Affinity Lab, our members, alumni and several small businesses in Adams Morgan have created an entry to the IKEA 'Small Business, Big Dreams' video contest. The contest is designed to highlight small, independent businesses that are part of small business communities that work together, and the positive impact they have on the lives of the people in their neighborhood.

Attendees of the Affinity Lab 6th Anniversary party were treated to a surprise announcement from the Office of the Mayor of Washington DC delcaring May 10, 2007 a city-wide Affinity Lab Day. Chief Executive Office Charles Planck, flanked by Chief Operating Officer Scott Hart and President Berit Oskey, read the proclamation to guests who greeted the news with cheers.

"This was a totally unexpected honor," said CEO Charles Planck. "and we couldn't be happier for the recognition."

Saturday, April 28 will be the inaugural Learn-a-palooza in Adams Morgan and the U-Street corridor of Washington, DC. Affinity Lab member, Roz Lemieux, believes that everyone has something to teach and we all have plenty to learn. She manifested her belief by creating Learn-a-Palooza DC.

Friday, April 13 - Affinity Lab Entrepreneurial Challenge winner and member Misha Keefe presented her business plan for EcoMisha to the William James Foundation panel of Judges placing third in the business plan competition. Mrs. Keefe’s plan involves taking environmental living consultation to an expanded market of consumers and businesses through a proprietary approach.

Ms. Keefe received an award of $1000, 25 hours pro-bono counsel from the law firm of Swankin & Turner and 10 hours of support from Strategic Sustainability Consulting

At its annual holiday party Affinity Lab, an entrepreneurial start-up space in Adams Morgan, awarded a $3,000 scholarship for the best sustainable business idea to Misha Keefe for her concept EcoMisha.

EcoMisha best demonstrated an idea that incorporates the key elements of sustainable business - a focus on financial, environmental and societal bottom lines.

The scholarship award will include:

* 30 hours per month of use of a desk at Affinity Lab for six months ($1,500 value)

Affinity Lab, an entrepreneurial start-up space in Adams Morgan, will award a $3,000 scholarship for the best sustainable business idea submitted during its Entrepreneurial Challenge. Applications are now available and are due by 6:00 p.m. Monday, November 27, 2006.

The scholarship will go to the entrepreneur who best demonstrates an idea that incorporates the key elements of sustainable business - a focus on financial, environmental and societal bottom lines.