Maryland association marked Economic Development Week

The Maryland Economic Development Association, in partnership with counties and municipalities throughout the state, held its sixth annual Economic Development Week this week.

The week celebrates economic growth efforts in the state. It is designed to increase an understanding of economic development’s contribution to the state’s business climate, job retention and growth in the tax base, as well as the overall quality of life in Maryland, according to a press release.

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

As part of Economic Development Week, the MEDA Fall Conference: Global Maryland, was held on Thursday in Clarksville. The conference focused on federal, state and local governments’ roles in raising the 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, the press release stated. Conference attendees learned how to harness these industries in their communities in order to build momentum in Maryland.

“As society evolves, we all become more interconnected,” MEDA President Keasha Haythe said in a statement. “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, was the keynote speaker. Rogers has experience in infrastructure project development, engineering, construction and finance. He has led large teams of professionals in finance, construction and operation of energy projects in 10 states and 13 foreign countries.

For more information, go to www.medamd.com.