Annapolis, MD - Last night, 150 business owners from Prince George's County traveled to Annapolis for an exclusive opportunity to network, share their ideas and concerns with some of the most influential leaders in State and County government as the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) hosted its second annual '2017 Prince George's County Capitol Access VIP Reception.' Business leaders that have benefitted from the open lines of communication between the business community and government regulators enthusiastically crowded into Harry Browne's restaurant on State Circle as the Baker Administration unveiled its legislative priorities for the 2017 legislative session.
In a statement about the event, County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III said:
"I want to thank the business owners and stakeholders of Prince George's County for taking time out of their valuable schedule to have their voices and concerns heard by our legislators in Annapolis," said Prince George's County Executive Rushern L. Baker, III. "Over the last six years, the growth of the Prince George's County business community has been recognized around the Region, State, and nation. My administration and the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation is dedicated to continuing this success."
EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman welcomed the standing room crowd, calling them all VIP's because of their commitment to making Prince George's County one of the most dynamic jurisdictions in the State of Maryland. Mr. Coleman also provided the crowd with information about County Executive Baker's upcoming business mission to Korea and China in April and stressed the importance of preparing and connecting local companies with international investment partners and exporting opportunities.
"The EDC is proud to host important networking events like this, that connect our residents and business community to the valuable resources they need, want and deserve," said Coleman. "As business has grown, our unemployment rate is shrinking, our assessable tax rate is increasing, our homes are more prosperous and our business community created more than 5000 jobs last year. Whether you are a business owner, a member of the House of Delegates, or the Senate of Maryland, or the County Council or a part of the Baker Administration or the Hogan Administration, all of you are critical parts of making Prince George's County the best place in the world to live, work and play."
County CAO Nick Majett, and Assistant Deputy Chief Administrative Office David Iannucci were among the dignitaries in attendance from the Baker Administration. Baker's chief legislative office, J. Kenneth Battle briefly outlined his legislative priorities, which include: securing operating and capital funding State funding for the Regional Medical Center, securing State commitment for infrastructure improvements and capital budget allocation at one of the two County sites under consideration for the Federal Bureau of Investigation headquarter relocation. Mr. Battle also stated that the County is focused on operating and construction funding for K-12 public school education, which includes significant expenditures to repair, renovate or replace schools as needed. State funding for critical road projects, mass transportation, pedestrian safety and public safety throughout the County are also top priorities that they County is working to protect.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller, Governor Hogan's Deputy Chief of Staff Britta Vander Linden, and House Delegation Chair Jay Walker were also among the State officials in attendance and that commended the business community for their part in bringing economic change to Prince George's County.
Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill talked about the greatness that is taking place in Prince George's County.
"Momentum is everything and Prince George's County has the momentum. And you have the momentum on leadership, the momentum on location, and the momentum on culture and are passionate about what you are doing," said Gill.
Tonight's event was generously sponsored by CPJ & Associates, Washington Gas, JGL Law, Civility Management Solutions and FSC First.
The next EDC networking opportunity will be on March 15th when the EDC, in partnership with the TechBreakfast hosts its first in a series 'TechBreakfast Prince George's'; a fun, supportive "pitch-free" environment for innovators and influencers in the tech ecosystem to share their innovations and get interaction and constructive feedback from the audience. This event will be held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. in National Harbor at Spartan Business & Technology, 161 National Plaza, Suite 200, Oxon Hill, MD 20745.
Attendees must RSVP to Nicole Edwards (naedwards@co.pg.md.us) at 301-583-4650. Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Nichelle Holmes, EDC Development Manager (naholmes@co.pg.md.us) or 301-583-4621.
State Leaders Touting Greatness Taking Place In Prince George's County