ANNAPOLIS, MD (June 22, 2004) -The Anne Arundel County economic development mission to Europe was a success, according to Anne Arundel County Executive Janet S. Owens. "We set out to meet with international businesses and government leaders to generate business development in Anne Arundel County, and that is exactly what we did," said Ms. Owens. Some of the mission's highlights include: In St. Petersburg, Russia, government officials expressed an interest in developing a closer relationship between the Russian Federation's Naval Academy and the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis. They also asked the delegation to deliver the message to Maryland's hotel developers that they are seeking more luxury hotels for St. Petersburg's booming tourism industry. The meeting with St. Petersburg government officials also solidified Maryland's sister city relationship with the Leningrad Oblast region in Russia. In Moscow, Ms. Owens and the delegation met with United States Ambassador Alexander Vershbow and his staff for a briefing on potential investment opportunities for Anne Arundel County and Maryland businesses. In Finland, mission participants met with Jarkko Sairanen, Vice President of Insight and Foresight for Nokia Ventures at Nokia headquarters in Helsinki. In addition to thanking Nokia for their partnership and financial support of Anne Arundel County's business incubator, the Chesapeake Innovation Center, the meeting also included a discussion of Nokia's increasing commitment to the U.S. marketplace. Also in Helsinki, a meeting with the U.S. Embassy staff revealed the desire of a Finnish solar energy company to partner with a U.S. energy firm. In Copenhagen, Denmark, 27 business and government leaders gathered at U.S. Ambassador Stuart Bernstein's residence for a dinner to honor County Executive Janet S. Owens. One idea the delegation will follow up on is the creation of dedicated real estate space in Anne Arundel County to encourage Danish companies to establish a presence to explore the U.S. marketplace. At this dinner, Dr. Bachman Atefi, CEO of the global research and development firm Alion, spoke with Ms. Owens about the growth potential of his company and of future plans. Also in Copenhagen, Ms. Owens meet with Lord Mayor Bente Frost, Deputy Chairman of the City Council, who discussed a wide ranging number of issues on government operations. One idea the delegation has brought back is how to encourage the use of bicycles as a mode of transportation, and in particular, on Anne Arundel County's Greenways. "I was very impressed that one third of the citizens of Copenhagen use a bicycle as their primary mode of transportation," said Ms. Owens. "Lord Mayor Bente Frost briefed us on how bicycle use is encouraged in Copenhagen, and I plan to discuss this idea with our Recreation and Parks department," she continued. Also in Denmark Ms. Owens had confidential discussions with a company CEO about expansion plans for a county based business. Plans are expected to be announced in the fall of 2004. "I wish to thank all of the government and business participants on this Anne Arundel County mission. I am especially grateful to Mr. Igor Evseev from the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, and Mr. Thomas Morr of the Greater Washington Initiative for their partnership in making this trip a success," said Ms. Owens. "Now, more than ever, I am convinced that attraction and retention of international businesses is an investment in the future of Anne Arundel County." | 
