News and Events

October 2004

Major Research Study of Region's Info Tech Sector Underway. To provide an up-to-date analysis of a key industry that has weathered tremendous changes over the past five years, the Greater Washington Initiative has launched a major research study of the region’s information technology industry. “Information Technology and Communications in Greater Washington: An Analysis of Existing Sectors, Comparative Perspectives and Future Trends,” will include the results of personal interviews with CEOs and an online survey of IT professionals. The study, to be released in February of 2005, will be written by former Washington Post reporter Peter Behr. More info

Another Strategic Win for Greater Washington. Strategic Thought, a technology and services firm, will open its first U.S. office in Northern Virginia on Nov. 7. With clients such as Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin and NASA, the London-based company was introduced to GWI through an ongoing partnership with U.K. Trade & Investment. According to company executives, Greater Washington was selected due its economic growth, prospective customers, communication and travel hubs, and highly educated and experienced labor pool. This company location brings the total “wins” thus far this year to 13 firms. Details

Successful Conferences Abroad Draw Firms Interested in Area. More than 50 companies attended GWI conferences on selling to the U.S. government earlier this month in Zurich and Copenhagen. Participants heard Frank Pugliese, Former Commissioner, GSA and a Managing Director at Dupont, discuss how foreign businesses can market products to federal agencies. In addition, GWI Trustees from Shapiro Morin & Oshinsky LLP and Aronson & Company addressed legal and tax considerations. Local executives from each city shared their perspectives, and participants received targeted assistance during one-on-one meetings. Both workshops were developed in conjunction with Danish and Swiss business organizations. For more info or to sponsor a GWI event, contact  April DuBois at 202-857-5986.

Upcoming Business Development Programs Scheduled. In the coming months, GWI will travel around the globe and across the country to host conferences and marketing missions. The Initiative’s Biz Dev team will target site selection consultants in New York and host a “How to Win Government Contracts” seminar in Dallas. In addition, GWI, in partnership with other organizations, will participate in INPUT’s procurement event in the UK; the GSA Europe Expo in Germany; the NATI FlatOut Forum in Canada; and CoreNet Global in the U.S. Details

Dulles International is Now Fifth Busiest in the Nation. Thanks in part to the addition of new airline Independence Air, Dulles International Airport has become the fifth busiest airport in the U.S., behind airports in Chicago, Atlanta, Detroit and Los Angeles. Ranked 24th in September of last year, Washington Dulles had less delays than other major airports that carry fewer flights. More info

Anne Arundel County, MD - Figures just released for FY 2003 show that Anne Arundel County businesses received more than $1 billion in Department of Defense procurement contracts, representing a 31% increase over 2002. With NSA as the catalyst, the area around Fort Meade is now home to eight major defense contractors. Details

Arlington County, VA - What emerging technologies will shape the region in the next five years? Arlington Economic Development's just-released white paper, “Fostering Emerging Technology Sectors in Arlington, VA,” explores the possibilities. Results indicate that specific industries including bioinformatics, telecommunications and those related to homeland security, will help drive our area’s economy in the future. Additionally, “innovation triangles” ( which capture the synergy between government, industry and universities) will propel future growth. Read report

Calvert County, MD - The Department of Economic Development received top honors at the Northeastern Economic Developers Association’s (NEDA) 48th Annual Conference in Boston last month. The county was recognized for four recent projects, including winning “Best of Class” for Choose Calvert, a CD highlighting the benefits of locating a business in Calvert County. NEDA promotes economic and industrial development in the Northeast. For more info, contact the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development at 800-331-9771.

Charles County, MD - The Economic Development Commission and the Chamber of Commerce will hold the 7th Annual Economic Development Summit on Oct. 26 at the Waldorf Jaycee Community Center. Guest speakers include Economist Anirban Basu of the Sage Policy Group; Dr. Stephen Fuller from George Mason University; and futurist Bob Root, CEO of Orion Imagineering Inc., a future technology marketing company. To register, call 301-934-7632.

City of Rockville, MD - Earlier this month, the Suburban MD Business and Professional Women selected Sally Sternbach, Executive Director, Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI), as the 2004 recipient of the “Woman of Achievement” award. Sternbach was nominated by the Women Business Owners of Montgomery County for her outstanding career achievement, efforts in public policy, assistance in advancing women’s careers, guidance to youth, and community service. Sternbach has been with REDI, the City of Rockville’s economic development agency, since 2003. Details

District of Columbia - The Washington, DC Marketing Center will hold its third Annual Meeting and DC Development Showcase on Nov. 2 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. The luncheon will feature keynote speaker J. W. Marriott, Jr. of Marriott International, Inc. and will showcase the District’s hospitality and tourism industry. The event also marks the launch of the Marketing Center’s new website and the release of "The 2004-05 Guide to Development in the District of Columbia.” For registration info, call 202-661-8670 or visit www.dcmarketingcenter.com/downloads/aminvite.pdf. And a major downtown development, Regal Cinema’s, Gallery Place Stadium 14 multiplex theater, opened this week thanks to the Downtown DC BID. The complex, adjacent to the MCI Center, brings the retail portion of the $274 million Gallery Place mixed-use project near completion; a 700-car parking garage is open and condominium occupancy is expected later this year. Learn more

Fairfax County, VA - IBM, the world's largest information technology company, will invest $10 million to expand its presence in Fairfax County and create 1,250 job opportunities. Gov. Mark Warner announced the investment at the state’s Information Technology Symposium. IBM will lease additional space in a 200,000 square-foot building in the Fair Lakes section of the county. The new jobs are part of the firm’s public sector consulting unit and the expansion is part of IBM's plan to create 18,800 jobs worldwide this year. Details

Montgomery County, MD - With its strong position in 2003 and anticipated growth in 2004, Montgomery County earned mostly “B” grades on this year’s Economic Report Card. Transportation congestion remains the biggest threat to future development and the quality of life. However, the county earned its best grades for its highly skilled, economic base and residential development. Now in its seventh year, the report card is prepared by a subcommittee of the Montgomery County Economic Advisory Council. Read more

Prince William County, VA – The VA Biotechnology Association recently named Mediatech, Inc. the “Virginia Biotechnology Company of the Year” because of its impact on the industry. Recently, the firm announced the construction of a new $10 million corporate headquarters and biotech manufacturing facility in Prince William County. Mediatech, a leading manufacturer of life science products, will double its workforce to 200 employees and become the newest member of “Innovation at Prince William Technology Park.” About Mediatech

St. Mary’s County, MD - Last month, the county government approved the first applications for the “Impact Fee Waiver” program from the Patuxent Habitat for Humanity organization. This new legislation will consider fee waivers and deferrals from non-profit agencies building needed workforce housing. For more info about this program or St. Mary's need for additional housing stock, contact Karen Everett

Prepare for departure?
Washington Business Journal, Sept. 17-23, 2004

Dealing to Offer the Right Place
The Washington Post, Oct. 11, 2004

Counties Step Up to Lure Business
The Washington Post, Oct. 11, 2004