Across the Board

Our biweekly Across the Board newsletter keeps you informed of Board of Trade activities. Members and non-members can subscribe.

January 4, 2006

Board of Trade Chair Extends New Year’s Greetings. The Board of Trade’s volunteer chair for 2006, Sam Schreiber, Wachovia, notes key priorities for the organization and encourages active member participation. Read more Meet Your 2006 Board of Directors. A distinguished group of Directors have agreed to help guide the Board of Trade for the year ahead.

GWI Releases 2005 Economic Wrap Up, List of Company Locates.  At year’s end, the region’s economy was leading the nation in nearly every major indicator, according to a brief analysis by the Greater Washington Initiative (GWI), the Board of Trade’s economic development affiliate. Read 2005 Wrap Up  Also, GWI directly assisted 28 new companies with their expansion or relocation to the region last year, surpassing a record of 23 companies set in 2000. Read more

Tracking Progress: DC Proposes Dedicated Funding for Metro. Members of the DC Council introduced legislation to dedicate ½ of one percent of the existing sales tax to the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, contingent on Maryland and Virginia also providing dedicated funding. The legislation would meet a requirement in proposed Congressional legislation that would provide $1.5 billion in federal funding for WMATA. Also, legislation in Virginia calls for a ¼ cent increase in the retail sales tax in five Northern Virginia jurisdictions to fund Metro. More on Dedicated Funding Options

Airports Authority Proposes to Manage Rail to Dulles Project. A recent proposal by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) to take over the building of a Metrorail line to Tysons/ Dulles International Airport could potentially speed the project forward and would eliminate the need for federal funding. The Board of Trade will meet with MWAA officials soon to gain further details. Questions?

Business Community Scores VA Legislative Win.  An industry-supported provision that eliminates the unfair application of Virginia sales tax on certain government contracts was included in Gov. Mark Warner’s proposed 2006-2008 budget. Working with other local business groups, the Board of Trade achieved this legislative victory at year’s end.  The Board takes its agenda to Richmond for the legislative session. To stay up-to-date, watch your email for Advocacy Matters and Action Alerts. More info

 Upcoming Events

Register for these Upcoming Events at www.bot.org:

Jan. 11: Be a Part of the Art - Evening seminar at the Board of Trade for those interested in bringing valuable skill, talent and connections to a local arts organization.

Jan. 24: Strategic Planning for Growing Companies - Network at this breakfast program and learn how a strategic plan can help you realize a vision of success, faster!

Jan.  26: Leadership Luncheon with DC Councilmember Adrian Fenty - Join colleagues at the Board of Trade for a lively discussion with Mr. Fenty.

March 2: Mid-Winter Dinner - Widely regarded as the region's best business networking event, this black tie event at the Hilton Washington will continue its 87-year tradition.

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