| Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development | |
|---|---|
| Agency overview | |
| Jurisdiction | Maryland |
| Headquarters | World Trade Center, 401 E. Pratt Street, Baltimore, Maryland |
| Agency executive | Christian S. Johansson, Business and Economic Development Secretary |
| Parent agency | State of Maryland |
| Website | |
| http://www.choosemaryland.org | |
|
The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED) is a government agency in the state of Maryland in the United States. Although its roots began in 1884, the department came to be recognized as the Department of Business and Economic Development under Maryland Constitutional Acts of 1995 (Chapter 120) to emphasize its function of bringing new jobs and new businesses to Maryland.[1]
The department attracts new businesses, encourages the expansion and retention of existing facilities, provides financial assistance and training, and promotes biotechnology. The Agency publicizes Maryland's attributes, and markets local products in Maryland and abroad to stimulate economic development, international trade, and tourism. The department also invests in the arts and promotes film production and sporting events in Maryland. Its mission is to create, attract and retain jobs while promoting the state’s vibrant culture and history.[2]
As the chief executive officer, Secretary Christian Johansson sets policy, declares rules and regulations, and determines the strategies necessary to fulfill the department's mandate. Appointed by Governor Martin O'Malley with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary is responsible for the budget of the department and its boards, commissions, and offices. Secretary Johansson is assisted by Deputy Secretary Dominick E. Murray and Chief Operating Officer Ovetta Moore.[1]
With his swearing in on April 9, 2009, Secretary Johansson became the first African American to serve as Maryland's Business and Economic Development Secretary.[3]
The department provides a number of services to create, attract, retain and expand businesses in Maryland.[2] These include:
• Business information and economic analysis.
• Site location services for relocations and expansions.
• Incentive opportunities including tax credits and training grants.
• Financial and training programs.
• Consulting services for small businesses.
• Foreign direct investment promotion in Maryland.
• Export assistance for companies.
• Linking businesses to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
| Secretary | Time served |
|---|---|
| Christian S. Johansson |
|
| David W. Edgerley |
|
| Aris Melissaratos |
|
| David S. Iannucci |
|
| Richard C. Mike Lewin |
|
| James D. Fielder (Acting) |
|
| James T. Brady |
|
| Mark L. Wasserman* |
|
| *Note: Term began when Department was DEED. |
Maryland's commitment to develop economic opportunities began in 1884 with the creation of the Bureau of Statistics and Information of the Industries of the State (Chapter 211, Acts of 1884). To guide development, government needed to know the agricultural, mineral and industrial output of the state, what commerce was moving through Maryland, and whether transportation networks functioned. In 1892, the General Assembly directed the Bureau to collect statistics on labor, particularly wages and strikes; any information about agriculture calculated to attract immigration; and data on mineral products, manufacturing, transportation, shipping, and commerce (Chapter 29, Acts of 1892). The Bureau also was to receive reports from all officers and institutions of the state, publish the information in book form, and annually revise and republish. By 1916, as the Bureau of Industrial Statistics, it reformed to become the State Board of Labor and Statistics. Its information-gathering responsibilities continued even as it reorganized into the Department of Labor and Industry in 1945. Yet, over time, that department's focus shifted toward regulating the conditions of labor.[1]
By 1948, another agency was formed to collect information about the state. Authorized by the Board of Public Works, the Department of Information began as a division of the Hall of Records Commission. In 1949, it became an independent agency (Chapter 665, Acts of 1949). The department compiled data not only about industry and agriculture, but also natural resources, recreation, government, and history. To encourage a burgeoning tourist and outdoor recreation trade, the department promoted Maryland and its products with films, photographs, pamphlets, and press releases.[1]
The Department of Information was superseded in 1959 by the Department of Economic Development (Chapter 185, Acts of 1959). Its mandate — to advance the economic welfare of Maryland citizens by developing the state's natural resources, industrial opportunities, and tourism potential — was carried out by three divisions: Business and Industrial Development; Research; and Tourist Development and Publicity. Another forerunner of the current department, the Development Credit Corporation of Maryland, was created in 1959 to stimulate business and industry by making loans to small businesses when conventional financing was unavailable.[1]
In 1970, the Department of Economic Development was reorganized as the Department of Economic and Community Development (Chapter 527, Acts of 1970). Added to its economic responsibilities now were duties to protect and enhance the social, cultural and fiscal viability of Maryland communities.[1]
In 1987, the Department of Economic and Employment Development was created (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987). It contained agencies and programs formerly administered by its immediate predecessors, the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Employment and Training[1]
In 1995, the Department of Economic and Employment Development reorganized as the Department of Business and Economic Development to emphasize its mission of bringing new jobs and new businesses to Maryland (Chapter 120, Acts of 1995).[1]
For FY2010, the department has 247 authorized employees and a total appropriation of $100.2 million. The department is one of 20 principal Agencies within Maryland's Executive Branch.[1]
