Across the Board

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

November 30, 2005

Secretary Chertoff to Keynote 116th Annual Meeting. This year’s luncheon on Dec. 8 will feature an address by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. His remarks will reflect the challenges in national and regional preparedness and response to disasters, capping another year in which the Board of Trade continued to lead private sector emergency preparedness efforts in Greater Washington. The program is also a prime time to network with 1000+ colleagues, elected officials, and local media. Reserve your seats today!

Extraordinary Individual, Organization Stand Out in Extraordinary Year.. This year’s Golden Links Awards, a Board of Trade tradition honoring one individual and one organization for outstanding community service, will be presented at the Dec. 8 Annual Meeting. Barbara Harrison, NBC4, a strong advocate for area children through the Wednesday’s Child program, will receive the individual award. The organizational award will go to the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area, celebrating its 100th anniversary in a year of unprecedented natural disasters. Read More

Taxing Businesses to Fund Renovation of DC Schools? At the request of the Board of Trade and other business groups, DC Councilmember Kathy Patterson postponed a vote on a bill to raise taxes on DC businesses to fund public school improvements. Businesses have asked for more info on the school system’s real needs and capacities in order to craft workable financing, construction and management plans. Board of Trade staff and members have met several times with Patterson, school officials and other business groups to explore solutions. Questions?  Read related Washington Post column

Thinking Globally: Analysis of Region’s International Economy Underway. How big is the region’s international economy? How has it changed since 2001? How does Greater Washington compare to other metro areas around the globe? What challenges do the area’s international companies and organizations face?  The Greater Washington Initiative’s research staff is undertaking a study to uncover the answers, which will be released in a March 2006 report. Members involved in international business are encouraged to contact Steven Pedigo with insight.

Wellness Works Participants Burn 9 Million Calories. Congrats to the 104 companies and 2,100 employees who participated in the Board of Trade’s Wellness Works fitness campaign that concluded on Nov. 4. Through exercise, participants made a commitment to their health and burned enough calories to lose nearly 2,500 pounds!  Wellness Works Corporate Challenge winners were: Montgomery College (Extra-Large Division); National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution (Large Division); Hager Sharp (Medium Division); and Cenveo and Arlington Promotional Products (tie, Small Division). How did your firm rank?   More info

Subscribe to Advocacy Matters Newsletter.  With elections scheduled in DC and Maryland, the year ahead will be a pivotal one. Stay informed on advocacy issues and learn how you can get involved by subscribing to the Board of Trade’s new, periodic government relations newsletter, Advocacy Matters. View current issue  Subscribe

Upcoming Events

Register for these Upcoming Events at www.bot.org:

• Dec. 1 - @Six networking reception at AFI Theatre in Silver Spring, MD

• Dec. 8 - Annual Meeting Luncheon at Hilton Washington

• Dec. 9 - 2006 MD Legislative Preview, breakfast featuring 3 state political leaders at Sheraton College Park

• Dec. 14 - VA Political Affairs Group breakfast with VA Speaker of the House, Bill Howell 

• Dec 14 - Lunch with DC Council Chairman Linda Cropp at Board of Trade

• Jan. 11 - “Be a Part of the Art” evening seminar at Board of Trade

• Jan. 14 - Sweet Honey in the Rock evening concert in DC

• Jan. 26 - Lunch with DC Councilmember Adrian Fenty at Board of Trade

In the News