MEDA Announces 2015 Award Winners
BALTIMORE, Md. – The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) announces the recipients of the 2015 MEDA Awards, which celebrate the people, projects and programs bringing economic vitality to Maryland.
Sponsored by Miles & Stockbridge P.C., the MEDA Awards showcase efforts to attract new businesses, assist existing businesses, redevelop business districts, market communities and support economic development throughout the state.
Horseshoe Casino Baltimore, the first urban casino in Maryland located on Baltimore’s south side, will receive an Economic Development Project Award for its impact on the city with over two-thirds of their employment coming from Baltimore City residents. The Baltimore Development Corporation nominated the establishment for the award.
Prince George’s County’s Economic Development Incentive Fund will accept the Economic Development Program Award for encouraging expansion of the county’s commercial tax base, increasing job retention and attraction, gaining support from small and local businesses and promoting development opportunities. The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation nominated the program.
PR Frederick for Frederick County Businesses, a free online press release distribution service for Frederick County businesses, will receive the Economic Development Marketing Award for providing a tool to help local businesses enhance publicity and exposure. The Frederick County Business Development and Retention Division nominated PR Frederick for the award.
Michael Ratchford will be named MEDA’s Volunteer of the Year in recognition of his service to the economic development profession. Michael is the director of government relations for W.L. Gore & Associates and has served as chair of the Cecil County Economic Development Commission (EDC) for nine years. Ratchford continues to provide leadership and guidance on projects, programs and initiatives that support various economic development goals and objectives within Cecil County. Lisa Webb, director of the Cecil County Office of Economic Development, nominated Ratchford.
Two nominees, David S. Iannucci and Raymond A. Skinner, will be inducted into the MEDA Hall of Fame. Iannucci will be recognized for nearly 20 years of public service and involvement in economic development projects spanning the region. Iannucci has spent his career in state and local government. He served as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development (DBED) in 2000 to 2003 and is currently serving as Assistant Deputy Chief Administrative Officer in Prince George’s County. Skinner will be recognized for more than 35 years of experience in executive management at the highest levels of state and local government. Most recently, Skinner served for seven years as the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development.
This year, MEDA will also be awarding Judges’ Awards to the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development and the Washington County Department of Business Development for their marketing initiatives.
Inspired by the county’s growing India-born population, the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development developed an initiative that sparked relationships with companies in India and encouraged them to make an investment in Montgomery County. The Washington County Department of Business Development created an initiative called Prize Patrol that promoted county businesses during Economic Development Week last year.
An award ceremony will be held April 27 during the 2015 MEDA Annual Conference at the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay in Cambridge, Maryland. The conference takes place from April 26 through April 28.
Visit www.medamd.com to learn more.
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 government, businesses and chambers of commerce and other professionals with an interest in the economy of Maryland. Through its regular meetings, special programs and projects, MEDA members address such diverse issues as local planning, workforce, transportation, international trade, tourism and finance.
MEDA members work diligently transforming 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:
Sandy Sponaugle
301-358-9255
