The city held its Economic Development Expo on June 24 at the Hilton Garden Inn on Walker Drive. Mayor Emmett Jordan welcomed the city’s new Economic Development Manager Jessica Mailander, four days into her tenure with the city, and guest speaker State Senator Alonzo Washington, a day after his primary victory for the Prince George’s County seat.
Development Hub
The vision promoted at the meeting was of Greenbelt as an economic development hub, well positioned for growth with an enviable location at the intersection of major highways and public transportation. Mailander spoke of collaboration and opportunities, noting that though this was only her fourth day on the job, she was already aware of the possibilities. City Manager Josué Salmerón emphasized how businesses are moving to Greenbelt and, looking around the room, observed how the Hilton Garden Inn was among several local hotels investing in refurbishments.
Washington Speaks
Guest speaker Washington picked up the theme. He emphasized that this is a time of major investments, with federal spending going to contractors. He took up the refrain that the city’s team is here to help and connect local businesses to opportunities, and assist them with regulatory barriers. To some applause he noted that he was “not afraid of asking DPIE [Department of Permits, Inspections and Enforcement]!” (See box on page 11).
Local Small Business
Washington went on to say that Mailander too was a proponent of place-based economic development related directly to the skills and interests of residents — and passionate about small businesses and entrepreneurship. He spoke of building public value and the future economy of the county as a whole. It was his desire, he said, to see Greenbelt as a true Business-to-Business (B2B) hub with strong connections among the participants.
Procurement Training
With the B2B emphasis, Washington elaborated that it is important to make it easier for local businesses to learn how to connect with procurement opportunities and utilize the resources available to learn how to respond to solicitations.
He spoke of the need for training and improved support from local government, referring again to the difficulties of navigating DPIE’s legendary constraints. He noted the upfront investment required that made it difficult to sustain a small business in the time before the effort paid off and “the money began to flow.”
Workforce Resources
Washington also referred to the provision of workforce resources. He spoke of the need for training for the jobs that are actually coming to the area and praised emerging community college programs. It was his belief that the relevant workforce isn’t here now and thus there is a need to increase county programs to provide it.
Metrics of Success
Greenbelt resident and businessperson Pragati Godbole asked how local government measures the success of its efforts to grow business in the city. Salmerón answered that they were measuring participation and business feedback from their activities.
B2B in Action
In the nearby conference room, about 20 small businesses (including the News Review) had set up tables with samples or literature about their offerings. A steady stream of participants came by to enquire. Two breakout sessions also presented options to attendees.
