In 2007, some college friends and I pulled Washington, DC out of a hat in search of our next adventure. We moved here in 2008 with almost nothing to our names, and out of sheer luck we found ourselves renting a townhouse in the Southwest Waterfront neighborhood. I worked several retail jobs before landing a career in nonprofit policy work. Over the next ten years, I bought a townhouse here, got a dog and have made some wonderful, lifelong friends. Now I’m becoming a small business owner, right here in my Southwest neighborhood.

I’m so excited to announce that in the spring of 2019, I will be opening a UPS Store at The Wharf. Our goal is to begin providing many of the services a growing neighborhood like ours needs. Soon you will be able to select The UPS Store at The Wharf as a drop-off location for your cable and satellite equipment to make it more convenient for returns and replacements. We’re also working with Amazon and other retailers to make online shopping even easier as you’ll be able to pick-up and return packages at your neighborhood UPS Store. We will also offer a multitude of print services and of course shipping, mailboxes and notary services.

Soon you will be able to come in and order customizable table tents for the next Southwest neighborhood market, invitations and menus for your next party, or order a fresh box of business cards and pick up office supplies. Many people don’t realize that if you have a business or event to promote, we can create brochures, vinyl banners, posters, yard signs, window and floor decals, and other promotional materials.

Most importantly, as a locally owned business, we will have our roots firmly planted in the Southwest community. We’ll be staying active in the neighborhood, partnering with our neighborhood ANC, the Southwest BID, other retailers in the community, our local schools, churches and library. Being a local business means supporting local events that keep Southwest thriving, ensuring the community we’ve all loved keeps its neighborhood charm and being a spot in the neighborhood that locals can visit to see a familiar face. And while there, you can say hi to my dog, Jessie! I look forward to seeing our Southwest neighbors this spring.

By Ken Bautista

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