Mitchellville, MD December 16, 2016 – Last night, the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Team (EDC) rang in the holidays by hosting its Annual Holiday Extravaganza at the Country Club at Woodmore to express its appreciation to the business community for their continued support, commitment and dedication to making Prince George’s County the best place in the world to do business. EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman welcomed over 300 business leaders, State and County officials, and EDC Board members to the festive gathering. Among those joining in the festivities were Maryland Senate Majority Leader Douglas J.J. Peters, County Councilmember Todd Turner, and the County’s Assistant Deputy Chief Administrative Officer David Iannucci. Also in attendance were EDC Board members Marva Jo Camp, Thomas Graham, Eric Henderson, and Sylvia Syphax.
“I am so grateful to our partners in the business community and government for their unwavering dedication to making Prince George’s County the economic engine of the State of Maryland,” said Coleman. “Because of the business community, more than 9,000 jobs were created this year and the median household income in the County increased by $5,000. Everything that should be up, is up. Everything that should be down, is down. It’s been a great 2016, and we are looking forward to continuing this momentum with our business partners’ and making 2017 even better!”
David Iannucci, who spoke to the holiday gathering on behalf of County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III who is currently out of town, also expressed his excitement about the progress the EDC, along with its partners at FSC First have accomplished this year. The Baker Administration attributes the great progress taking place in the County to thoughtful planning.
“The success the County is currently experiencing is no accident,’ said Iannucci. “The County had a plan that dealt with public safety and education. The missing link was economic development. None of this success is possible without the private sector believing in Prince George’s County. Now, true economic development is happening in Prince George’s County with MGM’s grand opening, the Regional Medical Center breaking ground in the Spring, and, we believe, the FBI coming to Prince George’s County.”
Many of the business leaders in attendance expressed their appreciation for the support the EDC provides to small businesses through the Small Business Development office and Workforce Services Division.
“I am delighted to be here to say ‘thank you’ to the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation for all the help I received from them,” said Laverne Johnson, owner of Security Education Environmental Design Services, LLC, a minority, woman-owned security safety consultant business in Temple Hills, MD. “From business plan assistance through getting Small Business Administration 8A certification, the EDC has been with me every step of the way.”
Holiday Extravaganza sponsors included Safeway, Marva Jo Camp, Esq., Forestville Plaza and Carrollton Enterprises.
“This evening was a great opportunity for Safeway, along with other corporations to network with small business owners, who give life into the community,” said Stephanie Ridore, Safeway Labor Relations Manager. “The partnership Safeway has established with the EDC has been a tremendous success in bringing more jobs into the community, and we believe will continue to grow.”
Join the EDC on January 19th for its Clean Tech Demo Day where commercial real estate brokers and investors can learn energy solutions from clean tech entrepreneurs to reduce energy costs and increase competitiveness. This event will take place at EDC Headquarters, 1801 McCormick Drive, Suite 140, Largo, MD 20774.
To reserve your seat, contact Crystal Ballard at 301-583-4650 or visit www.pgcedc.com/events to register. Space is limited!