NDG Communications is pleased to introduce our newest team member, Senior Graphic Designer Ashley Stuart. Originally from Dayton, Ohio, Ashley graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. She previously lived in Charleston, South Carolina, where she worked as a graphic designer and creative marketing specialist at Passport International. Ashley enjoys people watching, bike riding, reading detective/mystery novels, yoga, gardening, and travel. Welcome aboard, Ashley!
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The Benefits of Buying a Spec Home, from a Stanley Martin Neighborhood Sales Manager
For homebuyers who want to buy new, but just don’t have the time to wait for a new home to be built, many builders, including our client Stanley Martin Homes, offer “spec
” or “immediate delivery homes,” built based on what the builder thinks potential buyers are looking for.
Want some great insights on buying a spec home? Click here for some very helpful advice from Stanley Martin Homes Neighborhood Sales Manager Ashley Johnson.
The 2011 GALA Awards: The Biggest Night of the Year!
As one of the event co-chairs, I’m really excited about The Great American Living Awards (GALA) coming up at the end of October.
Each year, builders, architects, designers, and marketers from across Maryland and Virginia submit their work to be judged by industry experts. It’s a recognition like no other, because it comes from your peers, and winning a GALA Award provides great recognition for your company and your clients.
This year’s GALA awards show is set for October 27 at the Sheraton Premier at Tyson’s Corner. You’ll see the biggest, brightest, and best new home marketing and sales in the Mid-Atlantic. Order your tickets today—GALA 2011!
September 11: 10 Years On And Still Moving Forward
As we approach the 10th anniversary of the events of September 11, 2001, most news channels are thankfully focusing not on the tragedy itself, but on the strength of the people who have overcome adversity in the midst of this terrible disaster.
It’s in these trying times that people often come together to help one another and “behind-the-scene” heroes are born. “It’s a side of Americans that is often too ignored,” according to the latest blog post from new home sales expert Myers Barnes. “In our core, we are grit and gratitude,” says Myers.
Click here to read a truly inspirational post from Myers titled “Remembering September 11th: No Where To Go But Forward” on how you too can be an everyday hero in the new-home market.
A Community Comes Together After Hurricane Irene
In the days since Hurricane Irene, we’ve reached out to our clients to ensure they are safe and to assess any damage or issues with their communities and operations. Thankfully everyone is fine, but we want to mention the community of Arlington Place in Arapahoe, North Carolina.
Thanks to the community’s 25-foot elevations, Arlington Place fared well with no structural damage or flooding, but had more than 100 fallen trees. In this time of 
emergency, the Arlington Place community members pulled together to help one another, surveying damage, sharing supplies, and helping clear debris and fallen limbs.
Click here to read more about Arlington Place and how the residents joined together to make their neighborhood beautiful again after the hurricane.
Take a Day Off
Labor Day is a time to find joy in the fruits of our labor, reflect on our accomplishments, and set new goals. Take a moment to give yourself a pat on the back for all your hard work and dedication and enjoy the holiday weekend. We wish you a happy Labor Day, and hope that you’re able to spend it with friends and family. See you Tuesday!
Our Top 10 Favorite Restaurants in the D.C. Area
By Abby See,
NDG Senior Marketing Manager
Whether you prefer American classics, international cuisine, or good old diner fare, our list of Top 10 restaurants in the Washington, DC region has something for everyone.
Recently, NDG staff members put together a list of their all-time favorite places to eat. The list included 20 restaurants throughout Maryland, D.C., and Virginia, and later was reduced to a Top 10 by way of a staff survey.
Check out the results below:
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What do you think? Do you see your favorite place on our list? If not, what are your favorite eateries in the D.C. area?
Introducing Our Newest NDG Team Member, Karen Rinaldi
NDG Communications is proud to welcome our new Senior Graphic Designer, Karen Rinaldi. Karen received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Atlanta and previously worked for Visionista, where she served many design roles in branding and corporate communications. She has a wide range of experience in retail, packaging, branding, and promotions. In her free time, she enjoys running, traveling, yoga, painting, photography, and architecture.
CNBC Interviews Stephen Paul, EVP at Mid-Atlantic Builders
Sarah Eckel,
NDG Director of Account Services
CNBC recently interviewed Stephen Paul, Executive Vice President of Mid-Atlantic Builders, a client of NDG, about the Real Estate Industry and the hurdles that home builders are currently facing.
According to the interview, during the month of July, single-family new home starts dropped 4.9%, whereas multi-family starts increased by 6.3%, showing a rise in rental demand. A new trend identified in the interview is multi-generational families moving into one home in order to afford and qualify for a mortgage. Mid-Atlantic Builders is “selling in-law suites with the regular part of the house, and the parents are moving in and actually helping pay,” Paul said.
But when it comes to single-family homes, “the escalation of gas prices, the debt issue with the government, and what’s going on in Europe has caused consumer confidence to fade,” Paul said, adding that buyers are cautious of their next move. “They are anxious to buy, they see the rates are very attractive, the prices are affordable, but they have held off, really starting in May and through the summer.” But, Mr. Paul is certain the market will pick up in the fall.
To read the complete story, click here or watch the full interview here.
Cardinal Management Group Launches New Website
Hilary Suskey,
NDG Senior Marketing Manager
We are proud to announce our client, Cardinal Management Group, launched their new website on July 5.
The new website designed by NDG offers web users information in a simple, user-friendly format, making it easier to find things like resources, documents, and more.
NDG was truly grateful for the opportunity to work with the wonderful team at Cardinal Management Group on their website re-development project and we look forward to many future successful collaborations.
