Maryland Department of Commerce

By 1948, another agency was formed to collect information about the state. Authorized by the Board of Public Works, the Department of Information began as a division of the Hall of Records Commission. In 1949, it became an independent agency (Chapter 665, Acts of 1949). The department compiled data not only about industry and agriculture, but also natural resources,

The Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development's Web site, ChooseMaryland.org, was re-designed in March 2010.[2]

recreation, government, and history. To encourage a burgeoning tourist and outdoor recreation trade, the department promoted Maryland and its products with films, photographs, pamphlets, and press releases.

The Department of Information was superseded in 1959 by the Department of Economic Development (Chapter 185, Acts of 1959). Its mandate — to advance the economic welfare of Maryland citizens by developing the state's natural resources, industrial opportunities, and tourism potential — was carried out by three divisions: Business and Industrial Development; Research; and Tourist Development and Publicity. Another forerunner of the current department, the Development Credit Corporation of Maryland, was created in 1959 to stimulate business and industry by making loans to small businesses when conventional financing was unavailable.

In 1970, the Department of Economic Development was reorganized as the Department of Economic and Community Development (Chapter 527, Acts of 1970). Added to its economic responsibilities now were duties to protect and enhance the social, cultural and fiscal viability of Maryland communities.

In 1987, the Department of Economic and Employment Development was created (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987). It contained agencies and programs formerly administered by its immediate predecessors, the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Employment and Training.

In 1995, the Department of Economic and Employment Development reorganized as the Department of Business and Economic Development to emphasize its mission of bringing new jobs and new businesses to Maryland (Chapter 120, Acts of 1995).

In 2015, the Department of Business and Economic Development was renamed the Department of Commerce and reorganized to better emphasize Maryland's different industries, according to the governor's office.

With 81 authorized positions and $51.9 million budget for FY2012, and branded the Division of Commerce in October 2015, originated in 1959 when the Department of Economic Development was created to encourage businesses to locate in Maryland and to retain and expand existing enterprises (Chapter 185, Acts of 1959).[4]

Led by Assistant Secretary Robert Walker, a former State Secretary of Agriculture, the division oversees five offices: Business Development; Business Services; Finance Programs; International Investment and Trade; and Military and Federal Affairs. By attracting new and expanding businesses, the division helps create jobs and improve the state's economy. It also assists domestic and international firms in finding attractive locations in Maryland and promotes international trade opportunities to Maryland firms.[1]

The Office of Finance Programs, with an FY2012 appropriation of $3.5 million and 26 employees, directs and supervises certain state funds used as incentives or seed money for businesses in Maryland. These funds enable the state to retain businesses and attract new ones; foster economic growth; create new jobs; support commercial and industrial redevelopment; and help small, minority and high technology businesses.

The office is mandated by statute to be responsible for the Economic Development Opportunities Program (Sunny Day) Fund; Enterprise Fund (includes Challenge Investment Program); Maryland Competitive Advantage Financing Fund; Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund; Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund; Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority; Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority; and Smart Growth Economic Development Infrastructure (One Maryland) Fund. Also under the team is the Maryland Economic Adjustment Financing Committee.

The Maryland Venture Fund (MVF) provides for direct investment in Maryland companies through the Challenge Investment, Enterprise Investment, and the Enterprise Venture-Capital Limited Partnership programs. The fund organized as the Investment Financing Group in 1995. Formerly under the Division of Financing Programs, the fund transferred to Technology Strategy and Business Development in December 2003, and reformed as Venture Capital under the Deputy Secretary in 2005.

MVF focuses on seed and early stage investments, often equity and convertible debt, in amounts between $100,000 and $1,000,000 for companies with fewer than 250 employees. It invests in companies that maintain a principal place of business in Maryland or that commit to moving to Maryland if their principal offices re outside the state. It aims to leverage growth in industries such as software, information technology (IT), communications, cyber security, education tech, energy tech, health care IT, diagnostics and medical devices.[3]

Maryland Office of Tourism Development Web site

With an FY2012 appropriation of $26.6 million and 42 employees, the division of Tourism, Film and the Arts promotes Maryland as a destination for domestic and international travelers. The division also supports the performing, visual and creative arts and promotes Maryland as a location for film and television production. The division includes the Maryland State Arts Council, the Maryland Film Office, and the Office of Tourism Development.

The Office of Tourism Development had formed as the Tourism Development Office by 1981 and reorganized within the Division of Tourism, Film, and the Arts under its present name in 1996. The office has an FY2012 appropriation of nearly $3.6 million and 25 employees. Tourism is Maryland's fourth largest industry and has an economic impact on Maryland by creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and increasing business income.[4] In fiscal 2011, the state's tourism industry generated $359 million, more than 5.1 percent over fiscal 2010. From 2007 to 2010, the number of visitors to Maryland grew by 5 million and the state increased its market share 16.9 percent. Maryland drew 32.2 million visitors in 2010, up 10.7 percent from 2009.[5]

To stimulate tourism, the Office develops recreational, historical and cultural attractions. The Office promotes Maryland as a travel destination for domestic and international tourists. It promotes the state's attractions, accommodations and events through its annual publications, Destination Maryland and Maryland Calendar of Events. Additionally, the staff advises third-party sellers of travel such as travel agents, and tour operators. There is a public relations staff that has assisted travel writers to generate nearly $7 million in destination publicity. The office also manages three Welcome centers.[6]

