Across the Board
Our biweekly Across the Board newsletter keeps you informed of Board of Trade activities. Members and non-members can subscribe.
September 7, 2005
Hurricane Katrina.
The Board of Trade has heard from many businesses and nonprofits asking what they can do to help the victims of the hurricane on the Gulf Coast. It is a testimonial to the compassion and capabilities of the Greater Washington community.
We have been working closely with the Red Cross, which is leading the non-government relief efforts. Red Cross leaders continue to say that the best way to help is through financial contributions. Generally, donations of goods are not as useful at this time: receiving them often takes time away from responding to evacuees' specific needs.
The private sector emergency asset inventory prepared last year by the Board of Trade has proved invaluable to the local Red Cross in finding certain items needed for the recent evacuees to Washington. Board of Trade members with critical assets have responded immediately and generously when called. Because this tool is so valuable to first responders, we encourage you to participate in the emergency asset inventory. If your organization has responded in some other way, let us know.
As the region's private sector representative on the National Capital Region Emergency Planning Council, the Board of Trade has participated in this region's preparedness planning, which is much improved since September 11. We will urge regional leaders to take to heart the further lessons learned from Hurricane Katrina.
Join the Crowd.Sign Up for Wellness Works.
More than 75 organizations that employ more than 40,000 people have signed up for Wellness Works, a six-week fitness campaign sponsored by CareFirst. The campaign, which begins Sept. 26, encourages employees to incorporate 30 minutes of physical activity into their day, improving their energy and health while helping to lower health care costs. Learn more or sign up at www.botwellnessworks.org.
Got a Plan?
September is National Preparedness Month, and the Board of Trade is supporting a citizen education campaign to increase preparedness by reaching out to organizations and their employees. You can learn how to prepare for man-made or natural disasters at www.makeaplan.org, where you can also download a personal preparedness plan. Print copies for your family and encourage friends and colleagues to make plans, too.
Metro Funding - How You Can Help.
The National Capital Transportation Amendments Act of 2005, introduced by Congressman Tom Davis, provides $1.5 billion to Metro on the condition that local jurisdictions commit dedicated funding. Local government leaders have been assessing their funding options for Metro, and the Davis bill gives their focus new impetus. Show your support for this bill by contacting officials engaged in this issue. Background and contact info >>
Tracking the Impact of BRAC.
The final recommendations of the Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) commission could cause some areas in Greater Washington to lose jobs. However, the region as whole would not lose jobs, and many analysts believe our economy will remain among the nation's strongest. The relocation of jobs to areas underserved by transit networks will exacerbate growth challenges, and the Board of Trade will urge for federal funding to extend Metro to Fort Belvoir, which is expected to gain 20,000 employees. Questions? May 23 BRAC statement >>
Fall Preview.
Our fall calendar is filling up. Save these dates before your calendar fills up, too.
Sept. 14 - Origin of Brands: Evolutionary Ideas from Laura Ries
Get practical tips for creating and launching a brand. National Education Association; 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Sept. 15 - Application Deadline for the 2005-2006 Small Business Academy Claim your spot in this 10-month program for 20 small business owners.
Oct. 6 - Fall Business Classic
Traditional networking with 800+ members, elected officials, and special guests. Woodrow Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building; 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Nov. 10 - Embassy of Australia @Six
Get a taste of "Down Under" at an evening of networking presented in partnership with the Australian Trade Commission. Embassy of Australia; 6:00 p.m.to 8:00 p.m.
Other News.
The region's foremost experts on Transit Oriented Development (TOD), a priority of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, will discuss this timely topic at a seminar on Sept. 28 at 7:30 a.m. at the George Washington University's Virginia Campus. Presented by the Dulles Area Transportation Association and the Dulles Corridor Rail Association with in-kind sponsorship by the Board of Trade. Details and registration
In the News
Board of Trade Splits Ticket (second story on page)
The Washington Post, August 25, 2005
Time to pop the 'real estate balloon' analogy
Washington Business Journal, September 2-8, 2005
