Across the Board
Our biweekly Across the Board e-newsletter keeps you informed of Board of Trade activities. Members and non-members can subscribe.
June 7, 2007
2007 Regional Report Features New Economic Forecast to 2012. This year’s Greater Washington Initiative 2007 Regional Report, just released, includes a window on the area’s future by forecasting firm Global Insight. Highlights include: In 2012: 319,000 new jobs will be created; 50% of the region’s population will be minority; and more than 1 million households (42%) will have yearly incomes over $100,000. The Report also showcases seven development projects totaling $15 billion, as well as updated economic and demographic data. All members will be mailed a copy of the Report; download a copy at www.greaterwashington.org, or comment on the numbers at the GWI’s new Regional Biz Blog.
Sold-out Crowd Gets First- Hand View of National Harbor at GWI Meeting. At the GWI’s Annual Meeting yesterday, Milt Peterson, founder and chairman of The Peterson Companies, gave 375 executives the inside scoop on the region’s largest development project - a 300+ acre waterfront destination and residential community in Prince George’s County. Knight Kiplinger, of The Kiplinger Letter, keynoted the program that focused on the region’s future. Tim Priest, GWI Executive Director, reviewed GWI accomplishments – including a list of firms that have recently located in the region. More about GWI’s research and services
MD Governor O’Malley to Address Board of Directors. At a meeting later this month, the Board of Trade’s Board of Directors will meet with Gov. Martin O’Malley on transportation funding priorities and other business issues. He is expected to reiterate his support for the InterCounty Connector and dedicated funding for Metro. For a look at the Board of Trade’s Maryland legislative agenda, click here.
VA Legislators Mingle with Members at Annual Reception. Nearly 20 Virginia legislators joined Northern Virginia business leaders at the Board of Trade’s Virginia PAC Annual Legislative Reception last week. Members found the evening useful for building and strengthening relationships with elected officials from across the state. More on the Board of Trade’s VA Public Affairs Group and VA PAC.
Pepco Execs Host Boardrooms around the Beltway. On Monday, Vice Chairman Bill Torgerson and Senior VP and CFO Joe Rigby, of Pepco Holdings, Inc, hosted Board of Trade members at their DC headquarters. Rigby shared with attendees that he “personally takes great pride in keeping the lights on in the nation’s capital.” Torgerson and Rigby discussed Pepco Holding’s plans for energy efficiency and the challenges and trends that are shaping the energy industry. Upcoming Boardrooms around the Beltway: July at Sprint Nextel, and September at E*Trade. For more info, contact Lindsay Godwin.
Leadership Speaker Series features Change Management Expert Willie Jolley. In a lively presentation to members on May 31, Willie Jolley emphasized that the key to leadership is a commitment to life-long learning. He noted trends within top corporations to capitalize on the mindset that the “best can always be made better,” and to hire the best employees or commit to cultivate them through leadership development. Attendees also received a copy of Jolley’s best-seller, It Only Takes a Minute to Change Your Life.
Capital Region Careers Offers New Way to Reach Qualified Employees. Having trouble finding qualified employees for open positions at your firm? Check out Capital Region Careers, the new online job bank developed by the Board of Trade, in collaboration with 9 area chambers – who are actively promoting the site to their 5000+ members. It’s an easy and efficient way to reach quality employees!
Staff Changes at the Board of Trade
Roxanne Rukowicz, who has been the Board of Trade’s Director of Meetings and Events for the past six years, is moving into new responsibilities here. In that capacity, she was responsible for this organization’s “signature events” including the Mid-Winter Dinner, Fall Business Classic and the Annual Meeting. Over the years, Roxanne has demonstrated attention to detail and a commitment to quality assurance that will serve her and us well as she has been promoted to General Manager, responsible for overseeing the operations and day-to-day management of the organization.
Andy Scott has been the Board of Trade’s chief lobbyist in Maryland for the past two years, seeing us through the Maryland elections and he was instrumental in managing our role as co-chair of Governor O’Malley’s Transportation Transition team – so much so that Transportation Secretary John Porcari has asked Andy to join his team and be responsible for transportation issues surrounding BRAC, economic development and Metro. Good for them, great for Andy – not so wonderful to lose him here – but he will be working on issues of concern to the business community throughout this region, so we are pleased to know they have the right person for that job. Best wishes Andy, and much appreciation for your good work.
Kathleen Selman has been the Board of Trade’s Senior Manager for Accounting and has been with the organization for 14 years. With her detailed knowledge of the inner workings of the Board of Trade, Kathleen has been instrumental in aligning many of the office operations and procedures over the past several months. Her role is expanding and she has been promoted to Office Manager, responsible for the office environment and the effective use of available resources for technology, office space, accounting, human resources and more.
Featured Events
June 29 - 2007 Golf Tournament. Don’t forget to register now – before it sells out – for a full day of golf and networking! Choice of two courses in Ijamsville, MD offer opportunity for challenging play with colleagues. Limited number of foursomes left! Register
July 11 - Ritz-Carlton Leadership Course: Manager's Survival Guide. This morning course demonstrates how successful Ritz-Carlton supervisors and managers approach their jobs, increase their value to the organization, and communicate and work effectively with others. Ideal for team leaders and managers who have been in supervisory roles less than six months. At Ritz-Carlton Washington, DC. Register
Other News
10th Anniversary Greater Washington Business Philanthropy Summit is June 12. Join over 400 local business leaders at this program that will look at the future of local corporate philanthropy efforts addressing affordable housing, healthcare, the environment and education. Presented by Washington Business Journal and Greater DC Cares; 7 - 8 a.m.- Free Registration/Networking; 8 - 10 a.m.- Corporate Excellence Awards and Breakfast. At JW Marriott Hotel in DC. RSVP to www.bpsrsvp.com; Registration questions? Contact kteesdale@bizjournals.com.
DesignDC ’07 is July 18-20. Architects, designers, engineers and contractors are heading to DesignDC ’07 next month for the trends, tools and technology needed to ensure and maintain industry leadership. The three-day, peer-to-peer, interactive conference and exhibit provides access to cutting-edge info, and will address environmental issues that impact everyone. More info at http://www.aiadesigndc.org or call 202.667.1798.
