IN ORDER TO PROMOTE GROWTH IN THE TWO-COUNTY REGION, MAEDC STAFF MEMBERS PROVIDE SERVICES FOR BUSINESS RETENTION AND EXPANSION, BUSINESS ATTRACTION, AND ENTREPRENEURIAL DEVELOPMENT. WITHIN THOSE ACTIVITIES, STAFF REGULARLY VISITS WITH AREA MAJOR EMPLOYERS TO PROVIDE RESOURCES LIKE LABOR REPORTS, COOPERATIVE MARKETING OPPORTUNITIES, AND SKILLS TRAINING. IN ADDITION, STAFF WORK WITH SEVERAL STATE AND REGIONAL PARTNERS TO CONDUCT CONSULTANT BRIEFINGS, FAMILIARIZATION TOURS, AND REGULARLY SUBMIT REQUESTS FOR PROPOSALS IN AN EFFORT TO GAIN SITE VISITS IN THE REGION FOR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS.