The Learning Lunch Hour

Description

TOPIC: State and Local Funding Programs for Your Business

With Andrew Sargent, Sr. Business Development Representative at the Maryland Department of Commerce and Jill Thompson, Director of Community and Economic Development for the City of Hagerstown

The City of Hagerstown offers a number of programs and services to support businesses, property investment & renovation and homeownership. Attend this event to learn more about the range of programs and services. With the breadth of programs offered, there is likely a program you may not be aware of that may help you or a colleague.

The Maryland Department of Commerce offers several programs to ensure the success of the private sector. To help accomplish this, the Department has twelve business development representatives stationed in the regions they cover. Meet Andrew Sargent, the Western Maryland representative. He will share an overview of MD Commerce, how we work together with the local partners, and describe some of the programs that have had a positive impact in Western Maryland.

Come join us in the F&M Trust Training Room at the Chamber. 

*This is a Business Education Partnership Committee initiative.*

About Jill Thompson:

Director of Community & Economic Development

As Director of the City’s Department of Community and Economic Development, Jill is responsible for the City’s work in two function areas: building strong neighborhoods through community development and supporting business growth through economic development. She serves in conducting the City’s economic development programs, including the development and implementation of the Community’s City Center Plan, a 10-year roadmap for downtown development based on eight catalyst projects. She also oversees recruitment of new business, implementation of business retention and expansion plans, assistance with economic development-related marketing and promotion efforts, and creation of incentive programs. Jill has more than 25 years of experience in economic development and downtown management. She received a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the E. W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She joined the City of Hagerstown in May, 2011.

About Andrew Sargent:

Andrew’s career has spanned small business management, real estate, commercial property management, and economic development, which has led to his current role as the Senior Business Development Representative for Western Maryland for the MD Department of Commerce. He lives in the City of Hagerstown with his wife, Dr. Tara Sargent, and is the proud father of George (19) and Grace (17). Locally, he serves on the Fletcher Foundation board of directors, the Washington County Convention & Visitor Center board of directors, and the Hagerstown/Washington County Industrial Foundation.

Pricing:

Free for Chamber members      |       $10 for non-members

Feel free to bring your own lunch. Not available for purchase at the event. The presentation will begin at noon.