Across the Board

2007 Officers Announced and Priorities Previewed at Dec. 7 Annual Meeting.

More than 700 members, elected officials and reporters celebrated the year’s accomplishments at the Board of Trade’s 117th Annual Meeting on Dec. 7. In addition to keynote remarks by White House Press Secretary Tony Snow, a slate of officers for 2007 was announced, along with a preview of 2007 priorities presented by Chair-Elect Barbara Krumsiek. Thanks to all who attended, and special thanks to our generous President’s Circle members and luncheon sponsors. View photos

We Asked. You Told Us. We Heard.

Five hundred members representing nearly 400 organizations responded to the member services survey last month, providing valuable insight and guidance for programs and new initiatives in 2007. Nearly all respondents (92%) would recommend the Board of Trade to a business associate, and 73% would be interested in a regional online job bank, which the Board of Trade will offer in early 2007. More survey findings

New 2007 Membership Directory Back in Print!

Designed as a reference tool to complement the online and digital directories, the new 2007 Membership Directory will be available in early April. All members will receive three free listings. To assure that your listings will be correct, complete the verification form to arrive early next week by mail. Also, consider raising your firm’s visibility through advertising in this publication! To produce the directory, the Board of Trade has partnered with Showcase Publishing, who would appreciate knowing your interest in advertising.  Expect a call from a Showcase Publishing sales rep in January. Questions?

Update: Metro Dedicated Funding.

As the 109th Congress adjourned on Dec. 9, no action was taken in the U.S. Senate on the Metro dedicated funding bill introduced by Rep. Tom Davis, despite successful passage in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Board of Trade lobbied heavily on this legislation and will be coordinating meetings and strategy for a continuing push on this important legislation in the 110th Congress and similar bills in the upcoming 2007 legislative sessions in Maryland and Virginia.  Questions?

VA Legislative Outlook: Several Transportation Funding Proposals Coming in 2007.

During next year’s legislative session in Richmond, at least five proposals to address Virginia’s transportation needs will be presented to state legislators for consideration. VA Sen. John Chichester, chair of the Senate Finance Committee, who briefed Board of Trade members recently, urged businesses to support candidates in the state’s fall 2007 elections who are in favor of new, sustained transportation funding. Member support will be needed as we advocate for solutions in Richmond. Questions?

MD Advocacy: Board of Trade to Support O’Malley Transition.

MD Governor-elect Martin O’Malley recently appointed Board of Trade President and CEO Jim Dinegar to co-chair a transition workgroup on transportation. The workgroup has begun reviewing the state’s Department of Transportation, advising the incoming O’Malley/Brown Administration on transition documents, proposed budgets and policy initiatives. The department is critical to advancing several Board of Trade priorities, including the InterCounty Connector, the Woodrow Wilson Bridge and the Purple Line, as well as funding transit in suburban Maryland. Questions?