Across the Board

Our biweekly Across the Board newsletter keeps you informed of Board of Trade activities. Members and non-members can subscribe.

April 26, 2006

DC Mayoral Candidates Talk Taxes. On Monday night, the Board of Trade co-sponsored a DC Mayoral Forum with the DC Chamber of Commerce and the DC Building Industry Association. Five of the Democratic candidates talked about what their priorities and whether they’d need to raise taxes. Read Washington Post article

Mayor Williams, GMU Coach Larranaga Receive Standing Ovations. Members gave DC Mayor Anthony Williams and Jim Larranaga, men’s basketball coach at George Mason University, a warm welcome at a recent Board of Directors meeting. The Mayor urged the region’s business community to stay strongly engaged in the school facilities issue, and to continue to push for DC voting rights in Congress. Read highlights from mayor View photos

Michele Hagans Honored at Leader of the Years Dinner. More than 300 business and community leaders gathered last week at the Board’s annual Leader of the Year program to toast 2005 honoree, Michele V. Hagans, President, Fort Lincoln New Town Corporation. Southeastern University President Charlene Drew Jarvis spoke about Hagans’ determined rise to success through tough times, always keeping the community’s best interests at heart. Read Washington Times article

THE Issue in VA: Transportation Secretary, Metro’s General Manager Discuss Area’s Hot Topic. Yesterday, at a Board of Trade meeting, VA’s Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer and Metro’s Interim GM and CEO Dan Tangherlini updated members on transportation funding and key transportation projects. Mr. Tangherlini announced that Metro will consider forming a Joint Development Task Force to better use Metro-owned land at stations. Secretary Homer noted that the Board’s expertise will be helpful in VDOT’s efforts to develop a uniform system of traffic impact fees for proposed developments. Questions?

MD General Assembly Session Ends, Campaign Season Begins. Although the recently completed session in Maryland was dominated by partisan politics, the Board of Trade made progress on several priority issues, from higher education and transportation funding to health care. (See legislative summary) Attention now turns to competitive state races for U.S. Senate and Governor. In addition, Maryland’s Comptroller, Attorney General, county executives and council members, and all 188 members of the state legislature, are up for election! Stay tuned for news about the Board’s Maryland campaign events planned for the summer. Contact Andy Scott with questions.

PhRMA to sponsor Wellness Works Blood Pressure Screening Week, May 22-26. During the week of May 22-26, the Board of Trade’s Health Care Task Force will provide free, lunchtime blood pressure screenings at 25 office buildings around the area. The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) is the Title Sponsor for this first-ever program, held in conjunction with National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. The program aims to screen more than 1,000 area employees and help them “know their numbers.” View screening locations Learn about Wellness Works

Hi Tech Testimonials: New Member Video Debuts. A brief new promotional video, highlighting members’ experiences with the Board of Trade, is now online. Thanks to member firms Video Solutions for producing the video using Comcast footage, and to Vividas for providing the latest online video technology. Watch the video and then forward it to a non-member colleague! Request a CD-rom

Welcome New Members. Please check out this distinguished list of private companies and nonprofit firms that have recently joined the Board of Trade. We hope you’ll consider doing business with these diverse organizations! For more info about the Board’s newly improved Digital Directory of members (updated monthly), click here.

Register for these Upcoming Events

Moving On…and Measuring Success Seminar is May 9. This Small Business Network breakfast event at the Board of Trade is designed to help small firms successfully implement and execute a strategic plan. Register

Business Philanthropy Summit Breakfast is May 11. Join Greater DC Cares and the Washington Business Journal for the 9th Annual Greater Washington Business Philanthropy Summit, showcasing excellence in the area’s business and nonprofit philanthropic partnerships. Ted Leonsis, Vice Chairman of America Online, Inc. and President, AOL Core Service, will keynote this complementary breakfast event at the Renaissance Washington DC Hotel. RSVP

Cyber Security Luncheon Conference Scheduled May 17. To educate local businesses on cyber security threats, the Board of Trade will partner with Microsoft and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to host a luncheon conference entitled “Get Net Safe – Protect Your PC, Yourself and Your Family,” at the Sheraton National Hotel in Arlington, VA. A panel of experts will discuss best practices and answer questions. For more info, contact Haley Smith at (202) 857-5961. To learn more about cyber security and how it impacts your business, click here.

2941 Restaurant Hosts @Six Reception on May 25. Gather with Board of Trade colleagues at 2941 Restaurant in Falls Church, VA for networking outdoors on a lake-front terrace, while enjoying wine and hors d’oeurves prepared by executive chef/owner Jonathan Krinn. The northern VA hotspot was voted one of Greater Washington’s “100 Very Best Restaurants” by Washingtonian Magazine. Space is limited so register today!