shay, stresses the role of the WAU
business department and its efforts to
come up with “innovative ideas to help
businesses” in Long Branch.
Contact [email protected] to learn more.
The annual Earth Day Long Branch cleanup is an enjoyable
way to spend a Saturday morning out in the fresh air.
This year the clean-up of Long Branch creek will take place
on Saturday, April 25th from 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Free
gloves and garbage bags will be distributed by MHP at the
Long Branch Community Center, 8700 Piney Branch
Road.
Food and refreshments for the volunteers are being
supplied thanks to the generous support of Giant Foods,
Samantha’s Restaurant, El Golfo Restaurant and Capital
One Bank!
It’s a fun event. Everyone is welcome!