Trade Show Sells County to Retailers
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, February 9, 2006; Page T02
The quest for high-end retail continues.
The Economic Development Corp. and county government last week sponsored a retail trade show, the first in the county's history, to promote Prince George's as a prime spot for department stores.
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"The fact that you are here today demonstrates your membership's awareness of our county as an important economic center," County Executive Jack B. Johnson (D) said to he crowd of 150 representatives from government, business and the community at the University of Maryland.
Johnson was joined by Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan (D), who continues to attend numerous events in the county as he continues his bid for the Democratic nomination for governor.
Duncan described Prince George's as "one of the most desirable and yet untapped markets in the country."
According to a recent study, the average new home in Prince George's is worth more than $600,000.
The study also showed that the county has more adults with graduate and undergraduate degrees than Howard and Anne Arundel counties and more residents with higher incomes. Yet, Prince George's does not compare with the two counties when you look at shopping options.
Kwasi Holman , president of the Economic Development Corp., said he hopes the trade show will set the stage for changes in the county.
'Building Something Up'
Before the claws of a bulldozer chomped down on a section of the Joel Apartments, a run-down complex that will soon become condominiums, about 100 people crammed into a white tent to hear speeches by some of the people who helped make the project happen.
Representatives of the partners -- Bozzuto Homes and the St. Paul Community Development Corp. -- had a few words. So did Thomas M. Thompson , head of the county's housing department.
The speeches were rounded out by Johnson and council member Samuel H. Dean (D-Mitchellville).
Johnson announced his plans to introduce legislation requiring apartment complex owners to submit security plans that he said would help improve safety.