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Montgomery County, Maryland, has long been known as one of the nation’s premier hubs for life sciences and technology but recently, the County has gained global recognition for another high-growth industry: satellite and advanced communications.

The roots of the County’s satellite ecosystem stretch back decades. The former COMSAT Laboratories in Clarksburg helped establish the foundation of modern satellite communications technology and continues to shape the industry today. That legacy directly contributed to the growth of companies like Hughes Network Systems, headquartered in Germantown, which is widely recognized as a pioneer of satellite internet technology and continues to employ nearly 1,000 people locally.

Home to over 120 satellite and advanced communications companies employing approximately 4,500 workers across the region, Montgomery County’s growing prominence in advanced antenna, satellite communications, and space technologies, includes the presence of visionary business leaders, like Eric Sung, CEO of Intellian Technologies who has dubbed the area “Satellite Valley” in recognition of its growing industry concentration and momentum. Intellian, which selected Rockville for its first U.S.-based Advanced Development Center, committed a $100 million investment to develop advanced satellite communication technologies, including phased array antennas and portable military-grade terminals designed for next-generation low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite networks. Montgomery County’s concentration of satellite companies, engineering talent, and proximity to government and defense stakeholders made the region a strategic fit for their expansion.

A leading global provider of stabilized satellite communication and satellite TV antenna systems with more than 70 employees located in Montgomery County, Intellian was one of the businesses featured in a special report from the Financial Times’s fDi Intelligence released in May, highlighting the region’s expanding technology ecosystem. From legacy industry pioneers to fast-growing international companies, such as Thales Defense & Security, Montgomery County offers a deep talent pool with technical expertise, proximity to federal agencies, and highly welcoming and diverse communities, allowing it to continuously attract investment from around the world. (more…)

Montgomery County, MD is commonly known as being a suburb of the nation’s capital, but what might surprise some is that it is also home to a thriving biotech ecosystem. With over 350 life sciences companies, including global brands like AstraZeneca, United Therapeutics, and Novavax, Montgomery County anchors the third largest biophama hub in the U.S., behind only Boston and San Francisco.

Running annually in Washington D.C. for over 25 years, World Vaccine Congress attracts an international audience from over 80 countries and convenes more than 3,000 people to learn about the latest trends, research, and technologies in the vaccine industry. This year, Montgomery County took center stage, with a featured session on the extensive Biologics Value Chain in the County, as well as a session during which County Executive Marc Elrich spoke about the extensive resources available to companies here, and an exhibit space showcasing these resources.

A Complete Biologics Value Chain in One Region

One of the defining strengths of Montgomery County is its ability to support the full lifecycle of biologics, all the way from early research to large-scale manufacturing. During the panel discussion, moderated by Dr. Stefanie Trop, Director of Life Sciences at the Maryland Department of Commerce, local leaders emphasized that the region’s strength lies in its network of partners who work collaboratively across discovery, development, testing, and production. Panelists from companies in all stages of the value chain spectrum included Dr. Andrew Lees, Founder of Fina Biosolutions, Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies at AstraZeneca, Dr. Helen Sabzevari President & CEO of Precigen, and Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer of Integrated BioTherapeutics.

This end-to-end capability in close geographical proximity gives companies a unique advantage and is rare to find in other markets, even established ones like San Francisco and Boston. In fact, only a handful of places worldwide offer the combination of infrastructure, expertise, and collaboration found in Montgomery County and if diversity, education and population density are taken into consideration – then Montgomery County standouts even more.

“Gaithersburg is one of the six places in the world where we can do what we’re doing,” explained Benjamin Moutier, Senior Vice-President, Vaccines and Immune Therapies, AstraZeneca. “We have the right partners at every step of the value chain [in Montgomery County].”

A Strong Partnership Network

Biotech breakthroughs rarely happen in isolation. They depend on strong partnerships between private companies, local and state governments, academic institutions, and workforce training organizations. Montgomery County has intentionally cultivated these connections, making collaboration and coordination defining characteristics of its life sciences ecosystem.

Dr. Frederick Holtsberg, Chief Scientific Officer at IBT Bioservices, a full service CRO offering clinical & preclinical contract research services, says the company’s close partnerships between them and local stakeholders have been crucial to its success. “As a Rockville-based company, we’re grateful for the partnership and support from city, County, and state leaders,” explained Dr. Holtsberg. “These programs have helped fuel our growth, and we’re excited about the continued momentum of our community.” (more…)

It’s Asian American Pacific Islander Month, and what better way to celebrate the culture than to immerse oneself at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival outside of Annapolis on May 31st?

