Main Street at Westchester Commons Ready for Tenants

The pedestrian-friendly section of Westchester Commons named "Main Street" is now available for leasing. Anchored by Regal Cinemas on one end and Gold's Gym on the other, the Main Street retail space is divided by tree-lined sidewalks and public gathering places. Books-A-Million has already opened it's doors and Noodles & Company is expected to open soon.

Gold’s Gym Opens at Westchester Commons

The Midlothian Exchange has posted an article by Erika Maguire about the grand opening of Gold’s Gym at Westchester Commons on Midlothian Turnpike in the Watkins Center development. Erika writes,

Gold’s Gym, located in Westchester Commons on Midlothian Turnpike, is now taking the movie experience to the next level, substituting reclining chairs with treadmills and ellipticals.

Known as their cardio cinema, Gold’s Gym is now providing their members with full-length movies during their workouts. The movies, which change everyday, are played in a dimly-lit room filled with various cardio equipment for members’ enjoyment. Yet this feature is only one of the unique amenities offered by the gym...

>>> Read the entire story from the Midlothian Exchange here.

New Federal Identity Theft Laws Puts Employers At Risk

Identity Theft Seminar Offered Regarding FACTA and the New “Red Flags Rule”

Identify theft is one of the fastest growing crimes, and it is reported that 1 of every 4 Americans will suffer some form of identify theft.

The US government passed new laws recently that places responsibility squarely on the shoulders of companies to protect their employees’ and their customers’ personal information. Consequently business and/or business owners are liable to ensure that proper steps are taken to protect the identities of their employees and customers.

Starting August 1, 2009, millions of small businesses that extend credit or defer payments for goods and services will be subject to a new set of rules under the Fair and Accurate Transaction Act aimed at helping curb identify theft. The new rules — known as the FACTA Red Flags Rules — are basically federally mandated precautions certain businesses must take to protect customers from identity theft crimes.

Whether it is social security numbers, check information, credit card information, medical data, or the like, if it is mishandled, lost or stolen, it can have a serious impact on the business.

Legions of small businesses that will now be covered — including auto dealers, jewelers, furniture companies, mortgage brokers, doctors, dentists and many others — are still unaware of this looming regulatory issue. Business owners who are aware are most likely confused about what they’ll have to do. And forget about an extension. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the enforcing agency, already stretched the compliance deadline, originally set for last November.

The coming FACTA Red Flags Rules require covered businesses to create a process for detecting so-called “Red Flags” in identity verification, such as:

• Discrepancies in address history
• Fraud alerts on credit reports
• Suspicious use of Social Security numbers
• Inactive accounts that suddenly become active
• Credit-freeze notifications
• Credit reports with suspicious activity patterns
• Notices from identity theft victims or law agencies, among others.

A number of consulting firms offer guidance on how to comply with the new FACTA Red Flags Rule. One such company is The Risk Management Group. Village Bank and The Risk Management Group will be holding an Identity Theft Seminar on June 30, 2009 at the Village Bank Community Room, 15521 Midlothian Turnpike. The Seminar runs from 7:30 – 8:30 AM and is free of charge. For additional information and to register contact Richard Swed at Richard@TheRiskMgmtGroup.com or call 804-840-2918.

TopNotchRichmond.com: One of Chesterfield's Newest Businesses

TopNotchRichmond.com is one of Chesterfield County's newest businesses. The region’s new online referral resource business is locally owned and operated by a recently laid-off worker. By taking control of his career and pursuing his passion, Richmonders now have free access to tried, trusted and tested service companies.

Tom McCormick, owner of TopNotchRichmond.com says, “Consumers are more consciences now than ever of how they spend their hard earned cash and businesses are looking for that extra edge to get the work and stay in business. TopNotchRichmond.com creates a win-win for both.” He added, “Consumers are too often disappointed in the quality of their experience; whether it’s home repair, having a car serviced or hiring a photographer for those long overdue family pictures. Top Notch Richmond does the leg work, helping the consumer make better choices, while generating more referrals for Top Notch area businesses.”

After 20 years in management within a high tech manufacturing environment, McCormick understood the importance of the customer, of quality and of continuous improvement. He also recognized these qualities were too often lacking in the companies providing everyday consumer services, such as home remodeling and repairs, auto service, photographers, etc.

