Exactly thirty years after AAEDC was created, on July 1, 1993, we're excited to publish a VERY special My ArundelBiz Podcast episode celebrating our 30th anniversary.
We sat down with the two women who have been with AAEDC since day one - Jill Seamon, Administrative Officer and two-time Interim CEO, and Lisa Grunder, Manager of Loan Administration - for a conversation that was both a walk down memory lane and a look toward the future.
How Jill and Lisa started at - and why they’ve stayed at - AAEDC, and how their definitions of "economic development" have evolved over time.
Why privatizing and becoming a quasi-governmental organization has allowed AAEDC to "do so much more" to support businesses - especially through its diverse lending programs and during the COVID-19 pandemic (see show notes below for some impressive stats!).
The creation of Arundel Ag, spearheaded by 24-year AAEDC veteran Lisa Barge, and the tremendous growth of its programs and resources to help farmers and producers (see show notes below for some of them).
Why they're so confident that AAEDC's team, under the leadership of new President & CEO Amy Gowan, will continue to develop new and creative ways to help businesses start, grow, and thrive in Anne Arundel County.So tune in to this special episode that's full of memories, laughs, and PLENTY of throwback photos!
During COVID-19 and weather-related catastrophes from 2020-2022, AAEDC enacted at least a dozen programs that distributed nearly $33 million in grants to 2,263 businesses.
Since it began managing the VOLT Fund on behalf of the Department of Commerce in April 2013, AAEDC has awarded loans totaling over $17 million to 140 businesses – 97 of which are located in Anne Arundel County.
Since 2007, AAEDC has awarded roughly $3 million in Arundel Community Reinvestment (ACR) Fund loans to 70+ businesses located in targeted areas of the county.
Since it launched the Next Stage Tech Fund in 2017, AAEDC has awarded nearly $2 million to technology companies serving the cybersecurity and national defense industries.
Since 1997, AAEDC has awarded workforce training grants totaling nearly $9 million to 162 businesses that have used them to upskill thousands of employees.
Since it launched the Inclusive Ventures Program in January 2021, AAEDC has provided business education and training, access to capital, and mentorship to 77 Anne Arundel County business owners.
Since it launched the My ArundelBiz Podcast in May 2019, AAEDC has published 67 total episodes, with 49 featuring businesses located throughout the county and the remaining 18 featuring specific AAEDC programs and resources for business owners.
created, and initially managed, the Anne Arundel County Farmers' Market, and is proud to promote all farmers' markets in the county.
established and manages programs including the Farm Equipment Rental Program, Scrap Tire Program, Mobile Poultry Processing Unit, and Arundel Ag Mini Grant Program.
hosts an Arundel Grown event each year during Maryland Buy Local Week to highlight and celebrate the diverse farmers and producers in Anne Arundel County.