The department's objectives are carried out by three divisions: Business and Enterprise Development; Marketing and Communications; and Tourism, Film, and the Arts. The department also is aided by public-private commissions including the Maryland Economic Development Commission and the Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board. Further assistance is provided by the Maryland Biotechnology Center, the Division of Administration and Technology, and its Office of Policy and Governmental Affairs, which acts as a liaison to the Governor, General Assembly, and private technology sector.[5]
With 20 authorized positions, the Division of Business and Enterprise Development originated in 1959 when the Department of Economic Development was created to encourage businesses to locate in Maryland and to retain and expand existing enterprises (Chapter 185, Acts of 1959).[1]
Led by Assistant Secretary Robert Walker, a former State Secretary of Agriculture, the division oversees five offices: Business Development; Business Services; Finance Programs; International Investment and Trade; and Military and Federal Affairs. By attracting new and expanding businesses, the division helps create jobs and improve the state's economy. It also assists domestic and international firms in finding attractive locations in Maryland and promotes international trade opportunities to Maryland firms.[2]
Office of Finance Programs
The Office of Finance Programs, with an FY2010 appropriation of $57,410,059 and 61 employees, directs and supervises certain state funds used as incentives or seed money for businesses in Maryland. These funds enable the state to retain businesses and attract new ones; foster economic growth; create new jobs; support commercial and industrial redevelopment; and help small, minority and high technology businesses.[1]
The office is mandated by statute to be responsible for the Economic Development Opportunities Program (Sunny Day) Fund; Enterprise Fund (includes Challenge Investment Program); Maryland Competitive Advantage Financing Fund; Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund; Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund; Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority; Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority; and Smart Growth Economic Development Infrastructure (One Maryland) Fund. Also under the team is the Maryland Economic Adjustment Financing Committee.[1]
Maryland Venture Fund
The Maryland Venture Fund provides for direct investment in Maryland companies through the Challenge Investment, Enterprise Investment, and the Enterprise Venture-Capital Limited Partnership programs. The fund organized as the Investment Financing Group in 1995. Formerly under the Division of Financing Programs, the fund transferred to Technology Strategy and Business Development in December 2003, and reformed as Venture Capital under the Deputy Secretary in 2005.[1]
With an FY2010 appropriation of $26,647,711 and 56 employees, the division of Tourism, Film and the Arts promotes Maryland as a destination for domestic and international travelers. The division also supports the performing, visual and creative arts and promotes Maryland as a location for film and television production. Led by Assistant Secretary Hannah L. Byron, the division includes the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Film Office, the Maryland Office of Sports Marketing and the Office of Tourism Development.[1]
Maryland Office of Tourism Development
The Office of Tourism Development had formed as the Tourism Development Office by 1981 and reorganized within the Division of Tourism, Film, and the Arts under its present name in 1996. The office has an FY2010 appropriation of $4,703,627 and 29 employees. Tourism is Maryland's fourth largest industry and has an economic impact on Maryland by creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and increasing business income. In 2007, tourist spending produced an estimated $13.6 billion, generating almost 141,000 jobs and $1.7 billion in state and local tax revenue.[1]
To stimulate tourism, the Office develops recreational, historical and cultural attractions. The Office promotes Maryland as a travel destination for domestic and international tourists. It promotes the state’s attractions, accommodations and events through its annual publications, Destination Maryland and Maryland Calendar of Events. Additionally, the staff advises third-party sellers of travel such as travel agents, and tour operators. There is a public relations staff that has assisted travel writers to generate nearly $7 million in destination publicity. The office also manages nine Welcome centers.[6]
Maryland State Arts Council
The Council supports the performing, visual and creative arts, including dance, drama, music, architecture, painting, sculpture, graphics, crafts, photography, design, film, television and creative writing (Code Economic Development Article, sec. 4-502). Support takes the form of grants and special programs. The Council makes grants to individual artists, arts organizations, and county arts councils. The Council has 13 authorized positions and a $14,548,929 appropriation for FY2010.[1]
Maryland Office of Sports Marketing
Formed in August 2008 as a joint venture between DBED and the Maryland Stadium Authority, the Office of Sports Marketing attracts, promotes, and develops regional, national and international sporting events. The office evaluates Maryland's sports assets and develops strategies to increase the number of sports events, both professional and amateur, in the state.[7]
Maryland Film Office
The Maryland Film Office promotes Maryland as a location for film and video production. The office is an informational and logistical resource for productions, and assists productions with location scouting, permits, casting, film crew housing, catering, equipment rental, and other production needs.[8]
Led by Assistant Secretary Andréa Vernot, the Division of Marketing and Communications develops, coordinates, implements and evaluates proactive and integrated marketing activities for DBED. Using research, brand assets and technology, the division communicates Maryland’s competitive business advantages and quality of life. A centralized marketing resource, the division operates a creative and production shop, interactive program and business research and information services office.[3]
