Photo by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Jennifer Altemus, Beth Solomon and Joe Giannino

A record-setting 250+ Georgetown Business Association (GBA) members and friends sauntered among floating trays of elegant appetizers, cocktails and wine as GBA and The Georgetown Dish on Wednesday launched a new social media channel for Georgetown businesses called Out & About, the first such channel by a local business organization in Washington.

Out & About will promote GBA member businesses with daily news, announcements and event coverage — including video — as well as legislative affairs, new business openings, issues facing the business community and more.

“Our goal is to support our members by creating platform to help them increase sales and increase their visibility,” said GBA President Joe Giannino at the launch, sponsored by EastBanc. “GBA and The Georgetown Dish are committed to supporting a vibrant business community, harmonious relations between residents and businesses, and enhancing the qualities of Georgetown that make it one of the world’s most loved neighborhoods. We are committed to Georgetown’s success.”

The new channel also begins a campaign of increased pro-business advocacy on behalf of GBA’s members on local and national issues. “Georgetown Means Business — that’s our message,” said Giannino, standing with Out & About Channel Director Beth Webster. “The new GBA Channel on The Georgetown Dish will allow us to make our voices heard on taxes, public safety, traffic and parking, and other issues that affect our members and our bottom line.”

Councilmember Jack Evans offered his congratulations to the crowd. “I read The Georgetown Dish every morning. I have to make sure I know what they’re saying about me,” he said. At-large Council candidates Josh Lopez, Patrick Mara, and Vincent Orange also offered remarks in the countdown to the April 26 election.

“The Georgetown Dish is now increasing the visibility of businesses and community organizations, keeping Georgetown ahead of the curve, where we like to be,” said Beth Solomon, Publisher of The Georgetown Dish.

GBA members and board members including Rokas Beresniovas, Riyad Said, Jennifer Altemus, Sonya Bernhardt, Jim Wilcox, Susan Calloway, Janine Schoonover, Sue Hamilton (an organizer of the event), as well as House of Sweden’s Cecilia Browning, Keith Lipert of Keith Lipert Gallery and Brian Armstrong of The George Town Club attended the event. Business leaders John Asadoorian, Chris Smith, The Current Newspapers’ Davis Kennedy, Mary Kay Williams and George Steinbraker, Liz Sara, Marilyn Salenger, Bo Jonsson and Dean & Deluca’s Eric Forsythe also mixed and mingled.

The Georgetown Business Association (GBA) is a non-profit membership organization committed to maintaining and improving the climate for conducting business in Georgetown.  The GBA’s  goals are connecting Georgetown businesses with potential customers, other businesses and Georgetown/DC leadership and acting as advocate on behalf of the Georgetown businesses and professionals.  The Georgetown Dish is the number-one news and social media site in Georgetown. Sign up for the Dish o’ the Day newsletter here.

Lithuanians from UK and US Will Help Students Improve

(Vytautas Magnus University)

The USA Big Brother project is overseen by Lina Tolvaišait?, LCLC member Darius Daubaras’ “small sister”, currently working at the World Bank in washington, and representatives of the Global Lithuanian Leaders (GLL) – Rokas Beresniovas, the Vice President of HSBC Bank in Washington and Edvinas Minkštimas, a pianist and doctoral student at the famous performing arts conservatory, the Juilliard School, in New York.

Photo by Wendy Gordon

Christine & Rokas Beresniovas

It was a little speakeasy; a little Roaring Twenties on Saturday evening as One Lounge opened its doors for a DC Air Society event benefiting the Kunsberg School for chronically ill children on the campus of National Jewish Health®.

Guests including the GBA’s Rokas Beresniovas and his wife, Christine, donned Fedoras, feather boas and beads taking over the club in Dupont for a worthy cause.   Although none had to whisper the immortal “Joe sent me…” to gain entrance, invited guests spent the evening enjoying cocktails, dancing and some light bites.

The AIR Society was founded in 1991 when a group of young

(Photo by: Wendy Gordon) Guests crowded One Lounge to benefit the DC Air Society

professionals with the common tie of having loved ones came together because some of them or their family members that have had been treated for asthma, allergies and/or immune system disorders at National Jewish Health.   The AIR Society expanded from New York to include a group in Denver in 2001 and now has added this chapter in Washington, DC, which held its inaugural event in May 2010.  Since its inception more than $2.5 million has been raised for this cause.National Jewish Health For more than 110 years, National Jewish Health has been at the forefront of research and medicine, integrating the latest scientific discoveries with coordinated care for lung, heart and immune diseases.

For more information on DC Air Society or to donate, see www.dcairsociety.org

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Photo by Judith Beermann

Vincent Orange, R.Donahue Peebles, Trinity L. Jennings, Rokas Beresniovas

What more auspicious spot to kick off the new year than in the landmark 1700s building where George Washington and Pierre L’Enfant met to plan the Federal City? Known today as the elegant George Town Club, it was here that the Georgetown Business Association celebrated with members and friends Wednesday evening.

