Permanent signage is now in place at the future home of Montgomery County’s first Wild Birds Unlimited at the Traville Village Center, signaling continued progress toward the store’s anticipated opening later this year.
Biryani Grill is coming to the Germantown Commons shopping center, taking over the former Cafe Hong Kong space at 13038 Middlebrook Road. The restaurant, which already operates locations in Aldie, Ashburn, and Chantilly, Virignia, will bring a menu centered on traditional Indian cuisine. (more…)
Law enforcement agencies across Maryland conducted a coordinated overnight operation to prevent and dismantle multiple illegal car rallies in Prince George’s, Howard, and Montgomery counties.
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…)
The Montgomery County Council will meet Tuesday, April 14 at 9 am, beginning with proclamations recognizing Earth Month and a Councilmember for a Day winner, followed by afternoon proclamations for World Art Day and Immigrant Day of Resilience. (more…)
Connect with neighbors, learn about Lafayette Federal, and grab fun giveaways! All while enjoying food from local Tacos el Pariente.
First 75 registrants can receive free food.*
Montgomery County Department of Transportation (MCDOT) Director Chris Conklin has been elected chair of the Washington Metrorail Safety Commission (WMSC), a regional body that oversees safety for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority’s rail system. (more…)
A Montgomery County native could be headed back to the DMV in a big way. Over the last few months, Commanders.com has been spotlighting one mock draft each week, breaking down how potential picks could fit in Washington. In the latest feature, draft analyst Matt Miller mapped out all of the team’s selections in a full seven-round mock, including a notable local connection at the top.
Kalahari Resort, currently under construction in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, has announced it will open on November 12, 2026. . The large-scale indoor water park and resort complex will be located less than 75 miles south of Washington, D.C., and about 80 miles from central Montgomery County, making it a relatively short drive for many area residents. (more…)
A new weekly farmers market is set to launch in Potomac this spring, bringing local vendors, fresh food, and community-focused events to Cabin John Village.
As noted the last couple weeks, demolition is officially underway at the former Lakeforest Mall site, marking a major milestone in the long-anticipated redevelopment of the 102-acre property in Gaithersburg.
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Montgomery County Police are investigating a serious collision involving a pedestrian that has closed a portion of Cashell Road in Olney Monday afternoon.
Maryland collected more than $27.6 million in cannabis sales tax revenue between October and December 2025, according to the Office of the Comptroller, with the largest share generated in the Central Region (Baltimore Metro). (more…)