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Saturday, July 5, 2008
ABOUT WEBA: West End Business Association
We're About Business.
Alexandria's West End Business Association (WEBA) was formed in 2005 to unify, strengthen and serve the West End business community.
Member businesses benefit from their involvement in WEBA by working more closely with other local businesses and connecting more effectively with the City's political process as it enters into a critical new development cycle.
Better Business Through Networking
From regularly-scheduled networking events to flexible interest groups meeting to address specific needs, WEBA is dedicated to keeping its members informed and involved in all of the issues that affect doing business in the West End of Alexandria.
Networking Night
Featuring networking, short host presentations, and the opportunity to display some promotional material, these events allow sponsoring members to host meetings at their facilities to offer visitors a more intimate understanding of their products and services.
Monthly Luncheons
Held at participating West End restaurants and hotels, monthly meetings feature notable speakers from various business sectors and government who address a range of issues that impact business. These meetings also offer networking opportunities in a convivial dining environment.
Our goal is to keep members current on all issues that affect the local business environment, from government regulations, business trends and membership goals, to new businesses, development issues and security information. Additionally, individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the quality of life and business in Alexandria's West End will be recognized.
WEBA Orientations
Orientation meetings welcome new members by offering a business-friendly introduction to the community and showing them how to capitalize immediately on their memberships. By networking with member ambassadors, representatives from the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, and local government officials, new members - including businesses new to the West End - will learn about available business-to-business, business-to-consumer, and government-to-business offerings.
Encouraging the creation of professional and personal relationships strengthens West End businesses and the community as a whole. WEBA is dedicated to bringing together members who share common interests, visions and challenges and helping them to build effective and lasting solutions.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs)
SIGs provide an effective way to help members share information, expertise and experience on key topics. An action-oriented extension of WEBA's networking activities, SIGs are flexible and responsive, depending on the nature and urgency of each particular issue. Group members determine the time, location and agenda of each meeting. Email and other informal networks can be established to monitor issues and provide instant updates. WEBA facilitates the formation of three types of SIGs:
- Similar Discipline / Business Sector
- Similar Location
- Special Issues
WEBA Online - Web Site
A comprehensive, up-to-date and easy-to-use Web site signals the greater metropolitan area that Alexandria's West End has arrived as a prime business location. The site offers timely informational features and reports, including profiles of individual businesses and business sectors, will also be included. WEBA is planning an e-commerce Web site that will include online meeting reservation and payment, advertising opportunities, an online listing of Membership with convenient links to member sites, and more.
WEBA and the City
One of WEBA's most important functions is to keep members informed about commercial, residential and City activities in the West End of Alexandria. Giving members a greater voice in key political issues from future development to government regulation is critical to making the area more appealing for current businesses and more attractive to businesses looking to relocate. To accomplish this goal, WEBA will be available to monitor official City business and liaison with the City to effectively address issues and concerns facing West End businesses.
OPPORTUNITIES
Meeting Hosts / Meeting Sponsors
Any West End business (including non-restaurant entities) interested in hosting and/or sponsoring any type of monthly meeting should contact us at info@alexandriaWEBA.com. This is an excellent way to introduce your business to Alexandria and the Metro region.
We need individuals who can help coordinate event details and make sure things occur as planned. We also need help for welcoming attendees and collecting fees. This is a great way to network and make new business contacts.
Board of Directors
Nominations are being sought for the WEBA's 2008 Board of Directors. Attendance at the monthly Board meetings, on the second Friday, is the perfect way to learn and have a voice in matters of importance in the West End. It is also a great way to gain visibility for your business. Nominate yourself or another by emailing WEBA.
If interested in any of these opportunities, please contact WEBA now:
Board of Dircctors & Committees | Founding Members of WEBA | Corporate Sponsors
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About WEBA
