RIA Radio
162 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsEach week, Rhode Island Avenue Radio hosts Michelle Yancey and Kyle Todd sit down to visit with area business owners, city leaders, small business training experts, and the visionaries that help our local commercial corridors grow and thrive. Tune in to learn about Rhode Island Avenue NE Main Street’s new businesses; learn about some of the not-so-secret business gems of the community; and get behind-the-scenes stories about innovative business ideas happening right here in our neighborhood.
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Episodes
62 - DP Strategies Group - Marketing Strategies
February 14, 2017 05:00 - 37 minutes - 17.1 MBJosh Brown joins us to talk about some innovative marketing technology to help you reach your customers in a very personalized and direct way. Tune in to the interview, then visit www.dpstrategiesgroup.com to learn even more. We're also joined by Philip at Good Food Markets for a great market update.
61 - SEAS Community Partners and Allure & More
January 31, 2017 05:00 - 55 minutes - 25.7 MBSEAS Community Partners founder Danita Doleman joins us to talk about mobile apps for your business! Tune in to find out how they can help your business grow. Of course we hear from Philip at Good Food Markets - new in-house brands of prepared foods are coming to the store! Then we visit with Tyann Hodges, creative genius behind the new Allure & More salon (2127 Rhode Island Ave NE). This is more than a simple salon - Tyann has a hair specialty that really makes her stand out in the industry....
60 - Department of Small and Local Business Development: Business Opportunities
December 13, 2016 05:00 - 28 minutes - 13 MBDerrick Colbert of the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) joins us to talk about the resources available to DC-area small businesses through the agency. From assistance in finding funding and incentives to training and education, DSLBD literally exists to support small and locally-owned businesses. Tune in for the conversation.
59 - DC Office of Planning: Updating the Comprehensive Plan
December 06, 2016 05:00 - 52 minutes - 24.1 MBWe start off the show with an update from Philip - new seasonal offerings at Good Food Market are here! Next - the DC Office of Planning has just launched efforts to amend the Comprehensive Plan for the District - something that the Home Rule Act requires. Director Eric D. Shaw joins us to talk about the Comprehensive Plan, and the "Plan DC" amendment process, as well as the innovative outreach the Office of Planning is doing in each Ward to get feedback from the community. Tune in to find ou...
58 - DC Public Library
November 22, 2016 05:00 - 46 minutes - 21.3 MBThese days, the library is more than just a place to check out a good book. Richard Reyes-Gavilan is the Director of the DC Public Library, and he stops by to talk about the many ways the DC libraries are anchors in their neighborhoods, as well as the many resources available at the libraries. It's truly amazing! Tune in to find out about the 3D printers, software training, and more.
57 - Israel Baptist Community Center
November 08, 2016 05:00 - 22 minutes - 10.4 MBIsrael Baptist Church has built a spectacular new addition to their facility, to meet growing needs within the community for event space and childcare. Matthew Phillips and Sylvia Reed talk with Michelle about their exciting new space, the daycare services, and the full service health care center, as well as their senior housing facility.
56 - Creative Placemaking: A Discussion with Furthermore Artist Collective & Van Alen Institute
November 01, 2016 04:00 - 44 minutes - 20.4 MBCreative placemaking is the practice of partnering public, private, nonprofit, and community groups to form and implement a strategy to transform a neighborhood, and it is a concept that is being embraced across the country. We visit with Steven Thompson of the Van Alen Institute (www.vanalen.org), as well as Natalie Campbell and Jose Ruiz of the Furthermore Artist Collective (furthermorellc.com) about their joint project with the DC Office of Planning. Tune in to hear more about their innova...
