News and Events

September 2005

Author Richard Florida Urges Region’s Leaders to Protect “Creative Class.” At a GWI Board of Trustees meeting held last week, Dr. Richard Florida, George Mason University professor and best-selling author, spoke about his book, The Flight of the Creative Class, and ways that business and government leaders can attract and retain a well-educated workforce. He revealed recent polling data confirming that Washington, DC residents have a very high level of pride in their city; the factors residents found most appealing about the city were: visual appeal, cultural diversity and accessibility to activities of every description. More information about Richard Florida

The Brits Have Arrived: U.K. Info Tech Firm Expands into DC Region. With assistance provided by GWI’s business development team, Tessella Support Services plc, a British information technology company, has expanded into the region with the opening of Tessella Inc. in Chevy Chase, MD. Tessella is the 20th firm brought to the area in 2005 by GWI. Details

Site Consultants Meet Corporate Leaders, Experience Region’s Hospitality. Consultants from Ernst & Young’s offices in New York and Phoenix toured Greater Washington Sept. 15-18 on a tour sponsored by GWI. The consultants, who assist companies with relocation and expansion decisions, toured Discovery Communications and Capital One headquarters, and enjoyed boating on the Chesapeake, a University of MD football game, fine cuisine in Alexandria and an evening tour of DC’s illuminated memorials. Details

New Leadership Announced for Area Economic Development Committee. Bill Badger, President and CEO of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation, was named chair of the Greater Washington Initiative’s Area Business Development Officials Committee (ABDOC) at its annual summer retreat. ABDOC is a group of local, senior economic development executives. Larry Rosenstrauch, Director of the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, was named Vice Chair. Details

A Warm Welcome to New GWI Communications and Research Managers. Last week, Julie Upham joined the Greater Washington Initiative and Board of Trade staff as Communications Manager. A native Virginian and graduate of The College of William and Mary, Upham’s experience includes national media outreach for Z Communications, and special events/ communications work for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Julie can be reached at 202.857.5989 or JulieUpham@bot.org.

Steven Pedigo joins the staff this week in a newly created position of Research Manager. Most recently, Steven served as an analyst for the Government Accountability Office. He holds a B.S. from the University of Texas, a M.A. from the University of Illinois, and a M.S. from Carnegie Mellon University. Steven can be reached at 202. 857.5983 or StevenPedigo@bot.org.

FY 2006 Forecast: Federal Government to spend $250 Billion on Tech Contracts.  The federal government is likely to sign a record-breaking $250 billion worth of information technology contracts in FY 2006, according to a new study by Reston based consulting firm, INPUT.  According to the study, twenty of the largest contracts should be worth at least $1 billion dollars each. Details

Tourism on the Rise: 2004 Numbers Confirm Record Year. The Washington, DC area hosted 17.7 million domestic visitors last year, an 8.3% increase over 2003, according to the Washington, DC Convention and Tourism Corporation.  International visitation showed an impressive 22% increase over 2003, compared to a 13% increase nationwide.  More information

Alexandria, VA – The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership Inc. has recently added two new services to its website: a fall 2005 “Projects of Interest” map and a Retail Availability Database.  Both services are designed to ensure that brokers, developers, site selectors, and prospective clients receive the most current and comprehensive data available when conducting business in Alexandria.  More info

Anne Arundel County, MD – County Executive Janet S. Owens will lead an economic trade mission to China Sept. 10-20. Throughout the trip, Ms. Owens and her delegation will be introduced to key government officials and potential Chinese business partners as they visit key development zones and learn about market opportunities in China. Details

Arlington County, VA – In 2004, private contractors based in Arlington captured more homeland security contract dollars than any other single jurisdiction in the U.S. according to a study by Arlington Economic Development in partnership with Virginia Tech; earning more than $818 million or 29.5% of all Department of Homeland Security contracts. Download the study

