The Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) hosted the first Lower Eastern Shore Rural Economic Development Session on Nov. 19 and 20 at Salisbury University. The sessions included presentations by public and private sector economic leaders who stressed the importance of investing in economic development in Maryland’s lower Eastern Shore counties and communities.
“No matter where we are in Maryland, there are opportunities for economic development to transform lives and enrich communities,” said Pam Ruff, executive director of MEDA. “This session focused on the impact that it makes on the lower Eastern Shore in particular.” The event was sponsored by PNC Bank and Salisbury University. Secretary R. Michael Gill of the Maryland Department of Commerce and Secretary Kenneth Holt of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development served as keynote speakers.
Dorchester County Economic Development Director Keasha Haythe served on a panel with Allsion Mayer, managing director of the Maryland Department of Commerce and Mindie Burgoyne, senior business development representative for the for the Lower Shore Region for the Maryland Department of Commerce. Jayson Knott, senior director of the Maryland Department of Commerce moderated the panel on business attraction, retention and marketing.
Other topics discussed during the session include infrastructure challenges, economic development finance opportunities, real estate development, workforce development, community and neighborhood development and small business and entrepreneurship. Course attendees toured the Eastern Shore Innovation Center at the Dorchester Regional Technology Park and took a bus tour of downtown Salisbury.
For more information about MEDA please visit www.medamd.com.