55 - iMagine Insurance & DC Board of Elections
October 25, 2016 04:00 - 53 minutes - 24.3 MBScott Magnuson of iMagine Insurance (www.imagineinsurancedc.com) joins us to talk about insurance for small businesses. Your business is unique, and may need special coverage, or it may need updating along as your business grows. "Under-insured" might mean the end of your business dreams,should disaster strike. In the second half of the show, Tamara Robinson of the DC Board of Elections (www.dcboee.org) calls in to talk about voter registration, absentee voting, early voting, and how to handl...
54 - The P Spot & District Spice
September 20, 2016 04:00 - 49 minutes - 22.7 MBMichaela Brown-Jones, the energetic force and founder of The P Spot (www.bringitupsexy.com) stops by to talk about her special brand of fitness for women. Her classes include "Pole Fitness", "Strip Aerobics" (minus the naked part!), and "Sensual Stretch" - all designed to provide a "sexy" alternative to traditional group fitness classes, and suited for all levels of fitness. Then we're joined by Nate Blodgett, co-founder of District Spice (www.districtspice.com). After getting off to a tremen...
53 - Woodridge South Community Association
September 13, 2016 04:00 - 44 minutes - 20.3 MBIn this special episode, we talk to Carlos Davis, president of the Woodridge South Community Association, about the roles that Civic and Community Associations play in your neighborhood. Hint: Businesses are neighbors, too! In fact, Civic and Community Associations are often the first stop in special permitting requests for small businesses, particularly for restaurants that will be pursuing permits for beer and wine sales. Tune in to find out more about how to get involved with your neighbor...
52 - District Dance Arts & DC Bar
September 06, 2016 04:00 - 44 minutes - 20.5 MBDistrict Dance Arts (www.districtdancearts.com) is expanding! A new (2nd!) location, new instructors, and even more classes offered. Did we mention Zumba? Founder and teacher Cristine Davis joins us to talk about the growth of District Dance Arts. Next, Darryl Maxwell of DC Bar stops by to talk about the new overtime rules for exempt employees, and how they impact your small business. And of course, Philip from Good Food Markets calls in with the Good Food Markets report. Listen now!
51 - DC State Fair & DC Water
August 23, 2016 04:00 - 56 minutes - 26.1 MBt's that time of year again - the fast growing DC State Fair is just around the corner, on Sunday, August 28th! One of the organizers (and Ward 5 neighbor) Kish Rusek joins us to talk about the event's history, the competition categories, and more. Visit www.dcstatefair.org for details. Then we're joined by DC Water's Bill Levy and Joan Ward to discuss the Northeast Boundary Tunnel Project. In addition to talking about the need for this massive project, Bill and Joan share important construct...
50 - Alice's Jazz & Cultural Society
August 02, 2016 04:00 - 45 minutes - 21.1 MBIn addition to the Good Food Markets report, and LOTS of news about upcoming activities (hint: Pokemon!) on RIA Main Street, we're joined by DeAndrey Howard, creative genius behind Alice's Jazz and Cultural Society. The newest hotspot for authentic jazz, located at 2813 12th St NE, is getting great reviews. Tune in to hear DeAndrey share the vision behind the club, then stop in and visit them. More details at their website, www.jazzandculturalsociety.com
49 - Zeke's Coffee and Google 360
July 27, 2016 04:00 - 52 minutes - 24.3 MBFor neighborhood favorite, Zeke's Coffee, there have been a lot of changes in the last year! Owner John Kepner stops by to talk about their new roaster, nitro cold brew, and some very special beans. Philip from Good Food Markets calls in with the market report and ways to stay cool during this blistering hot week. Next, we're joined by Frank Clark and Willie Brennan to discuss ways to literally put your business on the map. Google maps, that is! The Google 360 program provides your prospectiv...
48 - Annie's Ace Hardware and WACIF
July 19, 2016 04:00 - 41 minutes - 19 MBThomas Vadrody of Annie's Ace Hardware joins us to talk about their newest location in Brookland on 8th Street NE. This locally-owned resource features many familiar faces - tune in to learn why! Then new Washington Area Community Investment Fund (WACIF) director, Harold Pettigrew, joins us to talk about the small business resources and financing options that WACIF provides to area entrepreneurs. Philip from Good Food Markets calls in with the latest updates - including some food and beverage...
