The Groundwork For Growth
Alsobrooks: “In 2022, over 22,000 businesses formed within the county, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. This record growth is more than double the number of new companies in 2012.” PHOTO: RAOUL DENNIS // PRINCE GEORGE’S SUITE MAGAZINE & MEDIA
County Executive Angela Alsobrooks Highlights County’s Major Projects Driving A Lifetime of Economic Growth
By N’tuma Kamara And Raoul Dennis
At the 2024 State of the Economy Address, County Executive Angela Alsobrooks discussed the county initiatives underway, which are laying the groundwork for a century of economic growth for residents.
Alsobrooks framed her June 13 delivery through “the power of large-scale federal investment in communities.” She noted the generational domino effect that federal installations tend to spark, specifically discussing examples in neighboring jurisdictions within the DMV. The county executive said the successful acquisition of the FBI headquarters in the county is an indicator that Prince George’s is on track for significant economic and generational growth in the 21st century.
“It is another transformative opportunity for our county,” Alsobrooks said. “What it is, is transformative. The FBI headquarters will reshape our community for [the coming] century.”
The new campus will become a magnet for new businesses, federal support funding, new homeowners, greater county branding and an ongoing economic pipeline for the county.
Alsobrooks, who has consistently fought to increase the county’s commercial tax base, also noted several promising entities.
In 2022, over 22,000 businesses formed within the county, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. This record growth is more than double the number of new companies in 2012.
Of the impressive list of businesses that have made the county their home, many are high-technology enterprises focused on building a greener tomorrow. Alsobrooks lauded this achievement as resulting from efforts by the County Executive’s Economic Development team and the Prince George's County Economic Development Corporation.
Ion Storage Systems Founder and CEO Eric Wachsman
Ion Storage Systems chose the county as its production space for its groundbreaking solid-state battery platform, which it created at the University of Maryland. According to the county executive, "Soon, Ion Storage will deliver safe, fast-charging and cost-effective batteries that greatly increase the range of electric vehicles and help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Having Ion Storage here in Prince George's County is a tremendous boon of confidence."
The minority-owned company, Fresh Greens, founded in 2018 by Duane and Tori King, has 120 employees, with over 60 in the county. By the end of the year, six Fresh Greens restaurants will provide healthy, high-quality meals.
Another minority-owned company, La Colonia International Supermarket, received a shout-out from the county executive. Maria Aguilar founded the Latin woman-owned grocery store in Camp Springs to provide the community fresh produce while generating well-paid jobs for families.
The county is actively engaged in developments to create a hospitable environment to businesses and residents over the long haul. “Whether you want to open a small business, invest and expand, or start something on the cutting edge of technology, we are making our community an attractive place for people of every background to bring their greatest ideas to life. These are the ideas that will define the next century,” said the county executive.
Fresh Greens is a dynamic and growing business in the county recognized by the county executive at the state of the economy address June 12, 2024
To this end, people-anchored investments have been made in housing, workforce development, and education. Over 5,500 affordable homes have been built or preserved in Prince George’s since July 2020. Ten new public schools were built over six years, and others are underway through an award-winning schools construction program.
The county has also secured public and private funding, which has been invested in construction projects in neighborhoods along the Blue Line Corridor. According to Alsobrooks, "We've also seen other private investments, and what we know is that Carillon is continuing forward with multifamily housing and retail parking. Hampton Park is in multiple phases completed, with much of their retail already open. Amore Apollo is under construction in the Largo Metro, and Park Place at the Addison Metro stop will break ground this year.”
In her closing statement, Alsobrooks remarked, “Together, we have a century of growth to plan for, a century of rising quality of life for residents, a century of new amenities, a century of Prince George's County.”
