2005 Priorities and Accomplishments
Thanks to strong member support and participation, the Board of Trade has had a very productive 2005. Here are some highlights of priorities set and results achieved:
Promote Effective Government
- Hosted forums for Virginia candidates for statewide offices.
- Provided detailed legislative agenda for newly elected state leaders.
- Added members and funds for Virginia, DC and Maryland political action committees.
- Strengthened advocacy team by adding a Director of Government Relations for Virginia.
Develop Strategies to Lower Health Care Costs for Area Businesses
- Launched Wellness Works fitness campaign in which more than 100 companies, representing some 65,000 employees across the region, participated.
- Conducted first-ever, region-wide study of the area's health care workforce which documented significant shortages and the need for regional coordination.
Improve Regional Mobility
- Successfully advocated for "CapCom," a new regional traffic incident and road construction information system, which was approved and funded with $2 million.
- Progress made toward securing long-term, dedicated funding for Metro.
- Helped secure environmental approvals for the InterCounty Connector; ground-breaking expected in 2006.
- Obtained initial funding for Metro to Tysons/ Dulles Airport.
Lead Private Sector Emergency Preparedness Efforts
- With funding from federal grants, created a database of private sector assets (from construction cranes to catering trucks) for use by first-responders.
- Led a citizen awareness campaign on emergency preparedness.
Support Area's Higher Education Institutions
- Secured increased revenues for higher education institutions in DC and Maryland.
- Successfully moved toward more independence for universities in Virginia.
Expand the Regional Economy
- Greater Washington Initiative has brought 23 firms to the region and served 152 prospects.
- Worked to ensure award of sound design and construction contracts for baseball stadium to be built along SE waterfront.
Grow Members' Business through Enhanced Member Services and Benefits
- Launched new website featuring more user-friendly navigation.
- Launched new Advocacy Matters update.
- Developed all-new, tiered membership dues structure to provide transparency and specific benefits for members.
