Across the Board
May 25, 2005
Progress on Board Priority: ICC Moves Closer to Reality.
Tomorrow, with Board of Trade representatives looking on, Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich will sign into law legislation crucial to the completion of suburban Maryland’s InterCounty Connector. The bill, passed by the legislature with the Board of Trade’s support, will enable the state to finance construction of this long-planned project. More info
Regional Impact of BRAC Analyzed.
While some local jurisdictions will lose jobs and office leases, the area as a whole will not lose jobs, based on the Board of Trade’s analysis of the federal Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) plan. However, in a statement sent to media and members, the Board expressed concerns about potentially negative regional development and transportation implications. Read Board of Trade statement
Member Briefing on BRAC Recommendations Scheduled for June 6.
On June 6, Maryland Del. John Bohanan, chief military liaison to U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer, will provide an executive briefing to members on the BRAC recommendations. With expertise in the BRAC process, Bohanan has played a crucial role in helping preserve Southern Maryland’s military installations.
Board of Trade Opposes DC Council’s “Way to Work” Bill as Wrong Way to Go.
At hearings scheduled for June 10, the Board of Trade, along with the DC Chamber of Commerce, will oppose legislation that would burden selected DC employers and tenants with additional taxes and regulations. The “Way to Work” legislation, aimed at reducing high unemployment rate in parts of the District, is the wrong medicine and may even make the problem worse, according to Board of Trade and DC Chamber leaders. More info
Ambrose Talks DC Business at Policy Luncheon.
DC Councilmember Sharon Ambrose (D-Ward 6) was the featured guest at the latest Policy Series luncheon on May 19. Ambrose, who chairs the DC Council’s Committee on Economic Development, offered her views on the redevelopment of the former Convention Center site, financing of the Nationals’ future ballpark, and the revitalization of the Anacostia Waterfront. Details
VA Candidates Present their Credentials for Attorney General.
Last week, the three candidates for Virginia Attorney General, Sen. Creigh Deeds (D), Steve Baril (R) and Del. Bob McDonnell (R), outlined their qualifications for the state's top legal office. Baril and McDonnell face a primary vote on June 14; Deeds is running unopposed. Discussion ranged from how the candidates would tackle the state's gang violence problem to their views on a constitutional amendment to protect Virginia’s transportation trust fund. More info
Golf Tournament Rescheduled: New Date is July 29.
Unfortunately, Mother Nature did not cooperate with plans for the Board of Trade’s Golf Tournament on May 20. Because the event was “rained out,” it has been rescheduled for Friday, July 29 at P.B. Dye Golf Club. All registrations will be honored for the new date. Questions? Contact Roxanne Rukowicz at 202.857.5929.
In the News...
The Board of Trade has been featured exceptionally in the media the past few weeks for its work on a broad range of issues. Take a look at recent news coverage:
For Potts, an Independent Battle: Gubernatorial Hopeful Blasts GOP in Pitch
The Washington Post, Thursday, May 12, 2005
$1M grant to help area transit program get off the ground
Washington Examiner, Thursday, May 12, 2005
PNC Transition Agenda Includes Preserving Riggs's Unique History
The Washington Post, Thursday, May 12, 2005
DOD Policy Could Dowse N.Va. Market
Falls Church News-Press, May 12-18, 2005
Select Greater Philadelphia taps veteran
Philadelphia Business Journal, Friday, May 13, 2005
More employers help with housing
The Business Gazette, Friday, May 13, 2005
D.C. Vies for Frozen Four
The Washington Post, Saturday, May 14, 2005
Residents at Second D.C. Hearing Reinforce Stance Against Stadium
The Washington Post, Tuesday, May 17, 2005
DCBSA bid gains support on council
The Washington Times, Tuesday, May 17, 2005
