Industrial Advisory Board Convenes to Advance Strategic Growth in Prince George’s County

The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) convened its first Industrial Advisory Board (IAB) meeting of 2026 at its headquarters in Largo, bringing together industry leaders and stakeholders committed to strengthening the County’s industrial sector.

The meeting provided a platform for collaboration and strategic alignment, as members engaged directly with PGCEDC leadership, including President & CEO Ingrid S. Watson and Chief Operating Officer Branndon Jackson. Discussions focused on key development projects, emerging opportunities, and priority initiatives designed to support business expansion, attract new investment, and enhance the County’s competitive position within the regional industrial market.

Hosted by John Anthony Mason, Business Development Manager for Industrial Warehousing & Manufacturing, the session emphasized the importance of targeted industry engagement in driving sustainable economic growth. Conversations highlighted how infrastructure, workforce development, and site readiness continue to play a critical role in positioning Prince George’s County as a prime destination for industrial investment.

The Industrial Advisory Board serves as a vital connector between public and private sector leaders, ensuring that industry insights directly inform economic development strategies. Through these engagements, PGCEDC continues to strengthen partnerships that accelerate business growth, support job creation, and expand opportunities across the County.

As Prince George’s County advances its economic development priorities, collaboration with industry leaders remains central to delivering measurable outcomes and long-term impact.

Ready to grow your business in Prince George’s County? Connect with our Business Development team for the resources, insights, and support to help you expand: https://www.pgcedc.com/meet-the-team

See More Photos Here

Elevate Prince George’s. Expansion Starts Here.

Business Spotlight: FUNBOX Bowie Brings High-Energy Family Fun to Prince George’s County

Prince George’s County continues to grow as a destination for innovative, family-centered experiences—and FUNBOX Bowie is the latest example of that momentum in action.

Located in Bowie, FUNBOX Bowie introduces a dynamic indoor bounce park designed to bring people together through movement, play, and shared experiences. As one of the newest attractions in the County, FUNBOX is redefining what family entertainment looks like creating a space where both kids and adults can engage, connect, and have fun side by side.

“Bowie is bringing a new level of family engagement and active fun to Prince George’s County,” said Audrey Achonu, Owner/Operator of FUNBOX Bowie. “Designed for both kids and adults, FUNBOX creates an environment where families can unplug, connect, and make lasting memories together. From high-energy play to shared experiences, the space encourages parents to join in the fun—something the team says is at the heart of what they do.”

More than just an entertainment venue, FUNBOX Bowie reflects a broader shift toward experiential destinations that support quality of life and community engagement. With vibrant attractions and interactive installations, the park caters to families, groups, and community events, positioning itself as a go-to hub for active recreation in the region.

The decision to locate in Prince George’s County was intentional.

“Bowie’s cultural diversity and strong sense of community made it a natural fit for FUNBOX,” Achonu added. “After engaging with local families, ownership recognized the need for spaces that support young, growing households. By investing in Prince George’s County, FUNBOX aims to not only serve the community but also demonstrate the strength of the local market and inspire continued business growth in the region.”

FUNBOX Bowie also highlights the County’s appeal as a place where businesses can thrive by meeting the evolving needs of residents. As Prince George’s County continues to attract new investment across retail, entertainment, and lifestyle sectors, concepts like FUNBOX reinforce the County’s position as a vibrant, family-friendly destination.

At PGCEDC, we are proud to support businesses that enhance the community experience while contributing to economic growth and local engagement.

Looking to bring your business to Prince George’s County or expand your footprint?
Connect with our Business Development team at PGCEDC.com and discover how your business can grow here.

Elevate Prince George’s, because Expansion Starts Here.

Maryland's Purple Line now 87% complete

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Over the weekend, the Maryland Transit Administration said the Purple Line project is now 87% finished.

However, the opening date for the 16-mile, 21-station light rail line is still predicted to be about two years away.

Other recent milestones include the delivery of the final 28 light rail vehicles in November, the completion of all tracks in Prince George’s County, and testing that has expanded to new areas, including College Park.

Read Full Article Here

Anchor grocer nears for long-stalled Westphalia Town Center retail component

Westphalia Town Center, a 480-acre Prince George's County development, is still devoid of its long-promised retail center.

But that key piece of the sprawling Upper Marlboro project is finally showing signs of life.

Scottsdale, Arizona-based Walton Global Holdings Ltd., owner of the project along Pennsylvania Avenue just northeast of Joint Base Andrews, is nearing a deal with a grocer to serve as the anchor tenant, officials say. One of the largest projects in the Prince George's pipeline, Westphalia's commercial core has struggled to get off the ground amid financing issues and changes to the retail landscape before and after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Read Full Article Here

Taste Of College Park Offers Chef-Inspired Cuisine, Menu Specials

COLLEGE PARK, MD — Starting Jan. 16, residents can sample the best College Park's eateries have to offer during Taste of College Park.

The event will run this year from Jan. 16-25. More than 20 local restaurants are participating in Taste of College Park, offering special menu items just for the event, along with lunch and dinner deals to patrons. An updated list of participating restaurants will be released before the event.

Read Full Article by Kristin Danley-Greiner Here

Northwest Stadium unveils first major events of 2026 following record-breaking year

Landover, Md. (WBFF) — After a historic 2025 season, Northwest Stadium has announced the first events on its 2026 calendar, featuring an international soccer showdown and a major stadium concert from one of the world’s biggest pop stars.

The Landover venue will host an international men’s soccer friendly between France and Colombia on March 29, followed by Bruno Mars’ highly anticipated The Romantic Tour stop on May 2.

