We’re excited to announce we’ll be launching a “United Bank-Bisnow Neighborhood Series” of events and news features to spotlight the most vibrant areas of our region—trends, developments, retail, people, businesses. We’re going to work together to tell you each month about one of the region’s hottest submarkets—starting this month with Loudoun County. Rick is United Bank’s president, has become a friend, and we’ve learned that his bank knows the region inside out. Its parent, United Bankshares (UBSI on the NYSE), just announced in November a record 41st consecutive year of increased dividends. That says way more about the bank’s operations and customer satisfaction than we can with words.

They’re very active in their many neighborhoods. One of their execs, Kim Shrewbury, center, was honored recently at the March of Dimes Heroine gala with its Lifetime Heroine Award at the Tysons Ritz. The annual event recognizes women in the DC metro for their dedication to community service and since 2001 has raised nearly $2 million to ensure that one day all babies are born full-term and healthy. (By the way, congrats also to Sherry Cushman of Cushman & Wakefield, who was recognized as Real Estate Heroine of the year.)