PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. - July 3, 2007 - The Calvert County Economic Development Commission (EDC) announced their selection of Nate Pope, president of NPJ Advertising & Public Relations, Inc., as chair, and Ed Baddour, vice president, Royalle Dining Services, as vice chair of the EDC for 2007-2008.
Pope replaces Michael Benton as chair. Benton served as EDC chair for three consecutive terms, the maximum allowed by the organization's Bylaws. Pope served as vice chair for three years prior to being elected chair.
"The EDC acts in an advisory capacity to the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners," said Benton. "We have tackled many issues over the past three years and the Commissioners have been very open and receptive. I am confident that Nate will be an active and effective chair."
Pope is the founder of NPJ Advertising & Public Relations, Inc., of Washington, D.C., and co-founder and chairman of the board of directors of the Concerned Black Men of Calvert County. He is also a board member of the International Corporation for Investment and Commerce; representative to the Regional Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland; and a member of the American Management Association's President's Association. Pope is a past member of the Advisory Board to the NCAA National Youth Sports Program; Board of Directors for the Calvert Crusade for Children and Barstow Acres Children's Center, Inc.
"The EDC has been active in many economic issues that have faced Calvert County and I feel that the road ahead will continue to be challenging," said Pope. "Our charge has been to advise the Commissioners on relevant business and economic matters affecting the local economy and we will continue to do so."
Baddour is vice president of Royalle Dining Services of Owings. Since 1991, Royalle has been committed to serving public schools and businesses in the Maryland/DC/Virginia region with quality products and services focusing on healthy snacks and beverages. Royalle Dining Services was recently awarded a $15 million contract with Montgomery County Public Schools in Maryland and employs 52 people; they will soon be seeking additional route drivers, sales and warehouse staff to fill the increasing need for healthy snacks.