482, Acts of 1994). The Commission advises the
Secretary of Business and Economic Development
on ways to encourage new and expanding manu-
facturing enterprises in Maryland. The Commis-
sion also recommends ways to retrain and educate
Maryland workers for manufacturing jobs, support
research, and foster the growth and viability of
manufacturing enterprises in the State.
The Commission's twenty-five members serve
three-year terms. Twenty are appointed by the
Secretary of Business and Economic Development
with the Governor's approval, two by the Senate
President, and two by the House Speaker. The
Secretary of Business and Economic Development
serves ex officio and names the chair (Code 1957,
Art. 83A, secs. 3-801 through 3-804).

FEDERAL RESPONSE & TECHNOLOGY
COMMERCIALIZATION
Marsha R. B. Schachtel, Director
(410) 767-6524

Federal Response and Technology Commer-
cialization started as the Office of Technology De-
velopment in January 1989. The Office was
reformed as the Technology Commercialization
Program in 1993, and Federal Response and Tech-
nology Commercialization in 1995.
This office stimulates development, application,
and commercialization of new technologies for
Maryland industries concerned with manufactur-
ing, information services, biotechnology, aero-
space, and environmental technology. In this way,
it works to retain and expand existing firms and
encourage new enterprises within the State.
To support technology businesses, Federal Re-
sponse and Technology Commercialization coordi-
nates and leverages resources in the public, private
and academic sectors. It also serves as liaison to
federal government agencies located in Maryland.
In addition, the office provides financial support
and training grants to companies affected by federal
budget cuts and relocations.

DEFENSE ADJUSTMENT FINANCING COMMITTEE

F. Bradford Smith, Chair
(410) 767-6524

In 1994, the Defense Adjustment Financing
Committee was formed to oversee the Defense
Adustment Loan Fund within the Department
(Chapter 689, Acts of 1994). From the Fund, loans
are made to companies in communities adversely
affected by reductions in the budget of the U.S.
Department of Defense. These loans enable Mary-
land companies to modernize manufacturing op-
erations, develop commercial applications for
technology, or enter and compete in new economic
markets. The Committee approves applications for

defense adjustment loans and sets the terms and
conditions for such loans.
Appointed by the Secretary of Business and Eco-
nomic Development, the Committee consists of at
least seven members who serve two-year terms (Code
1957, Art. 83A, secs. 6-501 through 6-512).

OFFICE OF REGIONAL RESPONSE
Alan S. Kutz, Director
(410) 767-0093

The Office of Regional Response was created as
the Maryland Business Assistance Center under the
Division of Business Development. In 1991, Cen-
ter functions were reorganized as the Office of
Business Assistance under the Division of Business
Resources. The Office became Business Assistance
in 1993 and Office of Regional Response in 1995.
Through four regional offices, the Office works
directly with Maryland businesses. It serves as liai-
son to the many State programs and services de-
signed to enhance the competitiveness of Maryland
businesses. The Office also oversees the Maryland
Industrial Training Program and serves as an advo-
cate for business in dealing with government re-
lated issues and problems.

PARTNERSHIP FOR WORKFORCE QUALITY
ADVISORY BOARD

H. K. Norman Wolske, Chair, 1997
(410) 767-0095

The Partnership for Workforce Quality Advisory
Board was formed in 1989, when the Partnership
for Workforce Quality Program was established
within the Department of Economic and Employ-
ment Development (Chapter 292, Acts of 1989).
The Program provides training services to improve
the competitiveness and productivity of Maryland's
workers and businesses, upgrade employee skills for
new technologies or production processes, and help
Maryland businesses promote employment stabil-
ity. The Board consults with the Work Force Invest-
ment Board and advises the Secretary of Business
and Economic Development about the Program.
With advice from the Secretary of Business and
Economic Development and the Chair of the Work
Force Investment Board, the Governor names the
Board's fifteen members to three-year terms (Code
1957, Art. 83A, secs. 3-701 through 3-704).

MARYLAND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING PROGRAM
Herbert L. Moore, Manager
(410) 767-0095

To develop new workforces and underwrite the
training necessary to start and expand operations,
the Maryland Industrial Training Program gives
grants to businesses. It helps firms use the Maryland
Job Service to determine staffing needs and recruit
employees. The Program also links businesses to