BDC named in Maryland Planning Commission Pilot Program

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Bainbridge Logistics Center Selected as State Pilot Project to Streamline Permitting and Boost Economic Growth

PORT DEPOSIT, MD — The Bainbridge Development Corporation is proud to announce that the Bainbridge Logistics Center has been selected as one of six pilot projects under the Maryland Coordinated Permitting Review Council, a new initiative launched by Governor Wes Moore to streamline and expedite the state’s permitting process.

Established through the Governor’s 2024 economic competitiveness executive order, the council aims to accelerate permitting reviews for major projects across Maryland—helping communities attract investment, create jobs, and strengthen local economies.

“We refuse to let red tape stand between our state and a growing economy,” said Governor Moore. “By streamlining the permitting process, we will help get shovels in the ground faster and supercharge our agenda to create pathways to work, wages, and wealth for all Marylanders.”

The Bainbridge Logistics Center, located on the historic site of the former U.S. Naval Training Center in Port Deposit, represents a key component of Cecil County’s economic revitalization. The mixed-use redevelopment will transform the 1,200-acre site into a modern logistics hub, creating new jobs and positioning the region as a destination for industrial innovation.

“The selection of Bainbridge Logistics Center as a pilot project sends a powerful message: the Moore administration is committed to accelerating economic growth, attracting private investment, and creating high-quality jobs in Maryland,” said Kate Nolan Bryden, Senior Vice President at MRP Industrial, the project’s private development partner. “Bainbridge is being reactivated as an economic engine, and after nearly 50 years, is once again poised to transform Port Deposit into a hub of opportunity and prosperity.”

The pilot projects—spanning industries from agritourism and residential development to data centers and historic revitalization—reflect the state’s commitment to coordinated, transparent, and efficient permitting. Interagency teams will work closely with project leaders to identify challenges, share data, and refine best practices for future projects across Maryland.

As part of this statewide effort, Bainbridge’s inclusion reinforces the project’s importance not only to Cecil County but also to Maryland’s broader strategy of fostering innovation, investment, and workforce development.

The Coordinated Permitting Review Council will meet monthly throughout the pilot stage, with updates available via the Maryland Department of Planning at planning.maryland.gov.

BDC’s Toni Sprenkle earns nomination- 2024 Women to Watch!

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Join us in congratulating our Executive Director on her nomination for Chesapeake Media’s 2024 Women to Watch. Toni joins a host of extraordinary women in our wonderful county who are making a difference, leading the charge and making change in the communities where we live, work and raise our families. We are certainly proud of her accomplishments here at Bainbridge, her hard work and determination have moved a long stalled project forward into development. She puts her heart and soul in everything that she does for Port Deposit and adjoining towns. She is a dedicated partner to local, state and federal governmental agencies. She is known to get the job done and get it done well. We will be cheering her on!

 

 

 

https://issuu.com/somdnews/docs/w2wupperchesapeake24?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ

Happy Holidays from BDC

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December is a wonderful time to celebrate our community and business partners. We wish all of our subscribers a happy Holiday season!

 

 

 

 

 

BDC Completes Cecil Leadership Institute

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Executive Director Toni Sprenkle and Executive Assistant Jen Peterson graduated from Cecil College Cecil Leadership Institute. A 16 week course designed to give future leaders the opportunity to learn from some of Cecil County’s most influential and successful leaders. Through this wonderful course Toni and Jen learned from and developed relationships with businesses and leaders around the county that will help BDC better serve the community.

Congratulations to all of CLI’s class of 2023. We had the privilege of joining 22 others on this journey. We look forward to great things from our fellow alumni.

 

BDC’s Executive Director awarded DCI 40 under 40

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Toni Sprenkle Wins 40 Under 40 in Economic Development Award

