MEDA to host Economic Development Week and Fall Conference

Events from Sept. 19 through Sept. 23 will celebrate economic development initiatives and examine Maryland’s business climate

Baltimore, Md. – The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA), in partnership with counties and municipalities throughout the state, announces its sixth annual Economic Development Week. Being held from Monday, Sept. 19, through Friday, Sept. 23, the weeklong celebration will highlight the importance of economic development in Maryland’s communities.

Economic Development Week will emphasize to the general public the importance of economic development for the state of Maryland. The week is designed to increase an understanding of economic development’s contribution to the state’s business climate, job retention and growth, the tax base, as well as the overall quality of life in Maryland.

“Maryland’s community of economic developers, businesses and government leaders usher dreams into the pipeline. Economic Development Week sheds a light on these aspirations that have come to fruition and the initiatives that are transforming lives in Maryland’s communities,” said MEDA Executive Director, Pamela Ruff.

As part of Economic Development Week, the MEDA Fall Conference: Global Maryland will be held on Sept. 22. The conference will focus on federal, state, and local governments role in raising our state’s global profile for its companies and communities.

Creating new commerce opportunities through exporting initiatives or foreign direct investment is crucial to Maryland’s continued global growth. Conference attendees will learn how to harness these industries in their communities in order to build momentum in Maryland.

“As society evolves, we all become more interconnected,” said MEDA President Keasha Haythe, CEcD. “This conference will highlight the importance of embracing global partnerships to bring prosperity to Maryland’s communities and beyond.”

Wayne Rogers, chairman and CEO at The Northeast Maglev, will serve as the Fall Conference keynote speaker. Rogers has extensive experience in infrastructure project development, engineering, construction and finance. His career has allowed him the opportunity to lead large teams of professionals in finance, construction and operation of energy projects in ten states and thirteen foreign countries.

The Fall Conference will round out the global conversation with two panel discussions that include experts involved in exporting and foreign direct investment:

Exporting Panel- The Exporting Team You Didn’t Know You Have

● Clifton Brouman, Founder & CEO, Man & Machine
● Jolanta Coffey, Senior International Trade Specialist, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Export Assistance Center
● Mark Rice, Chair, DC/MD District Export Council and President/CEO, Maritime Applied Physics Corporation
● Ed Knox, Deputy District Director, US Small Business Administration

Foreign Direct Investment Panel- Designing the Right FDI Strategy

● Aaron Brickman, Senior Vice President, Organization for International Investment
● Brad Gillenwater, Regional Manager- East Asia, Office of International Investment and Trade, Maryland Department of Commerce
● Deborah Tillett, President, ETC Baltimore
● Patrick Fromal, National Sales Manager, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, Inc.

The Maryland Department of Commerce and the Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development sponsor the MEDA Fall Conference. Comcast, the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and The Maryland Department of Commerce sponsor Economic Development Week.

To view the entire list of Economic Development Week activities and to register for the Fall Conference, visit www.medamd.com.

About MEDA
MEDA enhances the knowledge and skills of its members and encourages partnerships and networking among those committed to bringing jobs and investment to Maryland. In addition to quarterly conferences, members have access to opportunities, discounts and scholarships for professional development. They may also participate in awards programs that highlight innovative economic development, redevelopment and marketing projects and programs in the state of Maryland.

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MEDIA CONTACT
Sandy Sponaugle, Program Manager
Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA)
sandy@medamd.com
301-358-9255