ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today announced that he has accepted an invitation to speak at the prestigious It-Sa Expo&Congress 2024 conference in Germany. It is a leading event for cybersecurity professionals worldwide. Following the conference, Ball will embark on a European Trade Mission led by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA). This 11-day diplomatic trip in Europe from October 19th to October 30th, will foster international collaborations and explore export opportunities in the cybersecurity/IT sector between Howard County businesses and their European counterparts in Germany, Ireland, and the United Kingdom.
Known as the ‘Silicon Valley of the East,’ Howard County is at the forefront of global cybersecurity leadership. Home to leaders in cyber innovation, we are pioneering new ways to protect ourselves online. As we move forward, it is essential that we continue to invest in cybersecurity innovation, for the future of Howard County, and the security of our regional, national, and global community. This trade mission is a pivotal step in Howard County’s journey to solidify its position as a global leader in cybersecurity and innovation, strengthening economic ties and fostering long-term partnerships with key international markets. It will offer us the opportunity to foster vital partnerships that allow us to develop transformative innovations and protections that will shape a safer, more secure digital future for us all.
On the trip, organized by Howard County Economic Development Authority, Ball will accompany a delegation of representatives from HCEDA, Howard County Government, Howard Community College (HCC), and the local business community, including:
- Jennifer Jones, CEO, HCEDA
- Bob Zhang, Director of International Business, HCEDA
- Marcellous Frye, Board Chair, HCEDA
- Dr. Daria Willis, President, HCC and Board Member, HCEDA
- Chris Anthony, CEO, Teamworx
- Tom McNamara, CEO, Hopr
- Annette McNamara, CEO, Hopr
- Angie Lienert, CEO, Intelligenesis
- David Leeds, Chief, Information Security Officer, Department of Technology and Communication Services, Howard County Government
- Angela Cabellon, Chief of Staff, Howard County Government
- Safa Hira, Director of Communications, Howard County Government
Together, the economic development delegation will aim to facilitate partnerships and strengthen international ties, encourage increased business opportunities and foreign direct investment, increase educational partnerships, promote Howard County’s cybersecurity sector, and enhance market understanding. Notably, the HCEDA is one of only three counties that have dedicated international business development professionals.
The delegation will kick-off the trip in Nuremberg, Germany, where members will participate in an it-sa Expo&Congress and engage with industry partners, including the German Cybersecurity Council. Ball was invited to give a lecture on “Exploring U.S. Market Entry: A Gateway to the Capital Region’s Cybersecurity Ecosystem.” During his lecture, Ball will discuss ways to enhance cyber cooperation, promote business and academic exchanges, and encourage mutual economic support. He will also join German Cyber Cluster’s Dr. Matthias Kampmann to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between HCEDA’s Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) and IT-Sicherheitscluster e.V. This MOU will foster a mutually beneficial partnership focused on advancing the cybersecurity sector, supporting startups and promoting innovation within the two respective regions. In addition, the Howard County Delegation will establish a relationship with Howard Community College (HCC) and the Technology University of Nuremberg. Just last week, Ball joined HCC for the groundbreaking ceremony of its new Workforce Development & Trades Center, which will help close the gap for skilled workers.
The delegation will then spend two days in Ireland, where members will visit the Guinness Enterprise Centre and Platform94 tech and cyber cluster centers and meet with trade professionals. While in Galway, Ball will establish a formal partnership between the Maryland Innovation Center and Platform94. This mutually beneficial partnership is focused on advancing the cybersecurity sector, supporting startups and promoting innovation within the two respective regions. The State of Maryland recently formed a “Maryland-Ireland Trade Commission” in the Department of Commerce to study and make recommendations regarding bilateral trade relations and investment opportunity between Maryland and Ireland. Howard County will be the delegation in Maryland to visit Ireland, after the Commission was formed, becoming a trailblazer for the state to promote this initiative.
Finally, the delegation will wrap up its trip in the United Kingdom with a visit to Midlands Cyber and meetings with trade officials. Currently, the State of Maryland has an MOU with Midlands Cyber and the Howard County Delegation will be the first Maryland jurisdiction to promote this initiative. While in the UK, businesses will be establishing relationship with its cyber cluster in Cheltenham. The team will accomplish this by visiting with the National Cyber Security Centre, which is equivalent to the United States’ Cyber Command, and the Government Communications Headquarters, which is equivalent to the United States’ National Security Administration. During the trip to the UK, the delegation will also establish a relationship between HCC and Birmingham City University.