The division coordinates and creates a number of publications such as the Department's Annual Report and online e-letters such as Business Pulse, a monthly report on business expansions, economic development activity and industry events; Economic Pulse, timely reports on Maryland's latest economic indicators; and Global Pulse, Maryland-related international investment and trade news.[3]
The Public Affairs and Media Relations team maximizes Maryland’s competitive business in broadcast, print and new media for local, national and trade media.[3] The Office of Marketing consists of the Promotions and Events team, which coordinates opportunities to promote the Agency, and the Creative Services team, which develops the department’s brand marketing, creative collateral and information resources to support the Agency’s marketing initiatives.[3]
The Office of Research & Business Resources consists of two teams. The newly formed interactive team is planning a state-of-the-art Web site, and uses social marketing and interactive resources to keep stakeholders informed of the department's activities and opportunities in Maryland. Businesses can be a fan on Facebook or a follower on Twitter. The Research and Information team analyzes and communicates key economic and employment data.[3]
As part of the Maryland BIO 2020 Initiative, the Maryland Biotechnology Center opened its offices in Rockville and Baltimore in September 2009. The center consolidates and coordinates existing initiatives in state government, the University System of Maryland, and the private sector to better support and expand biotechnology innovation and enterprises in Maryland. The Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board guides center activities.[9]
The state has helped attract or expand more than 50 biotech companies in the last two years, creating or retaining some 1,800 jobs. Companies helped include Aeras Global TB Vaccine Foundation in Rockville and OpGen in Gaithersburg. The state has more than 400 bioscience companies, representing about 8 percent of the U.S. bioscience industry, with annual revenues from Maryland companies of about $2 billion.[10]
DBED oversees the following organizations that are integral to its role and mission:
Maryland Economic Development Commission
The Maryland Economic Development Commission establishes economic development policy and oversees department efforts to attract and retain businesses and jobs in Maryland. The Commission was revived in August 2009 and is currently chaired by Martek CEO Steve Dubin. From the private sector, the Commission raises funds to supplement economic development programs and financial incentives to business. The Commission also advises the Secretary of Business and Economic Development on regulations for financing programs and on the allocation of financial incentives. The Maryland Economic Development Commission was formed first by the Governor and then by statute in 1995 (Executive Order 01.01.1995.04; Chapter 120, Acts of 1995).[1]
| Leader | Position |
|---|---|
| Harold L. Adams |
|
| Steve Dubin |
Development Commission |
| Kevin Kelly |
|
| Neil Muldrow |
|
| Greg Shockley |
|
| H. Thomas Watkins |
|
International Advisory Council
Created by Governor Martin O'Malley in March 2009, the International Advisory Council is a diverse group of senior government and private sector executives with experience in bioscience, manufacturing, financial, advanced technology, education, agricultural, transportation, and non-profit sectors. Chaired by Harold L. Adams, the group guides the state’s efforts to attract and grow international companies and help craft policy and legislation that supports Maryland’s strong and diverse network of international businesses.[1]
According to a DBED database obtained by Maryland Newsline, Maryland is home to nearly 600 businesses and their branch offices with foreign headquarters in 30 countries. They include household names like Trader Joe's, which is based in Germany; Unilever, based in the United Kingdom and the Netherlands; and Godiva Chocolatier Inc., based in Istanbul, Turkey.[11]
Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board
In July 2007, the Maryland Life Sciences Advisory Board was authorized (Chapter 304, Acts of 2007). Chaired by H. Thomas Watkins, the Board assists the department in developing a comprehensive strategic plan for life sciences and promotes life sciences research, development, commercialization, and manufacturing in Maryland. It also encourages coordination and collaboration among life sciences organizations, as well as higher education research institutions.[1]
Governor’s Commission on Small Business
On June 30, 2010, Governor Martin O’Malley signed an Executive Order that created the 26 member Governor’s Commission on Small Business Commission which was recommended by the Governor's Task Force on Small Business in December 2009. The Commission provides a forum for Maryland small businesses to articulate and address barriers to business growth.[12]
Maryland State Arts Council
In 1966, the Maryland State Arts Council originated as the Governor's Council on the Arts in Maryland, established by Executive Order. It became the Maryland State Arts Council in 1967 (Chapter 644, Acts of 1967). Formerly under the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Council joined the Department of Economic and Employment Development in 1987 (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987), and transferred to the Department of Business and Economic Development in 1995 (Chapter 120, Acts of 1995).[1]
Maryland Tourism Development Board
The Maryland Tourism Development Board was authorized in 1993 and reconstituted in 2007 (Chapter 625, Acts of 1993; Chapter 152, Acts of 2007). Chaired by Greg Shockley, the board stimulates and promotes travel and tourism in Maryland. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of Business and Economic Development and the Maryland Economic Development Commission, the board formulates a five-year strategic plan, an annual marketing plan, and an annual operating budget. The board's FY2010 appropriation is $5,192,179.[1]
Maryland Ventuure Fund Authority
Chaired by MedImmune Senior VP Peter Greenleaf, the nine-member Maryland Venture Fund Authority oversees the implementation of InvestMaryland, a $70 million public-private partnership to spur venture capital investment and fuel Maryland’s innovation economy.[1]