47 - Nitram Financial Solutions and Made In DC
July 12, 2016 04:00 - 51 minutes - 23.8 MBJuly marks the beginning of a new fiscal quarter, so Sherrell Martin of Nitram Financial Solutions is on hand to give us a check list of financial management tasks you need to do to make sure your business in on track for a great year. Then we're joined by Morgan West of Made In DC and Raj Aggarwal or Think Local First DC, to talk about the burgeoning creative movement in DC, and how it is changing the face of DC's local economy. Then Philip from Good Food Markets talks to us about the latest...
46 - Technolutionary and SB Works
July 05, 2016 04:00 - 50 minutes - 23 MBTom Bridge, co-founder of Technolutionary, LLC (www.technolutionary.com) joins us to talk about IT infrastructure needs for small businesses. They provide technology support services throught the DMV region to a wide variety of clients from single person offices, to large office buildings, restaurants, schools, training facilities, and more. Then we're joined by the SB Works team (www.sbworksdc.org), a new addition to RIA Main Street corridor. They are currently offering a variety of technic...
45 - News & Updates - Special Edition
June 28, 2016 04:00 - 38 minutes - 17.5 MBNo guests this week because there's so much news to share! Tune in for information and updates that RIA Main Street businesses need to know.
Show #44 - Washington Gas and Baxendell Bridge LLC
June 21, 2016 04:00 - 1 hour - 28.5 MBDoreen Hope from Washington Gas joins us to talk about some of the impending major work scheduled for parts of Rhode Island Avenue NE. Then we're joined by Ward 5's own Tiffany Bridge, of Baxendell Bridge LLC. We'll be talking about some of the "must have" web site information that ALL businesses should have in order to compete in a modern economy. Philip calls in to give us the latest Good Food Markets update, and the UpRising Festival is just around the corner! Listen in - we'll get you al...
Show #43 - RIA-DC and Studio 202
June 14, 2016 04:00 - 53 minutes - 24.7 MBMichael Meers from Mid-City Financial stops by to talk about the renovation of Brookland Manor into RIA-DC - one of the largest mixed used developments scheduled for construction in DC. Ron Dixon, the creative genius behind Studio 202 and BLIS.fm stops by to talk about some of his plans for a training program for DC youth to prepare for careers in the video tech industry. Ron is also teaming up with us to bring some unique products to small business support in Ward 5 and the entire DC area. A...
Show #42 - Artist & Craftsman
June 07, 2016 04:00 - 22 minutes - 10.3 MBPhilip from Good Food Markets calls in with our weekly market update - what's new, fresh, delicious, and available at Good Food Markets. Then we're joined by Molly Woods and Trever Webster from the newest business in the area, Artist & Craftsman. They carry an extensive selection of art supplies, including special order options for those hard-to-find items. Listen to their story, then visit their employee-owned store at 1201 Brentwood Road NE (behind Home Depot).
41 - Nitram Financial Solutions
May 17, 2016 04:00 - 24 minutes - 11.3 MBSherrell Martin, the Chief Financial Solutions Officer and founder of Nitram Financial Solutions, joins us to talk about some quarterly financial responsibilities for businesses. Whether it is taxes, payroll obligations, or simply analyzing your business performance, every business owner has "must-do" tasks they must keep up with to insure the financial (and legal!) health of their business. Tune in to hear Sherrell's take on the most important steps you might be missing to make sure your bu...
40 - Dudley's B Sharp Music Academy
May 10, 2016 04:00 - 21 minutes - 9.96 MBDarryl Dudley and the B Sharp Music Academy team has been teaching music lessons to students of all ages for years. Piano, guitar, voice, and more - with lessons taught in a way that makes learning music fun! Then Philip from Good Food Markets gives us the weekly market update - lots of healthy foods educational events are coming up, and we get an update on some new plans for the store.
