Dear Friends,
It is great to be back in Montgomery County from my recent economic mission trip over the past two weeks. This week, I had the nice opportunity to talk with Fox 5 DC on their morning show about the news and happenings going on currently in the County. If you missed this discussion, you can it watch here: https://www.fox5dc.com/video/fmc-n9yc4qmq4ay62clu.
Samsung Biologics Opens 1st U.S. Biomanufacturing Facility in Montgomery County
As I mention in my conversation with Fox news, this was a milestone week for our economic development and job creation/retention efforts, and a wonderful way to return from Taiwan and India. Over the past couple of years, we’ve been very intentional about building our international presence, and we’re starting to see real results from that work.
On Tuesday, I attended the grand opening of Samsung Biologics’ biomanufacturing facility in Rockville, marking the company's “Day 1” of operations.
Samsung’s first U.S. manufacturing site demonstrates our County’s successful partnership with Maryland in attracting global businesses. By acquiring the former GSK facility and retaining over 500 employees, Samsung maintains essential expertise and supports skilled jobs, benefiting both local workers and the regional economy.
Samsung wanted to be in Montgomery County to be close to institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), as well as a network of private companies and research organizations that support everything from discovery to manufacturing. Companies know they can come here and find the people and partnerships they need.
I appreciate Samsung Biologics' commitment to our community. I also want to recognize the employees who consistently keep this facility running smoothly. Their expertise and professionalism drive the success of our operations. I also want to thank Governor Moore and his administration for their consistent partnership and support in our efforts to create jobs.
Montgomery County continues to stand out in conversations with international companies. Our diversity and welcoming community, our workforce, and our proximity to federal agencies give us an advantage. Samsung’s presence here reinforces that we are part of a global industry. It shows that companies see long-term value in being here, and it helps position us for future growth.
To learn more about Samsung Biologics and the work they do, please visit https://samsungbiologics.com/.
Economic Mission to Taiwan and India
The news of Samsung Biologics opening its first U.S. drug manufacturing facility in Montgomery County highlights the importance of engaging the international business community. Last week, I returned from my most recent trip to Taiwan and India.
Since 2023, we’ve participated in more than a dozen economic development missions across multiple countries. These trips are about making connections, explaining what Montgomery County offers, and building relationships that can turn into investment and jobs.
Essentially, our task has been to introduce Montgomery County to individuals unfamiliar with the area. During our initial outreach efforts, it became apparent that while cities such as Boston, San Francisco, San Diego, and North Carolina’s Research Triangle were well-known, it was not widely known that Montgomery County is home to the nation’s third-largest bio life sciences cluster. Even though many people were aware of NIH and the FDA, they often did not associate these institutions with the local cluster or understand that this cluster includes many growing, innovative companies. Consequently, much of our communication has focused on effectively sharing the unique story of Montgomery County.
Our efforts are paying off. We’ve already seen international companies establish a presence here, and others are in the pipeline as they complete fundraising or expand into the U.S. market. We’ve also signed agreements with international partners to support business development and create pathways for companies to enter Montgomery County.
While we were on the most recent trip to Taiwan, we signed an agreement with Galaverse, a global semiconductor technology company specializing in satellite systems and space-based infrastructure, eager to expand its base and establish a presence in Montgomery County.
What was interesting in both nations was the ubiquitous use of AI. At the large tech show we attended in India, we saw hardware and software solutions being introduced, and at Taiwan’s Smart Cities conference, AI was embedded in almost every technological innovation on display.
Some companies are focusing on reducing AI's energy use, demonstrating how results can be achieved more efficiently. To stay competitive, supporting advanced technology in all industries is crucial, which is why our partnership with the University of Maryland Institute for Health Computing matters.
These trips also benefit our local businesses. More than 30 County-based companies have joined us on these missions, building their own partnerships and expanding into global markets. This work takes time, but it’s how you grow an economy—by building relationships, staying engaged, and making sure Montgomery County is part of the global conversation.
