Economic development creates significant value for companies that are in the beginning stages.  Great innovation doesn’t just happen by accident.  It takes partnerships, know-how, and creative thinking.  Bringing people together who have similar ideas spurs job growth.

On Thursday, local government officials at the Maryland Association of Counties’ (MACo) summer conference attended a session sponsored by the Maryland Economic Development Association titled “Building It and Ideas Will Come-Creating an Entrepreneurial Culture.” The session, moderated by Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, examined what it takes to build an environment where ideas transform into opportunities.  Panelists included Julie Lenzer Kirk, Executive Director, Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship; Lily Qi, Special Projects Manager, Montgomery County; and Mike Binko, Co-chair, Startup Maryland.