Economic development happens when the right decision-makers are in the room, and honest conversations turn into measurable results.
I was in one of those rooms recently – an evening at the Watergate, hosted by Edie Fraser and John Yetman – with a cross-section of leaders shaping our region’s future.
Leaders like Jack McDougle and Ashley Balis Desing, driving regional alignment through the Greater Washington Board of Trade.
Cindy Shao and Marco V. Ávila, P.E., expanding access and opportunity through the Asian and Hispanic business communities. Jennifer Taylor and Suzanne White, attracting and growing companies in the region.
Shannan Herbert, increasing equity and opportunity in DC, Nichole Kelly, building revenue models, and Tien Wong, building and connecting entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Frederick Royall III and Joseph Carbone, CIMA®, brought the perspective of capital and investment.
Renée Byng Yancey, ensuring philanthropy is part of the equation.
And Tom Anderson, representing the voice and reality of business leadership.
Different sectors. Different perspectives. But a shared commitment to building something that lasts.
It reinforced that successful economic development isn’t driven by a single strategy or organization. It’s built on essential elements, working together.
1. Aligned leadership
When leaders across sectors are working in the same direction, momentum becomes possible.
2. Strong ecosystems (not silos)
Entrepreneurs, capital, workforce, institutions—intentionally connected.
3. Capital—with discipline
Access matters. So does how it’s deployed.
4. Inclusive growth
If opportunity isn’t expanding across communities, it isn’t sustainable.
5. Consistency
This work happens over time, reinforced by collaboration.
What struck me most is that every one of these elements was in the room.
Not as ideas, but as people doing the work.
That’s how regions move forward.
Not through one big initiative, but through sustained alignment, real relationships, and leaders willing to build. Together.
Special thanks to Jack Yetman and Daniel C. S. Naudé, the next generation, for making the evening so special. We know the future will be in great hands! A wonderful evening all around!!
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