DC Business Connections Reports on Business Climate Findings

Written by on March 6, 2005

The Washington, DC Marketing Center’s DC Business Connections (DCBC) program is set to release its annual findings on the District’s business climate.

In 2004, the DCBC team visited more than 380 companies, which collectively represent over 28,000 total jobs. The team also provided 237 follow-up services to these companies.

The program’s three key functions include tenant retention in the office market, providing customized services to companies and helping Washington’s policymakers understand the pulse of DC’s businesses.

  • The overall data from 2004 company visits showed an optimistic business community in the District, with ample insights on the top challenges facing the city and the top concerns of the businesses. Below are three highlights of the 2004 key findings.
  • The overall business climate continued to receive high marks. Businesses were confident in the direction of the city and the efforts put forth by the DC government in improving the government operations and the city. However, government efficiency is still one of the top concerns for doing business in DC.
  • Two important areas of business and public services, Public Transportation and Public Water & Sewer, received significantly lower marks than past years. In comparison, Telecommunications and Energy & Utilities received higher marks.
  • Traffic related issues such as congestion and public transportation became the top concern for DC businesses in 2004. What used to be one of the best assets of DC, the Metro system, was considered a serious liability this past year by business leaders.

Washington, DC Marketing Center president and CEO Michael Stevens says, “This report offers the District’s decision makers an insight into what District-based
businesses think about doing business in this city. It also provides business leaders the opportunity to voice their concerns in a written, comprehensive report.”

Other findings include information on economic development, job growth and government contracting.

Posted Under: DC News