DC News Now - PGC Maryland business owner Waterhole to help people live healthier lives

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — Lisa Harris is the owner of The Waterhole, a juice bar in Mount Rainier, Md. She was inspired to start her business in memory of her late father, TJ.

Harris likes to promote healthier eating habits to produce better health outcomes.

“My father died from cancer, and he was not that healthy,” said Harris. “I want to help people fast track their nutrients, and they may not want to eat their green, but maybe they will drink their greens.”

READ FULL STORY BY MARK HALL HERE

Washington Informer Washington Business Journal - to Honor CEO of one of the largest credit unions in Greenbelt, Maryland

Kenneth Kelly, CEO of Strativia based in Largo, Maryland and Girardo Smith, CEO of the Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (EFSFCU), are two of the 25 honorees for the Washington Business Journal’s (WBJ) 2025 Diversity in Business Awards.  

These awards, hosted on April 24, recognize leaders of color who champion business excellence and foster workforce diversity. 

“This annual signature award program, now in its 18th year, is a celebration of Greater Washington’s diverse population and its importance to the local economy,” said Caitlin Lyons, Washington Business Journal special projects editor.

Lyons explained how the 2025 awardees, such as Kelly, were selected.

“Honorees are chosen through an independent editorial review, with selections based entirely on their merits, achievements and contributions to their organizations and local community,” Lyons said. “Commercial interests with the Business Journal are not considered. We selected this year’s class from a highly competitive nomination pool. They hail from the utility, banking, tech, nonprofit, hospitality, government contracting, professional services and health care sectors.” 

READ FULL STORY BY JAMES WRIGHT JR HERE

The Secret DC- Maryland Is 2025’s 6th ‘Most Innovative State,’ per Report.

WalletHub recently released a study that took a close look across 25 unique key indicators that measured the level of innovation in every state across the United States!

Check Out the list HERE

Washington Business Journal - Sports complex anchors $1.3B South Lake mixed-use development near D.C.

In an innovative departure from traditional mixed-use developments, a massive new project in Bowie, Maryland, is demonstrating how sports tourism can drive retail and residential growth. South Lake, spanning 381 acres at the intersection of U.S. 301 and Maryland Route 214, represents one of the largest and most ambitious developments in the D.C./Baltimore/Annapolis corridor.

READ FUL STORY By NAI Michael HERE

Expansion Starts Here for A.I. APPLICATIONS OPEN MARCH 28TH

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, in collaboration with the renowned Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland (UMD), is proud to announce the relaunch of a transformational program designed to help small businesses harness the transformative power of artificial intelligence.

What’s Included:

• 5-week online certificate course

• In-person AI Bootcamp at UMD

• Led by expert faculty from the Smith School

Who Should Apply:

Small business owners in Prince George’s County

LEARN MORE

Key Dates:

Application Period: March 28 – April 4, 2025

Notification of Acceptance: April 9, 2025

Online Course: April 9 – May 13, 2025

Optional Recap Sessions: April 16, 23, 30, May 7

In-Person AI Bootcamp: May 14, 2025 at UMD

Potential Second Cohort Launch: May 15, 2025

REGISTER TODAY

Government Contracting Academy Series APPLICATIONS OPEN MARCH 26TH!

APPLICATION OPENS: MARCH 26,2025

APPLICATION CLOSES: April 9, 2025

PGCEDC, in partnership with the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, presents the Government Contracting Academy Series, a structured seven-week training program designed to help small businesses and entrepreneurs understand and navigate government contracting. The sessions will provide foundational knowledge, marketing strategies, proposal development techniques, and compliance guidance.

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

Start Date: April 15, 2024

Duration: 7 Weeks

Schedule: Every Tuesday from 9 AM to 12 PM

Location and Format: Virtual for the first six weeks; Graduation in person

Class size: 25-30 individuals

Note: Registration does not guarantee successful enrollment.

REGISTER TODAY

CEO Breakfast Series Applications Open March 26th!

APPLICATION OPENS: MARCH 26,2025

APPLICATION CLOSES: APRIL 9,2025

Government Contracting Academy Series

PGCEDC, in partnership with the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce, presents this exclusive event that brings together local business leaders, innovators, and changemakers for a morning of networking and meaningful discussion. You'll hear from top executives and industry experts on topics that matter to today’s CEOs and decision-makers.

Program Overview

Dates: Third Thursdays in April, May, and June 2025

Time: 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM

Location: Woodmore Country Club in Mitchellville, MD

Class Size: 15-20 CEOs

Note: This program will cost approximately $25 upon enrollment.