While I was away, United Kingdom-based company Risk Ledger announced that they will open an office in the Montgomery County. The company’s decision to establish a presence in the County’s Rockville Innovation Center underscores the advantages of locating in a community with world-class research institutions, a strong cluster of technology companies, a highly skilled workforce, and proximity to federal partners such as the U.S. National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence. I look forward to supporting their growth.
The Montgomery County government, our state government, and our regional partners all play critical roles in helping small or expanding companies accelerate next-generation technology development. International engagement and outreach helps to create investments and more jobs in Montgomery County.
To read more about our County’s international outreach efforts, please visit https://thinkmoco.com/site-selection/international-global-prospects/.
Importance of Vaccinations
On Wednesday, I attended the World Vaccine Congress in Washington, D.C., where Montgomery County was proud to be represented as both an exhibitor and part of the broader discussion on the future of vaccine development.
This is one of the largest and most important gatherings of its kind in the world. It brings together researchers, manufacturers, policymakers, and public health leaders to look at the full pipeline—from early-stage research to large-scale manufacturing and distribution. Montgomery County belongs in that conversation.
We are at the center of one of the nation’s leading biohealth clusters. Companies here are working on vaccines and therapies every day, supported by institutions like the NIH and the FDA. That work has global impact, and it’s one of the reasons companies continue to locate and grow here.
The conversations at the conference are occurring at a critical moment. Public confidence in vaccines and, more broadly, in science is being challenged. Statements and actions coming out of Washington, including from Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Trump administration, have contributed to confusion about vaccines that have been proven safe and effective for decades.
When I was a kid, I remember standing in a line of kids getting the polio vaccine in my school in D.C. I had no idea what polio was or how widespread it was, let alone how debilitating it was. Only later did I learn about its real impact. The immunization campaign led to a drop in polio cases from 35,000 to 5,600 between 1953 and 1957, and a further drop to 161 by 1961. Americans learned that vaccines worked and it changed what it meant to grow up in America. What we’re seeing now at the federal level will have detrimental public health consequences.
Diseases like measles, which have largely been eliminated, are reappearing. Vaccine hesitancy over shots that we’ve routinely taken is going to worsen public health. It’s another Administration effort to undermine trust in science and research — and it’s dangerous because people will get sick and die because of the misinformation coming from Trump and Kennedy.
As we close out this year’s respiratory virus season and with the onset of another new COVID variant, I asked Sean O’Donnell, DHHS deputy chief of Public Health Services, to join my media briefing this week to share some of the latest updates on our County’s vaccination levels, challenges, initiatives, and resources. Please watch our conversation here.
For more information about the County’s vaccine programs, please visit the DHHS Department’s Immunization Program page.
County Council Holds FY27 Recommended Operating Budget Public Hearings Next Week
The County Council is holding public hearings next week on April 7, 8, and 9. This is an important opportunity for residents to weigh in on my FY27 Recommended Operating Budget. I discuss the budget some in my video this week.
The Council will hold public hearings on the operating budget on April 7 and April 8 at 1:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., and April 9 at 1:30 p.m. Residents who want to testify in person or virtually can sign up on the Council’s website or by calling 240-777-7802.
Additionally, written testimony, as well as pre-recorded audio or video testimony, can be submitted through the Council’s website. Testimony may be mailed to: County Council, 100 Maryland Avenue, Rockville, MD 20850, or submitted through the Council’s budget hotline at 240-777-7802.
Public hearings will be televised live by County Cable Montgomery (CCM) on Xfinity channels 6 and 996, RCN channels 6 and 1056; and FiOS channel 30; also available live via streaming through the Council website, Facebook Live (@MontgomeryCountyMdCouncil or @ConcejodelCondadodeMontgomery), or YouTube (@MoCoCouncilMD).
I strongly encourage residents, community advocates, nonprofit leaders, and members of our business community to take part. You can testify in person, join remotely, or submit written comments. There are a lot of ways to be heard, and you don’t need to be an expert to share your perspective, just someone who cares about where this County is headed.
We have a very engaged community, and that’s one of our strengths. When people speak up, it helps shape better decisions and a more balanced outcome. The Council will spend the upcoming weeks working through the details before adopting a final budget in May, so this is the moment to get involved and make sure your voice is part of that process.
