We are nearing the close of another successful year in Frederick. We are thankful to work in a City where our businesses, partners, non-profits, and residents work throughout the year to make this a thriving community.

As this year draws to a close, we reflect on many of 2016’s successes. With support and guidance from the City Administration and the Economic Development Advisory Council (EDAC), our department launched the Grow Conditional Micro Grant program for small businesses in Frederick and recently we were awarded a $100,000 Maryland Community Legacy grant that enables our partners to continue Façade Improvement Programs within the city. We celebrated the completion of Carroll Creek Park’s final urban phase, and progress along the creek such as Union Knitting Mills’ historic renovation. DED was recognized with a top MEDA Marketing award and a silver award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). We welcomed new distilleries into the city and have seen biotech companies graduate from the Frederick Innovative Technology Center Inc (FITCI) and grow right here in Frederick. We’ve entered a new partnership with BioBuzz Workforce Foundation Inc. and the Frederick BioBeers Meetup group to give our local bioscience companies online collaboration opportunities through the BioHive platform.  We continue to advocate strongly for and facilitate development of Frederick’s Downtown Hotel and Conference Center which when completed, will deliver sorely needed meeting space, lodging, jobs, and $24 Million annually in economic impact.  Frederick Municipal Airport has continued to advance its runway and hangar expansion plans with support from Frederick County, MAA, and FAA.

As we reflect on this year's many successes, we also look forward to next year's major projects and the changes that lie ahead.

Thank each of you for being a part of our journey this year. On behalf of the entire Department of Economic Development, we wish you a wonderful holiday season and prosperous New Year.