Contact:  Alexis Henderson
Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation
410-222-7410

 

 

ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 30, 2009) - - -  One hundred relocation experts, commercial real estate professionals, and business executives toured commercial expansion and relocation opportunities during the 17th Annual VIP Real Estate Tour of Anne Arundel County.

 

The day-long tour highlighted existing and new development in Anne Arundel County’s growth areas – North County, West County, and Annapolis.  Guest narrators on two buses provided information on economic trends, transportation infrastructure, and targeted growth areas.  This year, the strength of the healthcare industry in Anne Arundel County was highlighted.  The continued growth of both Anne Arundel Medical Center and the Baltimore Washington Medical Center has led to business expansion and job creation around the medical centers.  Both medical centers were included on the tour.  

 

“This strategically planned real estate tour provides an excellent opportunity for witnessing our current and potential business growth,” said County Executive John R. Leopold.  “Business investment in Anne Arundel County has contributed to a strong economic base, even during these economically challenging times.” 

 

The tour began with a breakfast prior to departure at Aviation Business Park.  Robert L. Hannon, President and CEO of the Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation welcomed tour participants and gave an overview of the Anne Arundel County business economy.  Greg Crum, Principal at Trammell Crow, provided information about Aviation Business Park’s three flex buildings available for lease that total 119,753 square feet.

 

The luncheon at Preston Gateway Corporate Park featured several speakers.  David Scheffenacker, President of Preston Partners, gave an overview of Preston Gateway Corporate Park highlighting its four industrial buildings with 369,793 square feet available for lease.  Zed Smith, Vice President of Development for The Cordish Company, provided remarks on video slots real estate in Anne Arundel County, and Christian Johansson, Secretary of Maryland’s Department of Business and Economic Development, gave a brief overview of the current business economy in Maryland.

 

Robert Hannon, President and CEO of the AAEDC, said, “The annual VIP Tour is a compact look at business investment in Anne Arundel County.  It also provides a business to business opportunity for the regional real estate community.  Finally, the VIP Tour gives us a chance to highlight the many services that AAEDC provides to help County businesses grow and prosper.  I thank the many individuals and our sponsors who have made this event possible.”

 

The VIP Tour Corporate Sponsor for this year was Gardiner Realty and Development Company.  Other tour sponsors included Corporate Office Properties Trust, St. John Properties, Trammell Crow, Merritt Properties, LLC, Odenton Town Center/The Halle Companies, and Preston Partners, Inc.

Since its inception in 1992, over 1,800 professionals have participated in the VIP Tour, organized on behalf of Anne Arundel County by the AAEDC. 

 

The AAEDC mission is to serve business needs and increase the county’s economic base through job growth and investment.  For more information, visit our web site at www.aaedc.org.