Government cutbacks are having an outsized impact on the Washington, D.C., economy. The Brookings Institution noted that the region shed jobs at a faster rate than the nation, while private-sector job growth plateaued. However, Mayor Muriel Bowser’s “Grow DC” agenda aims to accelerate projects that invite business leaders, entrepreneurs and researchers to collaborate, while the FY2026 Budget Support Act expands grant programs for business retention and tech startups. Also, Talent Capital, launched in 2025, is using AI-driven platforms to match residents with opportunities.
Virginia Jobs Investment Program: Offers variable incentives for job creation in manufacturing, distribution centers, headquarters, inbound call centers and business IT and R&D.
Business/Professional/Occupational Licenses (BPOL) Tax Exemption (Fairfax County, Virginia): Offers exclusions and adjustments to BPOL taxes for software development companies and government computer hardware and software sellers.
Qualified High-Tech Companies (QHTC): Offers tax credits to high-tech companies for
training and wages paid to disadvantaged employees.
open.dc.gov/economic-intelligence
dccouncil.gov
wdcep.com
sustainable.dc.gov/economy
Three Fortune 500 company HQs in district.
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1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
