MEDA Announces 2025 Individual Award Winners
Baltimore, MD (January 28, 2025) – The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) is pleased to announce the MEDA Hall of Fame, MEDA Rising Star, and MEDA Volunteer of the Year award winners for 2025. Sponsored by Miles & Stockbridge P.C., the MEDA Awards annually recognize economic development leaders who move their communities forward in extraordinary ways.
“Economic development is about building vibrant, thriving communities that attract people and foster growth opportunities,” shares MEDA President Richard G. Griffin, CEcD. “The MEDA Awards provide us with an annual opportunity to recognize the individuals and initiatives that drive these efforts. The work of this year’s award winners is a testament to the power of thoughtful initiatives, collaboration, and leadership which collectively will help shape the future of Maryland.”
The MEDA Hall of Fame award recognizes individuals for their exceptional contributions to Maryland’s economic development, honoring their impact, service, and commitment to professional growth. Lawrence Twele, CEcD, former MEDA president, is the 2025 Hall of Fame awardee. With over 25 years of experience, Twele has held leadership roles in both the public and private sectors, including regional manager for the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (now the Maryland Department of Commerce), Director of Economic Development for Carroll County, and CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. During his tenure at MEDA, he championed the tagline “Economic Development Transforms Lives.” A dedicated MEDA member for over 20 years, Twele continues to contribute to the organization through his work on the Professional Development and Public Policy Committees, where he develops courses, instructs at MEDA events, and most recently helped to co-create the “Return on Investment–The Dashboard” advocacy tool. Currently, as president and founder of Eastport Partners, he leverages his extensive experience to offer strategic consulting and innovative solutions to clients.
MEDA’s Rising Star award, honoring an individual, age 40 and under, who has made a significant contribution to the economic development profession in Maryland, has been awarded to Martin Proulx. In his current role as value-added agriculture assistant at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Proulx has been instrumental in strengthening Maryland’s agricultural economy by driving growth through initiatives in farm manufacturing, tourism, and processing. Prior to his tenure at the Maryland Department of Agriculture, Proulx served as the agriculture business development manager at Charles County Economic Development Department, where he was a champion for farmers and the agriculture industry. In this role, he was a key contributor to drafting and advancing legislation related to strengthening the local agricultural economy and promoting the intersection of local agriculture, tourism, and craft alcohol. A dedicated MEDA member, Proulx has actively participated in the organization’s Young Leaders Committee, even before its official formation, demonstrating his commitment to professional development and collaboration among emerging leaders in the field. He also serves on the MEDA Foundation Board, furthering his commitment to supporting the organization’s mission.
The MEDA Board of Directors is honored to recognize Marva Jo Camp as the 2025 MEDA Volunteer of the Year, nominated by Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation. MEDA extends its gratitude to Bay Crossing Consulting Services for sponsoring the Volunteer of the Year award, honoring those whose dedication and impact inspire positive change and drive progress in the field of economic development across Maryland. With over 30 years of visionary leadership in Prince George’s County, Camp has made profound contributions to both business growth and community empowerment. She has played a pivotal role in shaping economic policy while also fostering sustainable growth by empowering nonprofits and local businesses. Through her efforts, Prince George’s County has emerged as a model for community-driven economic development in Maryland. Camp is committed to utilizing the nonprofit sector as a driver of economic growth, fostering meaningful partnerships that support the expansion of local businesses and promote community investment. Under her leadership, these collaborations have become key contributors to increased tax revenue and economic vitality. One standout example is the development of a two-story community center in partnership with Leadership Prince George’s and Prince George’s Community College, which was delivered at no cost to the community. Camp’s focus on building strong, lasting relationships has been instrumental in creating such public-private partnerships, underscoring her continued impact on the county’s economic landscape.
Lawrence Twele, Martin Proulx, and Marva Jo Camp join a roster of projects, programs, and marketing initiatives to be recognized during the MEDA Awards Banquet at the MEDA Annual Conference on April 28, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Cambridge, Maryland. To learn more please visit www.medamd.com.
About MEDA
MEDA is a nonprofit organization of economic development professionals. Established in 1961, MEDA members promote the economic well-being of Maryland by working to improve the state’s business climate and the professionalism of those in the field of economic development.
MEDA’s membership includes economic development practitioners employed by the government, businesses, and chambers of commerce as well as other professionals with an interest in the economy of Maryland. Through its regular meetings, special programs, and projects, members address such diverse issues as local planning, workforce, transportation, international trade, tourism, and finance.
MEDA members work diligently to transform lives by creating opportunities, inspiring innovation, and enriching communities in Maryland. To learn more about MEDA, visit www.medamd.com.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Mia Vaccaro
mia@pprstrategies.com
240.608.4446
