DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

FUNCTIONS

The Department's major functions are carried out by offices concerned with Business Advocacy and Small Business Assistance, Financing Programs, and Business Development, by three regional divisions for Business Development, and two other divisions: Economic Policy, Research, and Legislative Affairs; and Tourism, Film, and the Arts. The Department also is aided by the Maryland Economic Development Commission.

Redwood Tower, 217 East Redwood St., Baltimore, Maryland, September 2003. Photo by James R. Moody.

OFFICE OF SECRETARY

The Secretary of Business and Economic Development is chief executive officer of the Department. Appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent, the Secretary sets policy, promulgates rules and regulations, and determines the strategies necessary to fulfill the Department's mandate. The Secretary is responsible for the budget of the Department, its boards, commissions, and offices. To administer the Department, the Secretary is assisted by the Deputy Secretary. The Deputy Secretary is appointed by the Secretary with the approval of the Governor.

The Secretary serves on the Governor's Executive Council; the Governor's Subcabinet for International Affairs; and the Smart Growth Subcabinet. The Secretary also chairs the Maryland Military Installation Council, and serves on the Board of Directors of the Maryland Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation; the Maryland Agricultural Education and Rural Development Assistance Board; the Maryland Aviation Commission; the Board of Directors of the Bainbridge Development Corporation; the Critical Area Commission for the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays; the Interagency Disabilities Board; the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority; the Maryland Economic Development Commission; the Emergency Management Advisory Council; the Maryland Heritage Areas Authority; the State Planning Committee for Higher Education; the State Highway Access Valuation Board; the Governor's Interagency Council on Homelessness; the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority; the Maryland Advisory Commission on Manufacturing Competitiveness; the Interdepartmental Advisory Committee for Minority Affairs; Maryland Advisory Council for New Americans; the Governor's Interagency Council for the Nonprofit Sector; the Board of Directors, PenMar Development Corporation; the Renewable Fuels Incentive Board; the Rural Maryland Council; the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority; the Board of Directors of the Maryland Technology Development Corporation; the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland; the Maryland Wine and Grape Promotion Council; and the Governor's Workforce Investment Board.

Under the Secretary are offices for communications and marketing, fair practices, internal audit, military affairs, and Venture Capital.

MARYLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
The Maryland Economic Development Commission was formed first by the Governor and then by statute in 1995 (Executive Order 01.01.1995.04; Chapter 120, Acts of 1995). The Commission establishes economic development policy and oversees Department efforts to attract and retain businesses and jobs in Maryland. In December 1995, the Commission completed a strategic plan for economic development in the State. The plan, Strategic Directions for Increasing Maryland's Competitiveness, recommended to the Governor program and spending priorities to attract business to Maryland. A second report, Strategic Directions for Increasing Competitiveness of Maryland's Growth Industry Sectors, was submitted to the Governor in May 1997. The Commission's third strategic plan is being developed to address key issues and define growth industry sectors for the first decade of the new century.

From the private sector, the Commission raises funds to supplement economic development programs and financial incentives to business. The Commission also advises the Secretary of Business and Economic Development on regulations for financing programs and on the allocation of financial incentives.

Currently, the Commission works through five subcommittees: Advanced Technology; Business Competitiveness; E-Government and Regulatory Reform; Minority Business; and Tax Policy.

Appointed to three-year terms by the Governor, the Commission has no more than twenty-one voting members. The Secretary of Business and Economic Development is a nonvoting member. The Governor names the chair (Code 1957, Art. 83A, secs. 1-201 through 1-204).

OFFICE OF FAIR PRACTICES
The Office of Fair Practices began as the Office of Fair Practices and Procurement, which formed in September 2003 from the merger of the Office of Equal Opportunity and the Contracts and Procurement Unit. It reorganized in 2004 under its present name.

The Minority Business Enterprise Program is administered by the Office, which ensures that the Department complies with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Guidance to managers and employees regarding equal employment opportunity and fair practices also is provided by the Office.

