Fairfax City Economic Development

Registration for the Beverage Arts Track closes soon! This free, 6-day certificate program starts on January 6th, offering the perfect fresh start to the new year (and your new career). Whether you are aiming to elevate your skills or take the first step into the hospitality industry, this is your opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and gain practical skills that set you apart. Secure your spot for the Culinary Careers Collaborative’s Beverage Arts Track at https://lnkd.in/eVGjtFFT! In partnership with Town of Vienna Economic Development, George Mason University, and Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association

FCED is thrilled to announce the promotion of Tara Borwey to Assistant Director of Programs! This well-deserved recognition highlights her commitment to FCED and her accomplishments in developing first-class economic development programs and partnerships. Please join us in congratulating Tara on her new role!

Happy Holidays! We hope that everyone has a safe and joyous holiday season. In observance of the holiday, the FCED office will be closed December 24th and 25th. We look forward to reconnecting with our community when we return. Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Bar operations are at the core of any successful beverage service, and the Beverage Arts Track is here to help you master them. This 6-day, hands-on certificate program covers key areas like bar setup and design, inventory management, and point-of-sale (POS) systems, giving you the practical skills needed to operate efficiently and elevate customer experiences. Whether you’re advancing your hospitality career or starting out in the industry, this training will set you apart. Registration closes soon, so don’t miss out! Learn more and enroll at https://lnkd.in/eVGjtFFT today. Fairfax City Economic Development George Mason University Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association

FCED is honored to welcome Mason Enterprise Center - Fairfax’s newest tenant, TradersAI.com. Founder Ashok Margam is a finance professor in the George Mason University – Costello College of Business and an entrepreneur with a history of successful startup sales. We’re excited to see his vision of an AI-based ETF for the everyday investor to hit the market. Thank you, Professor Margam, for meeting with us. To learn more about TradersAI and its investing goals, visit their website: https://lnkd.in/ehekzH66 Christopher Bruno | Marie Spittell | Ashok Margam | Mayor Catherine S. Read | Nicole Toulouse, MPA

Introducing Andrew H. Jablonecki II, one of the talented instructors for the CCC’s Beverage Arts Track in January 2025! With a background that bridges athletics and the food and beverage industry, Andrew has worked with high-level organizations across various fields. Andrew’s career includes roles as a restaurant manager, Maître D, catering director, and floor manager, making him uniquely qualified to mentor aspiring chefs, servers, and bar staff. His leadership and operational expertise are a tremendous asset to the next generation of hospitality professionals in Northern Virginia. Enroll now at https://lnkd.in/dxfYjusF and learn from industry leaders like Andrew. Town of Vienna Economic Development George Mason University Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association

On this Faces of Fairfax City episode, we stopped by Wawa, Inc. on Fairfax Blvd. to speak with General Manager Chris Schaller about the store’s role in the community. Wawa is your one-stop shop for gas, snacks, beverages, fresh food, and even catering. Let Wawa handle the cooking this holiday season with their catering options and bring joy to your family, friends, or coworkers. See how Wawa serves as a community hub for the City of Fairfax, Virginia, from its relationship with the City of Fairfax Police Department to its charitable partnership with The Lamb Center, a drop-in center that supports those experiencing homelessness in Fairfax. 🔗 Tap the link to watch the YouTube interview: https://lnkd.in/eSmnKZ_U

On January 17th, FCED and the City of Fairfax, Virginia will welcome the commercial real estate community to hear about the City’s existing support programs and to network with like-minded real estate professionals during the Broker Breakfast. Opening remarks will be given by Mayor Catherine S. Read and the FCED Business Investment Team will be in attendance to discuss programs and grants. The event is FREE, and complimentary breakfast will be provided by Anita’s. 🔗 To learn more and to register for the event tap the link: https://lnkd.in/e47fv6C4

Thank you Dan Brendel and Washington Business Journal for covering FCED’s retention of Fairfax City’s largest private employer and office space user!  Zeta Associates Inc. renewed its 225,000-square-foot office building for another 10 years with an incentive package that aims to modernize the space. This agreement demonstrates the City and FCED’s commitment to support employers and preserve jobs for employees in the City of Fairfax, Virginia.  To read the full article, tap the link: https://lnkd.in/eKS-6_sK

We’re proud to feature David Ivey-Soto as one of the exceptional instructors for the CCC’s Beverage Arts Track this January. With over 30 years of food service experience in 14 countries across five continents, David offers a global perspective that is both unique and invaluable. David has dedicated much of his career to teaching and mentoring culinary professionals. As the training development manager at UniPro Foodservice, he developed and implemented comprehensive training programs and led menu management initiatives that significantly advanced the industry. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from David and other leaders in this free, 6-day certificate program. Enroll in the Culinary Careers Collaborative now at https://lnkd.in/dxfYjusF. Town of Vienna Economic Development George Mason University Virginia Restaurant, Lodging & Travel Association