The Talent Advantage: A Growth Strategy for Companies in Montgomery County, Maryland

How Local Businesses Are Winning the Competition for Talent

Talent is one of the most important factors influencing where companies choose to invest, expand, and grow. As competition for skilled workers intensifies, employers must think beyond hiring and embrace a broader talent strategy; one that leverages partnerships, place, and purpose.

Join us on September 8th, during Workforce Development Month, for a conversation on how businesses can capitalize on Montgomery County’s world-class academic institutions, innovation ecosystem, quality of life, and economic development resources to attract and retain top talent.

Whether you’re growing your workforce to expand your business, or evaluating your next investment, discover why Montgomery County is uniquely positioned to help companies build a lasting talent advantage, and hear directly from businesses winning the talent race.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how local business leaders are leveraging partnerships with universities, colleges, and workforce organizations to strengthen their talent pipeline.
• Gain insights into the regional workforce trends shaping business expansion and investment decisions.
• Discover economic development resources and incentives available to support your company’s hiring needs.
• Explore how companies can utilize Montgomery County’s quality of life, innovation ecosystem, and global reputation to help attract top talent.

This session is designed for founders, executives, investors, and business leaders interested in learning more about Montgomery County’s talent ecosystem and the opportunities to grow and expand their organizations here.

Event Details

Date: September 8, 2026

Time: 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Location: The Universities at Shady Grove, 9630 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, Maryland 20850

Agenda

• 9:30 a.m. Networking with light refreshments
• 10:00 a.m. Programming
• 11:30 a.m.  Q & A and Closing

Moderator: Dr. Anne Khademian, Executive Director, The Universities at Shady Grove

Opening Speaker: Anthony Featherstone, Executive Director, WorkSource Montgomery

Speakers: 

• Todd Cohen, Senior Lead of Strategic Workforce Development, Lockheed Martin
• Corey Lewson, MSW, Program Manager, Workforce Development, John Hopkins Medicine
• Paul Mehney, Vice President of Strategy & Communications, Thales Defense & Security, Inc.
• Lane Edwards, Vice President of Operations, TrilliumBIO
• AstraZeneca (invited)
• Montgomery College (invited)

Welcome Remarks by Jared Smith, President & CEO, Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation.

This is a complimentary event with limited seating capacity. Registration is required.