The Economic Club of Washington, D.C.

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Description

The Economic Club of Washington, D.C. is a non-profit, non-partisan member-based organization that offers a forum where global leaders can share insights about major issues of the day to the community of the Washington area’s leading executives.

History

Founded in 1986, The Economic Club of Washington, D.C.'s stated purpose was to form a group that would serve to recognize the unique and critical role that Washington plays in the world economy and of the area’s increasing economic diversity and importance as a center of business activity. Under the steady leadership of its first President, Robert Linowes, the Economic Club quickly established itself in its first six years as an eminent forum for the exchange of information about critical public policy issues. Harry C. McPherson, the Economic Club's second president from 1992-1999, continued on the course established by Mr. Linowes of measured growth and top-echelon speakers, which included First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, among other notable featured guests.

When former Senator George J. Mitchell succeeded Mr. McPherson as President of the Economic Club from 1999-2004, he appointed a planning group composed of several members who were charged with developing a new strategic plan. The strategic plan the group developed led to the adoption of new and improved communications methods and streamlined management processes. Following Senator Mitchell's term, Vernon Jordan, serving as President from 2004-2008,[4] further enhanced the caliber of speakers regularly appearing at Economic Club meetings. Under his leadership, the Club achieved a major milestone when President George W. Bush appeared as a speaker in October 2005, the first time a sitting President had addressed the Club.