is only just now getting its program under way, the basic themes which
will govern its activities and promotional efforts have been estab-
lished. Primarily, it will stress these five primary advantages which
Maryland can offer industry: (1) our strategic location, (2) the
diversity in environment which our State can provide industry, (3)
the sound and stable tax and financial structure of the State, (4)
our history of industrial know-how and good labor-management rela-
tions and (5) a way of life that permits both executives and workers
to live a relaxed and pleasure-filled existence within our borders.

Let us examine these assets a little further.... Maryland has the
kind of diverse characteristics that make it appealing to industry.
Within its confines are big cities, small towns, suburban communities
and open country. There are deepwater sites, inland locations, moun-
tain areas, wide navigable rivers and countless other rivers and streams
of all sizes. The labor supply includes workers trained for heavy
industry, light industry, agriculture and seafood processing and all
manners of white-collar employment. State and local governments have
sound and stable tax structures and financial programs....

With these attributes—these advantages—the selling job we have to
do should not be too difficult. But it will require intelligent pro-
gramming and co-ordinated effort. The State Department of Economic
Development does not intend to pre-empt the field of industrial develop-
ment in Maryland. On the contrary, it will rely heavily upon private
and public agencies which have done so well in the past in promoting
our State. The Association of Commerce here in Baltimore, as an
example, has done a splendid job in promoting the many opportunities
for industry and business in this great metropolitan area. The same
can be said of chambers of commerce and other organizations in many
parts of the State.

Public utilities such as are represented here tonight have their own
organizations and own programs of industrial development. What our
State agency hopes to do is to complement the activities of these
private and public agencies. Our goal, a common one, is clearly
defined. Maryland has been, and will continue to be, a place where
industry, trade and agriculture can prosper, as well as a pleasant place
in which to live and travel.

To safeguard its future, we must work together to nurture all of
its great assets and resources.

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