39 - SEAS Community Partners and These Eyes of Mines
May 03, 2016 04:00 - 43 minutes - 20 MBDanita Doleman of SEAS Community Partners has helped small businesses in DC through a variety of services, including over 20 successful Great Streets grant applications! Danita talks about the keys to a winning Great Streets grant application and how to prepare for the next round of grants. Philip catches us up on what's happening at Good Food Markets. Next, June Mines of These Eyes of Mines talks about her boutique eye wear business, featuring one of a kind frames, coming soon to RIA Main S...
38 - Vee's Vegan Experience and Business News
April 26, 2016 04:00 - 38 minutes - 17.7 MBSome important resources available to business owners is the topic for the 1st half of the show. Rebates for security cameras, bicycle rack installation, and more, are all programs designed to support small business growth. Philip calls in with a Good Food Market update (hint: get to the Trickling Springs Lemon Chiffon ice cream before Kyle discovers it). Then we're joined by Velvet and Treona Kelty-Jacobs. Chef Velvet is bringing an exciting new restaurant to RIA Main Street... and yes, it'...
37 - Gelberg Signs and Social Rise
April 19, 2016 04:00 - 49 minutes - 22.5 MBA sign for your business is more than simply a bigger version of your logo. The right sign can define and grow your business. Interested in getting a new sign, or refreshing the look of your existing signage? Gelberg has been creating and manufacturing signs in the DC area for over 75 years. Diane Gerber from Gelberg Signs joins us to talk about what makes a good sign, and what mistakes to avoid when designing your brick & mortar signage. Then Philip calls in with the Good Food Markets fresh ...
36 - Adam Kent and Charlie Whitaker
April 12, 2016 04:00 - 41 minutes - 19 MBWe are so pleased to announce that LISC-DC continues their investment on the growth of the RIA Main Street community. Adam Kent joins us to discuss the results of the MetroEdge economic analysis report that LISC recently conducted for us, and to announce a significant update in the KIVA-Zip/LISC partnership for maximizing crowd lending options for RIA Main Street businesses. Next, Philip from Good Food Market joins us for a market update. In the second half of the show, we visit with Charlie...
35 - Cyril Crocker and Danny Snyder
April 05, 2016 04:00 - 35 minutes - 16.5 MBLooking for commercial property on RIA Main Street? Long-time resident and commercial real estate broker Cyril Crocker joins us to talk about some of the best strategies for finding the perfect space for your next business. But all work and no play... well, you know how the saying goes. Danny Snyder joins us to talk about his business, TrickBox, which features adult fetish gear and clothing for anyone "from the reluctant explorer to the connoisseur". Listen now - we know you want to!
Show #34 - Kristen Arent and Mindy Mailman
March 22, 2016 04:00 - 38 minutes - 17.6 MBThere's a new business on RIA Main Street! Hands on Drums has opened at 602 Rhode Island Ave NE, and Kristen Arent talks about the classes, the drums, and their mission: celebrating and supporting the work of Ghana craft makers while delivering hands-on drumming and arts experiences to uplift communities. Then we're joined by Mindy Mailman, an expert and consultant for small business Human Resources management. From small startups to next stage growth plans for businesses, informed HR policie...
33 - Cathy E. Smith and Community Foodworks
March 15, 2016 04:00 - 51 minutes - 23.9 MBPhilip from Good Food Markets calls in with our weekly market update - what's new, fresh, delicious, and available at Good Food Markets. Our first guest, Cathy E. Smith hosts The P.R.I.M.E. Show (aka PR and Internet Marketing for Entrepreneurs) on BLIS.fm. Her popular show is designed with media professionals and business owners in mind. Cathy brings her own vast knowledge, plus that of her guests, to share the latest trends, tips, and tools in offline & online marketing. Next - we're getting...