Your input matters.
MCPD Actions Held Avoid a Tragic Outcome
I want to acknowledge a shooting that happened at the Giant Food in Germantown while I was away. This was a serious and frightening incident, and I’m grateful that the victim survived.
I also want to recognize the quick, coordinated response that helped bring this situation under control. This week, the Montgomery County Police Department arrested the suspects involved.
The employees at Giant Food handled an incredibly stressful situation with professionalism, and customers in the store responded in a way that helped keep others safe.
This response shows the value of the investments we’ve been making in public safety. We’ve focused on providing our officers with the training, technology, and support they need to respond effectively in moments like these. We’ve also worked to make sure we are recruiting and retaining officers by offering competitive compensation, because experience and stability matter in this work.
Just as important, our officers are part of this community. They build relationships, they know the neighborhoods they serve, and that trust makes a difference when something goes wrong.
We’re going to keep making those investments and supporting our officers, because keeping people safe requires preparation, partnership, and a strong connection between law enforcement and the community.
To learn more about MCPD’s Crisis Response and Community Relations efforts please click here.
Earth Month Begins
Montgomery County has led the way in developing eco-friendly practices by encouraging businesses and residents to choose to live more sustainably. We have eliminated the widespread use of single-use plastic bags in the County, banned the use of gas-powered leaf blowers, and made Ride On free for users. We are also electrifying our vehicle fleet and moving towards better energy use in existing and future buildings.
We are making progress toward our Climate Action Plan goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2027 and 100% by 2035. Jurisdictions around our nation and the world have taken notice of what we are achieving.
This Earth Month and throughout the year, I encourage all community members and businesses to commit themselves to choosing the greenest option.
I invite everyone to join us for one of my favorite events of the year, our 11th Annual GreenFest on Saturday, April 25, at BlackRock Center for the Arts in Germantown. The photo above shows me checking out the vendors at Greenfest last year.
We’re also asking families to meet the 250 Actions challenge, inspired by the 250th anniversary of Montgomery County. The Latino Health Initiative is sharing ideas that you can adopt to help safeguard our environment and promote public health. You can also find videos about being climate-ready in English and Spanish at https://www.lhiinfo.org/.
And there are activities happening across the County this April as we all recognize Earth Month.
- Take part in a community trash clean-up.
- Try one of our County’s new mending labs.
- Paper shredding and electronic recycling event happening in Silver Spring on Saturday, April 11.
- Earth Day event at the Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op on Sunday, April 12.
For more information about Earth Month activities and tips to live more sustainably, please visit montgomerycountymd.gov/dep and follow our Department of the Environmental Protection’s social media channels.
Department of Transportation’s ‘Heads Up, Phones Down’ Winners
We recently announced the winners of our 2026 ‘Heads Up, Phones Down’ teen video contest. This year, we received nearly 100 creative entries from both public and private high school students across the County, all dedicated to promoting safer, distraction-free travel on our roads and sidewalks.
More importantly than just how many people submitted a video is who those messages are meant for. We know that for young people, the most persuasive messaging comes from their friends and classmates. By taking part in this competition, these students are helping us build a culture of safety and inspiring their classmates to develop responsible phone habits.
Here are the contest winners, with links to their winning videos:
Individual Winners
- Grand Prize Winner: Julian Szell, John F. Kennedy High School. ‘It Can Wait.’
- First Runner Up Winner: Tatiana Delgado, Einstein High School. ‘It Can Wait.’
- Second Runner Up Winner: Ethan Anyam, Springbrook High School. ‘One Scroll.’
- Grand Prize Winners: Nubia Abatemam, Grace Mbonguy, Namibia Mustapha, and Grace Tawes, Richard Montgomery High School. ‘The Choice is Yours.’
- First Runner Up Winners: Ved Bhise and Andrew Kuan, Richard Montgomery High School. ‘Blindfold.’
- Second Runner Up Winners: Ruth Gelaye and Anna Jhon, Walter Johnson High School. ‘Don’t Become a Statistic.’
As always, my appreciation for all of you,
Marc Elrich
County Executive