After several months of planning and preparation, McCormick has now launched TopNotchRichmond.com, the online referral resource that promotes only those companies who excel in the area of customer service quality. Top Notch Richmond screens and certifies companies based on specific, measurable quality criteria. Only those that make the cut are listed on TopNotchRichmond.com. Consumers now have a third party advocate while top notch service companies get the recognition and visibility they deserve.

CED and Atlantic Constructors Announce Celebration

Chesterfield Economic Development and this year’s master sponsor Atlantic Constructors, Inc. join the Commonwealth of Virginia in celebrating Business Appreciation Week throughout the Commonwealth. Coordinated each year by the Virginia Department of Business Assistance, Business Appreciation Week is scheduled for May 10th – 16th, 2009.

Learn More >>>

Chesterfield Airport is an 'economic machine'

The Midlothian Exchange has posted an article written by Eric Millirons that describes the economic value of the Chesterfield County Airport to our community. Eric writes,

Cloistered behind a large stand of evergreen trees, off of State Route 10, just north of Route 288, the airport is one of Chesterfield’s truly hidden economic gems. It ranks fourth in the number of planes based at a Virginia airport. While state studies have shown that its economic impact is in the millions of dollars, there are more discernable factors that display its importance. Looking only at the personal property tax paid on the 130 or so planes based at Chesterfield, the result is over $400,000 for the county’s General Fund coffers. When this information is coupled with the employment generated by the county and Dominion Aviation employees, numbering in excess of 100 with over 90 percent of them being county residents, its worth to our economy becomes even more evident.

>>> Read the entire story from the Midlothian Exchange here.

~

NBC 12 Covers Opening of Westchester Commons

Beth Danziger of NBC 12 reported yesterday about the opening of Westchester Commons at Route 288 and Midlothian Turnpike later this week. Her report included an interview with Chesterfield Economic Development director Will Davis.

Read the story and view the video on the NBC12.com web site >>>

Westchester Commons Opening This Week

The Richmond-Times Dispatch had an article in the Metro Business section yesterday about the opening of Westchester Commons this week. Times-Dispatch writer Louis Llovio reports on the transition of of the area from a rural to urban area.

When John Watkins looks out across the wide open landscape that used to be his playground, he doesn't see Westchester Commons, one of the largest retail developments in the Richmond area.

The Republican state senator from Powhatan County points over a half-built row of retail stores. "That is where my parents lived. Where I grew up."

Then he turns to another spot a few hundred yards north, this one between two buildings. "That's where my house was. Where I raised three kids," Watkins said.

The land has changed since Watkins was boy.

Acres of trees spread out as far as the eye could see back then. He and his cousins camped out in the woods and had the run of the place.

His family had owned the property since 1876. Watkins Nursery operated there before moving to Amelia County.

Now, the land has been stripped of those trees and is becoming one of the Richmond area's newest shopping centers.

Westchester Commons is the retail component of the Watkins Centre development at state Route 288 and Midlothian Turnpike in Chesterfield County.

Watkins Centre was zoned in 2006 for 1.3 million square feet of retail space and 2.1 million square feet for offices on 640 acres.

Read the entire article on the Times-Dispatch web site >>>


~

Call for Nominations - Chesterfield County First Choice Business Awards

Each year Chesterfield County Virginia honors local companies that contribute to the county’s economy and its citizens. The intent is to give recognition to businesses that consistently contribute to the community by giving back to the citizens of Chesterfield through community service, create and deliver products or services to its customers which are innovative, is a leader in valuing its employees, and upholds the principles and standards of ethical business practices.

Do you know a deserving Chesterfield County company? Then nominate them for a 2009 First Choice Business Award!

Nominate a Company >>>

RichmondJobNet.com Launched by GRP

The Greater Richmond Partnership has developed an online centralized career resource center, RichmondJobNet.com, organized to simplify the job search process using a comprehensive listing of area job boards, tools and tips for job seekers including resume, cover letter and interview preparation. Resources for those interested in starting their own business are available as is a comprehensive career event calendar including job fairs and educational opportunities.