Harford News

Harford County Economic Development Advisory Board met Sept. 12.

Here is the minutes provided by the board:

I. Welcome & Introductions Paul Thompson, Chair

II. Director’s Report Len Parrish, Director OCED

Mr. Parrish welcomed everyone to the new meeting location. He

III. Updates and Initiatives

Robert Andrews: Robert offered information on the upcoming Business Appreciation Week and invite everyone to participate.

Karen Holt: Karen shared updates on AMMP at the former University Center. National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) hope to have the facility ready by early fall. The additive manufacturing research center in Aberdeen will serve as “a technology transfer opportunity in partnership with Army Research Laboratory (ARL) at Aberdeen Proving Ground, defense contractors and partners in academia.”

JLUS updates included information concerning implementation of Phase 2. Three major projects are slated and OEA will provide grant money through February with an extension through June. For specific details on AMMP or JLUS, contact Karen at 410-638-3059

Dr. Dianna Phillips: Dr. Phillips provided information about the Applied Technology and Trade Center (ATC). The potential location will be in southern Harford County on the Route 40 corridor. The feasibility study which commenced in May will conclude with a report due in October and will determine the viability and success of the program. The study has been community driven and there is a great public and private partnership.

Len Parrish: The new monthly stat report format was unveiled. The report is a great resource and now easier to read with the change in layout. The monthly report will be available on the Economic Development Advisory Board page on the Harford County website. http://www.harfordcountymd.gov/948/Economic-Development-Advisory-Board

IV. Partner Updates

City of Aberdeen Phyllis Grover

 LaQuinta’s expansion is complete. Lidl, Stadium Town Center, and Prost restaurant are all under construction.

 $6.5 million expansion is slated for the Aberdeen Fire Department downtown.

 The old Aberdeen High School is under contract and set to settle mid-October. It is going to be transformed into Senior Housing.

 UPS is moving into a space in Aberdeen. Added business incentives in Aberdeen are creating new opportunities

Town of Bel Air Trish Heidenreich

 The Main Street Tower will have a grand opening for their expanded upper deck area on September 20, 2018 @ 11AM

 The Incubator has been fully leased and will celebrate its grand opening on September 21, 2018 along with the new Peoples Bank

 The Film Festival will be held at the Armory on October 11

 The Town is working with OCED concerning financing for businesses on the Route 1 and Route 24 corridor

Aberdeen Proving Ground Heather Roelker

 Oktoberfest is October 14 and 15

 In conjunction with Oktoberfest on October 15, there will be a career fair at the APG North Rec Center. Candidates are encouraged to bring resumes and there will be hiring on the spot.

 The Gold Star Brunch will feature Dr. Jill Biden.

V. Committee Updates

Land Use: Paul Thompson indicated that the committee is working on information for the Aberdeen area. There will be a report at the Aberdeen City meeting

Attraction: Patti Parker relayed that Bassmasters was cancelled but there was some small economic impact based upon the few days that they were in town. The event will be rescheduled. Download the Visit Harford app to access updated information on Harford County events

Workforce: Bruce England said that the committee is anxious about ATC. There are two upcoming job fairs.

Finance: Bonnie Barresi shared information about the revitalization loan. There are several workshops and seminars that have been very successful. One loan for $50,000 was funded for Log Cabin Candies which is set to reopen in October.

VI. Adjournment

https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_09122018-983