MCEDC Expands Economic Development Connections Regionally

Economic development is built on relationships and is different for every region. Sharing ideas and learning from other economic developers, markets, and jurisdictions is one way that economic development organizations can strengthen their know-how, teams, and create new opportunities for their communities. Recently, Danny Chavez, Vice President of Business Development, was appointed to the City of Gaithersburg’s Economic and Business Development Committee, as well as alternate State Director for Maryland to the Board of the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC), the oldest and largest regional economic development association in North America with members in 17 states in the American South, for a one-year term beginning on January 1, 2027.

In his role with SEDC, Danny, in coordination with the association’s State Director for Maryland and President of the Golden Shovel Agency, Bethany Quinn, will be responsible for keeping SEDC’s Maryland delegation updated of all of SEDC’s strategic updates and activities, and facilitating engagement in activities and forums designed to enhance professional capacities and accelerate economic competitiveness in the American South.

On the City of Gaithersburg’s Economic and Business Development Committee, Danny will join local industry leaders—including Committee Chair Sharon Disque, Economic Development Manager for the City of Gaithersburg—to discuss economic trends, opportunities to target industrial, commercial or retail businesses, and insights from local and other jurisdictions.

“I am excited to join the City of Gaithersburg’s Economic and Business Development Committee and serve as the alternate State Director for Maryland to SEDC’s Board,” said Chavez. “I am proud to represent Montgomery County and the State of Maryland and look forward to working with both teams to continue promoting the economic development opportunities across our region, while showcasing our County’s dynamic and innovative business ecosystem.”

Jared Smith, MCEDC’s President and CEO, also serves as a Board member of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) and on the IEDC’s Future of Economic Development Standing Committee. Both Jared and Danny are new residents of Montgomery County and are seizing the opportunity to strengthen connections and represent Montgomery County and Maryland across the broader economic development community.

“Meaningful progress in economic development depends on relationships, collaboration, and the sharing of ideas with partners,” said Jared. “This is a great opportunity for MCEDC to build connections with economic development leaders, and share and exchange best practices.”

By strengthening relationships across Montgomery County and connecting with economic development partners beyond our region, MCEDC is helping create a more dynamic and collaborative economic development community—one that is better positioned to share ideas, anticipate opportunities, and build a stronger future for Montgomery County.