Across the Board

Ritz-Carlton's Employee and Customer Loyalty Course. On April 10, the Board of Trade presents It’s All About Leadership. Greg Merrick, Senior Director of Human Resources for the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, will teach you how to build essential leadership skills that engage and inspire employees and customers. The program, which will be held at the Pentagon City Ritz-Carlton Hotel, is targeted to experienced executives and new managers from all industry sectors. Breakfast will be served. Register

Governor O’Malley Outlines Opportunities for Transit-Oriented Development. On March 19, the Greater Washington Board of Trade hosted Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley in Prince George’s County to highlight his support and vision for transit oriented development. Governor O’Malley spoke to business, civic and government leaders about developing sustainable communities around the region’s existing transit stations. Building on the momentum of the recently adopted recommendations of Metro’s Joint Development Task Force Report, O’Malley focused on promoting future growth in areas served by transit to enhance economic vitality, increase transit ridership, reduce sprawl and vehicle emissions impacting the environment and improve quality of life. View Photos

First at the Ballpark! Because the Greater Washington Board of Trade was instrumental in bringing baseball to the region, it was first in the new Nationals Park. On March 25, the Board of Trade brought more than 500 members and guests to the new stadium to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the bullpen, locker room and dugout and to walk along the field. Nationals President Stan Kasten and members of the ownership team greeted the guests throughout the evening. Click here to view pictures. Opening day is March 30. Good luck, Nationals! View Photos

Lyles Carr Awarded Leader of the Years. The Board of Trade is pleased to announce that Lyles Carr has been selected as the Leader of the Years for his outstanding service to Greater Washington. Members and guests are invited to the Board of Trade Recognition Dinner on May 14 to celebrate Carr and others who contribute so generously to our region’s vibrancy. For more information on program ads congratulating Carr, email us or call 202-857-5989.

Small Business Academy Now Accepting Applications. For six years, the Board of Trade has been offering courses that teach everything you need to know about starting a business. The Small Business Academy, a six-month program for entrepreneurs, launches this spring. The Academy offers executive management training, peer-level discussion and guidance from Academy alumni. Each month, courses focus on a key aspect of business development, such as marketing and social networking, business planning and partnering to expand capacity. The due date for applications has been extended to April 11. Download application

Board of Trade Supports ICC. On March 14 and 18, the Board of Trade testified in support of the InterCounty Connector (ICC), which will link development areas between Montgomery and Prince George's County with a state-of-the-art highway. The ICC is facing bills attempting to halt the project’s construction. Two proposed bills cite environmental issues and a third proposes a withdraw of all project funding. The Board of Trade continues to support this much needed roadway. Read Testimony

Board of Trade and Clear Partner to Speed Up Your Travel. Because you are a member, the Board of Trade is offering you the first opportunity to sign up for Clear, which pre-screens airline passengers so they can get through security faster. When you sign up for Clear through the Board of Trade, you receive thirteen months of the service for the price of twelve. The Clear program, which operates in 14 airports nationwide, recently launched at Reagan and Dulles Airports. For more information, email us.

Board of Trade Continues Dulles Rail Push. The Board of Trade continues to support the Metrorail extension to Tysons and Dulles, and work is underway to reach a positive decision. Virginia Gov. Kaine and US Secretary of Transportation Peters are keeping channels open for discussion and negotiation of the Dulles rail project, the construction contract has been extended and project funding remains in the federal budget.