32 - Vivica Brooks and RIA Main Street Events
March 08, 2016 05:00 - 35 minutes - 16.5 MBWard 5 neighbor Vivica Brooks is the founder and CEO of The Brooks Group, LLC. Vivica is a leading expert in the field of customer service, job readiness, and soft skills training, and she stops by to talk to us about small business customer service - and making sure your employees are on the same page with you. Emily Eakland of Recreative Spaces is working with us at RIA Main Street to put on some really exciting event programming this year. She visits with Michelle about the upcoming event ...
31 - Good Food Markets and DC Dragons
March 01, 2016 05:00 - 27 minutes - 12.6 MBWe have an extended visit from Philip at Good Food Markets, discussing their Good Neighbor Rewards program, as well as discount programs for seniors and SNAP households. Plus, they have great news! They will be partnering with a local grower here in the District for seriously local produce! Then we're joined by Rudolph Brooks and LaTisha McDuffie from DC Dragons/Dancarate. Classes are back in session after a major interior renovation, AND they are looking for qualified and talented instructors!
30 - Highway to Hill Flowers and GWHCC
February 23, 2016 05:00 - 46 minutes - 21.5 MBJo from Highway to Hill Flowers joins us - their floral arrangements are spectacular, and they are in the neighborhood! Alma Alfaro-Laska of the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce joins us in the second half of show to talk about the upcoming Business Expo. Heads up, Ward 5 business owners - you get a free seat at the Business Matchmaking event at the Expo! Philip from Good Food Markets checks in to talk about the latest news - lots of good citrus is still coming in, so stop by s...
29 - Khepera Wellness and Sherrel Martin
February 09, 2016 05:00 - 47 minutes - 21.9 MBBrandon Copeland is bringing the Khepera Wellness Group to the Capoeira space at 2006 RIA-NE. He's got his own brand of "rocket yoga" that is perfect for all levels. Hear Brandon's plans for opening, and mark your calendars now! Philip from Good Food Markets talks about the latest product to join the healthy food line-up: Misfit Juicery. Then we're joined by Sherrel Martin, founder and Chief Financial Solutions officer of Nitram Financial. Tune in to find out some of the best accounting solut...
28 - Rhode Island Row and Good Food Markets
February 02, 2016 05:00 - 46 minutes - 21.5 MBCaroline Kenney and Monica Lavorgna join us to talk about all of the activities going on at Rhode Island Row. New retailers have opened and new community activities are planned for the coming year. Plus, Caroline and Monica give us some great "insider tips" for businesses interesting in leasing space at Rhode Island Row. Then Philip Sambol from Good Food Markets stops by to share a special Q & A session with one of their newest vendors - Good Sense Farms honey. Tune in for a special promotion...
27 - Yvonne Rivers, Phoebe Marketing Group & the latest from Good Food Markets
January 19, 2016 05:00 - 32 minutes - 15 MBWe get the latest news from Good Food Markets - be sure to listen in for a special promotion code! Kyle shares some news from DCRA and DOEE for business owners, and Yvonne Rivers of the Phoebe Marketing Group stops by to talk about the Phoebe Tank and other small business training opportunities.
26 - Art Enables & Eat and Smile Catering/Bespoke Kitchen
January 12, 2016 05:00 - 27 minutes - 12.7 MBPhilip Sambol from Good Food Markets stops by for a quick update about what's happening at the Market this week, then Michelle visits with Tony Brunswick of Art Enables, as well as Erin Fitzgerald and Katie Rotramel from Eat & Smile Catering and The Bespoke Kitchen.
25 - MANNA & The Museum
December 22, 2015 05:00 - 37 minutes - 17.3 MBMANNA has been helping District residents become homeowners since 1982. Sarah Scruggs talks about the faith-based organization's history and its future plans and goals. Check out their new video: https://youtu.be/eDPnqg5i__c . And RIA Main Street is about to get a new business neighbor! Listen in as Greg Harrision talks with us about The Museum: part art museum, part clothing boutique. It's coming to 2014 RIA-NE in early 2016, so stay tuned!