OFFICE OF MILITARY AFFAIRS
Certain functions of the Office of Military Affairs started as the Office of Technology Development in January 1989. It reformed as the Technology Commercialization Program in 1993, as the Office of Federal Response and Technology Commercialization in 1995, and became the Office of Technology Support in March 1998. It became the Office of Military Affairs and Federal Facilities in 1999. Formerly under the Division of Regional Development, as Military Affairs, it moved to Technology Strategy and Business Development in December 2003. In March 2004, it moved to the Office of Secretary.

To support technology businesses, the Office of Military Affairs coordinates and leverages resources in the public, private and academic sectors. It also serves as liaison to federal government agencies located in Maryland. In addition, it provides financial support and training grants to companies affected by federal budget cuts and relocations.

The Office of Military Affairs develops business relationships between U.S. military bases, federal laboratories, and private companies in Maryland to implement strategies for creating and retaining jobs, and redeveloping abandoned military sites. To minimize the adverse impact of closures of military bases or federal facilities, it helps businesses diversify to reduce their dependence on the federal government.

DEPUTY SECRETARY

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
217 East Redwood St., Baltimore, MD 21202 - 3316

In 1987, the Office of Administrative Services was created as the Division of Administration, became the Division of Administration and Information Technology in July 1999, and was renamed the Office of Administrative Services in July 2000. In December 2003, it reorganized as the Office of Support Services, and in 2005 resumed its earlier name as Office of Administrative Services.

The Office develops departmental budget proposals and projections. It also advises agencies and senior program directors of the Department on fund accounts, personnel, and purchasing.

Requests for proposals and contract awards are reviewed by the Office for compliance with State purchasing regulations. The Office also provides mailroom services, monitors the use of departmental motor vehicles, and maintains liaison with building management.

Under the Office are four offices: Budget and Finance; Contracts and Procurement; General Services; and Human Resources.

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS & MARKETING
In December 2003, the Office of Communications and Marketing formed under the Deputy Secretary. It combined the functions of the former Office of Communications and Brand Management with marketing components from the Division of Tourism, Film, and the Arts. The Office is headed by the Chief Marketing Officer.

Under the Office are Advertising and Marketing; Communications; and Strategic Communications.

OFFICE OF INFORMATION & TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT
Functions of the Office of Information and Technology Management first organized in 1987 as the Division of Administration and became the Division of Administration and Information Technology in July 1999. The Division reformed in July 2000 as two offices, one of which became the Office of Information Technology. In December 2003, the Office of Information Technology reorganized as the Office of Information and Technology Management, and moved under the Office of Support Services. In 2005, it reformed as a separate office under the Deputy Secretary.

The Office provides systems development, data processing, and microcomputer support and services to the Department, and manages the Department's major information technology projects. Information technology policies and standards also are developed by the Office.

VENTURE CAPITAL
Venture Capital organized as the Investment Financing Group in 1995. Formerly under the Division of Financing Programs, the Maryland Venture Fund transferred to Technology Strategy and Business Development in December 2003, and reformed as Venture Capital under the Deputy Secretary in 2005.

This office provides for direct investment in Maryland companies through four programs: Challenge Investment; Enterprise Investment; Enterprise Venture-Capital Limited Partnership; and administration of the Maryland Venture Capital Trust.

Challenge Investment Program. The Program initially may invest $50,000 as "seed money" in a technology-driven Maryland company. Matched with $50,000 from a co-investor, the Program provides a new business with $100,000 in capital. As the new business progresses and attains certain milestones, Venture Capital may authorize up to two increments of $25,000. The investment is to be repaid over a ten-year period. A Challenge recipient must keep its principal place of business in Maryland for three years. After two years, the business should have at least the potential to be considered for a direct equity investment from the Enterprise Investment Fund. Since FY1993, the Program has made 80 investments, totalling $4.35 million. Although the Program's investments are all start-up financing with higher risks, 75 percent of recipients are still in business, and ten recipients have qualified for direct equity investment from the Enterprise Investment Fund.

