WDCEP’s 2013 Annual Meeting & Development Showcase was a Big Hit!
The WDCEP has been promoting the idea that DC is a growing hub of economic development for over thirteen years now, but on November 15th at the Partnership’s Annual Meeting & Development Showcase (AMDS), the message was louder and clearer than ever: WE CHOOSE DC. Over 600 people joined WDCEP at the Washington Convention Center to share their story of why they choose DC and to celebrate DC’s healthy and growing economy.
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The half day program began with the popular Development Showcase where attendees were able to mingle, network and marvel at the exhibitors’ new and upcoming projects and ideas. The Development Showcase is an opportunity for business leaders and developers to promote their projects and visions for DC’s future. With over 50 exhibitors, this year’s Development Showcase provided a comprehensive overview of development activity within the District – completed, under construction, and in the pipeline. Also new this year – the WDCEP partnered with the National Building Museum to make this year’s Development Showcase extra special and entertaining. Six mini-golf holes from the National Building Museum’s highly popular Mini Golf exhibition were available for attendees to put-put their way through the showcase! Each mini-golf hole was sponsored and designed by a leading Washington-area architect, landscape architect, or contractor.
Following the Development Showcase, the WDCEP’s Annual Meeting began with a flourish with a fantastic opening video showcasing DC’s growing sectors, neighborhoods, and DC’s national rankings, painting a picture of DC’s bright economic future (Watch video). A great lineup of speakers followed, with welcome remarks by Councilmember Jack Evans, remarks by Mayor Vincent C. Gray, Councilmember Muriel Bowser, and keynote address by Editor in Chief & Chairman of Kiplinger Publishing, Knight Kiplinger. Mr. Kiplinger spoke of the trends in federal spending and employment, DC land-use issues, and public education and gave his very own reasons for why he chooses DC.
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton was an honorary guest at the Annual Meeting, receiving WDCEP’s Economic Development Leader award for her exceptional efforts and success in promoting economic development within the District of Columbia that has helped businesses, communities and residents alike. Also, the second annual Michael V. Hodge Revenue Bond Deal of the Year Award , an award that recognizes the DC Revenue Bond Program’s best deal of the year was given to Provident-Howard University.