Route One Businesses Honored for Beautification

A little bit of TLC helped distinguish two Hybla Valley spots.

Both the Exxon and the Montebello Condo community on Route 1 were recognized by the Southeast Fairfax Development Corporation for their beautification efforts.

The SFDC recognizes businesses along the Richmond Highway Corridor for improving their appearance, and by extension the image of Route 1, through landscaping.

Quazi Ahmed, who manages that Exxon, said the recognition resonates with him and his staff.

"We do our best.  [Being recognized] means a lot to us," Ahmed said.  "We try to keep it clean and add flowers. We love gardening."

According to Tony Fontana, SFDC spokesman, this friendly competition has been going on for more than a decade. 

Businesses who were singled out this year received a 2010 Mary Thonen Beautification Certificate, which was named after a longtime board member.

SFDC staffers recognize what it means to take the time to improve your business when it sits on the Route 1 Corridor.

"It's such a dynamic area, so when you can differentiate yourself it says a lot about your business," said Fontana.  "It's also a goodwill gesture that shows the businesses care about their community."

Businesses in both the Mount Vernon and Lee Districts were recognized.

You didn't have to enter the contest to win.  Fontana said the design team at SFDC patrolled the highways looking for businesses that had gone above and beyond.

The beautification effort used to yield plaques, but this year SFDC mailed certificates to the businesses that were singled out.  SFDC hopes to make the contest even more competitive down the road, but more importantly, hopes it fosters good bonds with local businesses and property owners.

"It's a great avenue to form a relationship with these businesses and say we recognize what you're doing," Fontana said.  "It's an ice breaker for us and for the community."

The design committee chairman helped decide what properties really stood out.  For entire list of the 21 businesses recognized, click here and scroll part way down the page.