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 30, 2008
Board of Trade Leads Dulles Rail Push. With the Metrorail extension to Tysons and Dulles in jeopardy, the Greater Washington Board of Trade is leading efforts to save the project. In partnership with the Dulles Corridor Rail Association and others, the Board of Trade placed full-page advocacy ads in the Washington Post. The Board of Trade also facilitated a letter from the Governors of Maryland and Virginia and the Mayor of the District of Columbia to US Department of Transportation Secretary Peters and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Administrator Simpson urging them to approve the extension of Metrorail. In addition, the Board of Trade hosted a press conference updating media on project developments, and continues to reach out to the press, meet with members of Congress and organize daily briefings to coordinate strategy with other rail to Dulles partners. The Board of Trade will persistently back this project, as it is a vital piece of our region’s transportation system and an economic stimulus for Greater Washington. Visit the Board of Trade's Support Rail to Dulles website to learn more about rail to Dulles and stay updated on news surrounding the project. Questions?
Board of Trade and Officials Brief Press on Rail to Dulles. On Jan 25, the Board of Trade held a press conference with Transportation Secretary Homer of Virginia, Transportation Secretary Porcari of Maryland and Director Moneme of the District Department of Transportation to challenge the FTA for not advancing Metrorail to Dulles and stress collaboration on regional transportation issues. (Please note, the aforementioned officials will be featured speakers at the Board of Trade's Regional Policy Forum.) President of the Dulles Corridor Rail Association Patty Nicoson and Board of Trade President & CEO Jim Dinegar explained why the project is vital to improving the region's mobility and stimulating its economy. See the "In the News" section below for highlights of the media coverage.
Membership Enhanced and Growing. The Board of Trade has significantly enhanced your member benefits. In addition to improving content-driven programs, we now make new programs a part of your member benefits for no additional cost. Look for details of your enhanced member benefits coming soon. The Board of Trade is also proud to announce that we have already welcomed 14 new members, including Jones Lang LaSalle, Patton Boggs, Facchina Group and others. Help the cause, and refer a member!
District to Decide on Mandatory Paid Sick Days. On Feb 5, the so-called "Accrued Sick and Safe Act of 2007" goes before the DC City Council. The Board of Trade, alongside the DC Chamber of Commerce, has been actively lobbying the DC City Council to defeat this bad and unnecessary legislation. Because the bill will cost DC businesses significant resources, it could reduce employment opportunities for city residents and cut some services the city provides with funding from taxes paid by businesses. The Board of Trade urges members to attend the Feb 5 legislative meeting at 10am at the DC City Council to oppose this bill. Questions?
Building a Green Region. On Jan 31, Board of Trade President & CEO Jim Dinegar will participate on a business panel at the launch of the "Just Take One" Campaign for Mayor Fenty's 2008 Summer Youth Program. He and other leaders of the business community will address training and hiring youth for "green collar" jobs, among other programs. Dinegar will also participate on a panel on Feb 2 at the Planting Seeds for a Green DC forum, which will brief the community on the the wave of green collar jobs and green businesses coming to Greater Washington. Tell us how your company is going green!Email stories or press releases about your firm’s environmental initiatives for a chance to be featured as the a Board of Trade Green Spotlight.
Maryland Tech Tax Damages Economy. During the 2007 Maryland Special Session, legislators passed a 6% sales tax on computer services. The tech industry employs thousands of Marylanders with annual payrolls in the billions, and imposing a tax on the industry will endanger jobs by putting businesses at a competitive disadvantage. The Board of Trade, supporting the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and other partners, is urging legislators to repeal this tax, scheduled to be enacted July 1, 2008. Questions?
Upcoming Programs and Events
@Six at the Park at Fourteenth. Join the Board of Trade’s first @Six Networking Reception of the year. On Feb 7, come see The Park at Fourteenth, the region’s newest event space, featuring a modern lounge and restaurant overlooking Franklin Square in downtown Washington, DC. Enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres while networking with more than 200 members of the Board of Trade. Register here or email us if you are a Tiered Dues Member eligible for complimentary passes.
Greening Your Business Workshop. Participate in the Board of Trade’s Feb 14 launch of the Business Workshop series to learn actionable steps for implementing green practices that will help grow your firm and enhance your community. Gain practical insight from our panel on how going green can improve worker productivity, increase annual savings and give your growing firm a competitive marketing advantage. Register here or email us if you are a Tiered Dues Member eligible for two complimentary passes.
Regional Policy Forum on Transportation. New in 2008, the Board of Trade's Regional Policy Forums give you access to policy decision makers in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia. Don't miss the inaugural Regional Policy Forum on Feb 29 when Transportation Secretary Homer of Virginia, Transportation Secretary Porcari of Maryland, Director Moneme of the District Department of Transportation and General Manager Catoe of Metro sit down to discuss pressing transportation issues, critical transportation needs and opportunities for regional coordination. Register here or email us if you are a Tiered Dues Member eligible for one complimentary pass.
Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon. Wish you could make a difference in the lives of local young people? You can! Join event host Leon Harris ABC7/WJLA-TV and numerous CEOs from around Greater Washington for the 2008 Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon. It is easy to participate, so grab your family, friends and colleagues, and create your own team of five today! Email us for more information.
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 Feb 19 at the Westin Annapolis.
