LSM Topic: SoMD Economy, Workforce Development
Executives participating in Leadership Southern Maryland discuss entrepreneurship opportunities and challenges with a panel of subject matter experts. The panel, from left, Brian Jordan of Jordan R&D; Justin Ferguson of TEDCO; James Vasquez of Maryland Small Business Development Center Southern Region; Stephen Rice, deputy secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce; and Emily Lacey of the St. Mary’s County Department of Economic Development.
The Leadership Southern Maryland Executive Program Class of 2025 met with regional economic and workforce development leaders at the Chesapeake Hills Golf Course Clubhouse in Lusby on October 8 to learn about Southern Maryland’s efforts to attract businesses, create jobs, build and retain workforce talent, and grow the region’s economy.
Participants engaged in a day of conversations among economic development and planning directors from Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties about the realities of economic development in their jurisdictions and regionally.
The class also learned about workforce development initiatives underway with the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland, The Patuxent Partnership, College of Southern Maryland Continuing Education and Workforce Development and Workforce Center and reflected on the economic impact of local nonprofit organizations.
One of many highlights of the day was a discussion surrounding efforts to promote an entrepreneurial ecosystem in Southern Maryland with Maryland Deputy Secretary of Commerce Stephen Rice; Justin Ferguson of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation; Maryland Small Business Development Center Southern Region Director James Vasquez; and Jordan R&D President and Co-Founder Brian Jordan.
A centerpiece of the session was the opportunity for class participants to “Be an Economic Developer for the Day,” by collaborating with others to solve real Southern Maryland economic development challenges pertaining to infrastructure repurpose/investments, diversification through the blue (coastal/maritime) economy, and building a skilled workforce pipeline to support and scale advanced manufacturing in the region.
“The economic and workforce development session is an eye-opening and productive day for our Executive Program participants,” said LSM Executive Director Dr. Sybol Anderson. “We bring together the regional leaders and innovators for open conversations and recommendations about ways we can collectively make Southern Maryland a great place to live and work, and every year we are encouraged by the thought-partnering in the room.”
Leadership Southern Maryland’s flagship Executive Program is a nine-month, tuition-based “behind-the-scenes” experience designed to enhance the collaborative abilities of our region’s top senior professionals. LSM welcomes mid-to senior-level executives representing diverse geographic locations, industries, professions, ethnicities, genders, and other backgrounds who are committed to addressing the community needs of the tri-county area.
