Annapolis, MD — The Maryland Chamber of Commerce proudly supports Governor Wes Moore’s announcement of an executive order aimed at bolstering Maryland’s economic competitiveness and creating a stronger business climate. This initiative underscores how essential it is for businesses to succeed — not only for the economy but also for the health and vibrancy of our communities.
“This is an important step forward for Maryland’s businesses, communities, and workforce,” said Mary Kane, President & CEO of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. “Economic growth is the only sustainable way to address Maryland’s budget challenges while ensuring that our businesses, residents, and communities can thrive. We’re encouraged by the Governor’s commitment to fostering an environment where businesses can succeed, and all Marylanders have access to work, wages and, wealth.”
The executive order lays out several key initiatives to create a more competitive and business-friendly Maryland, including:
· Establishment of the Governor’s Economic Competitiveness Subcabinet, which will advise the Governor and recommend ongoing strategies to strengthen Maryland’s economic growth.
· Creation of the Governor’s Office of Business Advancement within the Department of Commerce, providing businesses with wraparound support for navigating permitting, licensing, and workforce needs, as well as securing financial incentives and facilitating major development projects.
· Launch of the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council, designed to streamline permitting and improve collaboration among agencies.
· Introduction of the Government Loaned Executive Program, enabling private-sector executives to work within the Department of Commerce to drive innovation and enhance the state’s approach to economic development.
· Prioritization of site readiness through the Maryland Economic Development Corporation, which will identify and prepare high-value commercial and industrial sites for impactful, sustainable, and equitable business investment.
· Evaluation and modernization of tax credits and incentive programs, ensuring they are effective and aligned with Maryland’s economic development goals.
Maryland Chamber Board Chair Misty Allen echoed the importance of this executive order: ‘Maryland’s ability to compete for jobs, business investments, and workforce talent depends on creating a welcoming and business-friendly environment. The economic competitiveness data is clear -Maryland is facing challenges, while our neighboring states are gaining ground and driving economic growth. This Executive Order is a necessary step to reverse those trends and secure a strong economic future for Maryland.'”
Bill Chambers, Chair of the Maryland Chamber Federation, a group which represents Maryland’s local and regional chambers of commerce, along with statewide associations, emphasized the local impact of the initiative: “This is about more than economic policy — it’s about strengthening the businesses that line our main streets, anchor our communities and create jobs. By removing barriers to growth and ensuring Maryland is both business friendly and competitive, we can attract people, workforce talent, and business investments to Maryland.”
These initiatives represent an exciting and vital step toward fostering a more competitive Maryland that attracts and retains businesses, supports workforce development, and creates opportunities for all Marylanders. What’s more, these actions align closely with the priorities of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce and our members, who have long advocated for policies that remove barriers to growth, foster job creation, and ensure economic opportunity across the state.
As we move forward, the Maryland Chamber is committed to working with the Governor’s administration, legislative leaders, and business stakeholders to grow Maryland’s economy and ensure these initiatives deliver meaningful outcomes for Maryland’s business community and residents.
For media inquiries or more information, please contact Vice President of Marketing & Communications Abbi Ludwig at aludwig@mdchamber.org or by calling to (302) 682-5772.
