Robert L. Ehrlich, Jr. speech, January 11, 2004

First of all, I would like to thank my good friend George Pappas and the Commission for the outstanding job they did in preparing this report OJB- G-oA'-i As you know, changing the lingering perception that Maryland is business unfriendly is one of the top priorities of my administration. Achieving this goal requires success in three areas: 'Ту2-?' о Fostering a business climate that encourages TVO1® , 1 entrepreneurial excellence above everything else./jftim^^^t- о Encouraging businesses to thrive, grow, and prosper, _ _ rather than simply survive. 7 о Expanding Maryland’s already formidable reputation as a leader in the growing field of high tech. ult. HAVt With regard to Maryland’s high tech possibilities, I believe we have the resources needed to become the technology capital of the nation. . .to attract and retain businesses on the technological edge: о Maryland is one of the top recipients of federal R & D dollars. I fAtsfrZ- o Maryland has the highest percentage of professional and technical workforces in the nation and currently ranks third among states in the percentage of the „ . Tatfe*** \ , **** C^J- \ . W , -pj c ««W , "W> G JLd