COUNTY STEPS UP OUTREACH TO BUSINESSES & EXPANDS RECOGNITION PROGRAM

FREDERICK, MD – The Frederick Board of County Commissioners announced today that the Business Development & Retention Division will now hold weekly meetings with businesses to improve interaction with local government and address concerns raised. The commissioners will also expand the county’s recognition program and publicly acknowledge accomplishments and job creation initiatives.

The Business Development & Retention Division, formerly known as the Economic Development Office, will start each week listening to the business community. Ambassador teams from the division, along with commissioners, members of the Business Development Advisory Council and county officials, will schedule Monday morning meetings with local businesses to offer assistance in navigating through county government regulatory and policy processes, receive feedback on what the county can do to better serve their needs and provide assistance in resolving issues that are hindering business operations.

Board President Blaine Young commented, “The increased frequency of these meetings which were formerly scheduled once a month is a step in the right direction for our newly reorganized division and it reflects a priority for the Board of County Commissioners. We are ‘open for business’ and here to help county businesses succeed and create more jobs. The meetings will focus on resolving problems and building relationships with both large and smaller businesses. We’re rolling out the red carpet, not more red tape.

“We also want to recognize business achievements. Each time they create a new job, we’ll acknowledge the impact they are making on the economy and quality of life in Frederick County. We have a great team in the Business Development & Retention Division and they are here to make a difference.”

In addition to expanding outreach efforts to local businesses, the county commissioners will more frequently recognize the owners, managers and employees of small, medium and large companies during public meetings which are broadcast live on FCG TV, cable channel 19, and webcast on the Internet at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/video.

Companies will be invited to share their success stories, community involvement through volunteerism, donations to local charities, jobs that are created and unique efforts to improve their operations. This new focus goes hand-in-hand with an initiative designed to boost the local economy from Frederick County Workforce Services and the Frederick County Workforce Development Board.

The county has partnered with the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, City of Frederick Economic Development Department and Business Development & Retention Division to launch Frederick WORKS! One Job at a Time to encourage businesses to be part of the unemployment solution by filling at least one new job in 2012.
To participate in the business outreach meetings or recognition program, contact Acting Division Director Helen Riddle at 301-600-1058 or via e-mail at hriddle@FrederickCountyMD.gov.

Visit the division’s website at www.discoverfrederickmd.com.