Across the Board
Our biweekly Across the Board e-newsletter keeps you informed of Board of Trade activities. Members and non-members can subscribe.
January 16, 2008
Welcome New Members! The Board of Trade extends a warm welcome to its newest members: Facchina Development Corporation and Patton Boggs.
Regional Officials Back Dulles Rail Extension. On Jan 16, the Governors of Maryland and Virginia and the Mayor of the District of Columbia sent a joint letter to US Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters and Federal Transit Administration Administrator James Simpson urging them to approve the extension of Metrorail to Washington Dulles International Airport. This latest demonstration of regional support comes as the Federal Transit Administration is nearing its final decision on project revisions and funding. The Greater Washington Board of Trade brought together the regional leaders to produce the joint letter because the Metrorail project will be a key component to the economic development and transportation needs of the Greater Washington region. More Info
District Proposes Mandatory Paid Sick Days. Councilmember Carol Schwartz held a meeting on Jan 3 to give the DC business community an opportunity to ask questions about and make comments on the "Accrued Sick and Safe Leave Act of 2007." More than 150 business leaders attended the meeting to voice their concern about the significant financial impact the bill would have on their businesses. Harmful to the city's economic health, the bill could reduce employment opportunities for DC residents and reduce the services the DC government provides with funding from taxes paid by businesses. The bill is scheduled to go before the Committee of the Whole on Jan 15.
Access to Early Education. On Jan 3, Board of Trade President & CEO Jim Dinegar testified before the DC City Council in support of the “Pre-K For All DC Amendment Act of 2007.” The bill, introduced by Chairman Vincent Gray as one of his top priorities, expands pre-kindergarten education to three- and four-year-old children in the District of Columbia. Studies show that early education enhances the potential of our children, which will improve the quality of the region’s future workforce.
Board of Trade Pushes for Regional Mobility. Board of Trade Government Relations Senior Director Daniel Flores testified on Jan 10 before the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority regarding transportation projects that will be supported by newly raised transportation funds. The testimony called for the regional share of new funds to address regional projects, including improvements to I-66, and for the designated local share of the new revenues to fund local projects, including local sidewalk improvements. As the project package stands, scarce regional funds will support several locally focused projects that will not improve regional mobility. The Board of Trade continues to support the prudent use of new tax dollars to fund regional projects that reduce traffic congestion for the greatest number of travelers.
Reserve Your Spot for the 2008 Print Membership Directory. Designed as a reference tool to complement the online directory, the 2008 print Membership Directory will be available in April. To assure that your listing will be correct, complete and fax back your verification form, which should have arrived by mail. Also, consider raising your firm’s visibility through advertising in this publication! To produce the directory, the Board of Trade has partnered with Showcase Publishing, who would appreciate knowing your interest in advertising. Expect a call from a Showcase Publishing sales rep. Questions?
Upcoming Programs and Events
Save March 6 for the Mid-Winter Dinner. Don’t miss Greater Washington’s premier business event of the year! Mark your calendars for the Board of Trade’s Mid-Winter Dinner on March 6 at the Hilton Washington. This black-tie, members-only gala gives you the opportunity to mingle with region’s most influential business leaders and elected officials. More Info
Inaugural Women of the Board of Trade Event. New for 2008, the Greater Washington Board of Trade is offering a networking and professional development series targeted to seasoned female executives and women on the "fast track" Led by Shambaugh Leadership, this series will develop a learning community to strengthen female leaders, create a targeted pipeline that grows skill sets and produce lasting relationships through strategic networks. More Info
NVTC "Green" Breakfast. Presented by the Northern Virginia Technology Council with participation by the Greater Washington Board of Trade, the first Titans Breakfast of 2008 will feature Sudhakar Kesavan, CEO, ICF International, who will share his insight on why "going green" makes good business sense. Register for this Jan 30 event at the Hilton McLean.
Maryland Biz/Bio Forum. In partnership with Greater Washington Initiative, the Biz/Bio Forum brings together some of the region's top bioscience, business and venture capital experts to discuss the future of Maryland's bioscience industry, a major source of potential economic development. Register for this free half-day event, held February 19 at the Westin Annapolis.
China FastTrack Forum. Expand your knowledge and business contacts in the US-China market by attending the China FastTrack Forum. This program gathers Chinese and local business executives, high level embassy officials and nationally recognized experts in the market. Register for this event and mention your Board of Trade or Greater Washington Initiative membership for an $80 discount on admission.
