NEWS RELEASE 

CONSULTANT TEAM SELECTED TO LAUNCH ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY INCUBATOR

ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 27, 2002) - - - The Business Cluster Development Group (BCD) has been selected to launch Anne Arundel County’s first small business technology incubator.  BCD was selected out of a field of more than 12 proposals submitted to a 10-member, private sector Incubator Advisory Committee.  The Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) is spearheading the development of an Anne Arundel County incubator.  Eleven percent of the County’s economy is driven by technology-focused companies.

BCD is an internationally recognized team for incubator development, incubator management, and sector-focused incubation.  A total of 13 incubators across the country have been developed by BCD for clients including economic development organizations, private sector corporations, non-profit organizations, and universities.  Ten of these incubators were complete turnkey projects. 

BCD’s project manager is John Elstner, a professional program manager and venture capital consultant residing in Annapolis, Maryland.   BCD Principals Jim Robbins and Carol Kraus Lauffer, nationally recognized incubator development experts based in Silicon Valley, California, complete the project team.  The BCD team is responsible for advising AAEDC on the appropriate incubator location, identifying and evaluating potential tenants, developing networks and stakeholders, implementing marketing strategies, developing operational infrastructure, and securing funding. 

“BCD has an unparalleled track record of success in implementing incubators,” said Bill Badger, President and CEO of Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation.  “With BCD’s expertise, we are looking forward to a successful incubator launch in the first quarter of 2003.  As the latest census data indicates, Anne Arundel County led the State of Maryland in job growth.  The County’s first small business technology incubator will produce technology-based businesses that will help Anne Arundel County remain a leader.”

Anne Arundel Economic Development Corporation (AAEDC) is a not-for-profit corporation that provides economic development services for Anne Arundel County, MD.  AAEDC manages local revitalization projects, supports existing employers, recruits new employers, provides and facilitates loans to new and expanding businesses and provides advice, information and services related to business and economic development in Anne Arundel County, MD. Additional information about AAEDC is available on the Internet at www.aaedc.org.