News and Events

January 2005

IT Study, Higher Ed Feature are Underway; Industry Input Welcome! Over the next few weeks, GWI welcomes input from IT and higher ed execs for two landmark GWI projects that are well underway. The release of a regional Information Technology and Communications Industry study, last analyzed comprehensively in 2000, is scheduled for March. And in late May, GWI’s annual Regional Report, detailing our vibrant economy, will include a new spotlight on Greater Washington’s colleges and universities. More info

Business Development Teams Traveling this Week to Promote Region. This week, GWI’s business development staff hits the road – both in the U.S. and the U.K. A team from the region will be traveling through the United Kingdom to assist companies interested in selling their product or service to U.S. government. These firms, which have attended one of GWI’s general conferences, will receive customized guidance with industry experts at three separate workshops. Also, GWI execs will travel to New York City to meet with site selection consultants. More info

Opportunity Knocks: International Firms Setting up Shop in Region. Of the 16 firms that GWI helped bring to the region in 2004, the majority were international. From first contact with company execs, it took an average of 1.2 years for these firms to make a decision to expand or relocate in the area. Learn more

GWI Business Development Staff Promoted. Tim Priest was recently promoted to Vice President of Business Development and April Dubois is GWI’s new Director, International Business Development. Over the past few years, Tim and April have been successfully assisting companies with securing office space, employees and contacts in the Washington area. In addition, they have produced numerous conferences that continue to generate increased business prospects. Read more

Forecast: Local Economy Expected to Grow, But More Slowly, in ‘05. The DC area economy will continue to grow in 2005, though at a slower pace than 2004, according to a recent forecast from the George Mason University’s Center for Regional Analysis. This year will prove to be the area’s best, with the expected addition of more than 80,000 new jobs. Thanks largely to federal-related spending, Greater Washington will still outpace the national economy. Read report

New Electronic Job Source for Virginia Workers. Looking for a job? Looking to hire? The Northern Virginia Workforce Investment Board has created the Northern Virginia Labor Market Information System at www.myskillsource.org to provide local employers with reduced cost advertising and job seekers with access to more open positions. Learn more

Washington Real Estate Market is On Top of the World…Again! For the third consecutive year, the Association of Foreign Investors in Real Estate (AFIRE) named Washington, DC the world’s number one urban real estate market. AFIRE’s annual survey of its members in 17 countries examines low vacancy rates, global investment and increased value in real estate, among other factors. London and Tokyo rounded out the top three cities. Read survey

Arlington County, VA - The annual Real Estate Review & Forecast, hosted by Arlington Economic Development, is scheduled March 4. Join area developers and business leaders for a comprehensive review of how Arlington business markets performed in 2004, and an insider's view of major projects in Crystal City, Courthouse, Shirlington and Columbia Pike. For info, call 703-228-0808.

Bowie, MD - In cooperation with Apple Computer engineers, Bowie State University students have built a $1 million supercomputer, called XSEED. It’s among the world’s most powerful supercomputers on the TOP500 list of high-performance computing systems. The university will generate revenue by selling and negotiating cycle time. Details

Calvert County, MD - The County’s Department of Economic Development has retained the services of Coldwell Banker Commercial Capitol Realty Services to coordinate the marketing, development and sales of the Patuxent Business Park. The Business Park is located approximately 50 miles south of DC in Lusby, MD. More info

City of Laurel, MD - The city’s Revitalization Overlay Program recently received an Honorable Mention in the Governor's Awards for Excellence from the State’s Housing & Community Development agency. The initiative has already produced $70 million in initial investment from the Archstone-Smith Company for an upscale complex in the City Center revitalization area. More info

District of Columbia - The Washington, DC Marketing Center will host a Business Initiatives Breakfast entitled “A View from the Top ” on Feb. 17. Featuring panelists DC Councilmember Sharon Ambrose and City Administrator Robert Bobb, the interactive seminar will focus on how the changes in the city’s leadership may affect economic development policy and projects. To learn more, visit the events calendar on www.dcmarketingcenter.com or contact Andrea Nicholaou.

Fairfax County, VA - Nineteen Fairfax County-based companies were among 31 Northern Virginia firms named to the Washington Business Journal’s 2004 list of the region’s fastest-growing companies. Virginia Secretary of Commerce and Trade Michael J. Schewel and local officials congratulated the companies at a Jan. 13 event. Details

St. Mary’s County, MD – Plans are already taking shape for Labor Day weekend in St. Mary's County. The County will host the 2005 Air Show at NAS Patuxent River featuring the U.S. Navy’s “Blue Angels” on Sept. 3-4. Community activities are being planned to encourage tourism and economic impact, and allow defense-related businesses to promote their capabilities. Details

Appointments (Gwen Varndell)
The Washington Post, Jan. 3, 2005

Job Growth Expected for 2005
The Connection Newspapers, Jan. 13, 2005

The Back Page
Washington Business Journal, Jan. 15-20, 2005

US Government contracts beckon for NI companies
Northern Ireland on the Internet, Jan. 20, 2005