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Montgomery County Has Built A Firm Foundation for Success

Innovation economy built on diversity, education and a purpose-driven quality of life

By Bill Lewis on July 27, 2018

Rockville, MD
Rockville / Courtesy of Philip_Taciak
Emergent BioSolutions develops, manufactures, and delivers a portfolio of medical countermeasures for biological and chemical threats as well as emerging infectious diseases.

Montgomery County’s dynamic innovation economy, built on a firm foundation that includes standout schools, transportation connectivity, cultural diversity and a purpose-driven quality of life, makes it a destination of choice for successful businesses and the high-performing employees who are attracted to them.

“Montgomery County has the right combination of attributes which contribute to success in business,†says David Petr, president and CEO of Montgomery County Economic Development Corp.

Montgomery County’s BioHealth Industry Thrives on Innovation

Leading-edge economic sectors include BioHealth, information technology and cybersecurity. Businesses are drawn by the county’s location outside Washington, D.C., in the heart of the federal and advanced technology marketplace.

Diversity Builds Strength

Employers discover a wealth of skilled talent in a workforce with off-the-charts levels of educational attainment. More than 32 percent of adults over age 25 hold a post-graduate degree, compared with the national average of 12 percent, and more than 59 percent hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.

The result is a workforce with the “smartest talent,†says Petr.

Montgomery County Schools and Businesses Keep Talent Flowing to STEM-Related Industries

Not only is Montgomery County one of the nation’s wealthiest, with a median household income of $99,435 compared with the U.S. median of $53,889, it is also one of the most diverse places. Of the county’s of 1.04 million residents, more than 331,000 are foreign born. There are 138 different languages spoken in Montgomery County households.

“It will take another 30 years for America to catch up to Montgomery County’s diversity,†says Petr.

Quick access to three international airports adds to the attractions for businesses, while the availability of 400 parks enhances the quality of life for everyone.

Montgomery County, MD Offers Distinct Transportation Advantages

Montgomery County’s advantages added up for KoolSpan, part of the area’s thriving tech sector. The Bethesda company provides secure communications solutions that enable businesses and consumers to make calls and send texts securely.

“Our location is ideal to allow us to recruit and retain the best talent from across the entire region, including Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia,†says KoolSpan CEO Nigel Jones.

“In addition, our location enables a culture of socializing and connections at nearby restaurants within walking distance and easy access to the nearby Metro station. And the close proximity of both University of Maryland-Baltimore County and Montgomery County College is a great way to sustain our internship program, which has resulted in many full-time hires,†he says.

Montgomery County Helps Ensure There is Room at the Inn

From its location in Montgomery County, KoolSpan has established an international presence.

“As demand for secure mobile communications has grown rapidly over the past few years, KoolSpan’s TrustCall solution has emerged as the global market leader because our proprietary technology eliminates the usual trade-off between security and ease of use,†says Jones.

International Leadership

KoolSpan isn’t alone. Montgomery County communities are an address of choice for major corporate headquarters, including Fortune 1000 companies such as Lockheed-Martin, Marriott International and Host Hotels as well as globally known companies including GEICO, Emergent BioSolutions and MedImmune.

Montgomery County: Cyber Innovation Central

More than 220 foreign-headquartered companies have a presence in Montgomery County. In addition, Montgomery County was included on a short list of 20 locations under consideration for Amazon’s next corporate headquarters, known as HQ2.

The county’s location near the nation’s capital city is another advantage. Montgomery County is home to 18 major federal departments and agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration and Department of Energy.

Montgomery County, MD Offers Comfortable Communities for Its Residents

Montgomery County enjoys a prime location with proximity to Washington, D.C., and is perfectly situated in the bustling East Coast corridor, says Petr.

Montgomery County is telling its story in the #Moco365 campaign, featuring 365 leaders, entrepreneurs and others who make Montgomery County exceptional.

“The campaign shows the diversity, strength and uniqueness of our business climate,” says Petr.

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