June 11, 2008
IN BRIEF: TOURISM, FILM AND THE ARTS NEWS

A&E Districts discussed at MEDA conference

Nearly 300 economic development practitioners from across the state met in Cambridge, June 1-3, to discuss “Sustaining Maryland’s Future,” this year’s theme at the annual Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) conference.

Hannah Lee Byron (pictured), assistant secretary for Tourism, Film and the Arts, gave an overview of Arts and Entertainment Districts, then introduced a panel discussion about the program.

Continued...
James A. Perdue, chairman, Perdue Farms, Inc.; Paul Reed Smith, CEO, PRS Guitars; Anthony J. Principi, former chairman of the BRAC (military Base Realignment and Closure) Commission; and economist Anirban Basu, chairman and CEO, Sage Policy Group, Inc., were featured speakers.

Eight of Governor Martin O’Malley’s cabinet secretaries – including David W. Edgerley, secretary of Business & Economic Development – also participated in the conference. MEDA is a group of more than 500 economic development professionals in the state who are involved with bringing jobs and capital investment to Maryland.