Four DC Groups Sponsor Nighttime Economy Summit

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Sun. January 22, 2012

WASHINGTON, DC – Recognizing the rapidly diversifying economy in the District of Columbia, several business organizations, city officials, business owners and others convened on Thursday, January 19th to discuss growing the evening economy, including restaurants, bars, theaters, and sports and entertainment venues.

Hosted by the DC BID Council, the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington, the Washington DC Economic Partnership, and the DC Nightlife Association, the Nighttime Economy Summit was held at The Hamilton, Downtown’s new 24-hour restaurant and entertainment venue. More than 75 participants discussed the evening economy’s growth, as well as how to continue and manage its growth.

DC Council Chairman Kwame Brown told those assembled that “nightlife doesn’t mean destroying a neighborhood. We can have a safe and viable nighttime economy.”

Jim Peters, president of the Responsible Hospitality Institute, outlined characteristics of a “sociable city” that provides various demographics opportunities to interact and socialize.  In addition, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Victor Hoskins, Deputy Mayor for Public Safety Paul Quander, Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington President Lynne Breaux, and Destination DC Vice President of Sales and Services Ronnie Burt participated in a lively panel discussion, which highlighted both opportunities and impediments.  They stressed the need for comprehensive planning, communications and marketing, and public private partnerships.

Richard H. Bradley, chairman of the DC BID Council and executive director of the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, moderated the panel. He noted that the participating parties plan to reconvene in the future to continue the nighttime economy conversation and develop an action agenda.

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About the DowntownDC BID
The DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID) is a private non-profit organization that provides capital improvements, resources and research to help diversify the economy and enhance the Downtown experience for all. This special district, where property owners have agreed to tax themselves to fund services, encompasses a 138-block area of approximately 825 properties from Massachusetts Avenue on the north to Constitution Avenue on the south, and from Louisiana Avenue on the east to 16th Street on the west. As a catalyst, facilitator and thought leader, the DowntownDC BID promotes public/private partnerships to create a remarkable urban environment. For more information, visit www.downtowndc.org.

About the DC BID Council
The DC BID Council is an association of the business improvement districts (BIDs) in Washington, DC. The BID Council works to strengthen the BIDs by sharing information, conducting research, identifying common issues of concern, comparing best practices, and communicating about the work and impact of the BIDs.  www.dcbidcouncil.org

About the Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington
The Restaurant Association Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) was formed to unite, represent and promote restaurants and the regional food service industry. Today, RAMW, a 501(c)6 trade association, has more than 700 members in the District, Northern Virginia and Maryland and serves as the voice of establishments ranging from casual eateries to internationally acclaimed fine dining restaurants. www.ramw.org

About the Washington, DC Economic Partnership
The Washington, DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) promotes business opportunities throughout the District of Columbia and contributes to business retention and attraction activities. The WDCEP is a one-stop-shop for DC economic development information, including development and business opportunities. www.wdcep.com

The DC Nightlife Association is a membership association of nighttime businesses in Washington, DC.