Enterprise Investment Fund. Created in late 1993, the Fund enables the Department to make direct equity investments (i.e., buy stock) in "early-stage" technology-driven businesses in Maryland. Investments range from $150,000 to $500,000. The decision to invest is based on the potential return, the range of economic development, and the number of jobs that will be created. Requiring a three-to-one co-investor match, the Fund has invested $11 million in 32 firms since FY1993.

Enterprise Venture Capital Limited Partnership Fund. Since FY1995, the Enterprise Investment Fund has invested in six private sector Venture Capital Limited Partnerships to encourage private investment in early stage, high technology Maryland-based firms.

Through the Maryland Venture Fund, the Maryland Venture Capital Trust also is administered by the Department.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Business Development began in 1991 as the Division of Business Resources. It reformed as the Division of Regional Development in 1995, and reorganized as Technology Strategy and Business Development in December 2003. In 2005, it reformed as Business Development.

The Division coordinates programs and strategies that help companies and regions become even more competitive and productive. Productive relationships between the Department and public and private regional economic development organizations are formed by the Division.

Under the Division are teams for industry sector planning which each target a specific type of industry. They include: Advanced Technologies; Bio and Life Technology; Business Information Services; Finance, Insurance, and Retail Manufacturing; International Business; and Site Consultants.

ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES

BIOSCIENCES

FINANCE, INSURANCE, & RETAIL MANUFACTURING

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS

International Business assists Maryland firms in exporting their products and services to international markets. It also helps these businesses effectively initiate or expand their overseas marketing.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - REGIONAL

Business Development originated in 1959 when the Department of Economic Development was created to encourage businesses to locate in Maryland and to retain and expand existing enterprises (Chapter 185, Acts of 1959). These functions later devolved on the Division of Business Development. In 1995, the Division was renamed Division of Marketing and resumed its former name as the Division of Business Development in 1999. The Division reorganized in December 2003 into three regional components: Business Development-Baltimore Region; Business Development-Capital Region; and Business Development-Rural Region. In February 2007, Business Development-Rural Region was discontinued.

By attracting new and expanding businesses, Business Development - Regional helps create jobs and improve the State's economy. Business Development assists domestic and international firms in finding attractive locations in Maryland, produces market data and economic studies, and promotes international trade opportunities to Maryland firms.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT-BALTIMORE REGION

PARTNERSHIP FOR WORKFORCE QUALITY ADVISORY BOARD
The Partnership for Workforce Quality Advisory Board formed in 1989, when the Partnership for Workforce Quality Program was established within the Department of Economic and Employment Development (Chapter 292, Acts of 1989). Formerly under the Office of In-State Business Services, the Board transferred to Business Development-Baltimore Region in December 2003.

The Program provides training services to improve the competitiveness and productivity of Maryland's workers and businesses, upgrade employee skills for new technologies or production processes, and help Maryland businesses promote employment stability. The Board consults with the Workforce Investment Board and advises the Secretary of Business and Economic Development about the Program.

With advice from the Secretary of Business and Economic Development and the Chair of the Workforce Investment Board, the Governor names the Board's fifteen members to three-year terms (Code 1957, Art. 83A, secs. 3-701 through 3-704).

MARYLAND ADVISORY COMMISSION ON MANUFACTURING COMPETITIVENESS
The Maryland Advisory Commission on Manufacturing Competitiveness organized in 1994 (Chapter 482, Acts of 1994). Formerly under the Division of Regional Development, the Commission transferred to Business Development-Baltimore Region in December 2003. The Commission advises the Secretary of Business and Economic Development on ways to encourage new and expanding manufacturing enterprises in Maryland. The Commission also recommends ways to retrain and educate Maryland workers for manufacturing jobs, support research, and foster the growth and viability of manufacturing enterprises in the State.

