The Southern Maryland Young Professionals Initiative held a meeting Tuesday Sept. 15 at the Maryland Higher Education Center. The group, led by founder and President Daniel Grant, spoke about having a voice in the planning of the county and a better sense of the community around them.
Grant stated, “Workforce is a critical element.” YPI is comprised of well-educated professionals that fill the technological and defense positions so vital to the St. Mary’s County economy. The group has said it understands the need to not only recruit young professionals in Southern Maryland, but also to keep them here and provide the amenities necessary to support and retain a young, growing workforce.
Robin Finnacom of the Community Development Corporation presented an economic and community update to YPI members. She told them, “Each of you is in this room because it’s more than just a job. To know that you’re interested is a surprise and a blessing.”
Finnacom recapped the growth of the county over the decades and illustrated how the rapid growth led to a lack of foresight in planning and the degradation of the developments just outside the base. She said, “I’m not proud of how St. Mary’s County takes care of what I call a traditional neighborhood.” Finnacom said she hoped the county’s investment in roads and sewers would create a ‘ripple effect’ in urging community improvements.
Finnacom discussed the Lexington Park Revitalization Project and urged the group to utilize the businesses in the area to help support the rehabilitation efforts. She said, “People don’t see the big picture of how useful this part of town can be.”
The CDC President/CEO explained, “We have tools that will help businesses and home buyers looking to invest in the Lexington Park, Great Mills Road area.” For more information about CDC’s projects and programs check out http://www.co.saint-marys.md.us/decd/decdtemplate.asp?content=cdccontent.asp.
