Harford News

Harford County Council Economic Development Advisory Board met June 13.

Here is the minutes provided by the Board:

I. Welcome & Introduction s Paul Thompson, Chair

II. Presentation

Len Parrish , Director Office of Community and Economic Development

Mr. Parrish introduced the staff of Economic Development and stressed the importance of the upcoming release of the growth report. He remarked: Activity breeds activity and the growth report is not what we’ve done, but where we are headed over the next 18 months. The report is aptly named, ‘Here We Grow.’ We aim to tell our story and share about the quality of life and answer the question: Why Harford County?

Len introduced Deputy Director, Steve Overbay, who discussed some of the staff and their designated roles within the organization, including the new administrator, Robert Andrews. Robert introduced himself and thanked the EDAB for their continued support. Karen Holt offered updates on Defense to include the JLUS and looking forward to the next 10 years with emerging relationships, and the excitement surrounding the economic impact to our community.

There was discussion about the future of Def Tech. With the emergence of additive manufacturing and proximity to APG with the ARL and ECBC, the University Center will be transferred into the HEAT Center under a $23 million project with lab space construction to begin. In addition around the county, updates for the Tire lot RFP, Perryman Peninsula: Eastgate clients, Washington Court and Edgewood Small Area Study will have more information around the July timeframe.

Commerce liaison, Brigette Peters will be maintaining an office in the Pulaski Highway location. She will represent both Harford and Cecil Counties. We are excited to have contact with State department personnel in our local office.

III. Municipal Updates

City of Aberdeen Phyllis Grover

 Businesses are under construction and making progress, including Prost German Restaurant

 Train Station improvements with thanks to Amtrack and MDOT

 Lidl is under construction

Aberdeen Proving Ground Rick Scavetta

 MG Taylor recently met with members of Congress: Ruppersberger, Harris and Cummings.

 Working with the APG Community Relations Advisory Board (CRAB)

 APG is home to six 2-Star Generals. Please engage them.

 Continuing to work with the community, including an Opioid Awareness program at Bel Air High School

IV. Adjournment

Dates to Know & Go

6.14 Army Birthday, Ruggles Golf Course

6.17 Gold Star Families Memorial Dedication, 2:00pm, Concord Point Lighthouse

6.21 Harford Chamber Annual Meeting, 11:00am – 1:00pm, Vandiver

http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_06132018-823