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Many stimulus-linked jobs are in Greater Washington
Greater Washington has benefited in particular from stimulus spending, which has created or saved 30,000 jobs, according to government reports. Virginia and Maryland are among the top recipients of government contract awards, and the District of Columbia is ahead of several big states. The District also has benefited from jobs created in the government, organizations and contractors headquartered here as they add staff to work on stimulus projects. The Washington Post (10/16)

Flu outbreak could further damage downsized businesses
John A. Challenger, CEO of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, warns that a nationwide outbreak of the swine flu could deal another blow to businesses that have downsized because of the recession. Challenger recommends enforcing strict hygiene rules, including a three-foot separation between workers, and encouraging telecommuting. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C. (10/15)

Economic Stimulus and Financial Reform

Senators set aside differences to broaden knowledge of finance
Sens. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., and Mark Warner, D-Va., have been holding behind-the-scenes tutoring sessions since March at the Capitol to help colleagues better understand the financial regulatory system. The partnership may help shape whatever reform eventually comes from Congress. The Washington Post (10/15)

Deals and Development

Rolls-Royce begins work on aircraft-engine campus in Virginia
Construction was to begin this week on a $100 million Rolls-Royce aircraft-engine components plant in Prince George County, Va. Rolls-Royce plans to use the campus as the hub for two research ventures: the Commonwealth Center of Advanced Manufacturing and the Commonwealth Center for Aerospace Propulsion Systems. WTOP-FM (Washington, D.C.)/The Associated Press (10/15)

Transportation officials ponder how to speed up commutes on I-66
Transportation officials are completing a review of Interstate 66 gridlock as they begin to lay plans for short- and long-term fixes. In the short term, officials are considering express bus service, direct-access ramps to parking lots and changes in the use of High Occupancy Vehicle lanes. A final report on recommended actions is due next month. WTOP-FM (Washington, D.C.) (10/15)

Month-over-month retail sales increased in September
September retail sales increased over August figures but were down compared with the same month the previous year. "Retail is not out of the woods yet, but consumers felt comfortable enough last month to spend on more than just necessities," says Rosalind Wells, chief economist at the National Retail Federation. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C. (10/14)

Workers burrow under Tysons Corner to build subway tunnel
The half-mile subway tunnel under Tysons Corner, Va., will cost $85 million, making it the most expensive and complex engineering venture in the 23-mile expansion of Metro to Dulles International Airport. At the end of last week, workers had carved out the first 18 feet of tunnel while thousands of cars passed and business continued as usual overhead. The Washington Post (10/18)

Going Green

Green awards recognize sustainable business practices
The Greater Washington Board of Trade joined the Washington Business Journal and Washington Gas in announcing the 2009 Green Business Awards. Hundreds of Greater Washington businesses were nominated for the award, which celebrates sustainable business practices. The Journal profiles the winners and finalists in this report. American City Business Journals/Washington, D.C. (10/15)

5 emerging technologies that may change the world
The Wall Street Journal offers an overview of five cutting-edge technologies that could be game-changers in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and reducing emissions in the next few decades. The list: space-based solar power, lithium-ion car batteries, energy-storage units, carbon capture and storage, and next-generation biofuels. The Wall Street Journal (10/19)

Board of Trade Opportunities and Benefits

Upcoming Events and Programs

• Great Places to Work Conference, Friday -- Join the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Washingtonian Magazine for the 2009 Great Places to Work Luncheon and Conference to learn today's recruiting and retaining strategies and to celebrate this year's "Great Places to Work" winners. Register.
  
• 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 keynote the event. 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.

Partner Events and Programs

• Longest Yard Congressional Football Game, Tuesday -- Come watch the annual Longest Yard Congressional Football Game as the Members of Congress take on the Capitol Police. Sponsored by the NFL and benefiting the Capitol Police Foundation and the Washington Literary Council, the showdown is free and open to the public and will be held on Tuesday at the D.C. Armory. 

Advocacy Update

• The Board of Trade continues to focus on preparing the business community for the H1N1 virus. If there is a significant outbreak in Greater Washington, the Board of Trade will host regular conference calls to help businesses deal with the disruption.
• 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.
  
• The region is a step closer to securing $3 billion in dedicated funds for Metro, which the Board of Trade has advocated for as a top transportation priority. The legislation now awaits passage by the full Senate.
  
• In partnership with the Washington Business Journal and sponsored by Washington Gas, the Board of Trade hosted the Greater Washington Green Business Summit on Oct. 13. The event convened regional businesses that are interested in environmental sustainability and celebrated those who are leading the way.

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