The Del Ray Business Association (formerly PWBA)
invites you to discover Del Ray in Alexandria, Virginia.
One of Alexandria’s most exciting neighborhoods, Del Ray offers you eclectic stores
and boutiques, a variety of restaurants, salons, and more along Mount Vernon Avenue, Del Ray’s main street. So come shop, dine and relax in Del Ray!
__________________________________________________________
A Fun First Thursday to Start the Summer
The theme was Kids and Kanines. There were lots of both on the Avenue on the first First Thursday of the Year.
Many businesses sponsored children's activities or took the opportunity to hand out information about their services. There was a program flyer that listed all the DRBA members and their activities for that evening. There was also a coupon flyer distributed in conjunction with First Thursday that has coupons that are good until the end of May.
New Members
Welcome to Mind the Mat Pilates and Yoga
located at 2214 Mt. Vernon Avenue. Mind the Mat is part of Vital Body
and Mind Therapies which is expanding into the old Lords and Ladies
location. In addition to Pilates and Yoga, the services at Vital
include Acupuncture, Business and Personal Coaching, Animal Reiki,
Massage Therapy, Nutrition Counseling and Psychotherapy.
Also welcome to new members Del Ray Chiropractic and Massage, Doggywalker.com, La Strada, Let's Meat on the Avenue, and Momease.
April Luncheon Meeting
At the April meeting, we discussed a suggestion that had been made on the Del Ray Yahoo listserve, that businesses on the Avenue stay open later to serve those who work during the day and that the hours be coordinated. The experience of some of the businesses who have tried later hours has been that there was little or no traffic and the cost to stay open was not worth it. In addition, a small business owner's hours are usually very long as it is so adding more hours, particularly in the evening when we too need a rest, is daunting.
Having said that, several members agreed that it would make sense to revisit the idea, especially in the summer months when lots of restaurant goers are walking up and down the Avenue. We will be trying to work out a consensus and will publish our conclusions on this website and in the newsletter.
Another topic brought up at the luncheon was the new real estate, meals and other taxes which will hit small businesses especially hard. There were some members with strong objections to the taxes and others who recognized them as a necessary evil. City Council will be taking a final vote on the budget, including changes in taxes, in a special session on Monday May 5th.
__________________________________________________________
The Association has been active in Del Ray for over thirty years as the Potomac West Business Association (PWBA). In January of 2008, the membership voted to change the name to the Del Ray Business Association (DRBA).
The Del Ray Business Association is an organization of business and property owners, professionals, and civic leaders who work together to support member businesses and improve the Del Ray area. In addition, the Association undertakes special programs, neighborhood improvement projects, and promotional events. Many of these events have become neighborhood traditions such as First Thursdays, the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot 5-mile race, the Halloween Parade down Mt. Vernon Avenue, and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony.
No other local business association is more committed to their area than DRBA. Join today and let DRBA help you help your business and Del Ray.
__________________________________________________________
Our sister organization, the Del Ray Citizens Association (DRCA) keeps its members informed of many aspects of Alexandria City life, including land use, public safety, volunteer opportunities, City Commissions, Alexandria Public Schools, parks and recreation facilities, transportation, business, housing, and many other major issues which impact quality of life.