Across the Board
Our biweekly Across the Board e-newsletter keeps you informed of Board of Trade activities. Members and non-members can subscribe.
December 19, 2007
Metro Leans Toward Transit-Oriented Development. Last week the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) Board of Directors reviewed the Draft WMATA Joint Development Policies, which make joint development less cumbersome and offer new residential and commercial development opportunities near public transportation facilities throughout the region. This transit-oriented development not only improves the riding experience, attracts new riders and generates revenue; it also decreases traffic on overburdened roadways and reduces the impact on air quality to create walkable, vibrant communities. On behalf of the Board of Trade, Government Relations Director Bob Grow urged the WMATA Board of Directors to take maximum advantage of transit-oriented development benefits and adopt the joint development recommendations. Read Testimony
DC Schools Make Strides. On Dec. 18, the DC Council approved the Public Education Personnel Reform Amendment Act of 2007, which gives Chancellor of DC Public Schools Michelle Rhee the authority to hold central office employees accountable for their job performance. The bill, which was introduced by Council Chairman Vincent Gray at the request of Mayor Fenty, allows Rhee to remove nonunion central office employees who are underachieving, a critical step toward creating a central office that effectively serves the schools and its students. In addition, the reform will establish a centralized call center for schools, thoroughly train employees on good customer service, improve internal administration and communications and enforce fiscal responsibility. Board of Trade President & CEO Jim Dinegar testified in support of this reform, saying that it is vital to closing the existing proficiency ratings gap and building an efficient and successful school system. Read Testimony At a Dec. 19 Board of Trade luncheon, Rhee introduced business leaders to her 5 year, 5 point plan that focuses on the schools, the people they employ, the alignment of curricula with academic standards, the central office systems and the parental and community engagement. Questions?
Board of Trade Celebrates 118 Successful Years. Since 1889, the Board of Trade has gathered Greater Washington's business community together to celebrate the year's accomplishments and outline priorities for the coming year. At the Annual Meeting on Dec. 6, Chair Barbara Krumsiek recognized the Board of Trade’s successes this year. Incoming Chair William Couper emphasized the Board of Trade’s position as the regional business organization and outlined the 2008 priorities, including promoting environmental sustainability as a competitive advantage, advancing the region’s emergency preparedness and addressing workforce and transportation issues. NBC News White House Correspondent Kelly O'Donnell delivered keynote remarks about her perspective on the 2008 Presidential campaign and national politics. View Photos
Community Leaders Recognized for Service. At the Annual Meeting, the Board of Trade presented its 2007 Golden Links Awards to an organization and individual that have served as links in strengthening the Greater Washington community. The Capital Area Food Bank, the Washington Metropolitan Area’s largest public, nonprofit food and nutrition resource, received the 2007 Golden Links Award for serving nearly 400,000 of the area’s most disadvantaged residents this year. President of the Eugene and Agnes E. Meyer Foundation Julie Rogers, this year’s individual award winner, was honored for helping the Meyer Foundation promote outstanding nonprofit organizations that foster the well-being of all people in the region. The Board of Trade’s Golden Links Awards have recognized outstanding civic and business leaders since 1978. Read Press Release
Reserve Your Spot for the 2008 Print Membership Directory. Designed as a reference tool to complement the online directory, the 2008 printed Membership Directory will be available in April. To assure that your listing will be correct, complete and fax back your verification form, which should arrive this 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?
Upcoming Programs and Events
Save March 6 for the Mid-Winter Dinner. Don’t miss Greater Washington’s premier business event of the year! Mark your calendars for the Board of Trade’s Mid-Winter Dinner on March 6 at the Hilton Washington. This black-tie, members-only gala gives you the opportunity to mingle with region’s most influential business leaders and elected officials. More Info
