NEWS RELEASE
December 31, 2009

For Information Contact:
Bretta Reinhard
PACE Committee
Media Contact

Public Information Officer
Allegany County Government
701 Kelly Road
Cumberland, MD 21502-2803
T 301-777-ALCO (2526) X124
F 301-724-6970
breinhard@allconet.org
www.gov.allconet.org

There is one all inclusive ticket for both the PACE events (reception and breakfast). Two-tiered pricing is in effect: $115 per person if payment is received on or before January 4, 2010 and $150 if payment is received on or after January 5, 2010. Checks should be made payable to the Annapolis Reception Committee and mailed to Mountain Maryland PACE, P.O. Box 3273, LaVale, MD 21504-3273. Tickets are NOT available at the events.

The Cumberland-Allegany County Industrial Foundation, Inc. (CACIF) and the Garrett County Development Corporation together are the proud hosts of the annual Mountain Maryland PACE. The theme is "Think Green - - - Think Mountain Maryland."

The general public is warmly invited to PACE 2010. This is open to all. Anyone may purchase tickets. This is NOT an invitation only event. However, invitations have been mailed to recent PACE participants. Individuals who wish to receive an invitation or have questions should contact the Allegany County Department of Economic Development: Cindy Young, 301-777-5967, 800-555-4080, cyoung@allconet.org, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

One PACE highlight is the keynote speech. Governor Martin O' Malley is scheduled to address PACE 2010 participants.

There are two PACE events. The reception is on Thursday, January 28, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and the breakfast is on Friday, January 29, 2010 from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Both events are held at the Loews Annapolis Hotel, Annapolis, Maryland. The reception features classic hors d'oeuvres and an open bar and the breakfast has country-style offerings and features the keynote speaker. Overall, the reception and the breakfast are business-social in style and atmosphere.

With approximately one month to go before the event, the PACE Committee co-chairs, Allegany County's J. Robert Smith and Garrett County's David Moe, are pleased with the progress.

PACE warmly welcomes businesses, organizations, and individuals to provide financial support for this annual premier economic development event. Corporate sponsors have three levels of corporate sponsorship giving: Gold ($1,000), Silver ($500), and Bronze ($250). Corporate sponsors receive recognition at the events. As of December 31, 2009, the corporate sponsors are:

Gold
Bill's Marine
Pillar Innovations

Silver
Aircon Engineering
Allegany Aggregates
Belt Construction Group
Clipper Wind Power
IA Construction Corporation
NewPage Corporation
PATH Education & Awareness Team
Red Rock Enterprises, LLC
Susquehanna Bank
The PharmaCare Network
Whitman, Requardt & Associates

Bronze
AES Warrior Run
Bennett, Brewer & Associates
Care Ventures/Rehab 1st
Carpenters Local Union 1024
Clise Coal Company
Fike, Conner & Associates
First Peoples Credit Union
First United Bank
G & S Coal Company
GAP Self Storage
Garrett County Memorial Hospital
Mettiki Coal, LLC
PNC Bank
Potomac Farms Dairy
Potomac Valley Pharmacy
Rush Services
Total Biz Fulfillment

In addition to corporate sponsors, there are in-kind contributors and PACE Partners donate $100 to help underwrite PACE expenses for the Cumberland-Allegany County Industrial Foundation, Inc. (CACIF) and the Garrett County Development Corporation. As of December 31, 2009, over 30 have helped in these capacities.

Displays highlight Allegany and Garrett offerings and are now at capacity for the upcoming event. Those entities committed to display are:

Allegany and Garrett Counties:
Allegheny Power
Higher Education: Frostburg State University, Allegany College of Maryland, and Garrett College
Maryland Broadband Cooperative
Mountain Maryland Trails/Garrett Trails
PATH Education & Awareness
The Greater Cumberland Committee (North/South Highway)

Allegany County:
Allegany County Tourism
Allegany Museum
ATK (Alliant Technical Systems)
Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort
Waste Management
Western Maryland Regional GIS Center
Western Maryland Health System

Garrett County:
Bill's Marine
Clipper Wind Power
Garrett County Chamber
Pillar Innovations
Samson Company (Marcellus Shale)
Savage River Lodge
Think Outside
Thrasher Engineering
Wisp Resort

Now in the 34th year, PACE provides the opportunity to educate state legislators and state and federal government officials about Mountain Maryland. Local government officials, individuals involved in all types of businesses, and community leaders attend PACE and discuss all aspects of life in Mountain Maryland. Concerns can be addressed and challenges and issues are explained from the local perspective.

In addition to Smith, Moe, and Edwards, key members of the PACE Committee include Allegany County Commissioner James J. Stakem, Garrett County Commissioner Frederick A. Holliday, and the economic development directors, Allegany's Matthew W. Diaz and James Hinebaugh from Garrett. The two chambers of commerce are represented: Kolin Jan with Allegany and Joyce Bishoff with Garrett as well as individuals involved in tourism efforts.

According to Smith, presenting and explaining the strategic needs of Allegany and Garrett Counties has been and remains critical for Mountain Maryland. PACE strives to do so, year after year. NOTE: Media representatives are invited to contact Smith at 301-478-2400 (Allegany Aggregates, Flintstone, MD).