February 27, 1998 - Mannassas, Virginia-based BAND Networking Services, Inc., creators of the BandPages Internet Web sites, recently announced the "Get Your Band On The 'Net" contest. The contest gives independent bands, musicians and songwriters the opportunity to win a World Wide Web site in order to promote themselves and their music. The winner will receive a BandPages Web site, including custom-designed Web pages and one year of hosting. The deadline for submissions is March 15; the contest ends March 31. Visit BandPages for more information.

Electric Press Releases eFed

February 26, 1998 - Electric Press recently released a new product, eFed, that allows easy handling of all aspects of government procurement. The software aides government agencies in identifying and ordering products from approved government contracts. All software is pre-integrated, allowing government agencies and vendors to utilize the software within 30 days. Both the SEWP II Program Office of NASA and the Army's Small Computer Program Office have adopted eFed. Electric Press, headquartered in Reston, Virginia, is a provider of Internet-based enterprise software solutions.

McGraw-Hill and iNEX Partner for Online Training

February 25, 1998 - The McGraw-Hill Professional Book Group and Fairfax, Virginia-based iNEX Corporation recently announced a partnership to co-publish and market Internet-based. Training areas include business skills, managerial and leadership development and quality training. The alliance will focus on custom training solutions for corporate customers, specializing in large companies with multiple locations. The Web site will offer full sound and video capability without the use of special plug-ins and server software. INEX is an online training and education company.

Creators.com Introduces New Features

February 24, 1998 - Smip Interactive and Creators Syndicate have recently redesigned the Creators.com Web site, introducing new features and online products. Visitors to Creators.com may access two week archives of all featured comic strips, columns, daily horoscopes and crossword puzzles. Email addresses and biographies of featured cartoonists and writers, including Mike Luckovich and Ann Landers, have been added to the site in addition to online applications for reprint permission. Smip Interactive, based in Vienna, Virginia, specializes in online content syndication, the production of new, innovative content, and site development.

World Science and Technology Information Online

February 23, 1998 - Worldtec, a new online international science and technology alert service, was launched by the National Technical Information Service (NTIS). Information on the site, available by subscription only, is gathered from a variety of international media including speeches, periodicals, seminars and books. Subscribers can search the Worldtec database for access to unclassified technology and scientific information from all over the world. Visit the Worldtec Web site for more information or to subscribe to the service.

The Baltic Charter Goes Online

February 20, 1998 - The U.S. Baltic Charter Web site contains information on the Charter of Partnership that was recently signed by the presidents of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and the United States. The Charter is a statement of principles that will guide the deepening of mutual cooperation and advance common objectives, including Baltic integration into the European and transatlantic communities. The site includes background notes on the Baltic countries involved and information on the development of the Charter. Visit the Baltic Charter Web site for more information.

Schools and Libraries Corporation

February 19, 1998 - The Schools and Libraries Corporation, which was established to administer the Universal Service Program for Schools & Libraries, recently went online. Last May, the Federal Communications Commission issued a Universal Service Order that seeks to ensure all eligible schools and libraries have affordable access to telecommunications and information services. The site enables schools to determine their eligibility and complete an application form online. Visit the SLC Web site for more information.

Web Resource for Consumers

February 19, 1998 - The U.S. Consumer Gateway provides information on federal resources available online. The site features the Consumer's Resource Handbook, a guide offering pre-purchase information and ways to resolve marketplace problems, and ScamAlert!, which provides information on fraudulent and deceptive practices in the marketplace. In addition, visitors may locate information by categories such as food, health, buying smart and product safety. Visit the Gateway for more information.

Area Firms Re-tool Web Sites

February 16, 1998 - The following organizations, located in the Greater Washington region, recently redesigned and updated their Web sites:

• Coryell Douglas Design, of Alexandria, Virginia, re-launched their Web site. It now includes before and after portfolio samples and an interactive survey where visitors can judge the "Doodle of the Week."
• The 4R Group, located in Annapolis, Maryland, is a consulting firm that integrates cognitive science research with user-centered practice to provide business solutions.
• Virginia-based Nascent Technologies redesigned the Web site for the Internet Society. The Internet Society, based in Reston, Virginia, is an international organization that focuses on Internet standards, policy issues and education.

Networking With The Netpreneurs

February 13, 1998 - On Wednesday, March 11, the KnowledgeWay Netpreneur Program, in conjunction with The Smithsonian Associates, will present a business forum called, "Networking With The Netpreneurs." This town-hall style forum will feature Susan DeFife, founder and CEO of Women's Connection Online; Raul Fernandez, founder and CEO of Proxicom; Nat Kannan, founder and CEO of University Publishing; and Rob McGovern, CEO of NetStart, Inc. Each of these netpreneurs will share their success stories and their views on using the World Wide Web as a place to conduct business. Mario Morino, chairman of the Morino Institute, will provide the evening's summary. Additional information and registration details can be found on the Netpreneur Exchange.