Baltimore Washington Airport, MD – Over the last five years, the Maryland Aviation Administration has distributed nearly $60 million in contract and business opportunities for minority-owned companies. Last month BWI Airport was selected by the Airport Minority Advisory Council to host its 2008 AMAC Conference and Exhibition which provides networking opportunities for business and aviation professionals. Details

Charles County, MD – On Oct. 25, join the Charles County Economic Development Department and the Charles County Chamber of Commerce for the 8th Annual Economic Development Summit, focused on local economic issues and initiatives. This year’s keynote speaker is the former mayor of Austin, TX, Kirk Watson.  Details and to register

City of Bowie, MD – Bowie Corporate Center, a “green” Class A, five-story office building, located across from Bowie Town Center, is expected to be completed in early 2006. The Silver rated “green” building will be constructed with special features to make it energy efficient and provide a comfortable and healthy workplace.  More Info

District of Columbia – The Washington, DC Marketing Center will hold its Annual Meeting and Development Showcase on Nov. 3.  The event celebrates the District's economic revitalization and development dynamic by highlighting one industry and its development projects; this year's spotlight is on the District’s robust office market.  More info

Fairfax County, VA – Nearly 2,750 jobs – many in information technology-related fields – were or will be added to the Fairfax County economy by 34 companies that used Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) services and resources during the 2^nd quarter of 2005. Combined with totals from the 1st quarter, the FCEDA this year has worked with 62 companies that will add more than 6,300 jobs to one of the nation’s fastest-growing economies. Details

Frederick County, MD –The Office of Economic Development recently hosted an International Business Seminar for 30 small to medium-sized local businesses interested in breaking into international markets.  Also, Frederick's agricultural business community will be featured during the upcoming Family Festival @ the Farm weekend, Oct. 15 - 16.  More info

Loudoun County, VA – Two Loudoun businesses have again been included in Hispanic Business magazine's “Fastest-Growing Companies” in the nation. Technica Corporation was included for the fourth year in a row, ranking 84th on the list. The Cube Corporation, which was purchased by Atlanta-based VT Griffin in March for $25.5 million, was also a repeat winner, ranking 88th this year.  Also in Loudoun, the Fall Color Farm Tour is scheduled for Oct. 15 and 16. More info

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority  – The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority is scheduled to complete construction of the new 325-foot airport traffic control tower at Washington Dulles International Airport by mid-October. The tower is part of the $3.4 billion Dulles Development (d2) program and will support the current and predicted growth in air traffic as well as the future fourth and fifth runways. More info on the d2 program.

Montgomery County, MD – More than 40 companies expanded or located in the County this summer, bringing with them more than 1,800 jobs and 780,000 square feet of leased space in the County.  The companies come from a broad spectrum of industry sectors.  More info

Prince George’s County, MD – The Maryland state legislature approved approximately $893 million in funding for county programs, a $95.7 million increase over last year.  The county take-home fell into three of County Executive, Jack Johnson’s, “Livable Communities” focus areas: education, healthcare and public safety.  Details

St. Mary’s County, MD – St. Mary’s County has been named one of the best small towns in the U.S. by the American City Business Journals. This news, announced in late June, cites the county’s combination of small-town life and fairly easy access to large metropolitan centers. More info
 

District Marketers Use Candor – Up to a Point; The Washington Post, Sept. 19, 2005

Time to pop the 'real estate balloon' analogy; Washington Business Journal, Sept. 2, 2005

Get out of a building – fast; Business & Finance (Ireland), Aug. 25, 2005

Arlington residents among the nation's most well read; Washington Business Journal, Aug. 12, 2005 (Prompted by GWI’s Regional Report)

British software firm moves to Va., hunts for $10M; Washington Business Journal, Aug. 12, 2005 (A British firm software firm that GWI helped bring to the region)

Home Price Fundamentals; The Washington Post, Aug. 11, 2005

Housing Bubble less likely in Washington, says Fed vice chair; Washington Business Journal, Aug. 5, 2005

Companies Continue to Open New Offices in the Washington Areaa; Hire Strategy, Aug. 2, 2005