Potomac Conference
Potomac Conference 2008: Wrap-Up
One hundred of the region’s top private sector executives, elected officials and civic leaders gathered at the Board of Trade’s 2008 Potomac Conference: Greening our Region, Growing our Business to discuss opportunities to make Greater Washington a center for green. Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and District of Columbia Mayor Adrian Fenty shared their visions for a green region at the Potomac Conference kick-off at the Kennedy Center Rooftop on September 11.
On September 12, business, civic and government leaders gathered at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to continue the conversation on green. Conference participants discussed state and local government proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the production and use of energy. Participants provided guidance on the Board of Trade’s launch of CarbonCut, a program that uses voluntary carbon offset contributions to underwrite regional green initiatives and green collar jobs. Participants also explored the concept of a National Center for Sustainability in the region to educate the public, demonstrate cutting edge green technology, serve as a conference and research center and highlight the green assets of Greater Washington.
Conference participants addressed the implications of a four-day work week for federal employees. Participants also discussed the impacts on the region’s transportation infrastructure, heating and cooling costs and effect on non-federal employees' schedules.
For more information about this invitation only event, please contact Bob Grow.
Background
The Potomac Conference is a CEO-level leadership forum that brings together public, private and non-profit executives to focus their expertise and influence on improving the region’s economic health and quality of life.
The Greater Washington Board of Trade has long led efforts to develop innovative approaches to resolving regional issues. From transportation and federal funding for the District, to creating the Airports Authority and building the Beltway, the Board of Trade has been recognized as a leading and effective advocate for making the region a better place to live and work.
In May 1992, the Board of Trade convened 50 regional leaders at a two-day retreat to discuss Greater Washington’s future. The retreat’s goal was to articulate a vision for the region, and build a better sense of trust and understanding among the region’s leadership. And thus was born the Potomac Conference.
The Potomac Conference has evolved from a forum for creative dialogue to an advocate for cooperative regional improvement. Over the years, it has helped create a number of initiatives to improve the Greater Washington region.