Just like George and Pierre, Don Peebles, chairman and chief executive officer of the Peebles Corp, the largest African American real estate development and ownership company in the U.S., joined GBA President Joe Giannino, along with Chip Dent, Ed Solomon, Rokas Beresniovas, respected arbitrator Jim Harkless, WASH-FM radio personality Marilyn Thompson, D.C. Digest”s Donna Christenson, Sue Hamilton, Jennifer Altemus and others — hosted by inimitable General Manager Brian Armstrong and his top flight team at the Club.

(Photo by: The Georgetown Dish) Madeline Wade, Janine Schoonover and George Town Club Manager Brian Armstrong

Armstrong, told the The Georgetown Dish “We’re in our 45^th year of offering club members a business friendly atmosphere and excellent service.” Indeed. He said “business is up” in 2011 — hopefully a good sign for all.

This party put Georgetown business leaders in a good mood for sure. The lovely surroundings, excellent food and drink and warm atmosphere was inspiration enough to say, “We”re going to have a great year.” May they be so right! Good for Georgetown, good for jobs, good for everyone.

Wine in hand, new members and old friends casino online meandered through the cozy bar and walnut lined English Tudor living room enjoying delicious passed hors d”oevres created by executive chef, Peggy Thompson.

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Former DC Council Chairman Vincent Orange and Ambassador of Jamaica to the U.S., Audrey Marks

 

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Zubair Popal, Jennifer Altemus and Ed Solomon

 

(Photo by: The Georgetown Dish) Arbitrators Jim Harkless of Georgetown and Ezio Borchoni of Bethesda

 

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Hope and Ed Solomon withTonnie Chamblee

 

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) The George Town Club”s GM, Brian Armstrong and Exec Chef Peggy Thompson

 

(Photo by: Judith Beermann) Alan Helfer, Madeline Wade, Janine Schoonover, Joel Bennett

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January 18, 2011 | by G’town Gravyboa

Photo by Courtesy

Rokas Beresniovas

HSBC, one of the world’s largest financial services organizations, has lured Georgetown’s Rokas Beresniovas away from a position at Wells Fargo to be Senior Business Banker and Vice President. Beresniovas, also Vice President of the Georgetown Business Association, will be focused on the banking needs of businesses throughout Washington and will remain active in the Georgetown market. Headquartered in London, HSBC’s international network comprises around 8,000 offices in 87 countries and territories in Europe, the Asia-Pacific region, the Americas, the Middle East and Africa. HSBC opened a Georgetown branch in 2009.

Born in Kaunas, Lithuania, Beresniovas immigrated to the U.S. after graduating with a marketing degree from Kaunas College in 1999. He began his career in the retail industry and later worked for Bank of America and Eagle Bank.

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What New York City foodie haven is moving into this spot at the corner of M Street and Wisconsin? Read on and find out!

2010 was a difficult year for businesses in Georgetown, much like virtually every other area throughout the country. Some might think that the upscale shops that line M Street and Wisconsin Avenue would be immune to an economic downtown…but they would be wrong.

“The main challenge facing Georgetown businesses right now is diminished cash flow due to declining sales,” Said Rokas Beresniovas, the Vice President of the Georgetown Business Association. “In some ways, this economic downturn has brought business owners together to form groups and business forums to help strategize how to remain competitive in this kind of market. But practically, some businesses still could not make it.”

The results are evident, as boarded-up storefronts continue to appear in a community that’s used to filling space with posh shops and chic, pricey restaurants.

“In the past year, about 20 businesses closed their doors in Georgetown,” Beresniovas said. “Other businesses are behind on their rent, running sales and specials, trying to renegotiate their leases and rents with their landlords. Businesses are all having to be leaner and meaner, doing more with less.”

There is good news in Georgetown, though, as several new establishments are moving in, including New York City’s own eatery Serendipity.

“Everyone is excited about Serendipity opening up in late January,” Beresniovas explained. “This is great, because it is going to bring a famous New York institution right into the heart of Georgetown with special touches just for the unique Georgetown, D.C. market. This venue has a history of being a warm, welcoming, fun place to be, and it will have over 70 employees from the D.C. area, and will contribute to the Georgetown economy, (via) shopping, parking, patronizing other venues, and so on.”

Business movement like this has Beresniovas and others in Georgetown approaching the New Year with cautious optimism and hope.

“I feel that 2011 will be a great year for Georgetown,” He said. “Revitalization is on the horizon and consumer confidence appears to be increasing as well. More shops, restaurants and nightlife will breathe new life into the business side of Georgetown.”

Foursquare Mayor of Citronelle, Rokas Beresniovas, shares his thoughts on the prestigious honor and one of his favorite places for a drink.

