News and Events

October 2005

New GWI Publication to Debut at Mid-Atlantic Bio Conference. At the 2005 Mid-Atlantic Bio Conference, scheduled Oct. 26-27 in DC, GWI will debut a new publication highlighting Greater Washington’s bioscience resources, new facilities and major companies. The Bio Conference, sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Venture Association, VA Biotechnology Association, Tech Council of MD, and MdBio, will include educational sessions for industry execs and an opportunity for 13 area firms to present their case to venture capitalists. Register for the Conference  Request GWI’s bio brochure

Speaking the Same Language: GWI Markets to British Technology Firms. To promote the region and federal technology business opportunities, GWI’s development staff hosted seminars this week in London and Manchester. Representatives for nearly 100 companies attended the seminars, which featured success stories from UK-based Strategic Thought Group and Tessella Support Services – both firms that have opened offices in the DC area. More info

Reaching the South American Market at Atlanta Conference. GWI staff will join the Vice President of El Salvador and the Governor of Georgia at the second annual Procurement Conference of the Americas in Atlanta, Oct. 31 – Nov. 2.  At the event, public and private sector execs from North and South America will attend GWI’s panel discussion on winning contracts with the federal government. More info

Featured Company: GWI Win Hits the Airwaves. UK-based 2SMS, which recently opened offices in Reston, VA, was featured last week during the “Companies to Watch” segment on WTOP, the area’s top-ranked radio station. The British company provides business text messaging services, allowing people to send and manage computer-to-cell phone text messages. Read Article

Posting: Tech Jobs on the rise in Greater Washington. Local online postings of high-paying technology jobs grew much more rapidly (from 929 positions to 1,595) in the third quarter of 2005 than in several other U.S. tech hubs, including New York, Boston and San Francisco.  Source: www.TheLadders.com

Hosting: Tourism, Convention Business is Strong. A strong indicator for the tourism industry, the hotel occupancy rate in Washington, DC continues to outpace other major U.S. markets.  Hotel occupancy for the city ended the week of Sept. 29 at 89%, compared to a national average of 70%.  Source: Smith Travel Research

Promoting: Region’s Advertising Execs are Optimistic. According to a survey conducted by Business Week, 74% of Washington area advertising execs anticipate budget increases in 2006 versus 49% in other major markets.  Healthcare, travel/hospitality, consumer technology and financial services are expected to be the primary industry growth areas.  The findings were released in late September during “Advertising Week DC.” 

Alexandria, VA – The Alexandria Economic Development Partnership Inc. (AEDP) will soon unveil a reformatted website. Equipped with a new drop-down menu and bold colors, the modern AEDP website will provide visitors with a streamlined-user experience. More information

Arlington, VA – The 2005 Tech-e Awards, recognizing Arlington’s top technology companies, executives and future leaders will be Nov. 3. Categories include: Technology Executive of the Year, Technology Company of the Year, Innovator of the Year, Corporate Citizen of the Year, and Technology Young Mind, which includes a $2,500 scholarship. Register

Fairfax County, VA – The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority organized an Oct. 19 Capitol Hill business networking reception for nine British companies that visited the United States to learn about opportunities to compete for federal defense, homeland security and intelligence contracts.  The event featured remarks by Her Majesty's Ambassador to the United States, Sir David Manning, and U.S. Rep. Tom Davis.  Details

Frederick County, MD – The County recently formed an international partnership with the British government's international business development agency, UK Trade & Investment. The agency will open a new regional office located in Frederick's business incubator, the Frederick Innovative Technology Center, Inc.  More information

Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority – The 15th Annual Business Opportunity Seminar will be held Nov. 9 from 1:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Crystal City. The free Seminar will provide information on upcoming contracting opportunities in construction as well as goods and services for the airports. More information/register

Washington, DC – The recently released Haciendo Negocios en Washington, DC, the Spanish version of Doing Business in Washington, DC, provides detailed information on business registration, financing, incentives, and insurance regulations. More info