Linthicum, MD, October 20, 2016 - Yesterday, EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman spoke at the Maryland Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) annual Construction and Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Doubletree by Hilton Baltimore. Regional leaders from commercial construction companies, subcontractors, material suppliers and service providers, who depend on the economic vitality of Prince George's County and the region for their livelihoods were very interested to learn about the prospective developments and construction opportunities that may be coming online in 2017.
"With more than $10 billion in the pipeline for new construction over the next 18 months, Prince George's County is on fire," said Coleman. "Our economic climate is healthy; job creation is up, private investment is up and construction projects are up. After many years of waiting for the Regional Medical Center, just this week, County Executive Baker was able to get the Certificate of Need approved and we will be breaking ground on a brand new hospital in the first quarter of next year. Along with the opening of MGM National Harbor on December 8th, and the exciting mixed use developments projects sprouting up around the County's five targeted Metro Stations, it's time to cut the crap and close the gap on construction in Maryland."
Attendees also heard from the AGC of America's Chief Economist, Ken Simonson who told them to expect more airport construction in the region and that there are great opportunities for expansion throughout the State. Simonson cautioned the contractors that there are not enough carpenters, plumbers, and glazers in the pipeline, which could make projects more difficult to complete. Maryland AGC of America President and CEO Champe McCulloch believes that it is important for the trade association to keep its member to gain insight into the outlook for construction and development activities in the central part of Maryland, especially as it relates to trends in the region.
"We are grateful to Jim Coleman and his Economic Development team for sharing their strategies in capitalizing on the success of National Harbor with us today," said McCulloch. "Prince George's County's attractiveness to millennials gives them an environment to be diverse in multiple skill sets."
Economic development experts from Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard and Montgomery Counties and the Baltimore Development Corporation also spoke from their respective perspectives about prospective development and construction opportunities in their jurisdictions.
The Maryland Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America is a part of the nation's largest and oldest trade association for the construction industry. AGC of America represents more than 26,000 firms, including 6,500 of America's leading general contractors, 9,000 specialty contracting firms, and over 10,000 service providers and suppliers.
For information on how the EDC can assist businesses with access to capital, site selection and other business support services, contact John Mason, Director of Economic Development (jamason@co.pg.md.us) at 301-583-4650.