Press Release For Immediate Release June 12, 2002 Washington Shows Remarkable Resiliency and Economic Strength During National Economic Slowdown DC Business Connections Quarterly Analysis highlights CEOs' sentiments of doing business in District (Washington, DC) According to interviewed CEOs of local businesses, the events of September 11, 2001 gave local businesses some pause, but hiring practices and predictions for next year's growth dropped only slightly. DC Business Connection's Quarterly Analysis shows that, based on many local CEO comments, sales and budget projections are either positive or holding steady-all underscoring an unwavering optimism among local business leaders. DC Business Connections is Mayor Anthony Williams' corporate outreach and business retention program operated by the Washington, DC Marketing Center. Outreach specialists visit with top management of DC businesses to gauge CEO attitudes and opinions about doing business in the District, as well as identify issues or questions that can be referred to any of the DC Business Connections partners for response. "Given the economic difficulties that other communities have experienced in the last year, Washington has shown remarkable economic strength," said Michael Stevens, president, Washington, DC Marketing Center. Predicted Sales/Budget Growth Next Year  Period  Firms Predicting   Negative Growth   0 Growth   Positive Growth Findings prior to September 11, 2001 1% 12% 87% Findings from September 12, 2001 2% 16% 82% Many comments of CEOs in the last six months continue to attribute the overall business climate to the improvement of city operations and customer service--a direct result, CEOs say, of the hard work and leadership of Mayor Williams. Many more executives commended the police and fire protection, and there was a higher rating for roads, telecommunications and public transportation, as well. "I feel the business atmosphere in the District is getting better in all respects. The government is reaching out, letting businesses know it wants to work with them and listen to what they have to say," a CEO of a large financial firm commented. To obtain a copy of the DC Business Connections' Quarterly Analysis and Findings, please contact Calandria Wells at (202) 638-6734. DC Business Connections is a program of the Washington, DC Marketing Center, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to enhance the economic vitality of the District of Columbia and its residents.