BALTIMORE, MD (April 22, 2009) – Governor Martin O’Malley and Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold announced today that the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades (IUPAT) is relocating its international headquarters to Hanover, with plans to create up to 100 new jobs over the next 20 months.

As part of their relocation effort from Washington D.C., the IUPAT will construct a 60,000 square-foot headquarters building and 36-unit resident’s hall to facilitate their training programs on a site they currently own in Hanover. The State has approved a $250,000 conditional loan to assist with the construction costs. The Anne Arundel County Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) has offered a $25,000 Workforce Training Agreement with IUPAT for employee training and skills upgrade and is assisting with permitting and regulatory assistance.

“We are pleased that the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades has chosen Maryland as the new home for its headquarters, joining a growing list of companies and organizations that have relocated or set up new operations in Maryland already this year,” said Governor O’Malley. “This is a great example of the good things that can happen when State and local governments leverage their resources and work together to attract business and create jobs for Maryland’s citizens.”

Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold said, “Organization headquarters such as IUPAT are attracted to Anne Arundel County’s strategic location in the heart of the Baltimore-Washington Corridor, the 4th largest market in the nation. IUPAT’s investment in Anne Arundel County’s business economy will have a ripple effect of benefit to all county citizens,” he continued.  “I welcome IUPAT and wish them much success.”

“The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades was founded by a handful of tradesmen in Baltimore just over 120 years ago,” said IUPAT General President James Williams. “We’ve since grown to represent the interests of thousands of working families in the U.S. and Canada.  I’m certain our founders would be proud to know just how far we’ve come as an organization and that we’re returning to our roots here in Maryland.  We’re excited about doing our part to help this great state grow its business community and provide some jobs at the same time.”

The International Union of Painters and Allied Trades represents a growing force of more than 140,000 working men and women in the United States and Canada. Its members work in the finishing trades as painters, drywall finishers, wall coverers, glaziers, glass workers, floor covering installers, sign makers, display workers, convention and show decorators, and in many more exciting occupations. IUPAT members’ skills are in high demand at every construction project.

The IUPAT is one of several companies or organizations that have recently announced plans to move to Maryland, including the International Baccalaureate Organization, Power Electronics Inc. and the National Joint Apprenticeship Training Center. The announcements are a vital part of DBED’s current goals, which include growing our existing businesses and restoring business confidence; reestablishing the Department as the voice of Maryland businesses; building on our core strengths and leveraging our federal, scientific, medical and university assets; and linking Maryland businesses with opportunities from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

 

About DBED:
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing workforce training and financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State's many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the Arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit www.choosemaryland.org

About AAEDC:
Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) increases Anne Arundel County’s economic base by attracting business investment and supporting existing business growth.   AAEDC recruits new businesses to locate in the County, assists existing businesses with expansions, supports workforce development through training agreements, provides business advocacy during regulatory and approval processes, provides and facilitates loans to new and expanding businesses, and provides advice, information and services related to all businesses.  Additional information about AAEDC is available on the Internet at www.aaedc.org.