   

Photo by Neshan H. Naltchayan

Christine and Rokas Beresniovas at The City Tavern Club

Georgetown’s media, business and political leadership turned out pre-New Year’s to wish a happy birthday to Wells Fargo exec and Georgetown Business Association Vice President Rokas Beresniovas.

House music and a florescent disco ball amped up the quiet atmosphere at the City Tavern Club.

When it was built in 1796, the City Tavern served not only as a traditional lodging house but also as the meeting place for Georgetown’s governing body, the Georgetown Corporation.

Georgetown’s current civic leadership updated that tradition Wednesday, raising a glass to an indefatigable friend of Georgetown, universally known as “Rokas.” We wish him a glorious 25th birthday, and many more!

Photo by The Georgetown Dish

John Dreyfuss, Halcyon House, Assistant Chief Patrick Burke, Beth Solomon, and Officer Robert Ferretti receive awards

Members and friends of the Georgetown Business Association filled Dumbarton House with music, dancing and holiday celebrating as the GBA held its annual meeting and holiday party, naming The Georgetown Dish“Business of the Year.”

President Joe Giannino led the festivities, inviting ANC Commissioner Bill Starrels to present John Dreyfuss of Halcyon House the Art Schultz Communitarian Award. ANC Commissioner Ed Solomon  presented Officer Robert Ferretti and Assistant Chief Patrick Burke of the Metropolitan Police Department the Joe Pozell Public Safety Award.

“Georgetown is in great shape,” D.C. Councilmember Jack Evans told the annual meeting,

thanking the GBA for all its contributions. He urged Georgetowners to do their holiday shopping in Georgetown — pointing out that it helps local merchants, the health of the community, and leads to tax revenues for the cash-strapped District.

Beth Solomon, publisher of The Georgetown Dish, echoed that theme as she accepted the award for “Business of the Year,” joining contributors Tina Alster, Judith Beermann, Mary Bird, Quinn Bradlee, Frida Burling, Bonnie Cain, Patti Cumming, Page Evans, John Divney, Janet Donovan, Wendy Gordon, Robb Hoffheins, Tricia Huntley, Leslie Maysak, Katie Manning, Neshan Naltchayan, and Bill Rice, who were  honored for their work in Georgetown. The Dish was launched one year ago today, Dec. 16 at Hook in Georgetown. It now attracts over 30,000 visitors per month.

“It’s been a challenging time for all Georgetown businesses, so please get out there and shop for the holidays here in the neighborhood,” Solomon said, thanking GBA officers Joe Giannino, Rokas Beresniovas,  Riyad Said and Elizabeth Webster for their hard work over the year. “We’re delighted to support Georgetown and its merchants, and we want to do more.”

Sponsors included Dumbarton House, Sugarplum Tent Company, Colonial Parking, Georgetown University Hospital/Medstar Health, Bank of Georgetown, Cox Graae + Spack Architects, EastBanc, MRP Realty/Washington Harbour, Altman’s Parking, Cafe Bonaparte, Paolo’s/Capital Restaurant Concepts, and Clyde’s.

The Radio King Orchestra filled the party with fabulous jazz standards and holiday tunes.

Photo by The Georgetown Dish

Rokas Beresniovas, our favorite photo subject, at the party in Riggs Library

Georgetown University President Jack DeGioia, also a resident of Hillandale, welcomed the community and the beautiful voices of the Holy Trinity School Choir as the university welcomed guests to an Open House at Riggs Library Thursday. Linda Greenan and Charles

DeSantis of the Office of External Relations entertained hundreds of community leaders who gathered to toast the season and see friends.

Current Newspapers publisher Davis Kennedy and D.C. Inspector General Charles Willoughby were among the high-profile guests.

“Is this a set for Harry Potter, or what?” opined Georgetown Business Association vice president Rokas Beresniovas. The Riggs Library, renovated under the direction of former President Timothy Healy and his deputy at the time, DeGioia, is now a magnificent treasure, complete with a dark stairway to real church bells that ring.

“This renovation was Tim’s idea,” said DeGioia, a protege of Healy’s starting when he was a student in the late 1970s. “It was a mess.” It’s beautiful now.

Rev. Timothy S. Healy, S.J. was a Jesuit priest who straddled religious and secular life in a career that included the presidency of Georgetown and leadership of the New York Public Library.  Healy was born in New York City in 1923. During his 13-year tenure at Georgetown, the university emerged into the national spotlight as a top institution. Admissions doubled, the endowment increased from $38 million to nearly $228 million, and campus facilities expanded.

Healy’s tenure was not without controversy. Healy sold the WGTB broadcasting license to the University of the District of Columbia for $1 in 1979 in order to silence its generally liberal voice. UDC would resell the license to C-SPAN for $25 million two decades later.

In 1989, Healy accepted the position of President of the New York Public Library where he served until 1992.

Click below to hear the Holy Trinity School Choir sing: