PGCEDC Awarded the Outstanding Partner Award by the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce

Recognized as an Outstanding Partner at the MBCC Annual Meeting & Awards Banquet

We are thrilled to share that last night, the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce awarded the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) the Outstanding Partner Award. This prestigious honor recognizes our unwavering commitment to fostering economic growth, collaboration, and opportunities for Black-owned businesses across Maryland.

Our Executive Vice President, Ebony Stocks, proudly accepted the award on behalf of the organization, joined by Marva Jo Camp, Esq., Secretary MBCC and Vice Chair of EDC Board of Directors and PGCEDC team members Lori Valentine, Mayank Kapur, and Cesar Cucufate. The evening indeed celebrated partnership, progress, and shared success.

We remain dedicated to ensuring that "Expansion Starts Here!" and are excited to continue building stronger relationships with partners like the Maryland Black Chamber of Commerce to drive economic empowerment for our community.

Expansion Starts Here!

Reflections on Retirement: Honoring David Iannucci

As David Iannucci embarks on this new chapter, those who have worked with him are united in their appreciation for his leadership and friendship. They celebrate the milestones achieved under his guidance and the relationships and values that defined his career.

While his retirement marks the end of an era, David’s influence will continue to resonate in Prince George’s County and beyond. 

Check out some recent reactions below!

Like, share, connect, and comment on the post click below!

GWHCC 48TH ANNUAL GALA AND HISPANIC BUSINESS HALL OF FAME

The 48th Annual Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Gala was an unforgettable evening filled with admiration for the remarkable leaders and businesses that continue to shape our community.

One of the evening’s highlights was recognizing our PGCEDC's Latino Business Development Manager, Rocio Treminio-Lopez. Her dedication to supporting and empowering Latino-owned businesses has made a meaningful impact on the local economy.

Since 2019, the Chamber has celebrated outstanding individuals in the GWHCC Hispanic Business Hall of Fame, honoring their significant contributions and lasting influence on the region’s economic landscape.

It was indeed a night to remember, commemorating the innovation and resilience of our vibrant business community.

See more images HERE

PGCEDC President & CEO David Iannucci Honoring Goddard Innovators at the 2024 I.D.E.A. Awards

PGCEDC President & CEO David Iannucci Honoring Goddard Innovators at the 2024 I.D.E.A. Awards

By Briana Milbourne

On November 13, 2024, the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, MD, hosted the Innovation, Dedication, Excellence, and Achievement (I.D.E.A) Awards which honors the extraordinary contributions of creative minds whose work continues to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible. Among the honored were the innovators from Goddard, whose groundbreaking projects and technological advancements have significantly impacted economic mobility and fostered growth in Prince George's County.

President and CEO here at EDC David Iannucci delivered a powerful address as the Keynote speaker, highlighting the critical role of innovation that drives economic prosperity. His remarks underscored the impact of Goddard’s achievements and the importance of nurturing a culture of excellence and forward-thinking solutions!

We thank the Goddard innovators for their dedication to economic progress. Their work exemplifies the spirit of advancement that continues to shape our future in Prince George’s County and congratulations to the I.D.E.A winners.

Unlock Entrepreneurial Growth at TEDCO!

TEDCO Provides Funding, Resources, and Connections!

By Briana Milbourne

Looking to take your startup to the next level? Don’t miss the chance to get expert advice during TEDCO Office Hours on November 13th, 2024, hosted by PGCEDC in the Innovation Station Business Incubator.

Whether you're in the early stages of building your business or scaling up, TEDCO will be available for one-on-one sessions to guide funding opportunities, business development strategies, and how to access resources to accelerate your growth.

TEDCO is designed to help local entrepreneurs navigate the complexities of the innovation ecosystem. If you're looking for insight on securing funding, improving your business operations, or expanding your network, TEDCO's Office Hours are a must-attend.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders and take your startup to the next level.

Check back for the next TEDCO Office Hours date at Innovation Station Business Incubator!

2024 MEDA Fall Conference: The Economy is International

At this year’s MEDA Fall conference at the Baltimore Museum of Industry, PGCEDC’s Lori Valentine, Vice President of Policy and Public Relations, moderated an insightful panel on the influential role of foreign investment in Maryland’s economic landscape. The event explored how attracting global businesses can boost local growth, create jobs, and drive innovation across the state and came on the heels of Maryland Economic Development Week.

 Attendees gained valuable strategies for navigating new markets, recruiting international companies, and leveraging Maryland’s unique assets to enhance global competitiveness. It was an incredible opportunity to see how economic development strengthens our state’s place on the world stage!

 Expansion Starts Here! 

Creando Exitos Season 5 | Episode Four Promo

PGCEDC welcomes the latest season of Creando Exitos or "Creating Success." Now entering its sixth season of production, the Spanish language Creando Exitos is an informational program for the Latino Business Community designed to promote the services offered by PGCEDC and highlight other business resources available in Prince George's County to support and grow their companies. 

This episode features Cesar Cucufate, PGCEDC Small Business Development Manager. This season will highlight the multiple resources in the County and this upcoming episode is a testament to that.

The program provides a platform for Latino businesses to learn more about the County's Economic Development Incentive Fund, FSC First, Department of Permitting, Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE), banking services, and other programs to help them create success and showcase why Expansion Starts Here.

Creando Exitos is the winner of the 2024 Economic Development Marketing Award at the 2024 Maryland Economic Development Association Annual Conference.

Watch past episodes HERE

Expansion Starts Here!

Free State Distillery Hosts Grand Opening Bringing Prince George's County's First Black-Owned Distillery Brand

PGCEDC congratulates Floyd "Beau" Wheeler on the grand opening of Free State Distillery in Upper Marlboro. Wheeler, a County resident and alumnus of Bowie State University stated to PGCEDC Business Development Manager, Restaurant/Retail Nicole Hall, "Prince George's County was the only option to locate his business.

Free State Distillery will feature Arthur Wheeler Sprits, named after Beau's grandfather. As the first black-owned distillery brand located in the County, Free State Distillery is committed to serving premium spirits while creating a destination amenity for the Greater Prince George's Community. Beau also partners with local farmers by using Prince George's County-grown corn and wheat for his spirits. 

Expansion Starts Here!

PGCEDC Hosts She Means Business 2024

By Briana Milbourne

In celebration of National Women’s Small Business Month, PGCEDC hosted the She Means Business 2024 Breakfast Summit at The Hotel at UMD, bringing together an inspiring and diverse group of women business owners from Prince George’s County. This annual event is more than just a gathering—it’s a space where women from different backgrounds, industries, and cultures come together to celebrate their successes, share real experiences, and support each other’s professional growth.

Thanks to the honest advice and encouragement of our carefully selected panel and speakers, attendees left with fresh insights and practical resources to thrive in areas like government contracting, entrepreneurship, and more. It was a powerful morning filled with genuine connections, empowering conversations, and the collective spirit of women supporting women in business.

See #SheMeansBusiness images HERE

Expansion Starts Here!

PGCEDC Distributes Over 100 Certificates of Recognition To Celebrate Maryland Economic Development Week 2024

By Rhett Butler

Last week, PGCEDC celebrated Maryland Economic Development Week 2024! #EconDevWeek presented by Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) was held from October 21st -25th was conjoined with Prince George's County Economic Development Week via a Proclamation from County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. PGCEDC's Business Development team visited over 100 businesses joining the efforts of other counties to celebrate #EconDevWeek statewide! PGCEDC takes great pride in representing our vibrant business community. 

Read the Press Release HERE

See #EconDevWeek images HERE

Expansion Starts Here!

PGCEDC Celebrates 5 County-Based Development Projects Highlighted in the 10 Suburban Maryland Major Real Estate Development Report

Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) proudly congratulates five Prince George's County-based development projects recently spotlighted in a report by the Washington Business Journal for leading transformative real estate projects across suburban Maryland. Prince George's County represented half of the major development projects in the Washington Metropolitan region.

Prince County-Based Development Projects in Order:

Northwest Stadium

Developer: TBD

Location: 1600 Ring Road, Landover

Carillon

Developer: Kite Realty Group Trust

Location: 900 Capital Centre Blvd., Largo

Cost: Nearly $1 billion

New Carrollton

Developer: Urban Atlantic and joint venture partner Brookfield Properties

Location: Straddling the New Carrollton Metro station, between the tracks and Ellin Road on the north side and bounded by Route 50 on the south side.

Brightseat Tech Park (former Landover Mall)

Developer: An affiliate of Lerner Enterprises and The Tower Cos.

Location: 2101 Brightseat Road, Landover

Cost: $5 billion in total investment, according to Lerner

Cheverly Hill (former Cheverly Hospital site)

Developer: Urban Atlantic and Hometeam5 (a private group of equity investors)

Location: 3001 Hospital Drive, Cheverly

Cost: $550 million

This recognition underscores Prince George's commitment to fostering community-driven, innovative developments while establishing itself as a regional growth and investment hub.

PGCEDC Pres. & CEO David Iannucci and Exec. Dir. of Business Development Larry Hentz Present Certificates of Recognition to County-Based Federal Government Agencies

By Rhett Butler

During Maryland Economic Development Week, PGCEDC President & CEO David Iannucci presented certificates to Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) representatives. Accompanied by PGCEDC Executive Director of Business Development Larry Hentz, certificates were presented to the Deputy Director & Chief Operating Officer of the U.S. Census Bureau Ron S. Jarmin, Patricia Abaroa, the Deputy Director of the Bureau of Economic Analysis and William J. Wiatrowski, Deputy U.S. Labor Statistics Bureau Commissioner.

While Census, BEA, and BLS are federal agencies in the State of Maryland, we in Prince George's County regard them as a local employer. EDC expresses its gratitude to them for their contribution to the local workforce and recognizes all three together as the "data collection and data analysis capital of the United States."

 The total employment at the Suitland Federal Center is just under 6,000. They are completing a massive renovation and modernization of the facilities there, in excess of at least $150 million, to make way for BLS's official move there in the spring. Across from the federal center is Prince George's County's P3 project, which involves new housing, eventually new retail, and a hotel.

Expansion Starts Here!

UMd., Developer Propose New R&D Space in College Park's Discovery District

UMd., developer propose new R&D space in College Park's Discovery District

St. John Properties Inc. and the University of Maryland are in the early stages of a proposal to develop new research and development space on the Purple Line in College Park, boosting the area's light manufacturing capacity.

The State of Maryland owns a 6.4-acre vacant assemblage along River Road, adjacent to where the Riverdale Park North (alternatively, M Square) light rail station will go, and in what’s known as the Discovery District, a research park on the eastern edge of the university's campus. A UMd. Board of Regents committee, at its meeting Oct. 30, formally recommended the university and Baltimore's St. John Properties establish a joint venture to develop the site with 58,000 square feet of R&D space across two buildings.

It's a "key component of the University’s broader effort to attract and retain high-tech companies as part of its ongoing economic development strategy in the Discovery District," per the committee meeting agenda.

The new buildings would comprise the second phase of a project negotiated between the same parties in 2016. Just to the west, the first phase resulted in about 111,000 square feet of flex R&D space, now 100% occupied, and a 50,000-square-foot building that houses the College Park Academy public charter school.

The first-phase R&D space houses a variety of tenants, including, Aerothreads Inc., a company that makes insulating material for satellites and other aerospace applications; and Medcura Inc., a firm that develops “hemostasis technology,” or ways of controlling bleeding in surgeries and military and trauma settings.

Read more of the article by Dan Brendel of the Washington Business Journal

$5B Data Center Campus on Former Landover Mall Footprint Could Break Ground by 2026

Image Credit: Lerner Enterprises

$5B Data Center Campus on Former Landover Mall Footprint Could Break Ground by 2026

A major new data center campus on the vacant former Landover Mall site, Prince George’s County’s largest such project to date, could break ground as soon as 2026.

The campus could accommodate up to 820 megawatts of power consumption, Jaclyn Cohen of Lerner Enterprises told me in an email, putting it well within “hyperscale” territory. It is anticipated to represent some $5 billion in capital investment and break ground in 2026 or 2027, Cohen said. A rendering furnished to me by Lerner shows a cluster of five data center facilities.

Brightseat Associates LLC, an affiliate Lerner Enterprises and The Tower Cos., gained final plat approvals Oct. 16 for 4.1 million square feet of data centers — a project dubbed Brightseat Tech Park — on about 87 acres centered on 2101 Brightseat Road, enshrining a green light from county regulators it won in March.

David Iannucci, who heads the Prince George’s Economic Development Corp., told me in a recent interview he’s prioritized attracting data centers to the county because of the huge commercial tax revenues they generate. For perspective, Loudoun County, the data center capital of the world, budgeted over $670 million in personal property taxes paid on data centers’ computer equipment alone for fiscal year 2025 — equivalent to two-thirds of the county’s entire general fund budget.

Read more of the story by Dan Brendel of Washington Business Journal

Creando Exitos Season 5 | Episode Three

Creando Exitos Season 5 | Episode Three

By PGCEDC Staff

PGCEDC welcomes the latest season of Creando Exitos or "Creating Success." Now entering its sixth season of production, the Spanish language Creando Exitos is an informational program for the Latino Business Community designed to promote the services offered by PGCEDC and highlight other business resources available in Prince George's County to support and grow their companies.

This episode features Cesar Cucufate, PGCEDC Small Business Development Manager. This season will highlight the multiple resources in the County and this upcoming episode is a testament to that.

The program provides a platform for Latino businesses to learn more about the County's Economic Development Incentive Fund, FSC First, Department of Permitting, Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE), banking services, and other programs to help them create success and showcase why Expansion Starts Here.

Creando Exitos is the winner of the 2024 Economic Development Marketing Award at the 2024 Maryland Economic Development Association Annual Conference.

PGCEDC Hosts Inaugural Industrial Advisory Board

PGCEDC Hosts Inaugural Industrial Advisory Board

By Rhett Butler

PGCEDC hosted the inaugural Industrial Advisory Board comprised of most of the County's best and brightest companies in the Industrial sector. Facilitated by PGCEDC Business Development Manager for Manufacturing and Warehousing Jose Burnes, representatives from NAI Michael, St. John Properties, PepsiCo, Jones Lang LaSalle, Inc., Gibbs and Haller, Prologis, and more attended the meeting in person and virtually with the intention of sharing ideas, advancing the needs of the collective within the industry sector, and creating a sustainable community.

In addition, the companies received Certificates of Recognition honoring them during Maryland Economic Development Week, which was held in conjunction with Prince George's County Economic Development Week. PGCEDC has been creating robust engagement opportunities with companies in the industrial sector and will continue to foster community.

Expansion Starts Here!

PGCEDC President & CEO David Iannucci Presents Certificate of Recognition to NASA Goddard During Maryland Economic Development Week

PGCEDC President & CEO David Iannucci Presents Certificate of Recognition to NASA Goddard During Maryland Economic Development Week

By Rhett Butler

PGCEDC) President & CEO, David Iannucci, visited NASA Goddard Space Flight Center to celebrate the First Annual Cherry Tree Day event. The event, held at the NASA Goddard Visitor Center, marks 125 years since rocketry pioneer Robert H. Goddard first dreamed of space travel while climbing a cherry tree on October 19, 1899. The event also commemorated the 65th anniversary of the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.

Iannucci presented a Certificate of Recognition on behalf of the County, honoring NASA Goddard's legacy and its continued impact on the space industry. Center Director Dr. Makenzie Lystrup opened the ceremony, followed by NASA Chief Economist Dr. Alex MacDonald, who recounted Goddard's dream and contributions to modern space exploration. A cherry tree dedication ceremony capped the event, symbolizing the connection between Goddard's visionary dream and NASA's accomplishments.

PGCEDC’s Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Alicia Moran is pictured with NASA Goddard Deputy Center Director Cynthia Simmons and PGCEDC Business Development for IT & Cybersecurity Mayank Kapur is pictured with NASA Government and Community Relations Manager Phillina Tookes.

Attendees were also treated to a tour of the center to witness developments in the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope project, showcasing NASA Goddard’s ongoing commitment to space exploration and innovation.

Expansion Starts Here!

PGCEDC Celebrates Maryland Economic Development Week 2024

PGCEDC Celebrates Maryland Economic Development Week 2024

By Rhett Butler

PGCEDC is celebrating Maryland Economic Development Week! Presented by Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) from October 21st -25th, Prince George's County joins the efforts of other counties to celebrate #EconDevWeek! Prince George's County takes great pride in representing our vibrant business community.

The PGCEDC Business Development team has spent the week visiting a hundred businesses and delivering Certificates of Recognition from County Executive Angela Alsobrooks congratulating County businesses on their contributions to the County!

Read the Press Release HERE

See more images HERE

Expansion Starts Here!

Creando Exitos Season 5 | Episode Three Promo

Creando Exitos Season 5 | Episode Three Promo

By Rhett Butler

PGCEDC welcomes the latest season of Creando Exitos or "Creating Success." Now entering its sixth season of production, the Spanish language Creando Exitos is an informational program for the Latino Business Community designed to promote the services offered by PGCEDC and highlight other business resources available in Prince George's County to support and grow their companies.

The next episode features Cesar Cucufate, PGCEDC Small Business Development Manager. This season will highlight the multiple resources in the County and this upcoming episode is a testament to that fact.

The program provides a platform for Latino businesses to learn more about the County's Economic Development Incentive Fund, FSC First, Department of Permitting, Inspection and Enforcement (DPIE), banking services, and other programs to help them create success and showcase why Expansion Starts Here.

Creando Exitos is the winner of the 2024 Economic Development Marketing Award at the 2024 Maryland Economic Development Association Annual Conference.

Watch past episodes HERE

PGCEDC Celebrates Manufacturing Month in October

PGCEDC Celebrates Manufacturing Month in October

By PGCEDC Staff

PGCEDC joins federal export promotion agencies to celebrate Manufacturing Month, typically observed in October. This event recognizes and promotes the success of U.S. manufacturers in the global marketplace. It inspires U.S. manufacturers to pursue global market growth and informs them of the wide variety of programs and services available to support international market entry or expansion.

Aimed at highlighting the importance and impact of manufacturing in the economy, Manufacturing Month showcases the industry's innovation, technology, and career opportunities. The goal is to inspire the next generation of manufacturers, bridge the skills gap, and emphasize the vital role that manufacturing plays in driving economic growth, job creation, and technological advancement across sectors.