Heft for Prince George's
Published July 31, 2003
Washington Post
THE ROSTER of state
and local movers and shakers in most areas of this region includes more
than a few select business organizations with the financial clout and research
to help their governments attract economic development through improved
education, public safety and other services. Business roundtables of top
executives regularly assist as well as prod their state leaders in Annapolis
and Richmond, taking positions on budget issues and promoting programs
and services that firms look for when they seek new locations.
Though Prince George's County
does benefit from the support of a number of business coalitions, its efforts
for greater recognition have been somewhat stymied by the lack of a high-technology
component in its economy. Now a group of chief executive officers of some
prominent firms has formed the Greater Prince George's Business Roundtable,
a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that plans to work with government
and community leaders on a range of issues. Organizers note that the roundtable
will act not as an automatic booster of the county government but as a
support group that will take positions on issues that the members deem
important in strengthening the county's tax base. New and improved transportation
and better schools are high on the list.
The roundtable's chairman
is Gary Murray, who has built two $100 million businesses, formed a venture
capital firm and is chairman of the Maryland Economic Development Commission.
Former county council member M.H. Jim Estepp is serving as roundtable president
and CEO. Until this group fills its ranks and starts taking positions,
its role in attracting business and building stable communities remains
to be gauged. But the potential is there to provide the sort of heavyweight
help that Prince George's needs to become a leader in the region's economic
growth.
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