PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Alan Fogg, afogg@fceda.org, 703-790-0600 (o) or 571-213-5065 (m)

Executives to discuss corporate location strategies at June 18 Fairfax County EDA event

“The New Urban Economic Model: The Transformation of Fairfax County” conference also showcases experts from New York, Washington, Seattle areas

Fairfax County, Virginia, USA, June 2, 2009 – Senior executives from Hilton Hotels Corporation, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., and CSC (formerly Computer Sciences Corporation) will headline a panel discussion entitled “Why Companies Elect to Locate in Urbanized Areas” at “The New Urban Economic Model: The Transformation of Fairfax County” conference set for June 18, 2009. The event, presented by the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) at the Hilton McLean Tysons Corner, promises an in-depth discussion exploring how forward-thinking business communities and companies are rising to the challenges and opportunities created by urbanization.

Three local executives will participate in the conference’s afternoon panel discussion on corporate locations:

• Terrance Bilbo, corporate vice president, CSC
• David Geanacopoulos, executive vice president for public affairs and general counsel, Volkswagen Group of America
• Kevin Jacobs, senior vice president, corporate strategy for Hilton

The discussion will highlight the critical motivating forces that are reshaping the corporate location decision-making process and the implications of urbanization on their companies’ relocation decisions.

The day’s morning panel, “Transitioning to an Urban Environment,” offers speakers representing economic development organizations from suburban communities facing increased urbanization:

• Deborah Knutson, president, Economic Development Council of Snohomish County, Wash.
• Richard Story, executive director, Howard County (Md.) Economic Development Authority
• David Robertson, executive director of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments

The panelists will explore the unique challenges facing communities that are in transition as their business and residential growth takes them from a suburban to an urban environment.

Additionally, Matthew Crosson, president of the Long Island Association, Inc., will offer a presentation examining how “America’s first suburb" is addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by urbanization.
Two distinguished experts in urban growth policy will deliver keynote addresses: William Hudnut, Joseph C. Canizaro Chair for Public Policy, Urban Land Institute, and former mayor of Indianapolis; and Brookings Institution Senior Fellow Anthony Downs.

“We’re delighted to host such a broad spectrum of leadership from both communities and corporations that understand the nuances of site selection planning,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the FCEDA. “This conference will stimulate a discussion sure to reveal insights into the present and future of how communities can successfully transform themselves from suburban to urban and continue to be high-quality business locations and great places to live.”

Sponsors of the Transforming Fairfax conference include NAIOP Northern Virginia, Visit Fairfax and the Washington Business Journal.

This event follows the FCEDA’s successful 2007 National Conference on the Creative Economy. It is tailored for corporate executives, corporate facilities managers, site location consultants, commercial real estate professionals, economic developers and urban planners, and anyone interested in the strategic development of Fairfax County as a business location. Visit www.transformingfairfax.org for event information and registration.

Time magazine called Fairfax County “one of the great economic success stories of our time.” Business growth helps Fairfax County fund public services such as a top-ranked public school system that improve the quality of life. Fairfax County offers a well-educated workforce, an array of real estate options, access to global markets through Washington Dulles International Airport, and a business community based on technology and professional services.

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority offers a wide variety of services to promote Fairfax County as a business and technology center. The FCEDA maintains marketing offices in San Francisco, Bangalore, Frankfurt, London, Seoul and Tel Aviv.

CONFERENCE SPONSORS: