Review of Annual Meeting and DC Development Showcase

On Thursday, November 3, 2005 the Washington, DC Marketing Center hosted more than 950 attendees at its Annual Meeting luncheon and DC Development Showcase.

The annual event served multiple purposes for the organization as it was the fifth anniversary celebration of the Marketing Center’s founding. The luncheon had the highest attendance in the history of the Annual Meeting and the Development Showcase featured 67 exhibitors, more than any previous years. The Marketing Center also unveiled a new name and logo as part of this five-year celebration.

Michael Stevens, president and CEO, announced to the capacity crowd that the Marketing Center would be known as the Washington, DC Economic Partnership. Stevens remarked, “Our new name better reflects what our organization does, which is to facilitate economic development in the District. We are the first point of contact for retailers, businesses and business prospects for doing business in DC. This new name accurately conveys our mission and that we are a public/private partnership in economic development.

Mayor Williams was on hand to offer complimentary remarks about the Partnerships five-year history and praised its record of accomplishments. Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Capitals, Vice Chairman of America Online Inc. and President of AOL Audience Business, was the luncheon’s keynote speaker. Mr. Leonsis spoke about the vast and exciting changes that have occurred downtown and throughout the District. Mitchell Schear, President of Charles E. Smith Commercial Realty presented an insightful perspective into the city’s robust office market.

The event was also a celebration of the Districts $40 billion development dynamic and showcased the office market through the Partnership’s Annual Development Awards.