Programs & Involvement

Professional Development

 

The Business Workshop Series caters to firms at all stages of development, offering practical tools for enhancing overall performance, streamlining business operations, building your professional network, and increasing your organization's bottom line. Recognized leaders and member firms guide these interactive panel discussions targeted to growing small and mid-sized businesses*.

There will be nine workshops in total. Two workshops focused on federal contracting will be hosted on-site by the region's leading government contractors and will cover topics, such as partnering with primes and strategic marketing.

* Member firms receive two tickets for admission to each workshop. Additional tickets can be purchased at the member rate, $50 or non-member rate, $75. Expected attendance at these events is 75.


Join us for each of these Business Workshops:
Click links for event summaries or to register.

 

Greening Your Business - February 14

More than 100 people attended the launch of the Business Workshop Series to learn diverse ways to green their firms: through practical recycling initiatives, water and energy conservation, clean energy use, green roofing, LEED certification and green building design. Through short-term and long-term strategies, panelists highlighted that going green can lead to a healthier, more productive workforce and bring savings of up to 15-30%. Greening boosts branding too - panelists addressed that having a reputation of greener business practices also helps to strengthen company image and enhance bottom line through customer interest.
Download Presentation>>

Panelists: Anca Novacovici, President, Eco-Coach; Charles Segerman, CEO, Clean Currents, LLC; Sheila Hogan, Executive Director, DC Greenworks; David Haresign, Partner, Bonstra Haresign Architects.

On the Map: Creating Recognition for Your Firm in Greater Washington - March 12
In this dynamic workshop, a panel of communications experts identified how clear messaging and strong media relations help to establish regional and industry presence. Tate Linden, Principal of Stokefire, shared keys to developing an effective, consistent brand that resonates with target markets and distinguishes a growing firm from its competitors. Robert Tappan, President of Weber Merritt Public Affairs, offered practical insight for crafting a press kit and utilizing social media for increased exposure to diverse markets. Lastly, reporter for The Washington Post, Neil Irwin, emphasized the importance of and keys to building and maintaining relationships with media contacts.
Download Presentation>>

It’s Who You Know: Building and Maintaining Strategic Relationships - April 15
Hilary Bruggen Fordwich, President of Strelmark, LLC, and W. Lyles Carr III, Senior Vice President of The McCormick Group, Inc. shared strategic principles for networking and establishing meaningful business relationships.  Meeting the needs of others, becoming involved in community organizations and building authentic relationships by getting to know individuals and firms all lend to better business and stronger connections.  Both also emphasized the importance of following up with contacts and making networking part of one's lifestyle and not merely a business tool.
Download Presentation>>

Creating a Teaming Culture: Partnering with a Federal Government Contractor - May 7
Business development officers from two of Greater Washington’s leading federal government contracting firms – Oberon Associates, Inc. and Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) – partnered to deliver actionable strategies for small businesses looking to team with primes in this practical workshop. Randy Brooks, Vice President of Oberon Associates, Inc., shared the best practices and tips for marketing to primes that have launched his firm from small business status to a growing, multi-billion dollar firm and Washington Technology’s reigning #1 Fastest 50 awardee. Rick Jackson, Vice President and Deputy for Program Support of SAIC, highlighted SAIC’s procurement trends as well as shared principles for working with the prime, such as building relationships with key contacts and customers, highlighting specific capabilities when marketing your firm, and staying informed of upcoming RFPs.
Download Presentation>>

 

Corporate Social Responsibility: Becoming a Triple Bottom Line Firm - June 11
Bringing together a wide range of seasoned perspectives and resources, this panel identified current trends in corporate social responsibility (CSR) from a regional, national and global context as it relates to area businesses. Beginning with an overview of the history and impact of CSR initiatives across industry sectors, panelists highlighted tangible examples of how CSR can benefit diverse community organizations and ultimately, lead to a return on investment through a retained and motivated workforce, improved stakeholder loyalty and strengthened brand value. Panelists also shared practical tips for building and sustaining a CSR program through best practices and corporate philanthropy that connects to one’s overall mission.
Download Presentation>>

Panelists: Bennett Freeman, Senior Vice President Social Research and Policy, Calvert; Greg Diamond, Managing Partner, Clovis; and Katy Moore, Membership Services Manager, Washington Regional Association of Grantmakers.
Moderator: Siobhan Canty, President & CEO, Greater DC Cares.

 

 

For information about the Business Workshop Series, contact Nicole Tarnogurksy.

For information about sponsoring this series, contact Julie Upham.

2008 Series Sponsors:

Search

  • Greater Washington Initiative