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Ready to Succeed
Starting February 17, a series of free classes, training, and one-on-one coaching for small business owners in the Purple Line corridor will be offered at CASA de Maryland in partnership with the Maryland Small Business and Technology Resource Center (based at UMD), and the MD Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. Ready to Succeed will provide first-class business training and specialized coaching to strengthen small businesses them and make them more efficient in preparation for the Purple Line. Classes, workshops and coaching will be offered in English & Spanish, in the morning and evening, to make it convenient to attend. Businesses that complete all of the training and take advantage of the one-on-one consulting will be certified Purple Line Skills Preferred, and receive a certificate. They may qualify for additional support, such as legal workshops sponsored by Prince George's County. Classes will be held at CASA, 8151 15th Avenue, Langley Park. For more information, contact Alma Couverthie, 240-460-7330 or acouverthie@casamd.org.
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 Business News
Following the closure of Bella Furniture in November, 1121 University Blvd became vacant but not for long. Soon renovation began for the relocation of Beauty Island, currently at 1153 University Blvd. Beauty Island is moving to the larger space and gaining 1,800 sf. Once vacant, 1153 University will become part of Kool Smiles (1147 University), which will expand into the 4,200 sf space for its booming pediatric dental practice.
Other news: after at least three years of vacancy, 7639 New Hampshire Ave (between Mogotillo and Town Beauty Supply), has been leased to an entreprenuer who will open a bakery. And 1335 Holton Lane became vacant last week when Best Shears Barber & Beauty Supply closed.
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Sligo Creek Pkwy Reopens Feb 2
Finally the $2.2 million, multi-year redecking of the New Hampshire Avenue bridge over Sligo Creek by the MD State Highway Administration is finished. SHA is reinstalling a rebuilt traffic signal at Sligo Creek Parkway and will open the intersection for turns on February 2, weather permitting. The new traffic signal has mast arms and signal heads with brighter light-emitting diode bulbs for better visibility. An audible pedestrian signal and a countdown pedestrian signal were added to help pedestrians safely cross New Hampshire Avenue. New concrete medians, curbs and gutters; upgraded sidewalks that comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act; a new bridge deck (driving surface) and metal railings, were all added along with repaired steel beams and a resurfaced approach to the bridge. More than 40,000 vehicles a day travel across the bridge, which will be repainted later in 2015.
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 "Business is Creating a Customer"
That was the answer to "What is business?" given by Casey Willson, Retail & Restaurant Specialist at the MD Small Business Development Center. Last month, Willson made a dynamic presentation to the Long Branch Business League. Businesses must attract and retain a large customer base in order to stay in business. Marketing is not the solution to attracting and retaining customers. Instead, customers are drawn by how you differentiate your business from others. What three things does your business do that other businesses don't? What is special, first or "only' about your business?
A national survey of consumer behavior found the main reasons that customers stop coming to a store:
- 45% stopped coming because of rude or unreliable service,
- 20% stopped coming because staff did not pay enough attention to them.
- 15% of the time they stopped coming because of price;
That means 65% of the problem can be solved by better employee training. Teach your employees to
- Stay in the front half of the store and be visible
- Greet customers first AND Make eye contact and smile
- Be knowledgeable about the products
When employees do the right things, recognize them and compensate them.
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 Governor's 2016 Budget includes Purple Line
Maryland's new Republican Governor Larry Hogan included $312.8 million for the Purple Line, and funding for the Red Line and Corridor Cities Transitway in his budget. Light rail project funding is "pending review and reevaluation"--assessing private sector bids to help with construction costs. The MTA had requested between $350-$750 million from the state over several years. Prince George's and Montgomery counties are each contributing $200 million, the federal government $900 million, and the private sector will put in several million dollars.
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County offers One-on-One Assistance to Businesses
Starting February 1, Montgomery County Business Development Specialists will provide assistance to businesses and entrepreneurs at shared office/coworking locations throughout the County. Experts will provide information about county financial initiatives and other programs, make introductions and identify connections to help your business grow. Contact Stephanie Eyler at 240-777-2015 or stephanie.eyler@MontgomeryCountyMd.gov. Make an appointment and register here.
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