In business news, the University of Maryland‘s biopark has a new viral tenant, BeechTree opens a snazzy new high-end clubhouse and recreation facility, Former County Executive Wayne Curry is new chair of Economic Development Corporation
From PRNewswire, The University of Maryland (UM) BioPark announced today that the Global Virus Network (GVN) is the Park’s newest tenant. The GVN is a non-profit organization comprised of the top medical virologists in more than 30 institutions spanning 21 nations – and growing. GVN’s mission is to combat emerging pandemic viral threats and current viral killers through international collaborative research, training the next generation of medical virologists, education and advocacy.
GVN will support its scientists through small grants to allow new lines of research to move forward. To ensure that medical virologists are in place to address future, yet unimagined viral challenges, GVN provides training fellowships for tomorrow’s leaders. ” Joining Dr. Gallo as cofounders of the GVN are Dr. William Hall from Ireland and Dr. Reinhard Kurth from Germany. With the UM BioPark’s strong record of success in helping to grow young organizations, GVN has the best of all worlds,” she added.
The grand opening ribbon cutting for the state-of-the-art Recreation Center at the BeechTree community in Upper Marlboro, Maryland will be hosted by Ryko Development on Friday April 12th at 2pm. Following the ribbon cutting will be a Grand Opening Celebration for the homeowners at 5pm. Attendees will enjoy food, wine and other catered refreshments from as well as music by The Ben Reiff Trio. Constructed by Harkins Builders, this long-awaited facility includes a Jr. Olympic swimming pool, tennis courts, fitness center, and a clubhouse with fully-equipped kitchen, providing the perfect compliment to BeechTree‘s resort lifestyle.
Gwen S. McCall, president & CEO of the Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation, named former County Executive Wayne K. Curry (1994-2002) as the new chairman of the Economic Development Corporation Board (ECD) of Directors. The ECD is a quasi-public agency who’s focus is to bring new businesses to the county.
Curry, who was instrumental in bringing what is now FedEx Field to Landover, said he is eager to “help wherever I can to invigorate economic development in the county.” He is president of NAI Michael, a real estate company in Prince George’s. Wayne Curry was the head of County Executive Baker transition team when he was elected. Curry’s former chief of staff Glenda Wilson is Baker’s current chief of staff, and Curry works for a company that is heavily involved in developing the New Carrollton station. Wayne Curry also was heavily pro-gambling, even launched a pro-gambling committee to support passage of legislation that expanded gambling into Prince George’s County last year.
As much as I want progress and development, I’m a little nervous with the close political ties of these two. I’ll keep my eyes and ears open. They’ll have to keep things on the up. I tell you, that County Executive Baker is making some major moves.
