LOCAL ENTREPRENEUR'S VISION BECOMES REALITY, SEES OPPORTUNITY TO BOOST REGION'S ECONOMY

Belcamp, MD, April, 2014 - In a time when government sequestration and shutdowns are forcing organizations to rethink growth strategies and do more with less, Jim Foulk, defense industry entrepreneur, saw an opportunity in the professional events market to attract government and industry events and conferences to Harford County. "We know the government is experiencing fiscal challenges and agencies are cutting back on travel and per diem for training and education," said Foulk. "Traveling long distances for events and conferences is a luxury that the government just can't afford anymore."

Harford County is located near Interstate 95 between Baltimore and Philadelphia and is within a 2-hour drive of New Jersey and Washington D.C. "We have great local attractions, world-class golf and now a state-of-the-art meeting facility, Water's Edge Events Center, that makes Harford County the perfect destination for meetings and conferences," said Foulk. 

Close proximity to major markets and Harford County's need for a modern and technologically advanced event venue drove Foulk to spearhead the development of the recently completed $12 million, 32,000-square-foot facility, Water's Edge Events Center. "Jim Foulk is a visionary and has a proven entrepreneurial track record," said James Richardson, County Director of the Office of Economic Development. "He saw the need to provide Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), regional professional associations and government contractors a venue where they could train employees, host events and conduct large meetings without the expense and complexities of long distance travel."

More than 1.5 million visits were made to Harford County in 2013. The majority of visitors came for sporting and cultural events. "Harford County is known for attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors for major sporting events and we are hopeful that as Harford County's technology industry grows, so will visitation for technology and professional service related events and meetings," said Richardson. 

Water's Edge Events Center was built to be the most technologically advanced meeting space in Harford County. From the Center's high definition audio/visual systems to customizable digital signage, Water's Edge Events Center knows no technology limits.

Located in the employee friendly Water's Edge Corporate Campus with its walking trail, pier, & fitness center.  The venue sits on 200 acres of waterfront property and the pristine view of the Bush River makes for a peaceful alternative to urban conference locations. "When we envisioned the Center's architecture and design, we wanted superior materials, significant detail in the décor elements and the overall design to be indicative of the surrounding area," said Clark Turner, Project General Contractor.  

While Water's Edge Events Center can accommodate banquet seating for 400 guests, there are a number of meeting rooms for smaller groups. The elegant Lounge and Wine Room offer a beautiful and unique option to the typical board room found at most other venues.  A private, members-only, dining area and outdoor lounge provide the perfect atmosphere for a variety of engagements. Classified meeting space is also available at adjoining locations on the Water's Edge Campus. "Water's Edge Events Center is a gem that we can certainly be proud of," said Wini Roche, Harford County Tourism & Marketing Manager. "The Center gives us a viable meeting space option and allows us to compete with other counties in the region as we look to attract events and increase tourism in Harford County."

Since opening fourth quarter 2013, there have been a number of signature events and meetings held at Water's Edge Events Center that drew professionals from all over the region. Included in those events were the Harford Awards, Chesapeake Support Our Heroes Gala and Red Pump Ball. "My heartfelt thanks for helping to make The Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation's Red Pump Ball a success this year. The new venue was beautiful and the food and service were outstanding. It was such a pleasure working with everyone. Every question was answered in a timely manner and every detail was attended to at the event. Each of you went above and beyond. We could not have been more pleased."  Donna Tower Lenzner, CFRE   Manager of Community Engagement and Special Events of Upper Chesapeake Health Foundation.

Water's Edge Events Center's timeless architecture and versatile and flexible space are designed for every kind of event imaginable. The Center offers a premier wedding venue, banquet hall, and special event space, plus the meeting facilities and catering capabilities that Harford County needs. Water's Edge Events Center is fully equipped and ready for corporate, government, non-profit, and family functions.  

Water's Edge Event Center is located at 4687 Millennium Drive, Belcamp, MD 21017. www.weec.info  If you would like to request a tour, book an event or speak with a representative email info@watersedgeevents.com or call (410) 297-9467.

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