Ria Radio

Councilmember Vincent Orange (D, At-Large) sits down to talk about small business growth in DC, and the role of government in supporting a vibrant economy. Next, Michelle and James go onsite at Serenity Place DC to talk yoga with owner Crystal Moore.

Howard James, Jr. joins us to talk about his fast-growing business - FastSigns. Then, Omeed Tabiei and Jonas Singer join us to talk about Think Local First DC, and its role in supporting small business throughout the DC region.

Erika Rydberg of Knowledge Commons DC joins us - they are new to RIA Main Street, and are offering free adult education classes on topics as diverse as writing and editing to behind-the-scenes tours of a local distillery. Check them out at www.knowledgecommonsdc.org. Then we are joined by Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I, At-Large) to discuss the new legislative session and what's coming down the road for small business legislation in DC.

Michelle is on location with Dave Hucks, owner of Godly Concepts and Graphics Unlimited and Mogul Elite Designs to talk about his creative clothing line. In the second half of the show, Kyle is in the studio with Dari and Aliza Yudkoff. They are the founders of Goods Not Guns, and they are on a mission to raise awareness about gun control in D.C and working for a safe environment for all D.C. residents and visitors. Listen in to find out how they are helping businesses achieve those goals.

Jon Wye's beautiful leather belts, wallets, dog collars, tshirts, and more are absolute works of art. Jon chats with Michelle about the process and the art. Next, Philip Reeves from the Department of Small and Local Business Development stops by to talk about ConnecTech - a program that connects tech firms of all sizes with the resources needed to obtain funding and bring innovative ideas to market.

Cleashay Sutton, the creative mind and owner of Studio Elan', joins us to talk about the services available, as well as her plans for growing her business. Next, we're joined by Courtney Snowden, the new Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity. Deputy Mayor Snowden talks about her agency's mission, and her goals for growing prosperity throughout the District.

Larry Carroll Jr., of KAAOS Gym talks about their specialized training system for results. Then Brittany Noetzel joins us to talk about the importance of brand development and communications for growing your business in this new age of social media and digital marketing.

The Prevention of Blindness Society of Metropolitan DC (www.youreyes.org) is the largest local prevention of blindness agency in the U.S., and is dedicated to the improvement and preservation of sight by providing services, education, advocacy and innovation. Executive Director Michele Hartlove joins us to talk about their work on Rhode Island Ave Main Street, and throughout the DC metro area. Next, Steven Sorrell of Sorrell Design (www.sorrelldesign.com) discusses the importance of working with a design firm for maximizing the aesthetics - and functionality - of your business space build-out or renovation

District Dance Arts (www.districtdancearts.com) offers ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop dance classes for kids and adults. Owner Cristine Davis talks about her mission and her passion - helping people discover their physical and creative abilities through dance. Next - Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners are the direct liaison between DC Government and the communiites they represent. Commissioner Nolan Treadway (5C07) joins us to talk about how ANCs can assist businesses in becoming integral parts of the community.

Access Green provides energy efficiency services to homes and businesses, and CEO Joe Andronaco is as passionate about energy efficiency as he is knowledgeable. Joe sits down to talk about the services that Access Green makes available to DC home and business owners. Then we're joined by Oramenta Newsome, the Executive Director of the DC office of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), and Adam Kent, program manager at LISC. They discuss LISC investments in housing, community, and economic development throughout the region, as well as their current involvement with RIA Main Street.

State-of-the-art dentistry is just down the road at Mint Dental! Dr. Bradshaw and Dr. Kassam joined RIA Main Street last March, and business is booming. The doctors are on hand to talk about innovations in dentistry and the services offered at Mint Dental. Next, we talk to Priya Bettadapur about the Vibrant Streets program, and how the Vibrant Streets Toolkit can help turn any retail corridor into a Vibrant Street.

If you haven't already stopped by Good Food Markets yet, you're really missing something special. Philip Sambol joins us in the studio to talk about their healthy food mission - how they got started and what they are bringing to the community. Then we're joined by Darryl Maxwell, who stops by to talk about the variety of legal resources that DC Bar makes available to DC small business owners.

S2 Development is a new residential development company, and they are already making a splash with their beautiful renovations. They are also brand new to RIA Main Street, so we're sitting down with Philip Simon and Jenna Jacobson to learn more about S2. Next, the new Director of the DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), Ana Harvey sits down with us to talk about the programs available to DC's small businesses. Director Harvey brings years of experience (including her own successful small business), so we can't wait to see what she does for DC entrepreneurs.

The Dudley family has been associated with hair care for decades, and the Dudley Beauty College is now celebrating 20 years at their location on Rhode Island Avenue NE. Mr. Dudley and his daughter, Melanie, are in the studio to talk about the history of the Dudley businesses, and their future plans for RIA Main Street. Then we're joined by Gabriela Mossi, from the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation (GWHCC). GWHCC has been a strong partner for economic growth in DC through actively working to support small businesses, particularly in Ward 5. Tune it to find out all the resources GWHCC makes available to small businesses.

Duane Johnson of M & S Barber has been cutting hair and looking out for the health of his clients on 12th & Evarts NE since 1995. Now we're welcoming Duane and M & S Barber to RIA Main Street, and he's here to talk about the history AND the future of M & S Barber. Next up, Tim Flanagan, the Executive Director of the Washington Area Community Development Fund is in the studio to talk about their work in support of small businesses throughout the DC area.

We're joined by John Kepner, our own local coffee roasting expert and owner of neighborhood favorite Zeke's Coffee. Then we're joined by Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. Councilmember McDuffie discusses the FY16 budget for DC, and how it impacts Ward 5.

Everyone's eagerly anticipating the opening of "Nido" - a new Mediterranean restaurant coming to RIA Main Street. Owners Karlos Leopold and Erin Lingle, along with Chef Aaron are in the studio to talk about the newest place to grab a bite and quench your thirst in the neighborhood. Next, we welcome Melissa Jest from the the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Financial incentives for re-habbing historic buildings? Sounds like a good idea to us.

Kyle Todd talks about what a Main Street program is, exactly, and about how RIA Main Street got its start. Then Emily Eakland, director and co-founder of ReCreatives Spaces talks about bringing an art venue to RIA Main Street.