The Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore plans to launch an estimated $500,000 marketing campaign aimed at persuading civilian workers to relocate to Baltimore from nearby military installations.
It?s part of what the alliance calls its 2007 regional marketing initiative, focused on reaching out to contractors and employees who are considering a relocation to region as part of the military?s Base Realignment and Closure, according to David Gillece, chairman of the alliance.
The Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore calls itself a nonprofit regional business development and marketing organization focusing on bringing jobs and capital investment to Baltimore City and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.
Its board includes the top chief executive officers of Baltimore-area businesses, the mayor of Baltimore and the county executives of Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.
The marketing initiative was unveiled Tuesday evening during the alliance?s 2006 annual meeting.
“Unfortunately, the Baltimore area suffers from an unfair negative image,” Gillece said.
That may discourage employees near a military base in Northern Virginia and New Jersey from relocating to the area as part of BRAC, Gillece said.
The marketing campaign will include creating a Web site and posting billboards in Northern Virginia and New Jersey promoting the Baltimore region.
Real estate agents will also participate in trade shows and other events where they can set up booths.
