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September 9, 2009 Sign up Forward Archive News updates for Greater Washington's business leaders   Top News  Federal jobs are expected to boost Greater Washington's recovery A hiring boom for federal jobs could prompt Greater Washington to recover faster than other cities, according to this article. Experts predict 120,000 jobs will be added in the region -- potentially reducing the unemployment rate, boosting home sales and re-invigorating the market for office space. The Washington Post (9/8) Region's jobless rate for July was second-lowest in country Data released last week by the Labor Department indicate that unemployment in the U.S. continued to increase in July, although Greater Washington had the second-lowest jobless rate among metro areas. The District's unemployment rate was 6.2%, compared with 9.7% nationwide. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (9/2) Maryland joins other states in cost-saving shutdowns Maryland was among several states that curtailed services on Friday to save funds. States that opted for shutdowns instead of furloughs for employees are operating on the notion that people can better cope with a closed office -- provided that warning is given in advance -- than with long lines and overworked clerks. The Wall Street Journal (tiered subscription model) (9/4) Regional effort seeks to coordinate flu planning Officials from throughout Greater Washington met last week to coordinate their plans to combat the H1N1 flu, using an emergency-preparedness system and recognizing the potential for the disease to cross jurisdictional boundaries. "You have people who may work in a school in the District but live in Maryland, and the other member of the family works in Virginia. So you've got to figure out ways of talking with one another," said Maryland Health Secretary John Colmers. The Washington Post (9/2)   Economic Stimulus and Financial Reform  Biden: Stimulus is "silver buckshot," not just a single bullet Vice President Joe Biden last week defended the $787 billion stimulus bill, seeking to dispel criticism that it is a fragmented group of programs. Biden said that rather than considering the stimulus a "single silver bullet," it should be considered "silver buckshot." NYTimes.com (9/3)   Deals and Development    D.C. steps up the "cool" factor In the ongoing clash of cultures between Washington, D.C., and New York City, the capital is gaining ground, according to this article. The Big Apple has suffered tremendous job losses while Greater Washington has low unemployment; D.C. has been ranked as the nation's No. 2 theater city; and fashion designers Jimmy Choo and Louis Vuitton have opened shops locally. The Washington Times (9/4) Virginia official: "We are out of transportation money" Officials at the opening of a section of Battlefield Parkway in Leesburg, Va., recently lamented the loss of transportation funds. Lack of funding means fewer road projects in the state's future, they said. "We are out of transportation money," said Virginia Transportation Secretary Pierce Homer. WTOP-FM (Washington, D.C.) (9/3) Metro may increase fares to cope with expected funding shortfall Carol Kissal, chief financial officer of the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, is expected to deliver a budget forecast for next year that predicts expenses will surge by more than $90 million and revenue will decline by about $40 million. Officials had previously stated that fares might be increased to cope with a funding shortfall. The Washington Post (9/8)   Going Green  Survey findings counter "myths" about green consumers A study of environmentally conscious consumers indicates that the stereotypical view of them is off kilter, according to this article. For example, Suzanne Shelton writes, green consumers consider the economy their top concern, controlling costs is their primary motivation for green activities and they are not easily categorized into demographic groups. GreenBiz.com (8/27) How to adopt corporate sustainability This article examines key points of a Harvard Business Review report that outlines how to adopt sustainable corporate practices. Among the suggestions: Work with other companies, including the competition, to create industry standards; examine your supply chain and adopt new business models; create sustainable products; and keep an eye out for what will be possible next. Environmental Leader (9/2)   Board of Trade Opportunities and Benefits  Assess the Implications for H1N1 on Your Business, Sept. 29 With the H1N1 virus outbreak expected to intensify this fall, there is significant potential for the virus to spread to the Greater Washington region, causing difficult business conditions. On Sept. 29, get valuable, practical guidance for how your business can prepare for disruption if the virus spreads. Join us to learn what you should do to assess the implications for your business; hear from key regional leaders for H1N1 preparedness; understand your legal liabilities and obligations; obtain the resources necessary to create and execute a custom plan for your business; and understand the interdependencies of your suppliers, vendors, customers and others. Register. 800 Business Leaders Gather at the American History Museum, Sept. 23 After being closed for renovations for two years, the National Museum of American History has reopened. The Greater Washington Board of Trade is celebrating its Fall Business Classic on Sept. 23 at this very special location. Spend the evening with hundreds of business executives, elected officials and civic leaders among the nation's treasures. See the Star-Spangled Banner, Julia Child's kitchen, the lunch counter from the Greensboro, N.C., sit-ins and much, much more! Join us and experience the grandeur of the National Museum of American History. Register. Executive Networks Application Deadline Extended The application deadline for Executive Networks, Greater Washington's business boot camp, has been extended to Sept. 18. Apply now for the only program that brings you and other business and civic leaders together to establish meaningful relationships and gain a broad knowledge of the challenges facing our region. The program meets six times over three months and includes briefings on the regional economy and its industry sectors, dinners with alumni and other networking opportunities. For more information, call (202) 857-5940. Download application. Partners in Preparedness & The CEO Summit, Sept. 15 The Homeland Security & Defense Business Council and the American Red Cross of the National Capital Area invite you to engage with industry and government leaders in a scenario to prepare regional companies for a major business disruption. Join former U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, TV news anchor Leon Harris, D.C. Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management Director Darrell Darnell and others. Register or contact Kristina Tanasichuk at (202) 470-6443 for more information. News  |  Events and Programs  |  Become a Member  |  About Us     Subscriber Tools       Print friendly format | Web version | Search past news | Archive | Privacy policy   Contact the Board of Trade info@bot.org   About the Board of Trade The Greater Washington Board of Trade is the leading regional business network. Founded in 1889, the Board of Trade enjoys a long history of helping its members' businesses grow by providing content-rich programs, connecting business leaders and marketing Greater Washington's economic opportunities. The Board of Trade also addresses business concerns, including transportation, emergency preparedness, green as a competitive advantage and workforce issues. 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