Contact:

Pamela Ruff

MEDA Executive Director
Maryland Economic Development Association
(410) 575-6027

 

ABERDEEN, MD (May, 2005) -- Maryland's economic development community will examine infrastructure issues affecting economic development at its annual conference, to be held June 5-7, 2005 at the Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort near Cumberland.  Over 200 economic development professionals are expected to gather at this year's Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) conference to learn about the best practices utilized to develop a world class infrastructure to support economic development.  "A first-rate infrastructure is essential for any state to attract new businesses and to help existing companies grow and prosper," said MEDA President Vernon J. Thompson.  "At MEDA's annual conference, experts will focus on Maryland's infrastructure, including the increasingly important area of telecommunications, and look at ways to enhance the state's competitive position." 

Ilona M. Hogan, J.D., of the Bechtel Corporation, will be one of the featured speakers, discussing the infrastructure needed for economic development from local to international levels.  She will review Bechtel's efforts to develop the infrastructure in Iraq and around the world.

Aris Melissaratos, Secretary of Business and Economic Development (DBED), will speak at MEDA's annual banquet, sharing his views on infrastructure issues affecting business activity in Maryland.

James G. Walsh, Deputy Executive Director of the Maryland Aviation Administration (MAA), will discuss the newly-expanded Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) as an economic engine and the impact and importance to economic development of general aviation airports throughout the state.

Renowned economist Anirban Basu will take a lively and entertaining look at current economic conditions in an address on "Mid-Cycle Slowdown: What it Means for Maryland."

In addition, panels of experts will discuss a wide variety of topics related to Maryland's economic development infrastructure, including the challenge that today's housing prices pose for entry- and mid-level employees, telecommunications initiatives, and key growth and environmental issues affecting local jurisdictions throughout Maryland.

Awards will be presented to the MEDA member selected for the organization's Hall of Fame, and to the Volunteer of the Year and the Life Member.

The Maryland Economic Development Association enhances the knowledge and skills of its members and encourages partnerships and networking among people committed to bringing jobs and capital investment to Maryland.  Nearly 450 economic development professionals with the State of Maryland, local jurisdictions and the private sector, are members of the statewide economic development organization.

To register for MEDA's annual conference, go to www.medamd.com and click on the link to the registration page.  Cost of the conference is $250 for MEDA members and $425 for non-members.