Across the Board

Board of Trade Freezes Funds for Virginia General Assembly. The Virginia General Assembly recessed from the special session on transportation last week with no transportation funding solution. Because Virginia's lack of infrastructure funding will adversely affect the health of Greater Washington's business community, the Board of Trade will not support any candidate running for Virginia General Assembly until a dedicated, broad-based source of new transportation funds is secured. Northern Virginia needs an annual $400 million for transportation construction and maintenance projects, and an annual $1 billion is needed statewide. Read the press release Questions?

Business Leaders Communicate Through Stories. Storytelling is the most powerful way to engage your audience and convey your message. That was the theme facilitators Susan Peterson, President of The Communication Center, and Jan Fox, Executive Communication Coach at The Communication Center, emphasized at the Board of Trade’s Telling Your Story Business Workshop. Throughout the interactive session, attendees learned how to use stories in a business setting and practiced various storytelling techniques. A panel shared case studies and best practices and included:

• Deborah Marriott Harrison, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Marriott International, Inc.;
• Theresa Klaassen, Founder and Chief Culture Officer, Sunrise Senior Living, Inc.
• Jeff Porro, Principal, Porro Associates, LLC.

Learn how to improve your own storytelling.

Matt Erskine Begins at GWI to Market Greater Washington Region. Matt Erskine, the new executive director of the Greater Washington Initiative (GWI), joined the team on July 7. His first mission: listen and learn. Matt is visiting GWI trustees, investors and other regional leaders to get insight, input and feedback, and to share his vision for GWI. He is focusing on some important initial themes: clarity of vision and mission; collaboration through outreach and strengthening of relationships; new energy in all efforts; and strategic thinking complemented by effective execution. You can contact Matt directly at MattErskine@bot.org or 202-857-5984.

Fire Chief Aims for “World Class” Rating. The District of Columbia Fire and EMS Department is working to improve the protection classification of the District of Columbia. An improved classification reduces taxes for DC businesses, lowers insurance costs and ensures a safer, more secure city, among other benefits. To rate the city’s fire risk, the Department has secured Insurance Services Office, Inc. (ISO). Starting this year, ISO representatives will be visiting commercial locations in the city to update information regarding construction features, square footage, occupancy type and other related items. If you have questions, please contact the Department's Public Affairs Office at 202-673-3331. Read Chief Rubin’s letter to the business community.

Executive Networks Program Application. Executive Networks, Greater Washington’s business boot camp, brings together business and civic leaders to discuss the region’s critical issues. Through Executive Networks, participants establish meaningful relationships and gain a broad knowledge of the challenges facing Greater Washington. The program meets six times over three months and includes briefings on Greater Washington’s economic outlook and industry sectors, as well as dinners with alumni and a regional bus tour. The program costs $1,500 for members and $1,750 for non-members. Applications are due August 8. Learn more and apply.

The Board of Trade Partners on Green Business Awards. The Greater Washington Board of Trade, in partnership with the Washington Business Journal, is pleased to announce the first annual Greater Washington Green Business Awards. The 2008 Green Business Awards recognize regional businesses that are leading the effort to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into their businesses and community work. Categories range from innovation to green giving and nominations are due August 18. Nominate a business that is leading this region in green.