REGISTER TODAY

Expansion Starts Here | The Podcast A Deep Dive into Procurement 360 with Kimberlee Andrews

PGCEDC Presents Procurement 360 FRIDAY MARCH 28TH!

8:30 am - 4:00 pm

The Hotel at The University of Maryland

7777 Baltimore Avenue, College Park, MD 20740

You don’t need to be a government contracting expert to win a contract, but you must be at Procurement 360!

Join us for a one-of-a-kind event where we break down the process, connect you with real decision-makers, and give you access to live, in-house procurement opportunities—all in one place.

No experience? No problem. We’ll guide you every step of the way.

Why You Should Attend:

Meet the people who award contracts—they’re looking for vendors like YOU

Learn the process, take action, and maybe even walk away with a deal

More than networking—it’s your chance to get noticed, get connected, and get contracts

REGISTER HERE

‘They’re heroes’: Prince George’s donates excess gear to firefighters in Liberia

While people in the D.C. area are used to seeing firefighters show up to burning buildings wearing top-of-the-line gear that’s National Fire Protection Association compliant, other parts of the world aren’t so lucky.

A donation from the Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Department will give firefighters in Liberia a little more protection, and a little more confidence, the next time a fire breaks out.

READ MORE HERE

Exclusive: Blink Charging CEO lays out plan to get Bowie company to profitability

Mike Battaglia is working to reposition embattled Blink Charging Co., a Bowie company that makes charging devices for electric vehicles, as its industry faces a changing market.

The new president and CEO has set a course to get Blink (NASDAQ: BLNK), the third-largest EV charger maker in the country, to profitability. His plan includes building more Blink-operated charger stations, putting more focus on Europe and spinning off a subsidiary.

READ MORE HERE

Hotel at the University of Maryland Named 7th-Best Hotel in State

The Hotel at the University of Maryland has been ranked as the seventh-best hotel in Maryland this year by U.S. News & World Report. 

With 2025 the fourth consecutive year that this hotel has ranked in Maryland’s top 10, the 297-room hotel was also lauded as the best in College Park, and No. 25 for tourists visiting the D.C. area.

“Whether you’re visiting The Hotel at the University of Maryland for business or leisure, we strive to provide an elevated experience in a modern, innovative setting,” said Southern Management Companies Vice President of Hospitality and Sales Jeff Brainard.

READ MORE HERE

WUSA9 Covers EmpowerHER Global Business Summit 2025

PGCEDC Congratulates SouperGirl Recent Awardee of the Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant

PGCEDC Congratulates SouperGirl Recent Awardee of the Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) proudly congratulates SouperGirl on receiving the prestigious Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant! This achievement underscores SouperGirl’s commitment to innovation, sustainable food production, and cutting-edge manufacturing technology.

The Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant, administered by the Maryland Department of Commerce, supports small and mid-sized manufacturers in adopting advanced Industry 4.0 technologies, such as automation, AI, cloud computing, and data analytics. These advancements will help SouperGirl enhance its efficiency and scalability, ensuring the company remains a leader in fresh, plant-based, locally sourced food production.

PGCEDC’s Role in SouperGirl’s Move to Prince George’s County

SouperGirl’s journey of growth and expansion has been supported by PGCEDC’s strategic site selection services. Recognizing the company’s need for a larger, state-of-the-art production facility to accommodate increasing demand—especially after securing partnerships with Costco, Whole Foods, Kroger, Fresh Market, and Fresh Direct. PGCEDC provided guidance in identifying the perfect location in Lanham, MD.

Additionally, PGCEDC connected SouperGirl with essential Economic Development Incentive (EDI) resources and business incentives to ensure a smooth transition and sustainable growth in Prince George’s County. This move has allowed the company to scale operations while continuing to prioritize sustainability, innovation, and community-driven business practices.

A Testament to Prince George’s County’s Thriving Food Manufacturing Sector

SouperGirl’s success is a reflection of Prince George’s County’s thriving agro and food products industry, which continues to attract mission-driven, innovative businesses. With access to state-of-the-art manufacturing incentives, strategic business resources, and a supportive economic development network, the county is solidifying its reputation as a premier hub for food production and manufacturing excellence.

Once again, congratulations to SouperGirl on receiving the Maryland Manufacturing 4.0 Grant! PGCEDC is proud to have played a role in the company’s expansion and looks forward to supporting more businesses in achieving similar success in Prince George’s County.

For more information on how PGCEDC can assist businesses in site selection, incentive programs, and manufacturing grants, visit www.pgcedc.com.

