MCEDC PRESIDENT AND CEO NAMED AS 2021 INFLUENTIAL MARYLANDER
The Daily Record recognizes Ben Wu for business leadership in pandemic economic recovery
Rockville, Md. — The Daily Record has selected Benjamin H. Wu, President and CEO of the Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) as a 2021 Influential Marylander in the business category. Wu joins 50 other executives across the state who will be recognized for their leadership in more than ten categories at a July 29, 2021 ceremony.
The Daily Record launched its Influential Marylanders award in 2007 to recognize those who have made significant impacts in their field and continue to be leaders in Maryland. The editors of The Daily Record selected 51 Influential Marylanders for their significant contributions to their respective fields and for their leadership in the following areas: business, civic leadership, communications, education, finance, freestyle, health care, law, philanthropy, real estate and technology. A full list can be viewed here.
“The 2021 Influential Marylanders lead, innovate, create and mentor. What they do makes a difference in Maryland and often beyond,” said Suzanne Fischer-Huettner, senior group publisher of The Daily Record. “They are actively engaged in the community and are simply inspirational. The Daily Record congratulates them for all their achievements.”
“This recognition is a tribute to our incredible MCEDC team, who have worked with tremendous dedication and passion to provide critical support for business recovery and growth in the greatest economic challenge of our lifetime. Thank you also to our MCEDC Board of Directors and The Daily Record for this recognition alongside some of the state’s most dedicated and accomplished leaders,” said Wu. “While our work varies across industries, we all share the common goal to make Maryland a better place for its residents, communities and businesses. If the last year has shown us anything, it’s that we’re better working together.”
Over the course of the pandemic, MCEDC has led Montgomery County’s business attraction, retention and expansion efforts that have helped to drop the local unemployment rate from a high of 8.6% in May 2020 to 5.6% in May 2021, lower than both the national and state levels. In the 2020 race to develop a COVID-19 vaccine, Montgomery County life sciences companies received nearly $8 billion in federal, private, and foundational investment. Even with global economic challenges, Montgomery County has been the site of significant recent international and domestic attractions, like new headquarters for Autonomous Therapeutics, Inc. (relocated from New York City) and China-based Genetron Health Inc., which moved from North Carolina’s Research Triangle. MCEDC also has administered $22 million of direct local business assistance to support pandemic business recovery and is currently crafting the future economic development strategy of Maryland’s largest jurisdiction with almost a quarter of the state’s GDP.
Held virtually this year, the Influential Marylanders awards will be presented on July 29 in an online celebration at 5:30 p.m. Each of the winners will be celebrated for their achievements through video storytelling. Guests will have the opportunity to participate in the program using social media platforms from their homes or offices. Ticket information can be found at https://thedailyrecord.com/influential-marylanders/. Winners will also be profiled in a special magazine insert in the July 30 issue of The Daily Record and will be available online at TheDailyRecord.com.
ABOUT MCEDC
The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, Maryland. Created in 2016, MCEDC is led by a Board of Directors of business executives. Its mission is to help businesses start, grow and relocate in Montgomery County by helping them gain access to top talent, business and market intelligence and prime locations. For more information, visit our website. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