Electric Utility Deregulation Site

February 12, 1998 - The electricitychoice.com Web site is designed to help consumers understand the deregulation of the electric utility industry. The site includes a state-by-state update on the status of the deregulation, information on how to receive competitive rates by joining buying pools, and a financial overview on investing in utilities in a deregulated environment. In addition, visitors may engage in consumer surveys and create a "power profile," a personalized page that includes questions to ask potential electricity providers. Visit electricitychoice.com for more information. The electricitychoice.com Web site was launched by Arlington, Virginia-based Choice.com, a publisher of consumer guides on the Internet.

Regional Lupus Foundation Goes Online

February 11, 1998 - The Lupus Foundation of Greater Washington (LFGW) recently launched their Web site. The site includes medical tax tips and information on make-up and sun protection products. It also has a Link Library and lists literature available for sale. In addition, visitors may read lupus patients' personal stories, obtain information on support groups and enter monthly competitions. Visit the LFGW Web site for more information.

Photo Contest Results Online

February 10, 1998 - The White House News Photographers Association recently posted the results of its annual photo contest on their Web site. Exposure 98, this year's competition for WHNPA photographers and cameramen, featured 28 categories for the stills and television divisions. Visit the site to view the winning entries and for more information on WHNPA.

Public Relations Conference in Washington, D.C.

February 9, 1998 - The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) will host the 1998 Technology Section Public Relations Conference on Friday, March 20 in Washington, D.C. The conference will give public relations professionals the knowledge and tools needed to operate in the changing communications environment. Sessions include publicity and media relations on the Internet and crisis communications in the electronic age. Visit PRSA's Tech Section Web page for more information and to register. Recipients of the Potomac KnowledgeWay Project's "NewsBriefs" are eligible for the PRSA-member rate until February 20.

Resource for Travelers Available Online

February 6, 1998 - Travel Document Systems (TDS) is a travel document service that provides information to U.S. citizens traveling in the U.S. or abroad. Their Web site features geographic, historical and economic information on countries worldwide as well as travel advisories, health requirements and currency conversions. In addition, each country's Web page include links to additional online resources. Prospective travelers may also review traveling tips and apply for a visa online. Visit the TDS Web site for more information.

Women's Connection Online Adds Information Centers

February 5, 1998 - Women's Connection Online, an information and networking center for professional women and women business owners, recently added "Info Centers" to their site. This area focuses on delivering information and features by categories such as arts, books, law, sports and science. Each "Info Center" contains original content as well as links to articles, books and internet resources. In addition, a bulletin board feature, "On The Boards," is included in every section allowing visitors to post their opinions on various topics for discussion. Women's Connection Online is based in McLean, Virginia.

Winter Olympics Web Site for Students

February 4, 1998 - In conjunction with IBM, CBS, and the U.S. Olympic Committee, PBS is hosting the "U.S. Olympic PBS Cyber School Powered by IBM" Web site. Built around the Olympic events of downhill skiing, snowboarding, and figure-skating, the site offers problem-solving exercises for middle school students working by themselves or with others, both at school and at home. Teachers may use the site to execute lesson plans and students may submit answers to the educational challenges posted online. The answers will be assessed and winners will be announced daily.

NMP Sites Win Nonprofit Awards

February 3, 1998 - NMP-developed Web sites won four of five awards at the second annual conference for nonprofits called "Nonprofits Online 98: Working the Web, Transforming the Sector" held on January 30. NMP is a full service provider of Internet and Web-based products and services based in Falls Church, VA. The following NMP-developed sites won awards for nonprofit Web site excellence: World Wide Fund for Nature, NARAL, Common Cause, Support UNICEF and the World Wide Fund for Nature (U.K.). The conference was produced by the Philanthropy Journal Online and by The Zeff Group, an Internet consulting firm in Arlington, VA.

Internet Policy Forum

February 2, 1998 - The WashingtonWeb Internet Policy Forum will be held in Washington, D.C., February 8-10. The Forum will bring Internet industry leaders and senior policymakers together for a high-level conversation and strategic discussion about the impact of politics on the Internet. Featured speakers include Ira Magaziner, senior advisor to the president, Congressman Michael Oxley, Commissioner Sheila Anthony of the Federal Trade Commission and Senator John Breaux. Visit WashingtonWeb for more information and to register online.