Port Deposit, Maryland – Toni Sprenkle, EDFP, Executive Director of the Bainbridge Development Corporation is a recipient of the 2023 Economic Development 40 Under 40 Award, which recognizes rising stars under 40 years old in the economic development industry. The awards program is hosted by Development Counsellors International (DCI), a New York-based integrated marketing firm that works with economic development and travel organizations around the globe, and Jorgenson Consulting, a leading national executive search firm serving organizations in non-profit, economic, and community development industries. An independent selection committee of six economic development leaders and site selection consultants evaluated nominations based on demonstration of strong leadership, commitment and innovation every day in the workplace. “The purpose-driven work of economic development plays a vital role in communities around the world, and much of it is led by young professionals,” said Julie Curtin, president of DCI’s economic development practice. “These 40 rising stars are contributing their creativity, dedication and leadership to make a tremendous impact in their communities and our industry as a whole, and I so look forward to what lies ahead in their careers.” Sprenkle joined the BDC in 2014 and held the roles of Project Assistant and Project Coordinator before taking over as Executive Director in 2021. Notable accomplishments during her time at the BDC include negotiating a federal contract with the U.S Navy and securing funding for remedial activities; receiving regulatory approvals from the Maryland Department of Environment opening the site to development after a decade of inactivity; assisting in the acquisition and transfer of the 444 Phase 1 development, placing the property under private ownership and back on the tax rolls; and successfully managing over $10million in publicly funded projects. “The economic development industry continues to evolve and these rising leaders are stepping up to the challenge,” said Todd Jorgenson, managing director and principal of Jorgenson Consulting, Inc. “Congratulations to these 40 winners – and to the communities that are lucky to benefit from their expertise.” Award winners were announced January 29, 2023, at a reception hosted by DCI and Jorgenson at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass Resort & Spa. The ceremony was held in conjunction with the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) 2023 Leadership Summit, the only conference held exclusively for Certified Economic Developers and senior managers in the profession. For more information on the 40 Under 40 awards program and this year’s winners, visit econdev40under40.com.

Happy Holidays from BDC!

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BDC was honored to participate in The Port Deposit Heritage Museum’s 2022 Candlelight Tour on December 3rd. BDC was asked to decorate a themed tree for The Donaldson Brown Center Riverfront Event Center.

BDC Featured in Cecil County Chamber Guide

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This is quite an honor for the BDC and the project! Many thanks to Debbie Brown and the Chamber for their continued support.

The Bainbridge Project was chosen as the feature story for the 2022 Cecil Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Directory and Community Guide

Check out the full artilce below

Follow BDC on YouTube

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Updated: Jan 5, 2023

 

Now you can watch all Public Session Meetings on YouTube

Message from BDC Chairman, Carl Roberts

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Last evening the Bainbridge Development Corporation (BDC) hosted its annual meeting in a virtual format. As you read the Annual Report and other information on our website, you will note that much is going on with the Bainbridge property as we are optimistic that construction will begin in 2021. In addition, working with the Maryland Historical Trust, the buildings of Tome School are being assessed for feasible use as we move forward with a marketing program for this fifty acre site once the planning is complete.

I was thrilled to see all of the interest from the public as over 30 citizens joined the virtual format. In addition to elected officials or their representatives there were many interested citizens who took the time to learn more about were things stand on the site and what are the planned next steps.

The members of the BDC are thrilled to be able to present the public and especially the citizens of Port Deposit with positive news. Keep up to date on our happenings by checking this website periodically as we will keep you informed.

In addition, I want to publicly thank the fifteen members of the BDC for their hard work and commitment to fulfill our mission to return the formal Bainbridge Naval Training property to productive use.

Specific questions or comments should be directed to the BDC Project Coordinator – Ms. Toni Sprenkle, tsprenkle@bainbridgedev.org.

Again, thank you to all who participated in our Annual Meeting.

Chairman Roberts

Reward Being Offered in Conjunction with Tome Inn Fire

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The Bainbridge Development Corporation (BDC) is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fire that occurred on May 6, 2020 at the former Historic Tome School Inn, on the Bainbridge property located in Port Deposit, Maryland.

The BDC has been working closely with the Maryland State Fire Marshal’s Office on the arson investigation and strongly encourages individuals with any pertinent information to contact the Maryland Arson Hotline at 800-492-7529. All tips are kept confidential and are immediately relayed to investigators.

At its May 18th meeting, the BDC Board updated the action plan with immediate steps to enhance security measures stressing the importance of safety and security on the Tome Campus. This plan was created with input from the State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Maryland Historic Trust.

The BDC remains strong in its commitment to maintain and redevelop the Tome School Campus.

Any questions can be directed to Toni Sprenkle, BDC Project Coordinator, at 410-378-9200 or Tsprenkle@bainbridgedev.org