Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Hosts Cheonan City Delegation Following Successful Visit to South Korea
Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation Hosts Cheonan City Delegation Following Successful Visit to South Korea
Largo, MD – Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) proudly hosted a distinguished delegation from Cheonan City, South Korea, on April 15–16, 2025, strengthening the growing international partnership first initiated during a Prince George’s County delegation visit to Cheonan in September 2024. The delegation will also visit Atlanta, Georgia after their tour of Prince George's County.
The delegation’s itinerary included a warm welcome and formal gift exchanges at the Prince George’s County Building where they met Acting County Executive Tara H. Jackson and County Council Chair Edward P. Burroughs III. The delegation also made site visits to innovation leaders including NASA Goddard Space Flight Center and the University of Maryland Discovery District. These visits highlighted the County’s strength in research, smart technology, and economic development.
The Cheonan City delegation included:
• Kim Seog-pil, Deputy Mayor
• Song Min-chul, Director of Enterprise Support Division
• Park Su-mi, International Exchange Team Leader
• Kim Hyeon-sik, Secretary to the Deputy Mayor
• Lee Eun-hye, International Exchange Team Member
“Prince George’s County is honored to host our partners from Cheonan City as we continue to strengthen our global ties,” said Acting Prince George’s County Executive Tara H. Jackson. “This visit builds on the momentum of last year’s successful trade mission, where our delegation engaged with South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises during the 2024 Cheonan City Dance Festival. Through collaboration and shared priorities, we’re unlocking new pathways for innovation, economic growth, and international cooperation that will enrich our residents and businesses for years to come.”
The visit follows a successful business trade mission where representatives from PGCEDC and local Prince George’s County-based companies engaged with 19 South Korean small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) during the 2024 Cheonan City Dance Festival. The initial engagement fostered robust dialogue on international expansion, export readiness, and collaboration between U.S. and Korean businesses.
“This reciprocal exchange underscores the value of global collaboration and the strong foundation we are building with Cheonan City,” said Ebony Stocks, Interim President & CEO of PGCEDC. “Our shared commitment to innovation and inclusive economic growth makes this partnership a powerful driver of opportunity for businesses on both sides.”
The Cheonan delegation also engaged with local leadership, including members of the County Council, Congressman Glenn Ivey, and key representatives from the state and federal levels. These meetings showcased the County’s vibrant business ecosystem and commitment to international partnerships.
“Welcoming the Cheonan City delegation to Prince George’s County reflects our ongoing commitment to building bridges that extend far beyond our borders,” stated Prince George’s County Council Chair Edward P. Burroughs III. “This partnership not only celebrates cultural exchange but also highlights our shared vision and strength in research, innovation, and global progress. We are proud to be deepening our Sister City relationship and positioning Prince George’s County as a leader in international growth.”
“Hosting our friends from Cheonan City is the natural next step in a relationship rooted in economic opportunity and shared values,” added Martin Ezemma, Director of International Business Development at PGCEDC. “After our impactful visit to Cheonan last fall, this exchange reinforces our commitment to building sustainable, mutually beneficial trade and innovation ties.”
Prince George’s County looks forward to continued collaboration with Cheonan City and other international partners to create a global bridge for business, innovation, and cultural understanding.
For more details, visit www.pgcedc.com.
Media Contact
Rhett Butler
Marketing & Communications Manager, PGCEDC
240-427-7926
rbutler@co.pg.md.us