September 2008 Ward 8 Business Council Meeting Minutes

Minutes of the Ward 8 Business Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Ward 8 Constituent Services Office

PARTICIPANTS:

Robert James, Ward 8 Business Council
James Bunn, Ward 8 Business Council
Adam Richardson, Ward 8 Business Council
Elinor Bacon, ER Bacon Development
Betty Crawl, CHW Solutions
Alfred Twyman,
Oramenta Newsome, LISC
Roxanne Burroughs,
Kelly Wilkins, Covenant Baptist Church
Greg Thomas, CSOSA
Phillip Allen,
Allen Lew, Schools Remodernization Office
Tony Robinson, Schools Remodernization Office
Crawford Cox, Schools Remodernization Office
David Williams,
Rosalind Stephenwood, Capitol City DC
Necola Shaw, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
Linda Fenenell, DDOT
Traci Morris, Morr-Jacks Communications, LLC
Jackie Ward,
Warner Session,
Julius Ware,
Michael Truppner, Securpros
Sherwin Hayes,
Linda Martin,

DISCUSSION:

The meeting commenced at 6:45 p.m. Introductions were made. The Chairman’s Report was made by Robert James. James Bunn reported on his activity as the Executive Director.

Allen Lew, Schools Remodernization Office

 Spoke on contracting opportunities for vendors and consultants.
 50% of contracts are awarded to CBE’s from Washington, D.C.
 Many of the CBE’s that get contracts through his office continue to get consistent contract opportunities because they are now on the School Remodernization Office’s radar.
 Spoke on his office going through Job Fairs seeking eligible CBE’s
 If interested call Tony Robinson of the Schools Remodernization Office at (202) 698-7703


Greg Thomas, CSOSA (Court Services & Offender Supervision Agency)
 Spoke on their responsibility as an agency for the supervision of ex-offenders.
 Covenant Baptist Church partnered with CSOSA in July to form a faith based initiative. To guide and support the offenders when brought back into society.
 The primary goal of the program is to find mentors for the ex-offenders & services.
 Housing, Employment, etc.
 They are working with 12 different faith based organizations in Ward 7 & 8. CSOSA is looking for Ward 7 & 8 businesses interested in employing or giving internships to ex-offenders.
 Tax credits and other financial gains for area businesses interested in participating with program.
 If interested in the program call Greg Thomas of CSOSA at (202) 220-5318





Oramenta Newsome, LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation)

 Spoke on her organization being an investor in the community and works in conjunction with Non-profit organization and local businesses.
 Any organization that is aimed towards the positive progression of the community.
 LISC provided the funds for shops in Park Village, The Bobby Mitchell football field, The Arc, and Hope Housing to name a few. Providing funds of $19 million dollars.
 The company invests in quality of life organizations.
 The company is looking to invest in Congress Heights.
 Grants can be attained for Non-profits and other local businesses through LISC.
 In interested in the program call Oramenta Newsome of LISC at (202) 785-2908