A Message from the Secretary
As you may have heard, on Tuesday I resigned (effective Jan. 30) from my position as Secretary of the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. After careful consideration and serving as a Cabinet member for two years, I decided that it was time to pursue opportunities in the private sector, something I've wanted to do for quite some time now. I have been honored to be associated with DBED and know that the State of Maryland will continue to earn its place on the world map as the preeminent Center of Education, Research and Technology. Although I will miss working closely with the Governor and the Maryland business community, I know this is the right decision for me and my family.
I am glad to have served the State of Maryland in a way few people ever have and am very proud of DBED's record of accomplishment: the Maryland Biotechnology Center, our new International Division, an aggressive tourism program, extraordinary Arts programs, BIO 2020, and new and expanding businesses all around the state. Please know that I have given Governor O'Malley my full support to ensure that the transition to new leadership at DBED will have no impact on our service to the business community.
I would be remiss if I didn't conclude by thanking Maryland businesses and our local and regional partners for all of their hard work in contributing to the strong health of the state's economy during these challenging economic times. Your work is fundamental to the future of our state, our communities, and our citizens. While my last day will be January 30, know that I will always champion the Governor's vision, and mine, of "ONE MARYLAND."
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Lt. Governor announces significant BRAC progress
Maryland's preparation for BRAC job and population growth reached another milestone this week as Lt. Governor Anthony G. Brown designated five areas as BRAC Zones. He also awarded 16 grants to colleges and universities through the BRAC Higher Education Investment Fund. The Maryland Higher Education Commission administers the $2 million grant program.
BRAC Zones help counties improve infrastructure and accommodate growth near the expanding bases. The BRAC Zones were officially designated the Westport Waterfront development in Baltimore City, and the areas near: the MARC Odenton Station in Anne Arundel County; Andrews Air Force Base at the Branch Avenue Metro Station in Prince George's County; historic Frederick and near the Frederick Transit Center; and the City of Laurel along Route 1 and near the Laurel MARC Station.
Click here for the press release, here for the complete list of recipients of the BRAC Higher Education Fund grants and here for a BRAC Zone map.
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Press Room
(Hagerstown Herald Mail; December 15)
(Baltimore Sun; December 16)
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QIAGEN credits Maryland's biotech assets for company's innovation and growth
This week, Maryland biotech standout QIAGEN touted Maryland as a great place for biotech companies to do business in Wall Street Journal's Marketwatch as they welcomed their 3,000th employee. The article quoted QIAGEN's Dr. Hans Peter Fatscher, who said, "In North America - particularly at our U.S. headquarters in Montgomery County, Maryland - we have benefited from a well-trained workforce, access to the latest technologies and other favorable conditions that help us grow the entire company. There is no other market that allows us to so rapidly turn innovation into commercial success."
QIAGEN's success is a testament to Maryland's strong support of the biotech industry. Last summer, Governor O'Malley launched the BIO 2020 Initiative, the largest per capita investment in the biosciences made by any state. A major component of the plan, the Maryland Biotechnology Center, will open in early 2009. The center is a "one stop shop" to showcase and support biotechnology innovation and entrepreneurship in Maryland.
Click here to read the complete story. |
Finnish Tech company moves U.S. operations to Maryland
Maryland's international outreach efforts are really paying off. Earlier this week, Environics USA Inc., a technology company whose parent, Environics Oy, is based in Finland, relocated its U.S. operations to Abingdon from Port Orange, Florida. The company recently opened up a state-of-the-art manufacturing/assembly facility and has plans to expand to as many as 20 employees over the next couple of years.
Environics learned about the benefits of locating in Maryland after meeting with representatives from the DBED's Division of International Investment and Trade at the Finnish Embassy. The company then met with officials from the Harford County Office of Economic Development, which assisted them with site selection and ultimately their relocation to Abingdon. Maryland played host last week to seven Finnish technology and alternative energy companies and two Finnish business organizations that have expressed interest in learning more about potential partnerships with Maryland.
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New state health insurance initiative benefits small business owners
There's an important new health coverage initiative available to Maryland small businesses and their employees. The recently passed Working Families and Small Business Health Coverage Act established a subsidy program to encourage more small employers to offer health insurance to their employees. This program, the Health Insurance Partnership, began enrolling small businesses on September 9 for coverage beginning October 1. Employers have their choice of health benefit plans offered by CareFirst BCBS, Coventry Health  Care, United Healthcare and Aetna.
The partnership is specifically targeted at reducing the number of uninsured individuals in Maryland. Eligibility is limited to a small business that has two to nine full-time employees, has not offered health insurance to its employees during the previous 12 months, and has an average wage below $50,000. Businesses meeting these criteria may be eligible to receive a subsidy of up to 50 percent of the premium. The partnership is expected to enroll over 1,500 businesses in its first year and enrollment will be capped to stay within the program's approved annual budget. If you are a small business owner interested in the partnership, click here. |
Save the Date
2009 Legislative Outlook for Economic Development MEDA Winter Conference
Registration is now open for the MEDA Winter Conference highlighting the 2009 Legislative Outlook for economic development professionals. The conference will be held on January 15, 2009 at the Governor Calvert House in Annapolis. Scheduled to begin with a continental breakfast at 8:30am and include panelists from both the business and legislative sectors, the event will also include a federal legislative outlook presented by IEDC President and CEO Jeff Finkle.
Sign up soon, as seating for this conference is limited. Cost for the event is $65 for MEDA members and $80 for non-members. Breakfast and lunch are included. To register, click here.
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The Edge is published by the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. For a complete archive, visit our Publications page.