Across the Board
August 3 , 2005
Don’t Be Left Behind...Walk, Run, or Skip to Sign up for “Wellness Works.” A project of the Board’s Health Care Task Force, Wellness Works is a free, business-led fitness campaign that encourages employees to incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity into their day. The campaign, based on the President’s Fitness Challenge, begins Sept. 26 and runs for six weeks. More than 20 member firms have already signed up, including AOL, George Mason University and Leo A Daly. Why sign up? 1) Show you care about your employees. 2) It’s easy and fun. 3) You can challenge your competitors to win the “Most Active Employees” trophy! To learn more and register, visit www.botwellnessworks.org.
Good News from Capitol Hill: Rep. Davis Proposes Legislation to Keep Metro on Track; Board Urges Local Jurisdictions to Secure Matching Funds. Last week, the Board of Trade lauded Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA) for introducing legislation to secure $1.5 billion for our Metro system. Access to these federal funds, however, would require a new, sustained funding source from the region’s jurisdictions; the Board called for local governments to begin urgent consultations to secure these requisite matching funds. While grateful for Rep. Davis’ leadership, the Board expressed concerns about provisions in the bill to restrict use of Metro-owned properties at several stations. Read Press Release>> Questions?
And More Good News... Priority Projects Included in Federal Transportation Funding Bill. Last week, after years of negotiations, Congress passed the nation’s most significant transportation funding bill since 1998. Priority Board of Trade projects listed include: $8 million for the Inter County Connector in MD; $27.6 million to widen westbound I-66 inside the Beltway in VA; $75 million for the South Capitol Street Bridge in DC; and language authorizing rail to Tysons Corner/Dulles Airport. Presidential approval is anticipated. Members are encouraged to thank their Congressional representatives. Questions?
Know a Small Business that Wants to Grow? Refer them to “Small Business Academy.” The Board’s Small Business Network’s Academy program is ready to welcome local small firms to a
10-month series of classes, beginning in October, focused on critical growth strategies for business owners. The popular educational/networking program features Board of Trade members as instructors. Application deadline is Sept. 15. More about the Academy
Morning Mentors: Learn from Distinguished Authors at Two Upcoming Breakfast Events.
August 11 - Bob Nelson, 1001 Ways to Reward Employees
Wondering how to attract and retain top quality employees? The Washington Business Journal will host a two-hour breakfast program at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner featuring best-selling author Bob Nelson. Mr. Nelson will present principles from the latest edition of his book, 1001 Ways to Reward Employees. More info / register
September 14 - Laura Ries, Origin of Brands
Laura Ries, co-author of Origin of Brands, will speak about building brands at the next “Brand for Breakfast” program, presented by the Board of Trade’s Marketing and Communications Executive Network (MarComm) in partnership with the Public Relations Society of America. Watch for online registration info coming soon! Questions?
Mark Your Calendar for these Major Board of Trade Events. Before the busy fall arrives, jot down these dates and spread the word to colleagues. Invitations will arrive via snail mail.
Oct. 6 - Fall Business Classic
Traditional networking with 800+ members, elected officials and special guests. Outdoors on the Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building; 6:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Oct. 21 - Best Places to Work Luncheon
In partnership with Washingtonian magazine, the Board will celebrate Greater Washington’s best places to pick up a paycheck. The Ritz-Carlton, Washington, DC; 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dec. 8 - Annual Meeting
Annual luncheon celebrating the year’s accomplishments and looking ahead to Board of Trade’s 2006 priorities. Hilton Washington; 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Other News...
The Circulator Debuts: Another Way to Get Around Town. Check out the new Circulator bus service that provides a quick and easy way to travel from Georgetown to Union Station along K Street, and from the Convention Center to the Southwest Waterfront. The service operates seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; fares are $1.00. More info>>
