Across the Board

 

Chinese Ambassador Calls Dulles-Beijing Service an “Important Milestone."

Addressing Board of Trade leaders yesterday, Zhou Wenzhong (center), Chinese Ambassador to the U.S., offered the Embassy’s support to area businesses interested in “seizing the opportunity” offered by the new nonstop air route. The service, recently awarded to United Airlines, will begin in late March. Also, Ambassador Zhou indicated that China is eager to reduce the trade imbalance with the U.S. and to work collaboratively on environmental issues.  More on Beijing service

Economy Expected to Grow at Slower Pace in 2007.

According to George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis, the area’s economy will grow 3% in 2007 – slightly slower than in recent years. GMU economists say the slower growth is due to smaller increases in federal spending. The area will also add 56,600 new jobs (less than the 65,500 jobs generated in 2006). Most of the new job growth is projected to be within the region’s professional services sector. For details, visit www.cra-gmu.org.

Board of Trade Hits the Ground in Richmond, Annapolis.

As the Maryland and Virginia legislative sessions get underway, the Board of Trade’s government relations directors for Virginia and Maryland are staying close to the action in Richmond and Annapolis. Members are encouraged to contact Nancy Reed on Virginia issues and Andy Scott on Maryland issues. Also, “Virginia Legislative Update” conference calls will be held on Fridays at 3:00 p.m. for any member interested in sharing info on issues and receiving legislative updates. VA Conference Call Details  

Update: Metro Funding Moves Forward.

This week, a bill to provide dedicated funding for Metro was reintroduced in Congress, supported by the region's Congressional delegation. Also, we expect a bill to emerge soon in Virginia's General Assembly that will include funds for Metro and other state transportation needs. More info

Board of Directors Approved for 2007.

A complete list of executives who have agreed to serve as a Board of Trade director for 2007 is now available online. Thanks to these volunteers for their commitment! List of 2007 Board of Directors

New Leadership Announced for Greater Washington Initiative.

Samuel A. Schreiber (Wachovia) will serve as the new chairman of GWI, the Board of Trade’s research and economic development affiliate. Schreiber assumes the volunteer leadership role previously held by William Couper (Bank of America). GWI also announced new leadership for the Area Business Development Officials Committee. Kwasi Holman (Prince George's County Economic Development Corp.) will serve as chair and the new vice chair is Terry Holzheimer (Arlington Economic Development). Read article

Welcome New Members.

The Board of Trade family keeps growing. Please check out this impressive list of new member companies and make them feel welcome!

Upcoming Events

Jan. 23 - Crisis Communications: Winning in the Court of Public Opinion. Presented by the Marketing and Communications Executive Network (8:00 - 10:00 a.m., The Washington Post)

Jan. 23 - Transit-Oriented Development. Brown bag lunch, featuring expert speaker Jeffrey Tumlin (12:00 -1:30 p.m., Board of Trade)

Feb. 7 - Symposium on Pandemic Flu Preparedness and Recovery Planning. An important regional event for business owners and managers. (8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon, Universities at Shady Grove)   

Feb. 27 - Leadership Speaker Series. “Attitudes and Energy,” with speakers Luis Lobo, BB&T, and Ken Harvey, professional speaker and former Washington Redskin (8:30 a.m., Board of Trade)

March 8 - Mid-Winter Dinner. Networking with 1,000 members, guests and elected officials. Expect an elegant, speech-free evening! (6:30 p.m., Marriott Wardman Park)

March 19 - Selling to the Government/ FOSE. Board of Trade and GWI present educational sessions during FOSE. (Various times, Washington Convention Center)