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October 29, 2009 Sign up Forward Archive News updates for Greater Washington's business leaders   Top News    GWBOT endorses McDonnell for governor The Greater Washington Board of Trade has endorsed Bob McDonnell, Virginia's Republican nominee, for governor. "We believe Bob McDonnell will focus the attention needed to improve this region's transportation crisis and enhance economic development efforts throughout the commonwealth, which in turn helps strengthen the entire Greater Washington region," said GWBOT Chairman John Kane. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C. (10/28) Obama declares flu virus a national emergency President Barack Obama last week declared the H1N1 influenza virus a national emergency, giving the federal government more authority to help states treat patients and move equipment where it is most needed. The declaration allows Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius "to temporarily waive or modify certain requirements" that will allow health care facilities to expedite treatment. CNN (10/26) Federal cybersecurity agency could create hundreds of jobs President Barack Obama has nominated Lt. Gen. Keith B. Alexander to head the U.S. Cyber Command, a new government agency charged with improving military cybersecurity. If confirmed, Alexander will run the agency from the National Security Agency's headquarters at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland's Anne Arundel County, where hundreds of jobs will potentially be created. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C. (10/20)   Economic Stimulus and Financial Reform  Economists herald 3rd-quarter growth as end of recession Third-quarter growth likely represents the fastest pace of the U.S. economy in the past two years. Economists say the federal stimulus helped end the recession. A report due today from the Commerce Department may indicate an increase in consumer spending. Bloomberg (10/25) President plans to order compensation cuts at bailed-out firms The White House says the president will order seven companies that received the most bailout aid to cut compensation to 25 top-paid employees each. The executives at Citigroup, Bank of America, American International Group, General Motors, Chrysler and the financing units of the auto firms also will be handed limits on perks. The New York Times (tiered subscription model) (10/21)   Deals and Development  Metro, Google are close to deal on D.C. train, bus app Metro and Google are close to resolving negotiations to give riders information on train and bus schedules through the "Google transit" application. The software would let riders plan their rail and bus trips through Google the same way they plan car trips. WTOP-FM (Washington, D.C.) (10/23) Deeds, McDonnell outline plans for watching budget In this Washington Business Journal report on Virginia's gubernatorial election, Democratic state Sen. Creigh Deeds and Republican Bob McDonnell offer their views on budget priorities and emphasize the need to watch spending more closely. Deeds intends to recruit experts in the private sector to conduct financial audits. McDonnell intends to direct the state's internal auditor to police fraudulent expenses. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C. (10/21)   Going Green  Pepco, NOVEC get $154 million for improvements Pepco and the Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative will get a combined $154 million in federal stimulus funding for smart-grid improvements and power-consumption reductions. Pepco will install 570,000 "smart meters," which will pinpoint trouble spots and outages. Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative will automate functions at its substation and distribution network. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C. (10/27) New site helps green cities learn from each other Green Cities California, an association of 10 cities and counties working toward sustainability, has launched a Web site to provide resources to other like-minded communities. "There are obstacles and issues you have to look at," says David Assmann, deputy director of San Francisco's Environment Department. "In virtually every area there are stumbling blocks, and the site enables everyone to learn from each other." GreenerBuildings (10/21)   Board of Trade Opportunities and Benefits  Upcoming Events and Programs Corporate Social Responsibility Business Workshop, Nov. 5 -- This interactive panel discussion addresses best practices in corporate social responsibility and explores its impact on workforce recruitment, retention and office culture. Register Breakfast with Managing Director of Innosight Ventures, Nov. 19 -- Scott Anthony, managing director of Innosight Ventures, will join Jim Dinegar, president and CEO of the Greater Washington Board of Trade, for a conversation interview on innovation and its importance during difficult economic times. Anthony just wrote his third book, "The Silver Lining: An Innovation Playbook for Uncertain Times." Register Board of Trade Annual Meeting: The Look Ahead, Nov. 24 -- A yearly tradition since 1889, the Board of Trade's Annual Meeting gathers more than 800 business, civic and government leaders to celebrate the year's accomplishments and prepare for the year ahead. Register Board of Trade Holiday Party, Dec. 14 -- Join Greater Washington's business community as we celebrate the holiday season and kick off the new year. Enjoy festive drinks and appetizers at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Bring a group of friends, staff or clients! See our group discounts. Register Advocacy Update This week, the Greater Washington Board of Trade announced its endorsement of Bob McDonnell for governor of the Commonwealth of Virginia. After extensive interviews with the gubernatorial candidates, the Board of Trade leadership threw its endorsement behind McDonnell because of his demonstrated understanding of the major concerns facing businesses in this difficult economy and his willingness to include the business community in fashioning solutions to the most pressing issues facing the region. During the interviews, the Board of Trade leadership called on the next governor to appoint a commission to undertake a comprehensive examination of the fiscal situation in the commonwealth with an eye toward efficiencies, revenues, expenses and priorities. On Oct. 19, the Board of Trade held a meeting to advance a CarbonCut initiative in Greater Washington. CarbonCut would provide voluntary carbon offsets within the Greater Washington region. Partner Events and Programs Business Steps Up: Hiring our Heroes, Nov. 12 --  Join the National Chamber Foundation for the second annual Business Steps Up event, which will focus on connecting service members with careers worthy of their training and experience. The Honorable Eric K. Shinseki, secretary of veterans affairs, will be the keynote speaker. Register. EagleBank Bowl Welcomes Greater Washington Board of Trade, Dec. 29 -- Kick off your New Year's festivities with the second annual EagleBank Bowl, a nationally televised, NCAA-sanctioned college bowl game benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project and other local charities. Reserve your exclusive mezzanine ticket, which includes catering during the game, by e-mailing Seth or calling 202-785-BOWL. 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. Learn more at www.boardoftrade.org.     Recent Board of Trade SmartBrief Issues: Wednesday, October 21, 2009 Wednesday, October 14, 2009 Wednesday, October 07, 2009 Wednesday, September 30, 2009 Wednesday, September 23, 2009     Lead Editor:  Devlyn Ray       Mailing Address: SmartBrief, Inc.®, 1100 H ST NW, Suite 1000, Washington, DC 20005     © 1999-2011 SmartBrief, Inc.® Legal Information