Business & Economic Summit

At the Greater Springfield Business & Economic Summit business and community leaders will gather together to discuss the state of business in, and how the community can unleash the future economic power of, southeast Fairfax County's business sector.

Mr. Rodney Lusk, director of national marketing for the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority, will provide opening remarks and update attendees on the economic landscape of the Greater Springfield area and Fairfax County in general. Presentation

Dr. Terry L. Clower, professor of public policy at George Mason University and director of GMU's Center for Regional Analysis, will be our lunch speaker. Presentation
 

• business owners and creative entrepreneurs
• commercial property owners and managers
• community leaders
• and anyone interested in the future of Greater Springfield

Panels The Greater Springfield area is a major business, employment and transportation center that includes many residential neighborhoods, as well as shopping, entertainment and recreational opportunities. Our panelists will give an overview of the current state of business and economic development in the area as well as share their vision for the future of our diverse region. Invited panelists include representatives from the Braddock, Lee and Springfield Magisterial District Supervisors' offices. Moderated by Charles McCaffrey - Community Business Partnership. In a regional marketplace impacted by excess commercial space and new lifestyle preferences for where we live, work and play - how can the Greater Springfield area position itself for economic growth and prosperity? This session will focus on how both traditional and creative 'place-making' commercial enterprises can offer fresh possibilities for the Greater Springfield area. Invited panelists: Laura Baker - FC Office of Community Revitalization, Eric Christensen - Springfield Town Center Presentation, Frank Dillow - Long & Foster and Ilana Preuss - Recast City. Moderated by Doug Loescher - FC Office of Community Revitalization.
  The Greater Springfield area is home to a wealth of transportation options. Whether by bus, train, car, bike or hike - getting to work, the grocery store or grandma's - everyone needs to be connected. Invited panelists include Kristen Johnson - Transurban, Adam Lind - FC DOT Bicycle Program and Delegate Vivian Watts. Moderated by WTOP reporter Max Smith, the industry experts on this panel will share what's happening with our infrastructure and answer audience questions.

Unique to this Summit
We'll have a Business Experience (BizEx) table to discuss issues or concerns of the Greater Springfield business community. Current and prospective business owners are invited to ask questions about opening a business and/or share their recent experience in doing so. Meaghan Kiefer, FC Business Experience Partner, will be available to discuss your idea or your experience. General or site specific questions related to planning and zoning, permitting, licenses, taxes, code administration, transportation, etc. are welcome. Depending on the specifics of a question follow up research and/or discussions may be necessary.