Across the Board

Bad Idea Proposed: DC Parking Fee. The DC City Council just introduced a bill that would charge businesses with a clean air compliance fee. If the bill passes, businesses will pay $25 for each of their parking spaces each month. The Board of Trade is working to defeat the bill, as it puts businesses in the District at a competitive disadvantage. Watch this space for updates.

Still No Solution in Virginia. Virginia Gov. Kaine is expected to call a special session to deal with the Supreme Court’s decision that the Northern Virginia Transportation Authority did not have the constitutional authority to collect revenues for transportation projects. The Board of Trade is calling for a broad-based source of revenue to secure annual funds for transportation projects in Northern Virginia. Early word is to expect a contentious debate and a possible special session around September.

Board of Trade Continues Dulles Rail Push. The Board of Trade continues to support the Metrorail extension to Tysons and Dulles, hosting weekly conference calls with regional officials and providing information to Dulles rail supporters. Gov Kaine and US Secretary of Transportation Peters continue to move forward in project discussions, and a decision on the project is expected soon.

Maryland Passes Energy Package. On April 24, Gov O'Malley will sign five new energy bills into law that will help reduce consumer electric bills in Maryland, while promoting energy efficiency, renewable energy and climate change programs throughout our region. The bills include a Strategic Energy Investment Fund that will provide short term rate relief and long term funding for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Learn more

Secretary of the US Treasury Will Speak To Regional Businesses. The Board of Trade, in partnership with The Washington Post, is hosting a half-day event for Greater Washington’s business community to reflect on the state of business in our region and celebrate the Post 200.  Henry M. Paulson, Jr., Secretary, U.S. Treasury, will deliver the keynote address at the May 16 session at the JW Marriot Hotel, Pennsylvania Avenue. In addition to Paulson’s comments, speakers will present on workforce issues in The Quest for Talent and the region’s economy in Dealing with the Downturn. Learn More

GWI to Release Regional Report.  The Greater Washington Initiative's Regional Report will be released at its Annual Meeting on June 4.  The annual publication, produced in partnership with Stephen Fuller, Director of Regional Analysis for George Mason University’s School of Public Policy, will showcase Greater Washington's strengths and compare the region's economy and quality of life to other major metro areas.  The Report highlights the region as a leader in green, an influential city in the international community and a healthy, diverse place to live.

Avoid the Hassle of Airport Security. The Board of Trade is offering members the exclusive opportunity to sign up for the Clear card, which pre-screens airline passengers so they get through security faster. Enroll for Clear through the Board of Trade and receive thirteen months of the service for the price of twelve. First, sign up, then call Jill Schaller at 202-857-5921 to make an appointment to complete the screening process at the Board of Trade offices from April 23 to May 2.

Last Chance to Enroll in the Small Business Academy!  The Small Business Academy, a six-month program that teaches entrepreneurs everything they need to know about business, launches on May 1. 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. Hurry, applications are due on April 25!  Download application
 
Understand the Latino Buying Power. With the tremendous growth of the Latino community in Greater Washington, it is critical for regional businesses to understand Latino consumers.  On June 26, the Board of Trade will host a half-day conference explaining how regional companies can respond to the buying power of the Latino community. Chiqui Cartagena, author of Latino Boom!: Everything You Need to Know to Grow Your Business in the U.S. Hispanic Market, will be the keynote speaker and regional experts will address buying trends, branding, workforce diversity and doing business with Latino-owned firms.  Learn more and Register Sponsorship Opportunities

Greater Returns...You Asked; We Listened. The Board of Trade has enhanced its member benefits – for no additional cost! Members can now look to the Board of Trade for more ways to connect with other members, more opportunities to gain visibility for their businesses and more relevant and valuable programs to grow their professional skills. The Board of Trade keeps members informed with updates on the critical issues affecting the region’s business community. Throughout 2008, the Board of Trade will provide members with more value their dollar. For information about becoming a member, contact Kevin O’Neill at 202-857-5960. 2008 Programs Brochure

2008 Membership Directory is Hot off the Press! Members should have received the 2008 Membership Directory by mail recently. The directory features member information categorized alphabetically, by last name and by business category. The new directory also features information about the Board of Trade's upcoming programs, Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and a calendar of regional events. Request a Copy