The Council supports the performing, visual and creative arts, including dance, drama, music, architecture, painting, sculpture, graphics, crafts, photography, design, film, television and creative writing (Code Economic Development Article, sec. 4-502). Support takes the form of grants and special programs. The Council makes grants to individual artists, arts organizations, and county arts councils. The Council has 13 authorized positions and a $14.2 million appropriation for FY2012.[4]

Formed in August 2008 as a joint venture between DBED and the Maryland Stadium Authority, the Office of Sports Marketing attracts, promotes, and develops regional, national and international sporting events. The office evaluates Maryland's sports assets and develops strategies to increase the number of sports events, both professional and amateur, in the state.[7]

The Maryland Film Office promotes Maryland as a location for film and video production. The office is an informational and logistical resource for productions, and assists productions with location scouting, permits, casting, film crew housing, catering, equipment rental, and other production needs.[8]

The Department of Commerce's Division of Marketing and Communications develops, coordinates, implements and evaluates proactive and integrated marketing activities for Maryland Commerce. Using research, brand assets and technology, the division communicates Maryland's competitive business advantages and quality of life. A centralized marketing resource, the division operates a creative and production shop, interactive program and business research and information services office.[9]

The division coordinates and creates a number of publications such as the Department's Annual Report and online e-letters Business Pulse, a monthly report on business expansions, economic development activity and industry events; Economic Pulse, timely reports on Maryland's latest economic indicators; Global Pulse, Maryland-related international investment and trade news; Bio Pulse, quarterly reports on the state's life sciences community; and Cyber Pulse, which promotes Maryland as the nation's epicenter for cybersecurity and information technology.[9]

The Public Affairs and Media Relations team maximizes Maryland's competitive business in broadcast, print and new media for local, national and trade media.[9] The Office of Marketing consists of the Promotions and Events team, which coordinates opportunities to promote the Agency, and the Creative Services team, which develops the department's brand marketing, creative collateral and information resources to support the Agency's marketing initiatives.[9]

The Research and Information team analyzes and communicates key economic and employment data. In addition to monthly reports on the economy, state rankings, and new and expanding businesses, the team also contributes to the department's many publications and strategic reports.[9]

The Maryland Economic Development Commission establishes economic development policy and oversees department efforts to attract and retain businesses and jobs in Maryland. The Commission was revived in August 2009 and is chaired by Anirban Basu, Chairman and CEO of the Sage Policy Group. From the private sector, the Commission raises funds to supplement economic development programs and financial incentives to business. The Commission also advises the Commerce Secretary on regulations for financing programs and on the allocation of financial incentives. The Maryland Economic Development Commission was formed first by the Governor and then by statute in 1995 (Executive Order 01.01.1995.04; Chapter 120, Acts of 1995). See all commission members.

Established October 1, 2015, the Commerce Cabinet is composed of the Secretaries of the Departments of Commerce, Transportation, Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Environment, Housing and Community Development, Planning and the Governor's Office of Minority Affairs.

The LSAB was created by the legislature in 2007 to assist in maintaining Maryland's preeminence in the life sciences industry. Having 18 members, the Board includes the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce, a representative designated by the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and 16 members appointed by the Governor.

The Advisory Council on the Impact of Regulations on Small Businesses was created by the General Assembly in 2015 to advise the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review on the potential economic impact proposed regulations may have on small businesses.

E-Nnovation Initiative Fund Authority advises and consults with Maryland Commerce concerning the implementation and administration of the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative Fund (MEIF). Through the program, nonprofit institutions of higher education in Maryland may create research endowments in scientific and technical fields of study. Private donations to those endowments may be matched by State funds from the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative Fund Authority.

The Maryland Marketing Partnership, founded in statute as the Maryland Public-Private Partnership Marketing Corporation, was created to develop a branding strategy for the state, market the state's assets and encourage the location and growth of new businesses in Maryland.[14]

Promotes the viability and expansion of businesses owned by economically and socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs, and also small businesses that do not meet the established credit criteria of financial institutions, and consequently are unable to obtain adequate business financing on reasonable terms through normal financing channels. Created in 1978, the nine members serve five-year terms.

Maryland Venture Fund Authority members Elizabeth Good Mazhari, Michael G. Miller and MFVA Chair/MedImmune President Peter Greenleaf were sworn in on August 31, 2011.

In 1966, the Maryland State Arts Council originated as the Governor's Council on the Arts in Maryland, established by Executive Order. It became the Maryland State Arts Council in 1967 (Chapter 644, Acts of 1967). Formerly under the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Council joined the Department of Economic and Employment Development in 1987 (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987), and transferred to the Department of Business and Economic Development in 1995 (Chapter 120, Acts of 1995).[4]

The Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority (MIDFA) and the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) are both served by the same Authority members. For MIDFA, the Authority reviews and approves financing transactions being issued as private activity bonds and loan guarantees; for MEDAAF, the Authority reviews and approves loans to support economic development initiatives.

The Maryland Military Installation Council identifies the public infrastructure, potential impact on local communities, and support needed for State military installation development and expansion. The Council reviews State policies to support military installations and maximize economic benefits to local communities.

The Maryland Public Art Commission implements Maryland's formal public art program through sculptures, murals and other works in an effort to enhance the cultural landscape of Maryland communities. Created in 2005, with 12 members.

The Maryland Tourism Development Board was authorized in 1993 and reconstituted in 2007 (Chapter 625, Acts of 1993; Chapter 152, Acts of 2007). Chaired by Greg Shockley, the board stimulates and promotes travel and tourism in Maryland. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of Business and Economic Development and the Maryland Economic Development Commission, the board formulates a five-year strategic plan, an annual marketing plan, and an annual operating budget.