Allison Skipper is the Managing Director for Marketing & Communications at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

August 2015

Marketing Pulse: A newcomer getting to know Maryland

Allison Skipper is the Managing Director for Marketing & Communications at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development.

As one of DBED's newest faces, I've started making the rounds and getting to know the talented people within our agency, out in our partner organizations and in the broader economic development community. But, as I'm quick to tell those that I meet, I'm not only new to DBED. I'm also new to Maryland, having just relocated from my home state of South Carolina a few weeks ago.

While that "newness" has prompted many to offer me tips on their favorite restaurants, help with driving directions and invitations to tour various communities and businesses, I think that my newcomer status is also helpful in thinking about marketing Maryland. They say you never get a second chance at a first impression, so in looking at the state with fresh eyes, how can our efforts help provide the best first impression of this great state?

What I can say about my first few weeks here is, "Wow!"

Whether it was checking out the startup scene, seeing firsthand the bustling Port of Baltimore, visiting charming places like Chestertown, or wading in the surf at Ocean City, I'm finding that Maryland has a great story to tell. What DBED strives to do is tell that story and reinforce the ways our agency supports businesses – large and small and in all parts of the state – to make sure they're successful and growing. Over the coming months, be on the lookout for some changes from us as we roll out a new look and, ultimately, a new branding campaign for the State of Maryland.

If you wish to drop me a note of introduction, please do so! I join Secretary Gill in his excitement about Maryland being "Open for Business," and I look forward to working with all of you as part of "Team Maryland!"