The Commission's twenty-five members serve three-year terms. Twenty are appointed by the Secretary of Business and Economic Development with the Governor's approval; two by the Senate President; and two by the House Speaker. The Secretary of Business and Economic Development serves ex officio and names the chair (Code 1957, Art. 83A, secs. 3-801 through 3-804).

MARYLAND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING PROGRAM
Formerly under the Office of In-State Business Services, the Maryland Industrial Training Program transferred to Business Development-Baltimore Region in December 2003. To develop new workforces and underwrite the training necessary to start and expand operations, the Maryland Industrial Training Program gives grants to businesses. It helps firms use the Maryland Job Service to determine staffing needs and recruit employees. The Program also links businesses to other State services, to resources available for productivity and training needs assessments, and to training curricula and resources for curriculum development.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT-CAPITAL REGION

Business Development-Capital Region was created in December 2003. This office promotes Maryland's business advantages, supports expansion of existing businesses, assists local businesses in increasing exports to world markets, and provides site selection assistance. The Capital Region includes Frederick, Montgomery and Prince George's counties.

INTERAGENCY & LOCAL GOVERNMENT COORDINATION
Origins of Interagency and Local Government Coordination trace to 1993 when the Office of Regulatory and Environmental Assistance was established within the Division of Regional Development. In July 1999, the Office of Regulatory Affairs and Analysis emerged. That office developed policy initiatives and cooperation to make Maryland's business climate "business-friendly." Also in July 1999, the Office of Community Planning was created to work with local government officials and their economic development offices on strategic planning. The functions of these two offices combined in January 2001 to form the Office of Interagency and Local Government Coordination. As Intergovernmental Coordination, it moved to the Governor's Office of Business Advocacy and Small Business Assistance in December 2003. In November 2004, it reorganized as Interagency and Local Government Coordination and transferred to Business Development-Rural Region

Interagency and Local Government Coordination coordinates and oversees Department initiatives relating to the work force, regulatory and community planning, and interagency coordination. It facilitates and promotes the efforts of Maryland businesses to develop and train employees, and meet business growth needs. To create a business-friendly environment, Intergovernmental Coordination streamlines regulatory processes. To advance business and economic growth, it builds and strengthens partnerships between the State, local governments, area businesses, and community organizations.

FINANCING PROGRAMS

In 1987, Financing Programs began under the Department of Economic and Employment Development. It reformed as the Division of Financing Programs in 1995 under the Department of Business and Economic Development.

Financing Programs directs and supervises certain State funds used as incentives or seed money for businesses in Maryland. These funds enable the State to retain businesses and attract new ones; foster economic growth; create new jobs; support commercial and industrial redevelopment; and help small, minority and high technology businesses.

Financing Programs is responsible for the Economic Development Opportunities Program (Sunny Day) Fund; the Enterprise Fund (includes Challenge Investment Program); the Maryland Competitive Advantage Financing Fund; the Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund; Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund; the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority; the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority; and the Smart Growth Economic Development Infrastructure (One Maryland) Fund. Also under Financing Programs is the Maryland Economic Adjustment Financing Committee.

MARYLAND ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT FUND

MARYLAND ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT FINANCING COMMITTEE
In 1994, the Defense Adjustment Financing Committee formed to oversee the Defense Adustment Loan Fund within the Department (Chapter 689, Acts of 1994). In 1998, the Committee was renamed the Maryland Economic Adjustment Financing Committee, and the Fund became the Maryland Economic Adjustment Fund (Chapter 693, Acts of 1998). Formerly under the Office of In-State Business Services, the Committee transferred to Financing Programs in December 2003.

The Committee approves applications for defense adjustment loans and sets the terms and conditions for such loans.

Appointed by the Secretary of Business and Economic Development, the Committee consists of at least seven members who serve two-year terms (Code 1957, Art. 83A, secs. 6-501 through 6-512).

