The Economic Development Chronicles: Frederick City and County Edition
Whether we’re consciously aware of it or not, economic development is in everything we see, do, and know. Contrary to the perception that it’s ribbon cuttings, silver-plated shovels, and speeches delivered from podiums — that’s the end result, the exhilaration atop the summit. But the effort is real and the ascent is steep. My Leadership Frederick County experience exploring regional economic development achievements taught me this firsthand. My day spent in the company of county and city business leaders demonstrated that the people who work, live, and thrive in our communities are worthy of the rigor. Highlights from my journey are as follows:
Workforce Development is a Worthy Endeavor
Workforce development is a key aspect of economic development. Without a reliable and plentiful workforce, businesses won’t thrive. Skills must be relevant to area businesses, and partnerships with industry and higher education make these offerings robust. Our panelists, representing schools, the public sector, and private companies, explained the nuances and challenges of workforce development, deepening my appreciation of the process. Each panelist gave a valuable perspective on attraction, retention, and upskilling employees, and provided ideas for the Class of 2022 to absorb (and eventually implement). The county business community is constantly working to build, improve, and sustain its workforce for the future. This effort demands coordination, negotiation, and flexibility to achieve a significant end result.
Changing Lives Off I-270
Frederick County is home to one of the largest life science bio-clusters in Maryland. The County’s skilled workforce (see above), access to collaborators, and existing industry clusters continually attract innovators. Kite Pharma, a Gilead Company, is a pacesetter in biotechnology, courtesy of a cancer-curing technology. Relative newcomers to the county, they opened their high-tech facility earlier this year, hiring 150 employees, with plans to hire an additional 250 more in the coming months. Using their innovative T-Cell therapy, researchers are able to extract a cancer patient’s white blood cells, engineer the T cells with a CAR or TCR gene, and infuse the patient with engineered cells that recognize and attack the existing cancer cells. Biomanufacturing facilities like Kite Parma provide worldwide hope and healing just miles from I-270.
An Innovation Culture that Inspires
With discovery as the theme of the day, my experience at the Frederick Innovation Technology Center, Inc. (FITCI) kept the change coming. FITCI is an incubator and accelerator for scientists and entrepreneurs in the county looking to develop, grow, and scale their businesses. Their two locations offer innovators access to fully built-out wet labs, office space, collaborative opportunities, and training programs. FITCI is an encouraging and adaptable space for innovators. Kathie Callahan Brady, FITCI President and CEO, leads the center with infectious enthusiasm and a commitment to entrepreneurial stewardship.
What’s Old is New Again
Taking a concept and turning it into reality takes vision, heart, and capital. Innovators in their own right, Warehouse Cinemas are revitalization rock stars! They took a dated, blighted cinema in the City of Frederick and transformed it into an entertainment wonderland. The stunning cinema complex boasts unique food options, bar service, and luxury reclining seats. Debuting at the peak of COVID, they mastered the pivot with Hollywood finesse, managing to turn a profit and make Frederick a movie-lover’s destination. The transformation is extraordinary, and many leaders, departments, and visionaries played roles behind the scenes. Applause is definitely in order!
Economic development requires a clear strategy, flexibility, and tremendous commitment. Creating a business culture that supports skills development, innovation, and revitalization demands creativity and patience, but the City and the County are committed to a process that’s worth the climb!
Ellen Buchanan is a member of the Leadership Frederick County Class of 2021-2022 Cohort. She is a marketing professional with a passion for growing communities and enriching lives through digital storytelling. As a Communications Specialist at Platinum PR, her responsibilities include developing and implementing multi-channel advertising and marketing strategies, conducting media outreach, creating social media, website and blog content, assisting clients to reach their communication goals, and conducting virtual meetings and events. Given the opportunity, Ellen also goes behind the lens of her camera to highlight communities through photography.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.