(Washington, DC) – On Sunday, June 23, Mayor Muriel Bowser will lead a trade mission in partnership with the DC Chamber of Commerce to Israel to attract technology firms, establish educational partnerships, and promote Washington, DC as a destination for investment and tourism. The five-day mission, with a delegation of more than 40 government and community stakeholders, will include meetings with tech and cybersecurity companies, health care leaders, as well as the local leaders of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa. The trade delegation will travel to Israel via United Airlines nonstop air service to Tel Aviv from Dulles International Airport. This weekend marks one month since the start of the nonstop service.
“We have been on several missions around the world to showcase why DC is the obvious choice for investment and tourism, and now we look forward to visiting Israel,” said Mayor Bowser. “Going on this mission to Israel gives our entire delegation the opportunity to explore innovative strategies for strengthening Washington, DC’s economy through tourism, technology, health care, and more.”
While in Israel, the Mayor will deliver remarks at Cyber Week, an international cybersecurity event held at Tel Aviv University and participate in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the DC Chamber and the Israel-America Chamber of Commerce.
“This MOU between our Chambers will establish the strong interest we have to develop a closer working relationship and join efforts to achieve common goals with a view to growing the business, investment and tourism relationships between Israel and Washington, DC “ said Vincent Bernard Orange Sr., DC Chamber President and CEO.
“We’re excited to welcome more Israeli travelers to visit Washington, DC and not only experience our landmark attractions but also go beyond the National Mall and visit our dynamic neighborhoods,” said Elliott L. Ferguson, II, president & CEO of Destination DC, the official destination marketing organization for the nation’s capital. “Ensuring that visitors feel welcomed in our city continues to be a top priority as overseas visitation is extremely important for us, especially from an economic perspective. Overseas visitors make up nine percent of DC’s total visitation, but international visitor spending represents 27 percent of total visitor spending in Washington, DC.”
In addition to Mayor Bowser, the District’s delegation includes:
- The Honorable Anita Bonds, At-Large Councilmember, DC Council
- The Honorable Brandon Todd, Ward 4 Councilmember, DC Council
- John Falcicchio, Chief of Staff, Executive Office of the Mayor
- Beverly Perry, Senior Advisor to the Mayor, Executive Office of the Mayor
- Lindsey Parker, Chief Technology Officer, Office of the Chief Technology Officer
- Karima Woods, Director of Business Development and Strategy, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
- Andres Hayes, International Business Manager, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
- Chanda Washington, Director of Communications, Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development
Additional members of the District’s delegation from the private and non-profit sectors include Presidents, CEOs, partners, directors, clergy or representatives from Alvin Gross Group, American Jewish Committee, Brookfield Properties, the CALPRO Group, Capital City Realty Inc., CareFirst, Children’s National Health Systems, Clarke & Associates LLC, Coloma River, CRP Inc., the DC Chamber of Commerce, DC UNITED, Deloitte Services LP, Destination DC, Edlavitch DC Jewish Community Center, GMP LLP, JMA Solutions, Jewish Community Relations Council of GW, Leftwich LLC, Marie Henderson Group, Roadside Development, Social Tables, Starz24, The Real MVP Foundation Inc., and the Washington Hebrew Congregation.