Read Full Story by ALEXA DIKOS HERE

Maryland awards $5M to IonQ for new College Park headquarters

Maryland has awarded a $5 million grant to assist College Park quantum computing company IonQ Inc. with the buildout of its forthcoming 100,000-square-foot headquarters.

The grant, part of a series of awards totaling $69.5 million announced by Gov. Wes Moore's office on Wednesday, is the latest installment of state funding to support the fast-growing company. It follows a previous $5 million grant IonQ received from Maryland in September for its new headquarters as part of the state's $1 billion Capital of Quantum initiative.

Read Full Story Here

UMD takes central role in Maryland’s $1B quantum computing initiative

Inside an underground lab in the University of Maryland’s Physical Sciences Complex, physics professor Steven Rolston pointed toward a maze of mirrors, lenses and laser beams projected across a table.

The beams of focused light contain atoms, trapped in a vacuum chamber at temperatures similar to the conditions in outer space. Rolston and his team of student quantum researchers use these highly-controlled conditions to study how these atoms interact.

Read Full Story Here

Prince George’s schools, Colin Kaepernick-backed AI firm partner for storytelling tech


By John Domen

Prince George’s County Public Schools plan to make a big investment in artificial intelligence programs in the coming years, and one of the programs the system is starting with is an AI-powered storytelling platform backed by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

Kaepernick was on hand Tuesday as the program, Lumi Story, was demonstrated at Largo High School. He is the CEO of the company that’s behind the program.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE

Raising Cane’s makes its College Park debut

More than 200 people from around the Washington, D.C., region traveled to College Park for the grand opening of Raising Cane’s on Tuesday.

The line outside of the chicken-finger restaurant began Monday night when Bree Beanum drove from Virginia to be first in line at 10 p.m. for the restaurant’s opening Tuesday morning. By 8 a.m., Route 1 was packed with people excited to try Cane’s iconic chicken tenders.

READ FULL ARTICLE BY Bella DeCrescenzo HERE

Karaoke Bar, Entertainment Center Opens At National Harbor

NATIONAL HARBOR, MD — An entertainment center and karaoke bar has opened at National Harbor.

Live-K features 24 state-of-the-art private karaoke rooms, dynamic lighting and sound, a high-energy bar program, family-friendly programming, and weekend brunch. The facility opened Nov. 22 at 137 National Plaza and spans 12,000 square feet.

READ FULL ARTICLE BY Kristin Danley-Greiner HERE

Washington Business Journal Niccolo de Masi leads IonQ through rapid expansion

In less than a year, the College Park‑based quantum computing company doubled its revenue, raised billions in new capital, and consolidated competitors through half a dozen acquisitions — all while drawing the attention of both Wall Street and Washington.

At the center of that rapid growth is CEO and Chairman Niccolo de Masi, who took the helm in February.

Read the Full Article by Nate Doughty Here

City of Laurel Governor Moore Announces $17 Million for Community Solar Projects to Cut Energy Costs for Marylanders

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today announced $17 million in grants that will allow more income-qualified Marylanders to tap into the cost-cutting and environmental benefits of the Community Solar Grant Program. The program promotes access to solar power for individuals who rent their homes or cannot install solar panels on their own properties.

READ FULL ARTICLE AT MARYLAND.GOV HERE

Washington Business Journal Six Flags America site in Prince George's is being marketed for mixed-use, data center development

The massive Six Flags America site in Prince George’s County is officially up for sale — and a marketing flier lists mixed-use and data center development as what would work best for one of Greater Washington’s largest redevelopment sites.

A marketing flier for the property from CBRE was posted on the Facebook page for Amusement Insider on Thursday. Six Flags Entertainment Corp., which announced plans to close the park in May, said at the time it retained CBRE to market the property.

Read Full Article by BRUCE WAYNE HERE

Washington Business Journal GSA office building near UMd. hits market as a residential redevelopment play

Colliers International Group Inc. has kicked off the marketing of a large General Services Administration-owned office building in Prince George’s County, billing it as a redevelopment opportunity that could deliver up to 750 new by-right residential units.

The Center at Riverside, the vacant 337,000-square-foot office property that sits on nearly 12.5 acres at 4700 River Road in Riverdale, “represents a rare opportunity to acquire significant scale in a premier, transit-oriented location steps from the University of Maryland,” according to marketing materials, which highlight its proximity to a forthcoming Purple Line station.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE AT WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL

Luminis Health’s Doctors Community Medical Center women’s health hub

Luminis Health’s 207-bed Prince George’s County hospital is working toward construction of a women’s health pavilion, part of a greater campus expansion. The project aims to bring inpatient obstetrics services, labor and delivery, and postpartum care to the hospital for the first time — and handle 2,000 deliveries a year. Road improvements should wrap up this month, after which crews will begin rerouting utilities such as water, electric, gas and telecommunications.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE AT WASHINGTON BUSINESS JOURNAL

Prince George’s County Celebrates Economic Development Week

The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation will celebrate Maryland Economic Development Week after County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy announced the county’s participation in the statewide observance running Monday through Friday.

In partnership with the Maryland Economic Development Association, the county will recognize local businesses driving economic growth and creating opportunities for residents.

READ THE FULL ARTICLE HERE BY THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

67th Annual Washington International Horse Show in Prince George’s County This Week

The Washington International Horse Show (WIHS) at the Prince George’s County Equestrian Center and Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, MD is here!!!

The 67th annual WIHS is being held in Prince George’s County for the fourth year in a row from Monday, October 20 through Sunday, October 26, 2025.

The WIHS is considered one of North America’s most prestigious and competitive equestrian events, featuring competition for international, professional, amateur, junior, and child riders.

READ FULL ARTICLE HERE ON SOUTHERN MARYLAND NEWS NET

Connect with us: