Cambridge, Maryland: The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) is pleased to announce the recipients of their 2011 MEDA Awards:
The Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission received the Economic Development Program Award. The Commission secured $19.45 million in Federal Recovery Zone Facility Bonds and disbursed funds to Rider Jet Center, the Bergman Eye Center, and Capital Women’s Care to build state-of-the-art facilities, create employment opportunities, and enhance the local economy.
The Delmarva Discovery Center won the Economic Redevelopment Project Award. State bond bill and donation funds, coupled with over $2 million in county funding, helped the Discovery Center become a hub of tourism and environmental education. Since its 2009 opening, the Delmarva Discovery Center has invigorated real estate, retail, and renewal on Main Street.
The Annapolis Towne Center at Parole received the Judges’ Redevelopment Award for its innovative blend of retail, real estate, restaurant, and office space. The Towne Center, which generates $75 million in compensation for local employees, is a model of smart design, environmental sustainability, and effective partnerships.
The Greater Washington Initiative was honored with the Economic Development Marketing Award for its fresh and informative branding campaign, which has been noted in The New York Times, Bloomberg, and Forbes.
The 50th Anniversary Economic Impact Program Award was presented to the University of Maryland’s Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS). The MIPS program has helped nearly 500 companies create technologies for the global market. The program creates $20 million in local tax revenue and helps Maryland lead the way in biotech, cyber security, and green technology initiatives.
Columbia, Maryland received the 50th Anniversary Economic Impact Development Award. Created around concepts of community and environmental unity, Columbia was designed to offer residents affordable housing, excellent schools, recreation, and amenities within walking distance. Named among the “Top 5 Most Desirable Places to Live in America” by CNN and Money Magazine, Columbia continues to attract top employers and new residents, generating billions of dollars in economic activity.
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor was honored with the 50th Anniversary Economic Impact Redevelopment Award. A center for retail, tourism, and business, the Inner Harbor has created more than $60 million in new tax revenue, a $4 billion tourism industry, and 50,000 jobs.
Bank of Glen Burnie President and CEO Michael G. Livingston received the MEDA Volunteer of the Year Award for his investment in the people and prosperity of Anne Arundel County. Livingston chairs the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation’s Board of Directors, where he nurtures commerce and trade within the county. He also leads revitalization efforts on the Glen Burnie Town Center Advisory Committee and serves on the Maryland Bankers Association Board of Directors.
Robert (Bob) C. Brennan, Executive Director of the Maryland Economic Development Corporation (MEDCO), was inducted into the MEDA Hall of Fame. His 20 years in commercial banking positioned him for a successful career in economic development financing. Brennan previously served as Assistant Secretary for Finance Projects and Assistant Secretary for the Rural Regions at Maryland’s Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED). He is a past MEDA President and served on the Board of Directors for 15 years.
The MEDA Life Member Award was presented to Richard (Dick) W. Story, CEcD, FM. The Senior Vice President for Marketing at JPB Enterprises, Story served as CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority for 17 years and held key positions within Baltimore and Carroll County’s economic development departments. In his 32 years on the MEDA Board of Directors, he has played essential roles within the organization, serving as President and Membership Chair.
“We are extremely pleased to recognize these initiatives and individuals as the winners of the 2011 MEDA Awards. They support and enhance Maryland’s economic environment, and MEDA is proud to honor them,” says Laurie M. Boyer, CEcD, MEDA President.
The sixth annual MEDA Economic Development Awards were held at the MEDA Annual Conference in Cambridge, Maryland. Sponsored by Miles & Stockbridge, P.C., the awards recognized outstanding efforts to attract new businesses, assist existing businesses, redevelop business districts, market communities and support workforce development initiatives, tourism activities, and agricultural programs.
MEDA enhances the knowledge and skills of its 500 members and encourages partnerships and networking among those committed to bringing jobs and investment to Maryland. Since 1961, MEDA has operated as a nonprofit organization of economic development professionals, whose members promote the economic well being of Maryland and work to improve the state’s business climate. To learn more about MEDA, please visit www.MEDAmd.com
