FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 26, 2022

CONTACT
Lynn Stander
Senior Communications Manager, MCEDC
301.922.8017
lynn.stander@thinkmoco.com

MEDA recognizes another MCEDC nominated initiative, Montgomery Can Code as Economic Development Program of the Year Honorable Mention

Rockville, Md – The Marriott International Headquarters and Hotel in downtown Bethesda has won the 2022 Project of the Year honors at the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) Awards, a state-wide recognition of significant projects and programs that bring economic prosperity to Maryland. The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC), with collaboration from the Maryland Department of Commerce, sponsored the Marriott HQ and Hotel nomination. 

As the world’s largest hotelier and the biggest private sector employer in Montgomery County, Marriott International will be moving into their new 785,000 square foot, 22-story global corporate headquarters later this summer. In March, the adjacent 245 room, 12-story Marriott Bethesda Downtown at Marriott HQ Hotel opened as the company’s 8,000th location.  

MEDA announced that the Marriott HQ and Hotel project is recognized for “its environmentally sustainable design, coordination of partnerships and a projected $2.3 billion in business activity within its first year of opening. During the pandemic, Marriott International masterfully pivoted to address the urgent need to reimagine its workplace to accommodate significant changes in employee and customer preferences.” 

“Marriott is excited to move into our new downtown Bethesda headquarters this summer and to carry on the proud legacy that has been built in Montgomery County, a community we have called home for more than sixty-five years,” said Carolyn B. Handlon, Executive Vice President & Global Treasurer of Marriott International, who accepted the award on behalf of the company at the 2022 MEDA Awards. “We’re delighted with the recognition as Maryland’s Project of the Year. We believe our new headquarters is truly the right place for our team of associates. We’ll be joining a vigorous and diverse community whose lively urban setting is exciting for all of us. As a proud corporate citizen, you can expect to see us continue to participate, volunteer and contribute to local and state civic life, including through our global social impact and sustainability platform, Serve 360.” 

“Marriott is a truly deserving honoree as the Maryland Project of the Year. They recognized early a growing reality that the way people work post-pandemic would change. The scale and speed which they had to redesign and meet shifting workplace needs is without precedent for a Maryland company. Marriott adapted quickly to these new demands to maximize retention of its critical workforce,” said Benjamin H. Wu, MCEDC President & CEO. “Despite the devastating COVID-19 impact on the hospitality sector, Marriott remained committed to not delay the project and they have delivered on-time. From employees to construction workers to suppliers to local restaurant and retail, this project has many beneficiaries and will be an economic driver in Montgomery County for decades to come.” 

“This important project is a terrific example of an effective state-local collaboration,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “In addition to the Marriott International headquarters, there are over 100 affiliated hotels in the state. With such a large state and local footprint, Marriott provides important economic benefits and job opportunities. Looking towards its future, the company wanted a relocation from its current offices to propel its success with the development of a 21st Century workforce. This project provides an attractive, functional, and creative new headquarters that will allow Marriott to attract and retain top talent in a very competitive industry.” 

Additionally, the MCEDC-nominated Montgomery Can Code received the honorable mention for Program of the Year at the MEDA awards. The program is an innovative public-private partnership formed with Apple, Montgomery College, the Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) and MCEDC. Now in its fourth year with record-setting participation, the Montgomery Can Code program offers local middle school students an enriching and educational summer camp experience to learn computer coding. The program supports innovation and prepares eager students for future careers in the hottest tech industries. 

The Awards were presented at the 2022 MEDA Annual Conference on April 25. See the video about the Marriott award here.  

ABOUT MCEDC

The Montgomery County Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) is the official public-private economic development organization representing Montgomery County, Maryland. Created in 2016, MCEDC is led by a Board of Directors of business executives. Its mission is to help businesses start, grow and relocate in Montgomery County by helping them gain access to top talent, business and market intelligence and prime locations. For more information, visit our website. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.