Fry: Don’t underestimate state’s selling points

Lizzy McLellan//Daily Record Business Writer//May 22, 2014

//Daily Record Business Writer

//May 22, 2014

Maryland’s elected leaders underestimate the state’s ability to compete, Greater Baltimore Committee President and CEO Donald Fry believes.

“Many elected policymakers in Maryland remain to be convinced that the state’s significant strengths — superior education, savvy workforce, research and technology and a high quality of life — are not enough by themselves to remain competitive in today’s economy,” Fry said in remarks prepared for the GBC’s annual meeting Thursday.

This has led to a disconnect, he said, between business leaders and the elected officials in the state.

However, Fry also pointed out some positive legislative developments for the GBC during the past year, including a law passed to generate $4 billion for transportation infrastructure and the passage of a joint agenda for economic growth and job creation.

The GBC also celebrated progress on the Red Line transportation project, the release of the Inner Harbor 2.0 plan, the 30-year anniversary of The Leadership and other accomplishments.

Also speaking at the annual meeting was David Cote, CEO of Honeywell International Inc. The winner of Chief Executive Magazine’s 2013 CEO of the Year award, Cote has been an outspoken advocate for American competitiveness. Fry has previously written that Cote’s principles for competitiveness could apply well in Maryland.

Select Region or Brand

Upcoming Event