F.C. Business Leaders Hail ‘The Little City’ Brand
Falls Church City resident Matt Smith, principal of the City-based Smith-Gifford marketing firm, laid out the rationale for the group’s selection of “The Little City” as the new “brand” for the City of Falls Church to the monthly luncheon of the Falls Church Chamber of Commerce Tuesday, and the response was enthusiastic from the business leaders present.
The controversy surrounding the unveiling of the brand last month has contributed to its success, he said. The brand reflects “being close to an urban environment but not in it,” he said. “This is not frivolous. We can’t afford not to do this” to spur new economic development, given the economy, he said, adding the design of the new “flower building” at 800 W. Broad “is what the City stands for.” The “iconic” building is wonderful and emotional,” compared to something nondescript, he said. “There is a little bit of a grunge aspect. People like it.” “The Little City” brand compares to the roll-out of the slogan, “Virginia is For Lovers,” Smith said. That one met with a lot of opposition, including a governor who refused to acknowledge it, but it is now fully embraced. One business leader exclaimed, “This is one of the most brilliant things I’ve ever seen.”
F.C. Grants $3k to Help Promote Wammies
The City of Falls Church’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) voted to grant $3,000 to help fund the 24th annual Wammies Award Show at the State Theatre in Falls Church on Feb. 28. The event, which draws hundreds of D.C.-area music industry attendees to Falls Church each year, is produced by the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA). The Wammies recognize significant career achievements by area musicians and, in the process, raise awareness of the DC-area music scene in a night of entertainment and celebration. Over a hundred Wammie Awards are presented each year spanning every category of music, including Classical, Country, Hip Hop, Folk and Rock. In granting funds for the Wammies, the EDA board said it “recognizes the direct economic impact of the event for local businesses that provide dining, gathering and entertainment venues for attendees, in addition to the State Theatre.” Also, several city businesses are hired to provide services in the production of the Wammies.
F.C.’s Pension Plans ‘Among Best Performing in U.S.’
The Falls Church City Council was told by the Chicago-based consultant to the City’s Retirement Board Tuesday that the investment performance of the City’s basic and police retirement plans “are among the most stellar performers in the country,” despite the negative consequences of the steep market downturn prior to last spring. City resident Gordon Daisley, chair of the Retirement Board, introduced Howard Pohl of Becker, Burke consultants who made the assessment to the Council.
Indecent Exposure Incidents on W&OD Trail Reported
Arlington Police have reported a string of indecent exposure incidents along the W&OD bike trail during the week of Jan. 11-15. According to police, a white male subject has exposed himself to women at various sections along the trail. Police are responding to the incidents by increasing patrols along the bike paths. They urge people who spend time on bike trails and other secluded areas to be cautious and aware. They advise women to avoid walking or running alone, and encourage them not to use devices such as headphones that prevent hearing someone approach. They recommend that bike trail users carry cell phones and call police as soon as incidents occur. Anyone with any information about this case is asked to contact Detective Comer at (703) 228-4243 or Detective Austin at (703) 228-4241.
‘News-Press Live’ Budget Discussion Monday
This Monday’s “Falls Church News-Press Live” TV show on Falls Church Cable Television will center on a discussion of the dire conditions facing F.C.’s City Council in its budget deliberations this spring. The show airs live at 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25.
