A Note from the Chamber President…

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SAVE THE DATE: ARLINGTON COUNTY ARCHITECTURE SPEAKER SERIES 
January 17, 2007, the upcoming Architecture Speaker Series in Arlington, Arlington County will host a dialogue on several topics concerning the quality of architecture in our built environment which will meet security and safety needs.

Barbara Nadel, the FAIA leading U.S. expert on security design in the built environment, will be the guest speaker January 17, 2007 at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) Conference Center, 7:00p.m. Nadel, principal of Barbara Nadel Architect (BNA), of New York City, will make a presentation on key issues related to achieving design excellence in meeting security needs and will host a panel discussion with other experts. 

This panel program will feature the following recognized speakers:

• Moderator: Barbara A. Nadel, FAIA, Principal, Barbara Nadel Architect, New York City
• Leslie Shepherd, AIA, Chief Architect, U.S. General Services Administration, Washington, D.C.
• Edward A. Feiner, FAIA, Director, Washington Office, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, Washington DC
• Trini M. Rodriguez, Principal, Parker Rodriguez Landscape Architecture, Alexandria, VA

All presentations are FREE and open to the public. If you have questions, contact Anthony Fusarelli, 703-228-3548, or visit the County's Architecture Speaker Series Web page. Click here for directions!

ONE-TIME, POTENTIALLY LUCRATIVE TAX REBATE FROM THE IRS
A recent amendment of the Federal Excise Tax laws creates a window of opportunity for telecommunications users to recover credits and/or refunds of certain FET payments. 

The IRS Notice 2006-50 Dated May 25, 2006 advises:

• A Tax Credit for all Federal Excise Taxes paid from March 1, 2003 through July 31, 2006 is available.

• The credit must be calculated and included on your company's 2006 Corporate Income Tax Return

• The credit should include the 3% Federal Excise Tax (FET) plus interest as allowed by the IRS, and covers the last forty-one months from March 30, 2003 to July 31, 2006.

• Only specified services can receive the credit.

This recovery is available only on your 2006 IRS filing or it is lost forever.

DO YOU HAVE EXTRA SEATS AT YOUR TABLE?
LET THE CHAMBER KNOW if you have any space available at reserved tables during Chamber events. Distributing extra seats is a great opportunity to involve new members or place VIP guests!

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BREAKFAST CONNECTION
Join the Arlington Chamber at breakfast and enhance your networking opportunities! You'll have the chance to exchange business cards, develop new prospects, and share a 60 second commercial with each table. Please make sure you register early; we want to have enough room for all. Don’t forget to bring plenty of business cards – you’ll need them!

Breakfast Connection
Thursday, January 11 - 7:30-9:00am
Holiday Inn - Ballston
4610 Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22203
Register Now! The most efficient way to register is through our website; however, if you prefer you're welcome to call 703-525-2400 and register via phone. Please register for this event before noon on Wednesday, January 10 (the day before the Breakfast Connection). All registrations that occur after that time will be considered "same day" and registrants will be charged accordingly. Thank you!

Thank you to our sponsor, Self Storage Plus, and our Patron Sponsor Ted Kramer, RE/MAX Allegiance.

83RD ANNUAL BUSINESS GALA
Our annual Gala Celebration is quickly approaching! Make sure you and your guests are registered! The Gala has been unofficially named Arlington's Best Night Out. Enjoy fabulous company, a delicious three course dinner, mouth watering drinks and an enticing auction. The fun will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at The Ritz-Carlton, Pentagon City. Register now to attend! 

Thank you to our Grand Sponsor Verizon.          

Did you know that donating an item to the Arlington Business Gala is one of the most inexpensive ways to market your business to more than 300 area business leaders? The Silent Auction for the 83^rd annual event is going to be the most exciting we have seen in years, and we need your help to make this happen. By donating an item from or on behalf of your company, you gain exposure and maintain your status as a community oriented business in the Northern Virginia area. Email the Chamber today to donate!  

Thank you to our Silent Auction Sponsor KSI. 

HOSPITALITY AWARDS
This annual awards ceremony highlights and honors the hard work and dedication of the hospitality industry. We are asking that you take the time to think about those who deserve recognition for their service to the Arlington hospitality industry. Complete Nomination form (PDF) and supporting information by Friday, February 2, 2007. Please send all completed nomination forms and supporting information via email, events@arlingtonchamber.org, and indicate 2007 Arlington Hospitality Awards in the subject line or mail to Events, Arlington Chamber of Commerce, 2009 14th Street North, Suite 111, Arlington, VA 22201. Please note that all supporting information is limited to 10 pages, in addition to the nomination form.

JOB SHADOW KICKOFF BREAKFAST!
The Education Workforce Committee's Job Shadowing Program will kick-off Friday, February 2, 2007. The event will take place at the Arlington Career Center from 7:30-9am. The program will include breakfast, a job shadow resource packet and tips for host businesses. All businesses and organizations that are interested in hosting students in job shadow experiences should attend. This will be a great opportunity to help our youth! There is still time to sign up! Please register by Monday, January 22, 2007. Register Now! This program is a partnership between the Arlington Chamber of Commerce and Arlington Public Schools. 

HOST A BOARD MEETING IN 2007!  
There are a few hosting opportunities remaining for 2007!  If you’re interested in taking advantage of this fabulous marketing opportunity, E-mail the Chamber NOW! It’s a great chance to showcase your place of business, while providing a great location for our Board. Opportunities to host these are rarely available – don’t let this one slip away!  

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