Maryland Secretary of Commerce The Honorable Harry Coker, Jr. Tours Prince George’s County for Full-Day Economic Engagement
Largo, MD — The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (PGCEDC) proudly hosted Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. for a dynamic full-day tour highlighting the County’s economic vitality, business innovation, and regional competitiveness. Secretary Coker was accompanied by key members of the Maryland Department of Commerce, local leadership from Prince George’s County, and economic development stakeholders on a carefully curated tour that showcased the region’s diverse business ecosystem.
The day began with a breakfast roundtable at the Silver Diner at National Harbor, featuring welcoming remarks from Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. Leaders from attending Prince George's County agencies also spoke, including PGCEDC Interim President & CEO Ebony Stocks, CEcD. The breakfast provided a platform for cross-sector leaders to highlight local business successes, collaborations between state and local governments, and strategies for equitable growth.
“We were honored to welcome Secretary Coker and his team to experience the strength, diversity, and promise of Prince George’s County,” said Ebony Stocks, Interim President & CEO of PGCEDC. “This tour underscores the County’s position as a premier destination for business, technology, life sciences, and cultural experiences..”
The itinerary featured a range of business assets, including Cloudforce, a cutting-edge technology firm and national leader in federal contracting and digital modernization; Envue Eye & Laser, a pioneering veteran-owned medical enterprise revolutionizing ophthalmology; and The Peterson Companies and Arts’tination, showcasing National Harbor's role as a regional hub for creative placemaking, small business, and tourism. The day also included a visit to MGM National Harbor, an economic anchor for hospitality and entertainment.
“Prince George’s County is a major economic engine for Maryland and a leading hub for innovation and discovery,” said Commerce Secretary Harry Coker, Jr. “I’m pleased to kick off my county tours by visiting some of Prince George’s County’s top businesses, assets, and leaders. With their partnership, the success of Prince George’s County translates to the success of Maryland.”
The afternoon agenda included visits to the University of Maryland’s Fischell Institute for Biomedical Devices and Mtech, which bridge biotech research and commercialization; Genesis Engineering Solutions, a key player in the County’s advanced manufacturing and aerospace sectors; and Cleopatra Winery & Vineyard, a Black-owned agri-tourism destination in Laurel, capping the day with a community networking reception.
Joining Secretary Coker were:
- Stephen Rice, Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Commerce
- Mayank Kapur, Assistant Secretary
- Jennifer LaHatte, Managing Director of Policy, Research, and Government Affairs
- Delterese George, Senior Business Development Representative
Representing Prince George’s County alongside Ebony Stocks were:
- Larry Hentz, Executive Director of Business Development, PGCEDC
- Dawn Medley, President & CEO, FSC First
- Beverly Everson-Jones, CFOO, FSC First
- Jeffrey Swilley, Chief of Staff, Employ Prince George’s
- Dr. Guy-Alain Amoussou, Provost & VP of Academic Affairs, Bowie State University
- Leslie Graves, President & CEO, Experience Prince George’s
- Sheila Hession, Board Chair, Experience Prince George’s and Executive Director of Marketing & Sales, MGM
This collaborative experience strengthened interagency relationships and reaffirmed Prince George’s County’s alignment with the Moore-Miller Administration’s vision for an inclusive, innovative, and opportunity-rich Maryland.
Media Contact
Rhett Butler
Marketing & Communications Manager, PGCEDC
240-427-7926
rbutler@co.pg.md.us