MARYLAND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE AUTHORITY

The Authority's financing is through loans and grants (including conditional loans and grants), and investments (only in conjunction with a loan or grant). These go to specific growth industry sector businesses which locate or expand in a Priority Funding Area, or to a local jurisdiction on behalf of such a business. Priority Funding Areas include municipalities, land within the Washington, DC or Baltimore Beltways, areas already designated as enterprise zones, neighborhood revitalization areas, heritage areas, industrial land, or other areas where local government wants to encourage development and which meet other criteria.

The Authority consists of nine members. Seven are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor, and two serve ex officio (Code 1957, Art. 83A, secs. 5-1301 through 5-1306).

MARYLAND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY

The Authority insures conventional loans made by financial institutions. It also may insure a loan or other obligation, or pay or insure the payment of premiums or fees for insurance, guarantees, or other credit support from a third party. The Authority insures up to the lesser of either 80 percent (or 90 percent in the case of export financing) of the obligation, or $2.5 million.

To participate in programs of the Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority, a company must qualify generally in each of three basic categories: legal eligibility, economic impact, and creditworthiness (Code 1957, Art. 83A, secs. 5-901 through 5-941; Federal Internal Revenue Code, sec. 146). A company also must be in a Priority Funding Area.

The Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority has nine members. Seven are named to five-year terms by the Secretary of Business and Economic Development with the Governor's approval. The Secretary of Business and Economic Development, and either the State Treasurer or Comptroller of Maryland, as designated by the Governor, serve ex officio. The Authority appoints the Executive Director who serves as Secretary (Code 1957, Art. 83A, secs. 5-904 through 5-913).

MARYLAND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT FINANCING AUTHORITY

Programs of the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Authority are unique. A major criterion for approval of Authority guarantees and loans is the economic impact resulting from the use of available funds. This impact is measured according to the projected number of jobs retained and created, and the projected amount of tax revenue generated from the use of these funds.

In 1992, the U.S. Congress allowed states to use public funds to establish specialized small business investment companies to serve disadvantaged business owners (P.L. 102-366). Two years later, the Maryland Small Business Development Financing Administration was authorized to organize itself into a private Maryland corporation that would be such a company (Chapter 691, Acts of 1994). Since 1994, funds under the Authority have been managed privately. The Department contracted with that privatized organization to administer programs for a period of three years and has an option to renew the contract for two years.

The Authority has nine members. Seven are appointed to five-year terms by the Governor. The Secretary of Business and Economic Development and either the State Treasurer or Comptroller, as designated by the Governor, serve ex officio (Code 1957, Art. 83A, secs. 5-1001 through 5-1012).

Contract Financing Program. For eligible firms with government or public utility contracts, the Authority may guarantee a loan from a financial institution; it also may provide a direct loan for working capital and equipment. These guarantees or loans may be offered only to fulfill contracts on projects financed by federal, State or local government, or by a utility regulated by the Public Service Commission.

Equity Participation Investment Program. To encourage and assist the start up, development, and retention of Maryland-based franchises and technology businesses, owned and operated by persons socially or economically disadvantaged, this program was created in 1985. For all eligible firms, the Authority may invest up to 45 percent or $100,000 (whichever is less) of funds to start a franchise operation. The Authority also may invest up to 25 percent or $500,000 (whichever is less) of funds to acquire a profitable business. For these options, the Authority requires the initial investment to be recovered within seven years. The Authority also may invest up to $500,000 in technology-based businesses to be repaid in ten years.

Guaranty Fund Program. For all eligible firms, the Authority may guarantee and/ or pay an interest rate subsidy on a long-term loan made by a financial institution. The loan may be used for working capital, acquisition and related installation of machinery and equipment, or needed improvements to real property owned by the applicant.

Surety Bond Fund Program. Since 1985, the Surety Bond Fund has helped eligible small businesses obtain bonds they need to fulfill contracts funded primarily by government agencies or public utilities. These may be bid, performance or payment bonds. The Program either guarantees a bond up to 90% or $900,000, or may issue bonds directly of up to $750,000.

DIVISION OF ECONOMIC POLICY, RESEARCH, & LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

Progressive economic development policies for the State are developed, evaluated, and advocated by the Division. The Division also advises the Secretary of Business and Economic Development on how changes in State and federal regulations effect Maryland's economy, and on the effectiveness of economic development policies and programs. To the Governor, the General Assembly, and the private technology sector, the Division acts as a liaison. For the Department, the Division provides four functional services: government relations; policy development; research; and oversight of enterprise zones tax incentives.

The Division of Economic Policy, Research, and Legislative Affairs oversees Business and Economic Research; Legislative Affairs; and Tax Incentives.

BUSINESS & ECONOMIC RESEARCH

Business and Economic Research provides ongoing economic data, analyses, and research to guide and support economic development initiatives. It also undertakes special research projects and publishes the monthly, Maryland's Economic Pulse.

This unit conducts in-depth research on business and economic development issues for the Department and other State government agencies. It also provides information for businesses seeking to locate or expand in Maryland. It analyzes savings realized in enterprise zones; compares tax structures in states; and provides information about State, property and income taxes, and regulatory costs.

TAX INCENTIVES

State Enterprise Zone Program. Overseen by Tax Incentives, the State Enterprise Zone Program helps local governments promote economic development in their areas, or zones. To encourage businesses to locate, expand, or remain within the zone, local governments grant property tax credits. Tax credits also become incentives for businesses to create jobs. Certified new and existing businesses are eligible for local property tax credits equal to 80 percent of the additional tax assessed for improvements for five years; thereafter, smaller credits are given for an additional five years.

SMALL BUSINESS

GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF BUSINESS ADVOCACY & SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

Created to facilitate communication between the business community and government, the Office provides a regional ombudsman service to Maryland businesses, guides them through the regulatory and permitting processes, and serves as a source of information about government for them. The Office works to enhance Maryland's business environment by reviewing proposed legislation and analyzing its impact on economic growth. By identifying any duplicative, excessive or cumbersome regulations at all levels of government, the Office removes obstacles for business. The Office also advises and assists small and minority-owned businesses.

SMALL & MINORITY BUSINESS INITIATIVES
Small and Minority Business Initiatives began as the Maryland Business Assistance Center under the Division of Business Development. In 1991, Center functions reorganized as the Office of Business Assistance under the Division of Business Resources. The Office became Business Assistance in 1993 and Office of Regional Response in 1995. In April 1998, the Office of Regional Response merged with Community Infrastructure Development to form the Office of Community Assistance. In July 1999, the Office was renamed the Office of In-State Business Services, and in September 2003, the Office of Small and Minority Business Initiatives. In December 2003, the Office moved to the Governor's Office of Business Advocacy and Small Business Assistance as Small and Minority Business Initiatives.

DIVISION OF TOURISM, FILM, & THE ARTS

The Division of Tourism, Film, and the Arts began in 1948 as the Department of Information under the Hall of Records Commission. The Department became an independent agency in 1949. It reorganized in 1959 as the Tourist Development and Publicity Division within the Department of Economic Development. When the Department of Economic and Community Development formed, the Division was renamed the Tourism Division in 1970, the Division of Tourist Development by 1973, and the Tourist Development Office by 1981. By 1989, the Office reorganized as part of the Division of Tourism and Promotion. It received its present name in 1996 (Chapter 321, Acts of 1996).

Maryland as a destination for domestic and international travelers is promoted by the Division. The Division also supports the performing, visual and creative arts and promotes Maryland as a location for film and television production.

Under the Division are the Maryland State Arts Council, the Office of Arts and Community Outreach, the Maryland Film Office, and the Office of Tourism Development.

