Montgomery County leaders say they need more in their arsenal to woo big
business.
County Council members and economic development officials are pushing for
the creation of a county business development corporation, a government-appointed group filled largely by upper brass from the area’s
largest companies.
“Currently, there is a perception that the county and state of Maryland are
not business-friendly,” said Debbie Harrison, spokeswoman for Marriott
International, telling the County Council Tuesday such a group would help
combat that reputation.
The county recently lost out on a bid to land defense contractor Northrop
Grumman, as well as a wave of major firms to Northern Virginia in recent
years.
Under the proposal, County Executive Ike Leggett would appoint up to eight
officials from senior management of major companies in the county, one
member from a medium-sized business, one owner of a small business and a
member of the county Chamber of Commerce.
