Laurel, MD, September 28, 2016 - Yesterday, EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman was among several guest speakers at the Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber (BWCC) Procurement Opportunity Outreach Session at the Patuxent Greens Country Club. BWCC Chairman of the Board Eric Harris, in collaboration with MGM National Harbor, coordinated the procurement forum to provide information to the more than 100 subcontractors and vendors from the area about the services MGM National Harbor would be in need of as they countdown for their grand opening in December. Mr. Coleman provided the attendees with an overview of the numerous development projects on the horizon in Prince George's County and talked about the services the EDC has to help businesses increase their capacity and grow.
"The EDC is delighted to have a role in creating one of the most fascinating cities in the world - downtown Prince George's County; also known as National Harbor," said Coleman. "We are fortunate to have great leadership in County Executive Baker, great partners like MGM National Harbor and the BWCC and we are laser focused on being able to grow the number of jobs and increase the median household income in this region. Each day, my team of professionals is working to help local businesses expand. We know that when businesses are doing well, they grow and create more jobs, which helps families, schools, police departments and the community in general live sustainable lives. With all of the development taking place here, now is the best time in the world to expand into Prince George's County."
MGM National Harbor has partnered with numerous economic development organizations over the last 18 months, including the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation, to keep local small businesses abreast of the procurement opportunities at their new site. The purpose of the Procurement Opportunity Outreach Session was to provide information about the status of projects taking place at MGM National Harbor Resort, as well as give local vendors specific information about the types of services MGM National Harbor is looking for now. Vendors were also told about the bidding process MGM utilizes and their timetable for awarding decisions.
"We are very pleased to have been able to work with the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation, especially on the construction side of the project," said Barbara Holder, Senior Diversity Manager for MGM National Harbor. "Thus far, this has been a very successful partnership, ensuring that Prince George's County residents are employed on the MGM resorts. We are looking forward to bigger and better things as we move forward into the operation phase of the project and are wishingpganguly@co.pg.md.us for success all the way around."
The Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber Board Chair moderated the Outreach Session, which also heard from Steward Smith from the Prince George's County Financial Services Corporation (FSC First). The BWCC, the only regional chamber in Maryland partnered with MGM National Harbor to networking, information and growth resources for local companies interested in doing business with MGM National Harbor. After the presentations, several of the companies in attendance were able to have one-on-one meetings with MGM National Harbor representatives to talk about their credentials and how they could benefit the company.
"This event, between the Baltimore Washington Corridor Chamber and MGM National Harbor at the Patuxent Greens Golf Club in Prince George's County, is helpful to bringing businesses, particularly small businesses to the opportunities presented by MGM's $70 million in annual local procurement," said BWCC Board Chair Eric Harris. "Jim Coleman from the EDC did a great job of showing these businesses how they can connect with that opportunity. We are delighted the EDC was a part of this event today."
Individuals interested in career opportunities at MGM National Harbor should email their resume for consideration to pgonestop.events@co.pg.md.us or contact the Prince George's County One Stop Career Center by October 5th at 301-618-8425.
For more information on business development assistance or expansion, contact the EDC Executive Vice President Pradeep Ganguly (pganguly@co.pg.md.us) at 301-583-4602.