24 - The Bakers' Lounge and Meryl Hooker
December 15, 2015 05:00 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBThe end of a fiscal year for a business is always a busy, but it's also a great time to set yourself up for success in the coming year. Meryl Hooker stops by to share her top 5 tips for wrapping up your business year on a strong note. Then Catherine Cotay of The Bakers' Lounge drops by to talk about her "proper British bakery", complete with Afternoon Tea service and Christmas pudding!
23 - Good Food Markets and Kiva Zip
December 08, 2015 05:00 - 42 minutes - 19.3 MBIt's been a year since Good Food Markets opened on RIA Main Street! General Manager Philip Sambol stops by to talk about new things at the market, and how GFM continues to respond to requests and grow with community support. The we're joined by Sherouk Omara from Kiva Zip and Adam Kent from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation. Kiva Zip and LISC are teaming up to provide a very special 0% interest "crowd-lending" program for RIA Main Street businesses! Tune in to find out all the details!
22 - Small Scale Manufacturing: Recast City and Union Kitchen
December 01, 2015 05:00 - 1 hour - 27.9 MBSmall scale manufacturing is making a comeback in downtowns and Main Streets across America. Ilana Preuss, the founder of Recast City discusses the importance of making a place for a creative maker economy has part of a health retail mix. Continuing on that theme, Jonas Singer of Union Kitchen joins us to talk about the growth of the shared kitchen industry, and how it is remaking the food industry in DC.
21 - MRP Realty
November 24, 2015 05:00 - 33 minutes - 15.5 MBKyle talks with Michael Skena of MRP Realty. The MRP team is in the early phases of a PUD to re-develop the Rhode Island Avenue Center, located at 680 Rhode Island Avenue NE. Michael discusses some of the initial plans they have for the development, and all of the ways the community can get involved in the process.
20 - DentalDC and National Main Street Center
November 17, 2015 05:00 - 47 minutes - 21.8 MBLong-time resident and business owner Dr. Michael Griffiths talks to Michelle about growing up in the neighborhood, and about his dental practic, DentalDC. In the second half of the show, Kyle sits down to visit with Patrice Frey, President and CEO of the National Main Street Center. The Main Street America program is getting a bit of an update, and Patrice gives us an overview of those changes.
19 - The Public Option & RIA Main Street incentives
November 10, 2015 05:00 - 31 minutes - 14.4 MBThere's a new brew pub in town! Bill Perry brings small batch brewing and a new neighborhood watering hole to RIA Main Street. The Public Option has already made news by announcing a "no tipping" policy, and paying its staff a living wage - now we know the food and brews are another great reason to stop in. Then Kyle talks about some of the financial incentives for RIA Main Street businesses, as well as for businesses looking to relocate to RIA Main Street
Show #18 - Councilmember Vincent Orange & Serenity Place DC
November 03, 2015 05:00 - 47 minutes - 22 MBCouncilmember 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.
17 - FastSigns and Think Local First DC
October 27, 2015 04:00 - 40 minutes - 18.6 MBHoward 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.
16 - Knowledge Commons & Councilmember Elissa Silverman
October 20, 2015 04:00 - 50 minutes - 23.2 MBErika 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.
15 - Goods Not Guns and Godly Concepts & Graphics Unlimited
October 13, 2015 04:00 - 36 minutes - 16.8 MBMichelle 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.
14 - Jon Wye and DSLBD ConnecTech
October 06, 2015 04:00 - 33 minutes - 15.4 MBJon 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.
13 - Cleashay Sutton of Studio Elan'; DMGEO Director Courtney Snowden
September 29, 2015 04:00 - 39 minutes - 18 MBCleashay 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.