DBED’s Heather Gramm Wins 40 Under 40 Award in Economic Development
BALTIMORE, MD (January 29, 2015) – The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) announced today that Heather Gramm, Director of Regional Growth and Retention, has been selected as a winner in the Development Counsellors International (DCI) “40 Under 40” awards, the only award of its kind recognizing young talent in the economic development profession. A five-member selection committee chose the winners based on their exceptional contributions to the economic development industry. Development Counsellors International (DCI) is a New York-based firm that specializes in economic development marketing.
“We are incredibly proud of Heather’s recognition as one of the rising stars of economic development,” said DBED Secretary Mike Gill. “Heather has a tremendous depth and breadth of knowledge from her years working directly with companies on attraction and retention projects, and we are fortunate to have her on our DBED team.”
“On behalf of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Board of Directors, we congratulate Heather on her selection for the DCI 40 Under 40 award,” said Lawrence F. Twele, CEcD, President of MEDA and CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “Heather provides outstanding leadership in MEDA as co-chair of the professional development committee. She is very worthy of this recognition.”
Gramm, who joined DBED in 2013, is responsible for the management, oversight and development of the Office of Business Development’s eight regional business development representatives who work one-on-one with Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City on business retention and expansion projects and help connect companies with state and federal resources and provide guidance on a variety of topics, including financing and workforce development. Gramm also provides direct support for Frederick and Montgomery counties. She currently resides in Frederick County.
Prior to joining DBED, Gramm spent 11 years with the City of Frederick’s Department of Economic Development, most recently as a Business Development Specialist. In this role, she was responsible for business recruitment and retention, marketing, communications and special projects. Gramm earned a B.A. in Business Administration from Hood College and the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) professional certification through the International Economic Development Council.
“The people chosen by the selection committee represent a bright future for the economic development world,” said Andy Levine, president of DCI. “They are a new breed of results-driven place makers. We’re very pleased to see DBED’s Heather Gramm among the winners.”
DCI officially announced the winners this week at an awards reception during the International Economic Development Council Leadership Summit in Palm Beach and will feature an in-depth profile of each on its website during 2015. For more information on DCI’s 40 Under 40 winners, visit www.aboutdci.com/40under40.
About DBED
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing workforce training and financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit www.choosemaryland.org.
About DCI
Considered the leader in marketing places, Development Counsellors International (DCI) specializes in economic development and tourism marketing. The agency has worked for more than 400 cities, regions, states and countries since it was established in New York City in 1960. www.aboutdci.com.
Media contacts:
Susan Brake
Account Director, DCI
859.445.1671
susan.brake@aboutdci.com
Karen Glenn Hood
Director, Media Relations and Public Affairs
Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development
401 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21202
O 410-767-6318 | C 443-463-8129 | karen.glennhood@Maryland.gov
