Signe Pringle
Maryland Department of Commerce
Multiple County
https://commerce.maryland.gov/
Manufacturing is a major industry in Maryland, creating 110,000 jobs and over $28 billion in GDP, says Maryland Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Signe Pringle. “It touches many industry sectors. It is important to help Maryland manufacturers remain competitive and grow here.”
Working closely with the Department’s Secretary, Signe leads a team of economic development professionals to attract companies across key industries to Maryland, working on business expansion and job creation, and connecting companies with resources and partners locally and abroad.
Signe’s work with Commerce teams spans national and international business attraction as well as assessing existing manufacturers’ potential to export beyond US markets. She is instrumental in introducing business expansion and export opportunities overseas.
She oversees the industry sector management division, which includes manufacturing, and listens to stakeholders through client work and participation in Commerce’s stakeholder focus groups, including on advancing Maryland manufacturing. She also provides oversight of the offices of business development; finance programs; international investment and trade; and military and federal affairs.
This work supports packages that aid manufacturing – with financing, tax credits, workforce development incentives, and introductions between manufacturers that support supply chain goals.
Governor Wes Moore recently announced Commerce’s receipt of a $1,010,000 U.S. Department of Energy Office of Manufacturing and Energy Supply Chains grant to accelerate adoption of smart manufacturing technology in small and mid-sized businesses. “We have more tools in the toolbox now to help manufacturers,” Signe says. “We are looking forward to where we go from here through partnerships in the industry.”