2006 Priorities and Accomplishments

Thanks to strong member support, 2006 was an exciting year of accomplishments. In addition to the appointment of Jim Dinegar as the organization’s new President and CEO in June, the following are priorities set and results achieved:

Promote Effective Government

  • Welcomed newly elected VA Governor Tim Kaine at one of his first appearances in the region at a joint program with the Northern Virginia Technology Council program.
  • Hosted forums for members to learn more about candidates, including those running for DC Mayor, Maryland Governor, and DC School Board President. And after extensive interviews with candidates, the Board of Trade’s Political Action Committees in DC and Maryland made endorsements in DC and Maryland races.
  • Established relationships with key elected leaders with whom we can work together to strengthen the region’s business environment.

Improve Regional Mobility

  • Celebrated the opening of the first of two spans of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge, a long-term priority project championed by the Board of Trade for 18+ years. 
  • After decades of advocacy, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Intercounty Connector, connecting Montgomery and Prince George’s Counties in Maryland.
  • Strongly advocated for legislation, sponsored by U.S. Rep. Tom Davis (R-VA), to secure $1.5 billion in federal funds for Metro and $1.5 billion in local matching funds from DC, Maryland and Virginia.
  • Established a coalition of 21 Northern Virginia business groups to push for $1 billion in transportation funding in Virginia, including dedicated funding for Metro.
  • Supported Rail to Dulles and management of the project by the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority.

Expand the Regional Economy

  • The Greater Washington Initiative brought 16 firms to the region and has 217 active prospects - companies interested in expanding their business here.
  • Promoted the region’s assets through marketing and regional research. More than 10,000 local, national and international executives have used GWI’s 2006 Regional Report and studies of industry sectors.

Enhance Regional Livability and Community

  • Hosted Potomac Conference on regional development, at which 135 executives analyzed the most effective ways to accommodate anticipated growth in the region’s population. A planning effort, resulting from the Conference, is under review by an organizing committee that includes Board of Trade leaders.
  • Led regional emergency preparedness efforts by advocating Greater Washington’s needs with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. In ongoing dialogue, requested full funding for the region and the private sector’s inclusion in preparedness planning.
  • Organized a first-ever “Wellness Works” blood pressure screening program. Co-hosted by PhRMA, an estimated 1,000 employees were screened at 25 area office buildings. 

Grow Members’ Business

  • Connected small businesses with larger member firms through an expanded Small Business Network. More than 800 firms participated in 2006 SBN programs.
  • Provided educational programs for approximately 1,500 members, and hosted nearly 5,000 members at networking events – from the Mid-Winter Dinner to “@six” receptions.
  • Launched a new print newsletter for members and business partners.

 

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