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Regional Economic Development Committee and Tourism Alliance Select New Leadership at Joint Retreat

August 10, 2004; Washington, DC – At last week’s joint retreat for Greater Washington Initiative’s (GWI) Area Business Development Officials Committee (ABDOC) and the Greater Washington Tourism Alliance (GWTA), new chairs were named to lead each group. ABDOC, a committee comprised of more than 20 economic development leaders from across Greater Washington, will be led by Chair Paula Riley, executive director of the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, and Vice Chair Bill Badger, president and CEO of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation. GWTA, an alliance of regional tourism officials, named Matthew Neitzey, executive director of Prince George 's County Conference and Visitors Bureau, as its new chair.

The retreat, held August 5-6, was the second time that the two groups have met since GWTA’s establishment in 2002. The meeting included time for the region’s economic development and tourism leaders to discuss communications best practices following a crisis, hear the latest data from a local economist and learn about each other’s upcoming projects and challenges.

“I am looking forward to a busy, productive year ahead for our committee of economic development officials, who have agreed to work together on several projects with potential to benefit the entire region,” said Paula Riley. “In today’s global business environment, this collaborative committee serves an even more essential role.”

Riley manages and develops strategies to attract, expand and retain business operations in Alexandria, VA and serves on the Board of Directors’ for the Alexandria Small Business Development Center and the Northern Virginia Economic Development Coalition. Badger, who has more than 20 years experience in economic development, is responsible for the promotion of Anne Arundel County as a business location. He was formerly with the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

“I’m pleased to serve as volunteer chair of the Greater Washington Tourism Alliance this year, as we continue to find important new ways to work together on promotions that cross jurisdictional boundaries,” said Matt Neitzey. A certified tour professional and certified association executive, Neitzey is a past president of the Maryland Tourism Council. He is a previous recipient of the Maryland Travel Person of the Year Award.

Riley succeeds outgoing chair Michael Stevens, president of the Washington , DC Marketing Center; Neitzey succeeds Cheryl Kilday, president of Loudoun Convention and Visitors Association. The combined retreat was organized by GWI.

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The Greater Washington Initiative (GWI) is the regional economic development marketing organization that promotes the area encompassing the District of Columbia, Northern Virginia and Suburban Maryland as a top business location. GWI is an affiliate of the Greater Washington Board of Trade. For more info, visit www.greaterwashington.org

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