MEDA Announces 2006 Award Recipients

Statewide Economic Development Association Recognizes Significant Contributions in Economic Development

ABERDEEN, Md., -- June 5, 2006 - The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) has announced its 2006 award recipients. “The purpose of these awards is to recognize projects, programs, and activities that have helped to improve the economic climate in the State of Maryland,” stated Marie S. Keegin, CEcD, President of MEDA. “We are pleased that over 30 extraordinary projects and individuals were nominated for recognition this year.”

Three new awards were added this year to recognize outstanding development or redevelopment projects and effective marketing efforts. In the Economic Development Project/Program category, the winner was Mack Trucks, Inc./AB Volvo, nominated by the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission. Honorable mention went to the Bethesda North Marriott Conference Center and Hotel, nominated by the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development.

The winner of the Economic Development Redevelopment Project/Program (large category) was the Silver Spring Redevelopment Project, submitted by the Montgomery County Department of Economic Development. The Economic Development Redevelopment Project/Program (small category) was the Frederick Revitalization Tax Credit Program, nominated by the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development and the Frederick County Office of Economic Development.

In the Economic Development Marketing category, the winner was the APG, Maryland Ready Campaign, nominated by the Harford County Office of Economic Development. Honorable mention was given to Project Worm Burner 2005 (golf outing), nominated by the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission.

The MEDA Life Member award recipient was Linda H. Wilson, CEcD, a 15-year veteran of the Howard County Economic Development Authority, prior to her retirement. Linda was a member of MEDA’s Board of Directors, where she served as Chair of the recently-formed Awards Committee. A Certified Economic Developer (CEcD), Linda was an integral player in bringing over 100 companies like MICROS Systems, Verizon Wireless, and Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream to Howard County. During her tenure, Howard County’s employment increased by 57,619 jobs and the average unemployment in the county was 3.14 percent.

Richard W. ‘Dick’ Story, CEcD, FM received the MEDA Hall of Fame award. He has been Chief Executive Officer of the Howard County Economic Development Authority since September 1993 and has worked in the industry for 26 years, holding executive positions in a number of area economic development organizations. Dick holds the Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) designation from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and was named a Fellow Member (FM) by IEDC for long-term service to the profession of economic development.

MEDA Volunteer of the Year honors were presented to Steve Walker, a 22-year veteran of the Department of Defense at the National Security Agency. He is currently a venture capitalist and an active volunteer for many technology organizations. Steve has served as Chairman of the Howard County Economic Development Authority’s Technology Leadership Consortium since 2003 and leads efforts on the Informatics Initiative, entrepreneurship and angel investing.

The awards were presented at MEDA’s 2006 Annual Conference at Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort Center in Allegany County, Maryland on June 5, 2006.

The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) enhances the knowledge and skills of its 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 approximately 450 economic development professionals, whose members promote the economic well being of Maryland and work to improve the state’s business climate. For more information about MEDA, visit the organization’s web site at www.medamd.com.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com