Maryland's Anti-Business Obssessive Compulsive Disorder (Baltimore, California: safe neighborhoods, buyer, movie theaters)

[adelphi_sky]

Originally Posted by vicnice

Imean MD should *really* be fighting for what you said: Biotech, federal agencies, and corporate headquarters, but instead it wants to become the next atlantic city (which is not a compliment)

I agree. And Maryland does, to some degree, put focus on those industries. we can debate on how well they fight for these industries. I'm sure we both agree that fight can be strengthened. But as we all know, fighting takes money. Something Maryland doesn't get a lot of from business because of the lack. So, the main revenue has to come through taxes. But with each small victory, such as casinos, more revenue will come from other sources to strengthen that fight for other industries.

Speaking on PG specifically, I'm sure everyone was aware of the fight for the DHHS that PG ultimately lost to Montgomery county. IN addition, PG is fighting for the FBI. The Maryland HHS is a win for PG county. But there are still more fights to be had. Right now, PG county still has a great space hub in NASA Goddard that is working with the new NOAA office in College Park. Cyber Security is to be had in Maryland as well that will provide Howard and PG counties with opportunities to grow that industry.

Then there is solar. There are a few solar contractors in PG. As Solar continues to grow, there is room for these contractors to create solar companies of their own.

There is opportunity out there. Maryland and PG county are both in the game. But I think it will be a long hard road. But I can see improvements as the economy improves over time.

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

I agree. And Maryland does, to some degree, put focus on those industries. we can debate on how well they fight for these industries. I'm sure we both agree that fight can be strengthened. But as we all know, fighting takes money. Something Maryland doesn't get a lot of from business because of the lack. So, the main revenue has to come through taxes. But with each small victory, such as casinos, more revenue will come from other sources to strengthen that fight for other industries.

Speaking on PG specifically, I'm sure everyone was aware of the fight for the DHHS that PG ultimately lost to Montgomery county. IN addition, PG is fighting for the FBI. The Maryland HHS is a win for PG county. But there are still more fights to be had. Right now, PG county still has a great space hub in NASA Goddard that is working with the new NOAA office in College Park. Cyber Security is to be had in Maryland as well that will provide Howard and PG counties with opportunities to grow that industry.

Then there is solar. There are a few solar contractors in PG. As Solar continues to grow, there is room for these contractors to create solar companies of their own.

There is opportunity out there. Maryland and PG county are both in the game. But I think it will be a long hard road. But I can see improvements as the economy improves over time.

I think that there could be a greater push now that we are past the 2012 elections and are moving towards 2014. Those pols who are up for re-election or running for governor will be looking to get some accomplishments under their belts. If Marylanders are smart they will use this as leverage to encourage our leaders to further cultivate the MD business environment and pursue desired industries. I attended a meeting for African small business owners earlier this week and the Lt. Governor spoke about some of the changes that will be begin after the new year that will lesson the amount of taxes that small businesses will have to pay. He also mentioned that they have changed the state's procurement process to make it fair for small businesses.

[slowlane3]

Originally Posted by Barry Rock

Prince Georges County is not attracting corporate headquarters or any manufacturing, biotech or otherwise, or Govt agencies for that matter..... it's that simple. Metro stops are unused. So..........what else ya got? That's right, raise taxes or build casinos to raise revenue....

As I mentioned earlier here, GSA avoids having Federal office space in P.G. County , Montg Co has actually been offering cash incentives to GSA for locating or keeping Fed agencies there, rather than putting them in more transit-friendly sites in P.G. Co.

[Mr Beco]

Originally Posted by slowlane3

As I mentioned earlier here, GSA avoids having Federal office space in P.G. County , Montg Co has actually been offering cash incentives to GSA for locating or keeping Fed agencies there, rather than putting them in more transit-friendly sites in P.G. Co.

Im not buying that, show me a link

[motoreater]

Originally Posted by UrbanScholar

I think that there could be a greater push now that we are past the 2012 elections and are moving towards 2014. Those pols who are up for re-election or running for governor will be looking to get some accomplishments under their belts. If Marylanders are smart they will use this as leverage to encourage our leaders to further cultivate the MD business environment and pursue desired industries. I attended a meeting for African small business owners earlier this week and the Lt. Governor spoke about some of the changes that will be begin after the new year that will lesson the amount of taxes that small businesses will have to pay. He also mentioned that they have changed the state's procurement process to make it fair for small businesses.

How many 'African' small business owners are there that the Lt Gov had to address them? Do Latinos and Asians get the same attention?

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by motoreater

How many 'African' small business owners are there that the Lt Gov had to address them? Do Latinos and Asians get the same attention?

I didn't do a count but it was a full room. I am sure that he has addressed business owners of all ethnic groups. I don't see a reason why he wouldn't.

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by UrbanScholar

I think that there could be a greater push now that we are past the 2012 elections and are moving towards 2014. Those pols who are up for re-election or running for governor will be looking to get some accomplishments under their belts. If Marylanders are smart they will use this as leverage to encourage our leaders to further cultivate the MD business environment and pursue desired industries. I attended a meeting for African small business owners earlier this week and the Lt. Governor spoke about some of the changes that will be begin after the new year that will lesson the amount of taxes that small businesses will have to pay. He also mentioned that they have changed the state's procurement process to make it fair for small businesses.

The casino isn't going to change the reason why business aren't coming here, at least not right away

[UrbanScholar]

Originally Posted by pgtitans

The casino isn't going to change the reason why business aren't coming here, at least not right away

Where in my statement did I talk about casinos? I was referring to leveraging the upcoming midterm elections to push our elected officials pursue certain industries and to work on policies and laws to encourage growth in MD's business sector. The only challenge they are going to have in the near term is that a lot of businesses are not looking to expand or relocate in 2013 (at least).

[vicnice]

Originally Posted by adelphi_sky

So, you would rather have $0 new revenue rather than $180 million......in THIS economy. At the moment, I don't see any other multibillion company offering thousands of jobs, hundreds of millions in revenue, and increased tourism for the state. Other than the casinos in Baltimore and Arundel Mills. But those are okay right? So, are we to sit by and wait for some unknown level of income that would be satisfactory to every with the "right" types of jobs? Ever heard the term, "staring a gift horse in the mouth?"

Sure, we can tax crack too.....thats better than $0 new revenue right?? There are plenty of multi billion dollar companies offering jobs, revenue and tourism, they just arent offering htem to PG County.

PG county can do better,t his is an admission of defeat to the rest of the DMV.

[justtitans]

Originally Posted by UrbanScholar

Where in my statement did I talk about casinos? I was referring to leveraging the upcoming midterm elections to push our elected officials pursue certain industries and to work on policies and laws to encourage growth in MD's business sector. The only challenge they are going to have in the near term is that a lot of businesses are not looking to expand or relocate in 2013 (at least).

I was referring to your response about adelphi's point. I understand what you saying, but it sounded as though you were trying to say that now that the elections are over that there needs to a greater push to improve the business environment. All I was stating is that the casino is coming, nothing has changed with the business environment. They will still face the same challenges they did before. I'm sure they were doing the same things prior to elections but it doesn't seem completely feasible that much would change especially if we do go into another recession. MD would have to do a lot to not only improve the business environment but also to convince companies that they are changing.