|

News Release:
CONSULTANT TEAM SELECTED TO LAUNCH ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY INCUBATOR
ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 27, 2002) - - - The Business Cluster Development
Group (BCD) has been selected to launch Anne Arundel County's
first small business technology incubator. BCD was selected out
of a field of more than 12 proposals submitted to a 10-member, private
sector Incubator Advisory Committee. The Anne Arundel Economic Development
Corporation (AAEDC) is spearheading the development of an Anne Arundel
County incubator. Eleven percent of the County's economy is
driven by technology-focused companies.
BCD is an internationally recognized team for incubator development,
incubator management, and sector-focused incubation. A total of
13 incubators across the country have been developed by BCD for
clients including economic development organizations, private sector
corporations, non-profit organizations, and universities. Ten of
these incubators were complete turnkey projects.
BCD's project manager is John Elstner, a professional program
manager and venture capital consultant residing in Annapolis, Maryland.
BCD Principals Jim Robbins and Carol Kraus Lauffer, nationally recognized
incubator development experts based in Silicon Valley, California,
complete the project team. The BCD team is responsible for advising
AAEDC on the appropriate incubator location, identifying and evaluating
potential tenants, developing networks and stakeholders, implementing
marketing strategies, developing operational infrastructure, and
securing funding.
BCD has an unparalleled track record of success in implementing
incubators, said Bill Badger, President and CEO of Anne Arundel
Economic Development Corporation. With BCD's expertise,
we are looking forward to a successful incubator launch in the first
quarter of 2003. As the latest census data indicates, Anne Arundel
County led the State of Maryland in job growth. The County's
first small business technology incubator will produce technology-based
businesses that will help Anne Arundel County remain a leader.
Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) is a not-for-profit
corporation that provides economic development services for Anne
Arundel County, MD. AAEDC manages local revitalization projects,
supports existing employers, recruits new employers, provides and
facilitates loans to new and expanding businesses and provides advice,
information and services related to business and economic development
in Anne Arundel County, MD. Additional information about AAEDC is
available on the Internet at www.aaedc.org.

|