What do businesses want?

What does a business seeking to locate in a particular place want?

• Labor - available workforce?, Skills? Cost?
• Housing
• Available buildings and land
• Access to workforce education
• Quality of life
• Broadband
• Good utility rates
• Taxes
• Incentives
• Zoning
• Transportation
• Customers - demand for product or services
• Political climate
• Access to financing

How much of this does Indian Head have?  

January 15, 2014

The next meeting is Jan 15, 2014.  
Gary Hodge will be our guest.  Gary is one of my mentors and has helped me to understand Economic Development - we share a vision for a vibrant Indian Head - and know the urgent need for resources (Money) to make our vision happen in Indian Head.

Key Projects and Career Accomplishments in Southern Maryland: Naval Base Consolidation and Regional Infrastructure Investment Strategy; Annual Presidents' Day BRAC Conference; Southern Maryland Regional Strategy; Patuxent Charrette; Southern Maryland Light Rail Transit Initiative; Waldorf Urban Design Study; Southern Maryland Commuter Bus Service; Regional Rideshare of Southern Maryland; MedEvac Helicopter Base in Southern Maryland; Maryland 350th Anniversary Commemoration--Southern Maryland Program; Lord Baltimore's World Living History Production; Crain Memorial Travel Information Center; Southern Maryland Agricultural Commission; Southern Maryland Tobacco Board; Southern Maryland Regional Farmers Market; Maryland Tobacco Buyout Program; Research and Development on Alternative Uses of Tobacco; International Trade Missions to Europe and Asia; Library of Congress Open World Leadership Program; Southern Maryland Blue Crabs Stadium in Waldorf; New Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and Visitor Center.

I look forward to seeing you all there.  Invite friends.
Have a Happy Holiday. 

What Indian Head needs most

This is what Indian Head needs most: a Downtown Development Corporation.

See several great examples (links checked 5/25/16):

1.  Downtown Statesville Development Corporation is a non-profit, 501(c) 3 organization charged with administering the Main Street Program and managing the revitalization of Downtown Statesville, located in the beautiful foothills of North Carolina at the intersections of I-77 and I-40.   Downtown Statesville Development Corporation’s mission is to provide leadership dedicated to the historic preservation and enhancement of Downtown Statesville. Our organization promotes downtown as the economic, social and cultural center of Statesville.

2. The Dundalk Renaissance Corporation is a non-profit, community-based membership organization and community development corporation dedicated to revitalizing the greater Dundalk community.  We were born in 2001 during a broad-based community planning process sponsored by Baltimore County government called an Urban Design Assistance Team.  DRC's mission is to develop and implement community-endorsed plans to revitalize, improve and promote Dundalk's neighborhoods, economy, and quality of life.  As a 501 (c) 3 organization, we utilize grants, loans, and tax-deductible contributions to fulfill our mission.

3. The Havre de Grace Main Street program is one of a network of statewide, citywide, and countywide Main Street programs, with more than 2,100 active Main Street programs nationally.  

4. Downtown Frederick Partnership works to enhance, promote and preserve the vitality and economic viability of Downtown Frederick by implementing the national Main Street Program for the benefit of Frederick businesses, residents and visitors.  Founded in 1990 as a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization, Downtown Frederick Partnership has managed Downtown Frederick’s Main Street program since designation in 2001. Main Street designation is awarded by Main Street Maryland (State of Maryland) and is recognized by The City of Frederick and the National Trust Main Street Center. 

5.  and here is one that is a St Mary's county public/private partnership for community Development - a MUCH broader scope...

The Community Development Corporation serves residents of St. Mary's by promoting public and private investment in communities throughout the County.  The Corporation is a catalyst for positive change in communities where commercial and residential redevelopment is needed.

The Corporation was created in 1985.  It is an independent, non-profit entity.  The Board of the Development Corporation is composed of representatives of the community at large, business, finance, commercial and residential development, the defense contracting community, the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, the St. Mary's County Housing Authority, Department of Social Services and Department of Economic and Community Development.

Since 2000, the Development Corporation has focused almost exclusively on commercial revitalization in the older commercial areas of Lexington Park.  Projects such as the redevelopment of Lexington Manor and the reconstruction of Great Mills Road are typical of initiatives undertaken by the Corporation to focus federal, state and local resources on enhancing this older area.