Upper Marlboro, MD, September 22, 2016 – On Thursday, the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) took its signature networking event ‘Thirsty (for Business) Thursday” (T4BT) to another level as more than 300 people came out to the Marlton Golf Club in Upper Marlboro to network and to celebrate ‘Economic Development Week’ in Maryland. EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman, partnering with FSC First President and CEO Shelly Gross-Wade highlighted the economic development achievements that are taking place in Prince George’s County and announced the recent recipients of the County’s $2 million Video Lottery Terminal (VLT) Small Business FLEX Fund.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again; Prince George’s County is on fire. The word is getting out that Prince George’s County is the best place to do business,” said Coleman. “Thanks to the leadership of County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III and great partners like FSC First, our small and minority businesses are thriving, our median household incomes are rising faster than the State’s median household incomes, and we have $10 billion in development projects in the pipeline. It’s truly morning in Prince George’s County!”
This month’s T4BT was also a celebration of Economic Development Week in Maryland, where each jurisdiction in the State recognizes the efforts of its economic development professionals. This year, the County celebrated with a resolution from the County Council recognizing Prince George’s County’s Economic Development Corporation, FSC First, and the Conference and Visitors Bureau are important components of Maryland’s economic success.
Guest speaker, Shelly Gross-Wade capped off the evening by announcing to the over-capacity crowd that Children First Community Urgent Care, LLC in Bowie, Maryland was the first local business to receive funding from the VLT Small Business FLEX Fund. The FLEX Fund is part of the State’s Small, Minority and Women-Owned Business Account that provides 1.5% of the proceeds from video lottery terminals in targeted areas surrounding Maryland casinos. FSC First is one of Maryland’s two minority VLT fund managers and assists businesses that cannot qualify for any other FSC First loan programs, but have a sound business plan, proven operation principals and realistic growth potential. Companies at the event were anxious to learn more about the FLEX Fund and the other loan tools that FSC First has at their disposal.
Ensuring each FLEX Fund Awardee’s continued success is a team effort. FSC First teamed with Keller Williams Commercial Real Estate Broker Lorenzo Wooten to secure a home for Children First Community Urgent Care, LLC.
“The EDC does a great job at putting businesses together,” said Wooten. “I come to these events every month and meet clients for whom I am able to provide real estate solutions. I was able to find space for Children First Community Urgent Care, LLC but they needed funding. I introduced them to FSC First and she became a VLT FLEX Fund awardee.”
The Marlton Golf Club, which has a unique and storied history, was the perfect location for this month’s event.
“My business partners and I purchased the Marlton Golf Club in April of 2015,” said Vann B. Jones, Owner and CFO of the Marlton Golf Club. “Our vision is to make the Marlton the destination of choice for the community and surrounding neighborhoods. We are more than just a golf course as we have live entertainment, Sunday Brunch and are preparing to build a world-class performing arts center. We are privileged to own one of just four black-owned golf clubs in the country and are happy to host events like Thirsty (For Business) Thursday.”
Thursday night’s event was graciously sponsored by FSC First, the Marlton Golf Club, Ve Water and E. Roger Financial Group and featured a Putt and Drive Challenge.
The next opportunity to network with the EDC will be on October 14th when it hosts the Embassy of Mexico Mutual Briefing at its headquarters in Largo. Top officials from the Embassy of Mexico come to EDC to talk about trade and investment opportunities with their country. This event will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 1801 McCormick Drive, Suite 140, Largo, MD 20774.
To reserve your seat for this exciting and informative event, visit www.pgcedc.com/events.