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Welcomes WareSpace’s Latest Expansion in Brentwood, MD

Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Welcomes WareSpace’s Latest Expansion in Brentwood, MD

By PGCEDC Staff

Prince George’s County continues to attract innovative businesses and strategic investments, reinforcing its role as a premier destination for industrial and commercial expansion. Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) proudly celebrates WareSpace’s latest warehouse acquisition in Brentwood, MD, a move that strengthens the county’s logistics and small business ecosystem.

Located at 3342 Bladensburg Road, this 80,569-square-foot multi-story facility offers much-needed warehouse space for small businesses seeking flexible, scalable solutions in an infill location close to Washington, D.C. Just blocks from the DC-Maryland border, the site provides convenient access to I-295, Route 50, and a host of nearby commercial amenities, including the Shops at Dakota Crossing.

The expansion of WareSpace into Prince George’s County is a testament to PGCEDC’s commitment to supporting businesses at all levels. Jose Burnes, PGCEDC’s Business Development Manager for Manufacturing and Warehousing, played an instrumental role in assisting WareSpace’s acquisition process and showcasing the county’s business-friendly resources and strategic location advantages.

“We are thrilled to see WareSpace expand its presence in Prince George’s County,” said Jose Burnes. “Our county continues to be a magnet for businesses looking for cost-effective, high-quality warehouse space near the nation’s capital. The PGCEDC remains committed to helping businesses access incentives, identify prime locations, and successfully scale their operations.”

WareSpace expressed gratitude for PGCEDC’s assistance, highlighting the organization’s ongoing support in fostering economic growth and enabling small businesses to thrive.

This acquisition aligns with Prince George’s County’s broader economic vision, further strengthening its warehousing, distribution, and manufacturing sectors. The county’s strategic location, combined with PGCEDC’s economic development initiatives, continues to attract logistics, e-commerce, and industrial tenants looking to scale their operations in a high-demand market.

As WareSpace prepares to open its new Brentwood location, PGCEDC looks forward to supporting more businesses in their expansion efforts, reinforcing Prince George’s County as a top-tier destination for warehousing, logistics, and small business growth.

For more information on PGCEDC’s business resources, site selection services, and economic incentives, visit www.pgcedc.com.

PGCEDC Attends Select USA Mexico

PGCEDC and District 9 Council Member Sydney J. Harrison attended the 2025 SelectUSA Mexico Conference on February 25-26, 2025, where we connected with industry leaders, government officials, and tech startups to strengthen binational trade and investment opportunities.

With Thirty-Five U.S. economic development organizations present, the event provided a dynamic platform for strategic partnerships, networking, and collaboration in key industries driving international economic growth. We were proud to showcase Prince George’s County as a premier destination for business expansion and investment.

Expansion Started Here!

Plant-based cookie shop MidnighTreats brings a sweet new option to College Park

Plant-based cookie shop MidnighTreats opened a new College Park location on Feb. 8, according to the store’s owner Jordan Rutland.

The shop on College Avenue occupies the building which previously housed Insomnia Cookies and is the company’s first store in Maryland. The Virginia-based chain operates locations in Reston, Arlington and Alexandria.

READ MORE AT THE DIAMONDBACK HERE

Call Your Mother bagel chain rolls into Prince George's County with a mobile shop

Bagel chain Call Your Mother has rolled into Prince George's County, literally.

The "Jew-ish" deli has moved one of its mobile units from Old Georgetown Road in Bethesda to the Whole Foods Market-anchored The Station at Riverdale Park, marking its first location in Prince George's. The pink-and-teal Lil' Deli, made by Movable Roots, measures 22 feet by 8 feet, 6 inches, and will be parked at The Station for an undetermined amount of time — it had been in Bethesda for more than four years.

READ MORE AT WBJ HERE

Maryland’s Purple Line providing grants to businesses, communities near rail corridor

The 16-mile Purple Line that’s still under construction in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties likely won’t be operational for another two-and-a-half years. But the company building the rail line, Purple Line Partners, and the Maryland Department of Transportation are trying to soften the blow for businesses, cities and community groups along the route.

READ MORE AT WTOP HERE

Captain D's​ To Open 5 Casual Seafood Eateries In Prince George's Co

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Captain D's, the nation's leading fast-casual seafood restaurant based out of Tennessee, announced Wednesday that it will develop five restaurants in Prince George's County in the next seven years.

The eateries will be the first Maryland locations for the growing chain. Captain D's serves a wide variety of seafood that includes freshly prepared entrees and the company's signature batter dipped fish. The restaurants also offer grilled items such as shrimp, tilapia and salmon, as well as hushpuppies, desserts and freshly brewed, Southern-style sweet tea, a Captain D's favorite.