Thank you Rand, for the invitation to say a few word this afternoon on the occasion of the dedication of … not a new building, for which you are constructing many at a brisk pace … but this “creative” public space that sits among the great buildings at National Business Park.

First – let me extend greetings and wishes for continued success from County Executive John Leopold and our Anne Arundel County Council.  I see Councilman Daryl Jones is here this afternoon and expect that he will build on my remarks.  Daryl has been a consistent supporter of the development here at Clark Commons … especially so because of the courtesies that you have always extended to the surrounding community.

I take note of the theme for today’s proceedings – “Creating Environments That Inspire Success.”   Certainly, this is an occasion that celebrates the infusion of art among such a collection of monumental buildings.  But, it is not an ordinary … nor an everyday event.  Today’s dedication of this sculpture garden is intended to enhance the value and the quality of the important work that is done here within these buildings...work that is performed by individuals whose purpose it is to stand for the ideals of the country.  Undoubtedly the organization of this public space, with its collection of sculpture, will enhance those ideals while “lifting the human spirit … inspiring imagination … elevating thought energy and … providing impetus toward great accomplishment … all possible within the realm of art.”

But on another note, I want to commend this fine organization – Corporate Office Properties Trust, for its ideals that differentiate you within your industry.  Those Ideals of “excellence” that are evident in all aspects of your corporate culture – those behaviors that are manifest in the “professionalism” of each of your staff.  On a day to day basis, I work with your development and construction team - Thomas Fahs and Carl Nelson …. your leasing team – Jud Williams and Bill Barroll… and Kathy Ward with whom I recently shared an “entrepreneur and innovation tour of Silicon Valley”.  They, too, are a tribute to the high standards set by Corporate Office Properties Trust.

I would also like to commend you Mr. Rand Griffin, for your personal commitment to providing and sharing these qualities of “excellence” for the benefit of the larger community.  Your career long work extends well beyond the boundaries of your properties.  Your dedication and leadership within organizations such as –

• The National Aquarium
• University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC)
•  Maryland Commission on Public Art
• BWI-TM Partnership
• Maryland Business Roundtable for Education
• and a long list of other community organizations …

All exemplary institutions and organizations that work to build character and integrity into our County and into our Region.
Rand – on behalf of Anne Arundel County, I commend and thank you and your fine company for your continued investments to our “better” community.