The Northern Virginia (NOVA) Chapter

“The Formula for Economic Growth in Fairfax County or on Main Street America”

Keynote Speaker: Dr. Gerald L. Gordon, President and CEO of the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA).

Dr. Gordon is the author of  “The Formula for Economic Growth on Main Street America” (CRC Press), which examines how and why economic growth during the late 20th century was marked by the dramatic rise of some communities and the equally stunning decline of others.

Dr. Gordon’s research is culled from his 25 years of experience leading economic development efforts in Fairfax County, which Time magazine called “one of the great economic success stories of our time” and which the U.S. Department of Labor described as the “private sector job leader” in the Washington, D.C., area.   Also, Dr. Gordon will discuss strategies that allowed Fairfax County to enjoy job growth while reducing the property tax rate over 25 years. He will discuss:

• what steps must be taken to stabilize and enhance the growth of cities;
• how two communities within a single regional marketplace can differ dramatically when it comes to sustained growth; and
• programs that communities can use to sustain economic growth and provide jobs.

Dr. Gordon's presentation is timely as the Tysons Corner area is poised to be transformed by Metro and future mixed development into a walkable, self sustaining city.  "We are proud o say that Fairfax County is home to eleven (11) businesses recently named among the 500 largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the nation," said MAHCC President Jorge Ribas. "The MAHCC is determined to be a pro-active, well-informed participant in economic development issues and a force of good in Fairfax County, added Jackie Krick, Vice President of the MAHCC NOVA Region.

When: Tuesday, October 20, 2009.

Time: 11:30 AM – 01:15 PM.

Where:  Dolphin Room, Tysons Corner - Marriott, 8028 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA 20121, Phone: 703-724-3200.

Admission: Members, $25; Non-Members, $30.  RSVP required. The MAHCC is open to women, veterans, minority businesses and/or small business owners, and anyone interested in starting a business or entering the fast-growing and increasingly affluent Hispanic market.

About the Speaker: Dr. Gerald L. Gordon is the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Economic Development Authority in Fairfax County, Virginia, one of the largest office space markets in the United States. He has been with the FCEDA since late 1983. In that time, office space in the county grew from 32 million square feet to more than 110 million square feet and jobs in the county grew from 243,000 to more than 600,000. As a result, the real estate tax rate has decreased from $1.47 to 92 cents.

Dr. Gordon has also worked for Arlington County, Virginia and the United States Department of Labor. In his present role, Dr. Gordon was instrumental in creating the Emerging Business Forum and bringing the 1998 World Congress on Information Technology to Fairfax County. In 2005, the FCEDA was named by Site Selection Magazine as one of the Top Ten Economic Development organizations in North America. In 2007, Time magazine called Fairfax County “one of the great economic success stories of our time.”

Dr. Gordon has taught at the University of Maryland, George Mason University, Virginia Commonwealth University, and the Catholic University of America. He has consulted with numerous city and state governments throughout the United States and around the world. He holds several positions on Boards, and serves as Chairman of several organizations.

Dr. Gordon holds a Bachelor’s Degree from The Citadel, a Master’s Degree from George Washington University, and a Doctorate in International Economics from the Catholic University of America. He is a Fulbright Senior Scholar and is the author of nine books and numerous articles on strategic planning, economic development, leadership styles, and other management topics.

Luncheon Sponsor: This event is sponsored by Wireless Outlet, Inc., an authorized AT&T retailer, 9542 Old Keene Mill Road, Burke, VA 22015, Office: 703-564-9934.

Info: For more information contact Jackie Krick at 703-981-7145 (Jackie@ECUcomm.com) or Jorge Ribas at 301-404-1946 (President@MAHCC.org).

Interested in being an sponsor? Call Jorge Ribas at 301-404-1946 or Jackie Krick at 703-981-7145.

Membership Info: For information about membership in the Chamber, please contact Jackie Krick at 703-981-7145, Jorge Ribas at 301-404-1946 or visit us online.

To learn about other Chamber events, please visit our Calendar of Events.