Or didn’t get enough Irish last month? Two of the biggest Irish acts returns to the stage with Gaelic Storm and Carbon Leaf. See below for more details and information!

All events are family-friendly, packed with food, live music, interactive experiences, and now even more ways to get active.

To kick things off, you can save 20% on tickets with code MOCOSHOW (valid through May 31 for general admission tickets).

2026 Festival Lineup

Annapolis Irish Festival

May 29 & 30

Experience the spirit of Ireland right here in Annapolis with two days of live music, great food, and high-energy performances. Headlined by internationally recognized acts like Scythian, Gaelic Storm, and Carbon Leaf, the Annapolis Irish Festival blends traditional Irish culture with modern rock festival vibes.

Haven’t heard of Gaelic Storm? Are you sure? They were the band in James Cameron’s Titanic and went from local stars to national powerhouses. We are lucky to have them right here in Maryland so don’t miss out!

Enjoy Guinness, Irish whiskey tastings, craft beverages, local vendors, and nonstop entertainment in a setting that brings thousands together to celebrate Irish heritage.

Anne Arundel Asian American Festival

May 31

Celebrate culture, community, and cuisine at the Anne Arundel Asian American Festival, a vibrant showcase of food, performances, and traditions from across Asia!

Come hungry and enjoy authentic dishes from a wide range of vendors, cultural performances throughout the day, and interactive experiences for all ages. This family-friendly event highlights the diversity and energy of the Asian American community during AAPI Heritage Month.

Food vendors include:

Namit Filipino, Ekiben, Bun’d Up, E-San Thai, MD Brad Butcher and Central Asian dishes, Thai Pinto, Pho Wheels, and The Sister House! (more…)

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Still need a Mother’s Day gift?

Skip the delivery rush, and gift an experience instead.

No more last-minute scramble. Give Mom something she’ll actually remember: a luxury floral workshop experience at Blooming Blossoms in Silver Spring.

For two relaxing hours, you’ll both create individual stunning, professional-grade arrangements using premium seasonal blooms, plus enjoy gourmet treats and drinks in an intimate, upscale setting.

Workshops run through Mother’s Day weekend, but spots are almost gone. Book today using the button below. Use MOCO7 for $7.00 off your booking!

Curious about our journey? Read our story here.

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Why settle for a bouquet that lasts a week when you can give Mom a memory that lasts a lifetime? Join us at the Blooming Blossoms studio in Silver Spring for a Mother’s Day experience that goes beyond a traditional gift.

Our upscale, two-hour workshops are a calming escape where you’ll learn the art of floral design. We’ll guide you through creating a premium seasonal arrangement while you sip on refreshments and enjoy gourmet pastries in our relaxing, light-filled space. Sessions are available throughout the week leading up to Mother’s Day and Mother’s Day weekend. It’s the perfect way to pause, bond, and each create a gorgeous arrangement to take home.

Grab your tickets today – mom, friend, mentors, grandmothers are all welcome. Use code MOCO7 for $7.00 off your booking!

Curious about our journey? Learn more by clicking here.

Nationally recognized as the third-largest biopharma hub in the country, and home to thriving industry clusters including technology, defense, and satellite and advanced communications, Montgomery County continues to attract global brands, generate high-quality and high-paying jobs, and drive economic growth.

Recent investments from global industry leaders highlight this continued momentum.

This past March, Samsung Biologics had its official ribbon cutting in Rockville. The Korean contract development and manufacturing leader expanded into the U.S. market through its acquisition of the former Human Genome Sciences facility in Rockville. The acquisition will retain more than 500 jobs and marks Samsung Biologics’ first U.S.-based manufacturing site, further cementing Montgomery County’s position as a premier destination for life sciences companies of all sizes. “During our international trade mission last year, we met with the Samsung Biologics team in Seoul to discuss the economic momentum in Maryland. Today’s ribbon cutting is the realization of that meeting and our state’s momentum,” said Maryland Governor Wes Moore. “South Korea’s largest biotech company is opening its first U.S. manufacturing facility here in Maryland. In the state of Maryland, we are delivering for our people and not playing for second.”

Last October, biopharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca, headquartered in Gaithersburg since 2013, announced that it will build another state-of-the art facility, also in Gaithersburg. This new facility, which follows the opening of the company’s $300 million cell therapy manufacturing facility opened in Rockville last spring, will create 100 new jobs and continue to expand the company’s R&D footprint in the County. (more…)