In the latest Rockville Central Radio show, we had Rockville Economic Development, Inc., executive director Sally Sternbach as a guest, talking about Rockville Business Appreciation week. One caller had a tough question and some criticism of REDI's track record.
Over the weekend, I received a letter from Devinder Poonian of DP Clinical, a Rockville-based business with locations throughout North America and elsewhere, expressing appreciation for REDI and what it does. (My guess is Devinder is the "DP" in the business name!)
Here is his her letter:
We are a Clinical Research Organization (CRO) and are located in Rockville. Over the years, we have established valuable contacts with various organizations with the help of REDI. I just wanted to express my gratitude to REDI, specifically Sally Sternbach and her staff, for always providing support and encouragement. The following are examples of a few ways that REDI has helped us:
1. Bio International – REDI allows us to be part of the Rockville booth at Bio International every year which is a huge cost benefit for a small company like ours. Bio is an important meeting for us. As a CRO, we are able to establish new contacts with emerging biotech companies from around the world.
2. Courses – REDI offers courses at no cost to the attendees which are very beneficial for small as well as start up companies. The courses I have taken are:
* Writing a Business Plan
* How to Sell
3. Resources – REDI has also referred us to various resources in the town of Rockville as well the Montgomery county e.g.
* workforce – helping us find temp clerical help
* tuition reimbursement – assisted us in obtaining funding for professional development of the staff
4. Referrals/Contacts – REDI has introduced us to the decision makers at local biotech companies and as a result we are able to secure business.
We were honored by Ms. Sally Sternbach and Dr. [Pradeep] Ganguly last week during the “Business Appreciation Week” and were presented with certificates. This recognition will help us in marketing our company. REDI is committed to the success of the local companies and their support is much appreciated.
1 comments:
First, I would like to commend Rockville Central on their dedicated stories on entertainment, live-style, and working within Rockville. Currently, I am on travel; however, I hope this blog can be read during your next web broadcast.
We at Applied Wireless Local Area Network, Inc. (AWLAN) were excited to hear the interview with Sally Sternbach – Executive Director of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI). However, there was a caller that made several accusations that were incorrect or unsubstantiated.
The caller made these statements; on the other hand; we are certain of the following:
1) REDI does not help home base businesses
Applied Wireless Local Area Network, Inc. (AWLAN) was a home based professional engineering and IT firm for six (6) years until we were accepted into the Rockville Innovation Center in November 2007. AWLAN received a “free” press release on Rockville’s 1st free Wi-Fi® HotSpot Along Regal Cinema Row (http://appliedwlan.com/rockville.htm and www.RockNET.org). In addition, AWLAN received a very profitable business reference, from REDI, to AEPCO on the Demonstration of New Wireless Camera Technology for Public
Safety, Transportation Studies, and Other Government Uses; Subcontractor to AEPCO http://www.ci.rockville.md.us/mayor-council/2006/13-06/13-06-item6A.pdf.
We continue to receive business references from REDI both with potential partners and resources (e.g., banking, networking events).
2) They are not on the side of business …
When you look at REDI’s website at http://www.rockvilleredi.org/, it is very difficult to believe the development organization is “not on the side of business”.
3) “Do not look out for rent. No interest in supporting business … kick out affordable rent for business and kicking out business”
This statement is unclear; however, it would be wise to read REDI’s mission statement as well as Rockville’s Mayor and Council’s goals for REDI to obtain a clear perspective. REDI has no control over rent for businesses in Rockville.
4) “There is triple tax for towncenter – they double the price of that”
The Mayor, Council and recommendations of staff govern the various taxes within Rockville Towncenter.
5) REDI has a conflict of interest
I hope the caller would provide more factual information on this topic to include specific ethnical issues or city/county policies.
Thank you Rockville Central and keep up the good work
- Johnny Wi-Phi(tm)
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