Founded in 1889, the Greater Washington Board of Trade stands as a pillar of the region’s economic vitality. This organization has been instrumental in shaping the business landscape of Washington D.C., suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. It is a non-partisan group. It unites businesses, nonprofits, universities, and government agencies.
Before the Washington Board of Trade, the District of Columbia lacked a central hub for cultural support. An ad in The Washington Post sparked its creation. The Washington Board of Trade was legally established on December 2, 1889. Initially, it was known as the Board of Trade for the District of Columbia.
The Washington Board of Trade’s influence extends far beyond its initial scope. The Washington Board of Trade drafted the original street extension plan for the national capital. This plan is still in effect today. The Washington Board of Trade consolidated the railway system around Union Station. The Washington Board of Trade also pushed for full voting representation for D.C. in Congress which happened in 1917.
Did you know that the Washington Board of Trade initiated D.C. subway development in the 1930s? They also lobbied Congress to create beautiful parks. These parks line the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers, Rock Creek Park, Haines Point, and the Tidal Basin. Furthermore, the Washington Board of Trade was vital in the creation of the National Capital Planning Commission.
The Washington Board of Trade pushed for the construction of key infrastructure. This includes Dulles and Washington National Airports, The Kennedy Center, RFK Stadium, and the Washington Convention Center.
The Washington Board of Trade welcomed its first female members in 1959. 188 businesswomen joined the 7200-member organization. In 1979, the name changed to the Greater Washington Board of Trade. The current logo of three interlocking circles symbolizing unity was also adopted.
The Greater Washington Board of Trade challenged a D.C. law in 1992. The law required employers to provide health insurance for disabled employees. The Supreme Court ruled that states could not mandate this.
Today, the Greater Washington Board of Trade continues to focus on inclusive economic growth. They strive to improve the region’s business climate. The organization enhances economic competitiveness across Greater Washington. The archives of the Greater Washington Board of Trade are preserved. They are housed in the Special Collections Research Center of the Estelle and Melvin Gelman Library at George Washington University. As we conclude our visit here, remember the Washington Board of Trade’s enduring impact.