Clinton, MD - Today, County Executive Rushern Baker presented his 2016 'State of the Economy' Address to a sold out crowd of 500 local business leaders, developers and elected officials at the Colony South Hotel in Clinton, Maryland. Mr. Baker used the theme of "Opportunity" to highlight the current state of the economy, job creation and the workforce development that has taken place in Prince George's County since his election in 2010. Today's event was co-hosted by the Prince George's County Economic Corporation and the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable.
"In five short years, we have moved from a County that was under investigation by the FBI, to a County looking forward to bringing the FBI to the County
," said Mr. Baker. "The new reality is that our economic development, crime reduction, and school system restructuring strategies are working, and we are now positioned to take advantage of the opportunities we always knew were there. Imagine what the future will be like with a town center and performing arts center in Suitland; the Regional Medical Center and government operations, including the Office of the County Executive in Largo; and creating our own 'Union Station' in New Carrollton. Is it possible? Absolutely!"
Prince George's County has experienced exponential growth as a result of the concerted efforts by the Baker Administration to grow a sustainable economy equipped to withstand the economic downturns of the future. The catalysts for this growth include: instilling integrity and confidence in County government by implementing ethics reform; streamlining the permitting process and establishing an agency specifically designed to address permitting, inspections and enforcement; launching the Transforming Neighborhoods Initiative; establishing the $50 million Economic Development Incentive Fund; and appointing a highly accomplished Chief Executive Officer to improve school performance.
"Today was an opportunity to celebrate the leadership that County Executive Baker has brought to Prince George's County," said EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman. "From crime and unemployment to job creation and business growth; everything that should be down is down and everything that should be up is up. This is the way things should be."
Prior to County Executive Baker's speech, Mr. Coleman highlighted how the Administration has positioned the County to Activate Prosperity and accentuate its valuable opportunities for County residents and businesses. Mr. Coleman also shared with the over capacity crowd how the Economic Development Corporation continues work to retain and grow current employers, executes the County's tailored acquisition strategy targeting information technology, healthcare and life sciences, business services and federal government agencies, and is winning new businesses to the County every day.
"This is an exciting time to be in Prince George's County," said Jim Estepp, President and CEO, Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable. "Not only is the quality of life at an all-time high, but economic development is really cranking up. Without a doubt, we are going to be the regional leader in the foreseeable future."
This morning's event was sponsored by Colony South Hotel and Conference Center along with generous donations from Gold Sponsors NAI Michael, PEPCO, and Old Line Bank.
Also in attendance at today's breakfast was Miss World America Victoria Mendoza, who led the Pledge of Allegiance at the beginning of the event. Miss World America's attendance is another example of the renewed interest in Prince George's County that County Executive Baker discussed in his address. In July, the Miss World America Pageant will be held in Prince George's County at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, which will bring the world to Prince George's County.
"I am delighted by the collaboration and partnership that is going on in Prince George's County," said Conni Evans, Co-founder and President of Ancon Group in Bowie, Maryland and EDC Board member. "I am glad that I was able to hear, first-hand, what is going on in Prince George's County and I am looking forward to the opportunities that will be coming online."
The next opportunity to network with the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation will be at its 'Thirsty (For Business) Thursday" networking event on April 21st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Infuse Restaurant, 6339 Allentown Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748. To RSVP contact Crystal Ballard at 301-583-4650 or
[email protected]
. For sponsorship information for this event, contact Nichelle Holmes at ([email protected]) or 301-583-4621.
