Regional Partnerships Bring Key Industry Groups to Frederick

In an effort to expand business attraction services, OED along with other partner organizations hosted two bus groups to tour Frederick in October. These organization’s members were able to experience what our community has to offer and interact with our stakeholders by attending bus tours that emphasized Frederick County’s quality of life.  

The Cybersecurity Association of Maryland (CAMI), was in town on October 12 with members from across the state in this key industry sector.  The group experienced Frederick’s vast craft beverage industry with stops at Catoctin Breeze Winery, Springfield Manor Winery, Brewery & Distillery, Milkhouse Brewery and Flying Dog.  Programing on the bus and at the tour stops included conversations on the history of Frederick, economic development news and programs as well as discussions on our emerging IT/Cyber Industry.  Many on the tour said this was their first introduction to Frederick County and enjoyed the conversations and new relationships that were formed.

The Urban Land Institute (ULI) – Baltimore Chapter, came later in the month on October 26 and was co-hosted with the City of Frederick Department of Economic Development. The group kicked off the day at the Frederick County Visitor’s Center in downtown Frederick, followed by a walking tour of development and redevelopment sites in downtown Frederick. The bus tour component highlight several significant commercial developments opportunities throughout the City and County, and stops at some of Frederick’s award-winning breweries provided opportunities for presentations from local commercial real estate brokers and commercial developers to highlight their projects. ULI’s members represent the entire spectrum of land use and real estate development disciplines.  A multidisciplinary real estate forum, ULI facilitates an open exchange of ideas, information, and experience among industry leaders and policymakers dedicated to creating better places.  Their members are committed to the best in land use policy and practice.  

Both tours were a great success where ideas where exchanged and new connections were formed.  The ultimate goal of these tours along with future planned events is to highlighting the county and business opportunities available in our key industries.  It is through these new and innovative partnerships that we continue grow our network for future job growth and investment in Frederick.