AESI - AESI Sponsors Washington County Celebration of Business Event

		AESI Sponsors Washington County Celebration of Business Event Honors Local Business Community (Hagerstown, MD April 15, 2003) -- More than 120 representatives and partners of the local industrial community were lauded for their commitment to Washington County at the annual Celebration of Business event April 15, 2003. The evening’s festivities were held at the Fountain Head Country Club in Hagerstown. "The annual Celebration of Business is the Economic Development Commission’s major event to recognize the local business community for its many contributions to Washington County throughout the year," said Timothy R. Troxell, CEcD, Executive Director of the Hagerstown-Washington County Economic Development Commission. "Local businesses not only provide good jobs for our citizens but also enhance our community through their support of important events and quality of life initiatives. This evening is our way of saying 'thank you' for doing business in Washington County." Attendees were treated to an evening of fellowship and appreciation as well as remarks from one of Washington County's many success stories. Mike Thomas, an award-winning producer, director and writer with more than 30 years experience in television production, provided the evening's keynote address. Thomas, a Washington County native, began his television career as a camera operator with the Washington County Board of Education's Instructional TV studios in Hagerstown. He has worked with the White House and served as a Vice President and General Manager with AOLTime Warner. Thomas has developed series for VH-1, Fox Television, and Warner Brothers and produced specials for Larry King Live, CNN, Turner Classic Movies, and Turner Network Television. In addition, Thomas' works have earned him national accolades. He holds a Cable Ace award for Turner Classic Movie’s original documentary "Inside the Dream Factory" and a Peabody award for the CNN series "Cold War." He also has won two Emmy Awards. Currently, Thomas is president and CEO of Production Avenue, Inc., a television production company located in Atlanta, Georgia. The Secretary of Maryland's Department of Business and Economic Development also praised Washington County's economic development efforts. Aris Melissaratos spoke about many Maryland and Washington County superlatives, including the Intelsat project being developed at Friendship Technology Park. The Celebration of Business was made possible by generous contributions from the private sector. Event sponsors included Associated Engineering Sciences, Inc. # # # # << back to news