The 2025 Fall Meeting was all about connection — bringing together community leaders, local businesses, educators, and government partners at the Velocity Center in Indian Head for a morning of learning, collaboration, and shared vision.
This year’s theme, “The Partnership Economy,” focused on how teamwork at every level — local, regional, and state — helps fuel growth, share resources, and spark innovation. Events like this remind us that partnership isn’t just a buzzword; it’s the backbone of a thriving, resilient Charles County economy.
Kicking Off the Morning
Jim Chandler, Director of the Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD), welcomed attendees and set the tone for the day, saying,
“Today’s Fall Meeting is dedicated to all the partnerships that strengthen our community and fuel our local economy. We thank each and every one of our partners for their continued support and for helping make Charles County a wonderful place to live, work, and do business.”
Commissioner President Reuben B. Collins, II followed with an official county welcome, reminding everyone why collaboration matters:
“Partnership is the engine that drives our progress.”
Acting County Administrator Deborah E. Hall then provided a County Government Update, sharing the latest on key projects, priorities, and initiatives shaping Charles County’s economic future.
Spotlight on Statewide Partnerships
Maryland’s workforce is evolving fast — and building it takes collaboration. In the opening keynote, Portia Wu, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Labor, shared how the state is partnering with local organizations to prepare workers for both today’s and tomorrow’s jobs.
She highlighted more than $700,000 in workforce grants awarded to the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland and the College of Southern Maryland — investments supporting training, upskilling, and entrepreneurship.
“It’s wonderful to be here with so many partners, innovators, business leaders, and public servants,” Secretary Wu said. “Charles County—with its defense innovation and emerging technology corridor—is one of our state’s most dynamic economic engines.”
Celebrating Collaboration: Partner of the Year
This year, EDD introduced its first-ever Partner of the Year Award, honoring individuals or organizations that truly embody collaboration and leadership.
The 2025 award went to the Military Alliance Council (MAC) for its steadfast support of the Naval Support Facility Indian Head and its efforts to strengthen relationships between the base, local community, and regional partners. MAC’s Executive Director Pam Frank commented:
“We can’t do this alone. We have to have partners.”
Through its advocacy and partnership-building, the MAC continues to position Charles County as a strategic hub for defense and innovation.
Charles County Highlights
Following the award presentation, Jim Chandler and Michelle Frye, EDD’s Deputy Director, shared updates on the county’s recent achievements — from Oasis Fresh Foods Market in Indian Head earning a Maryland Economic Development Association Award, to a new sister city partnership with Matola, Mozambique, to continued investment in the Western Charles County Technology Corridor.
They also spotlighted the success of local programs like With Love From Charles, the county’s digital gift card initiative. Each of these accomplishments underscores how collaboration fuels Charles County’s continued growth and resilience.
Supporting Business Growth
The first panel, Supporting Business Growth, moderated by Jerry Sanford (The Harbor Bank of Maryland), explored how Maryland’s vast network of partners helps businesses start, scale, and succeed.
Panelists Brad Fallon (Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development), James Steward Smith (FSC First), and James Vasquez (Maryland Small Business Development Center) shared valuable insights on business readiness, funding, and mentorship.
Smith emphasized the importance of good financial systems, noting:
“Your first partner should be a bookkeeper.”
Vasquez added with a smile,
“Before you get a bookkeeper, get an SBDC consultant.”
Their advice highlighted how practical partnerships — from professional services to business mentoring — can make all the difference for growing businesses.
Partnerships That Drive Innovation
The second panel, Partnerships that Drive Innovation – Western Charles County Technology Corridor, moderated by Paul W. Ruppert, EDD’s Senior Commercial Development Manager, focused on how collaboration among defense, industry, and community leaders is shaping the region into a hub for advanced technology and innovation.
Panelists Pam Frank (Military Alliance Council), Dr. Phillip Stracener (X-Bow Systems), and Dawud Abdur-Rahman (Bryans Road Business Association) discussed how joint efforts accelerate innovation, attract investment, and strengthen the local workforce — creating ripple effects across the entire county economy.
Wrapping Up with a Look Toward the Future
Closing out the event, Kelly Schulz, CEO of the Maryland Technology Council, delivered an inspiring keynote about the critical link between partnership, workforce, and innovation.
“Partnerships are the driving factor behind where we go and what we do,” Schulz said. She added, “You cannot have economic development without workforce development, and you can’t have workforce development without economic development.”
Her words reinforced the event’s theme: collaboration is what keeps our economy moving forward.
Before wrapping up, EDD unveiled Charles County’s 2025 Annual Report and Asset Inventory, showcasing the county’s ongoing momentum. Find these reports and other materials from the event on our 2025 Fall Meeting web page.
