|
|
|
Experts say region may benefit from new administration |
A new administration likely will provide a short-term boost in jobs, the housing market and tourism in the Washington area, according to experts participating in a panel last week sponsored by the Greater Washington Board of Trade. Two regional issues that dominated the talk at George Washington University were transportation and energy. The Washington Times
(11/7)
Federal government expansion will require more offices
The bailout and new agencies could cause the federal government to need an additional 2 million to 4 million square feet of office space. The Treasury Department has several firms looking for more office space near its headquarters on Pennsylvania Avenue. The Washington Post
(11/10)
World leaders to meet Saturday in financial summit
President George W. Bush will host leaders from the Group of 20 in a financial summit Saturday in Washington in an effort to identify ways to prevent a global financial crisis such as the current one. The G-20 includes major industrial nations as well as emerging economies such as China, India and Brazil. Google/Agence France-Presse
(11/12)
Obama urges quick action on jobs stimulus
President-elect Barack Obama has called on the Bush administration and Congress to approve a stimulus plan for new public works projects and automakers. If they don't, he says, "it will be the first thing I get done as president of the United States." The Washington Post
(11/8)
Deals and Development
Commercial leases drop as vacancies rise
The number of Greater Washington commercial property leases dropped in the third quarter, and most leases were renewals rather than expansions, according to analysts, who predict the real estate market will continue to be slowed by economic worries. Because of completion of new buildings, vacancies increased in the third quarter. The Washington Post
(11/10)
Drop in auto fees, taxes reduces Maryland's highway fund
Maryland's transportation secretary has informed Frederick County officials that fewer highway funds will be available, largely because people are driving less and buying fewer, and less expensive, cars. The Transportation Trust Fund gets 55% of its revenue from gas taxes, titling taxes, registration and other automotive fees. WTOP-FM (Washington, D.C.)/The Associated Press
(11/7)
Democrats may deliver more funds to public transit
Metro Board Chairman Chris Zimmerman said he believes Democrats' control of the White House and expanded majority in Congress will bolster federal investment in public transportation. The new administration will show "especially more of an interest in public transportation," he said. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C.
(11/11)
Northern Virginia contractors brace for federal cuts
Northern Virginia defense contractors are getting ready for President-elect Barack Obama to deliver on his promise to cut federal contracting by 10%. Experts say those cuts likely will not happen in the near future. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C.
(11/7)
Inauguration Corner
Historic inauguration will promote tourism
Greater Washington officials expect January's historic inauguration will be a boon for tourism that will endure long after the ceremony. The inauguration is expected to attract 1.5 million people to the region, says Bill Hanbury, CEO of Destination D.C. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C.
(11/11)
Board of Trade Opportunities and Benefits
Special Event: Business Opportunities with the New Federal Rescue Agency, Nov. 20
When the real estate market collapsed in the early 1990s and the federal government took over S&Ls and property, the Resolution Trust Corp. was created to manage the situation. Billions of dollars of real property went through this organization. Savings and loans were absorbed, shuttered or merged. New rules, procedures and business opportunities emerged -- all from an agency headquartered at 17th and H streets NW. Today, a new agency is under development to address the foreclosed properties, strained banks and potential recipients of the federal rescue money. The Board of Trade has created a special program on Nov. 20 to offer high-level insights into what to expect from the creation of such a new agency, presented by the people who played an important role then. The program features William Seidman, former FDIC chairman, and David Cooke, former executive director of the RTC, and will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. at the Key Bridge Marriott. Register.
GWI a supporting partner of Mid-Atlantic Innovation Showcase, Nov. 14
This one-of-a-kind event features a ballroom full of research exhibits, presentations and panel discussions with more than 30 faculty inventors, CXOs, venture experts and academic leaders. Experts will share their strategies for successful commercialization of university/federal lab research in IT/defense, biotech, clean tech, materials and life sciences. Members of the Board of Trade and Investors in the Greater Washington Initiative SAVE $39 off the $99 general registration fee. Download the coupon and Register today!
Mark your calendar for the Board of Trade's annual meeting, Dec. 11
A yearly tradition since 1889, the Board of Trade's Annual Meeting gathers the business community to prepare for the year ahead. The luncheon, attracting more than 800 business, civic and government leaders, features a distinguished speaker and ample networking opportunities. The 119th annual Meeting will be held 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Marriott Wardman Park. Register.
Greater Washington responds to youth violence, Nov. 19
On Nov. 19, the region's business, civic and government leaders will join together to tackle one of the most important issues facing Greater Washington -- the safety and well-being of our youths. Leadership Greater Washington has assembled experts who can speak to the impact of youth violence and how the community can collaborate to positively influence the lives of youths in this region. You are invited to participate in this effort as we add voices calling for solutions, big or small, to an issue that reverberates through every facet of our community. Register.
|
|
|