MARYLAND STATE ARTS COUNCIL
175 West Ostend St., Suite E, Baltimore, MD 21230

In 1966, the Maryland State Arts Council originated as the Governor's Council on the Arts in Maryland, established by Executive Order. It became the Maryland State Arts Council in 1967 (Chapter 644, Acts of 1967). Formerly under the Department of Economic and Community Development, the Council joined the Department of Economic and Employment Development in 1987 (Chapter 311, Acts of 1987), and transferred to the Department of Business and Economic Development in 1995 (Chapter 120, Acts of 1995).

The Council supports the performing, visual and creative arts, including dance, drama, music, architecture, painting, sculpture, graphics, crafts, photography, design, film, television and creative writing (Code 1957, Art. 83A, sec. 4-608). Support takes the form of grants and special programs. The Council makes grants to individual artists, arts organizations, and county arts councils. To some 250 arts organizations, it also awards operating grants which support performances and exhibitions and the work of artists throughout the State. In addition, the Council conducts programs of its own: Community Arts Development Program, Artists in Education Program, Multicultural Outreach Program, and State Folklife Program. Annually, the Council receives a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for program support.

Seventeen members compose the Council. Thirteen are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor in consultation with the Secretary of Business and Economic Development. Two (one a senator) are appointed by the Senate President, and two (one a delegate) are appointed by the House Speaker (Code 1957, Art. 83A, secs. 4-601 through 4-609).

OFFICE OF ARTS & COMMUNITY OUTREACH

MARYLAND FILM OFFICE

For film and video production, the Office promotes Maryland's diverse locations. For feature films, and television programs and commercials, it works to provide facilities throughout the State. The Office helps with location scouting, permits, casting, film crew housing, catering, and equipment rental. It also prepares and distributes materials highlighting desirable film locations in the State. To bring more movie business to Maryland, the Office opened a satellite office in Los Angeles in July 2000.

The Office has assisted with many Maryland films.

OFFICE OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT

To increase tourism, the Office of Tourism Development showcases Maryland's unique recreational, historical and cultural attractions. The Office promotes Maryland as a travel destination for domestic and international tourists. It publicizes major events and advises travel agents, tour operators, writers, and the Maryland travel industry about attractions, services, and facilities.

Free publications describing Maryland tourist attractions, accommodations, historic sites, State parks, camping facilities, and recreational opportunities are updated annually. These publications include Destination Maryland (travel and outdoor guide), Maryland Celebrates Calendar of Events, and an official Maryland State highway map. The Office also works with travel and outdoor writers to provide tours of Maryland, research and information, and promotional photographs.

In addition to answering mail and phone inquiries, the Office runs a visitors' center and guide service at the State House in Annapolis, and twelve highway information centers. The Office's matching funds and cooperative marketing programs strengthen and support county and regional travel promotion councils as well.

MARYLAND TOURISM DEVELOPMENT BOARD
The Maryland Tourism Development Board was authorized in 1993 (Chapter 625, Acts of 1993). The Board stimulates and promotes travel and tourism in Maryland. Subject to the approval of the Secretary of Business and Economic Development and the Maryland Economic Development Commission, the Board formulates a five-year strategic plan, an annual marketing plan, and an annual operating budget.

The Board works to protect, preserve, promote, and restore the natural, historical, scenic and cultural resources of Maryland; encourages the development of new tourism resources, products, businesses, and attractions in the State; and helps tourists travel through Maryland by ensuring the provision of signs, information aids, and other services. The Board evaluates the impact of taxes, fees, licenses, and regulations on the creation of jobs and income in the tourism industry. The Maryland Tourism Development Board Fund may be used by the Board to plan, advertise, and develop tourism and travel industries in the State.

Nineteen members constitute the Board. Eleven are appointed to three-year terms by the Governor with advice of the Secretary of Business and Economic Development and Senate advice and consent. Two senators are named by the Senate President and two delegates by the House Speaker. In addition, the Senate President and the House Speaker each appoint two members from the business community (Code 1957, Art. 83A, secs. 4-201 through 4-209).

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