On Friday, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) Workforce Services Division team kicked off their workshop tour of Prince George’s County spreading the news about the resources and help that are available for returning citizens. The workshop facilitated by Development Coordinator Pete Goodson and Career Consultant Skylar Wyche took place at the Bladensburg Town Hall and introduced County residents who have served their time and are ready to move on to tools that help them embark on a successful job search.

Yesterday, Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) President and CEO Jim Coleman announced that the EDC will be joining forces with top local developers in the region to bring more well-known retailers to Prince George’s County. Through a public private partnership, the EDC and local developers are planning to roll out the red carpet to key retail executives by bringing them to Prince George’s County and exposing them first-hand to the feel, smell, touch and opportunities available in the County. Michael Amann with Forestville Plaza, Howard Biel, Sr., Vice President of Echo Realty, Trey Proctor with G.S. Proctor and Associates, Kent Digby, Vice President Peterson Companies/National Harbor and Jeffrey Berman, Vice President of Berman Enterprises were among the 17 local developers invited to brainstorm on how to best showcase Prince George’s County to the world.

Today, EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman gave the keynote address to more than 30 high level Chinese business leaders during a seminar hosted by the Greater Washington China Investment Center in Washington, D.C. This invitation only event, requested by the China General Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the U.S. China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, centered on the risks and opportunities of investing in the United States. As Prince George's County is known throughout the Washington Metropolitan Area for its booming investment climate, Mr. Coleman highlighted the plethora of development projects that are sprouting up all over the County and how each member of the delegation can become a part of this exciting time in Maryland's history.

Yesterday, 31 local entrepreneurs were given the unique opportunity to graduate from the Washington DC Metro Area Small Business Administration (SBA) Emerging Leaders program. This enterprising seven month program consisted of two Emerging Leaders classes for 2016; one in Prince George's County, Maryland and one in Fairfax County, Virginia. The Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation and the Fairfax County Economic Development Authority served as co-sponsors and host sites for this year's classes. The Prince George's County class was comprised of sixteen companies; 12 were from Prince George's County, and the remaining four came from D.C. or Montgomery County. The remaining 15 companies were from the Fairfax area.

Last week, Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) President and CEO Jim Coleman appeared before the Prince George's County Council Planning, Zoning and Economic Development Committee (PZED) to discuss trends in retail, particularly grocery stores, as well as the County's plans for continued investment in existing stores in the region. Mr. Coleman and Business Development Director, Larry Hentz highlighted the causes that are contributing to food deserts in the County and outlined the strategies the EDC is engaging to address this regional trend and ensure that quality grocers are thriving throughout the County.

Last night, the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and their 'posse' descended upon Dave & Buster's in Capitol Heights for the October edition of 'Thirsty (For Business) Thursday' to combine fun and games with networking. EDC Chief Operating Officer, Paul Rowe welcomed the local businesses to not only network and start the process of making deals but to also take advantage of the arcade as a relationship building tool. Over 100 business owners were excited to speak with each other about business opportunities in the entertaining environment.

Yesterday, EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman spoke at the Maryland Chapter of the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) annual Construction and Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Doubletree by Hilton Baltimore. Regional leaders from commercial construction companies, subcontractors, material suppliers and service providers, who depend on the economic vitality of Prince George's County and the region for their livelihoods were very interested to learn about the prospective developments and construction opportunities that may be coming online in 2017.

Today, EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman was among the featured speakers participating in National Disability Employment Awareness Month at The Arc of Prince George's County's 'Inclusion Works' Breakfast. Robert Malone, Executive Director of The Arc of Prince George's County, Peter Berns, CEO of The Arc of the United States, along with other top executives from companies such as Comcast, Thompson Creek, University of Maryland, the Federal Communications Commission and State Senator Joanne C. Benson were also in attendance to celebrate the important role individuals with differing abilities plays in workforce diversity. Partnering with the EDC and The Arc of Prince George's County was Comcast NBCUniversal; an employer partner that contributed a computer learning lab to The Arc's Employment Center to assist its clients in becoming more familiar and confident with computer technology.

Last week, the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) hosted a Technology Executives Roundtable sponsored by the Peterson Companies at their impressive National Harbor headquarters along the Potomac River waterfront. The Roundtable discussion allowed for top technology leaders to discuss how the EDC, Prince George's County Tech Council, and regional firms can work together to share trends and create more tech opportunities in Prince George's County. EDC President & CEO Jim Coleman likened this Roundtable to the building of a community to rival Silicon Valley.

This morning, the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) hosted a delegation of ten government and business leaders from Liberia who are looking to share investment opportunities with Prince George's County, specifically their vast port system. EDC President and CEO Jim Coleman and his executive team, along with EDC Board Member Eric Henderson, and local business moguls shared their insight regarding U.S. investment and trade in Africa. Through passionate dialogue, it became apparent that a partnership between Prince George's County and the Port Authority of Liberia will have very fruitful returns for both sides.