Boards and Commissions

​​​​​​​​The following boards and commissions provide recommendations and direction to the Department. These boards focus on targeted groups and industry sectors such as small business, federal facilities, tourism and manufacturing. They serve as a critical link to let the governor and our agency know the issues Maryland businesses are facing — and the best way to solve them.​

• Advisory Commission on Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing and Promotion - Maryland Advisory Commission on Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing and Promotion, successor to the Advisory Commission on Maryland Wine and Grape Growing was created to manage the Maryland Alcohol Manufacturing Promotion Fund and requires the Department to award certain grants from the Fund for certain purposes.
  
  
• Commerce Subcabinet - Comprised of Maryland Secretaries of commerce-related agencies, the Subcabinet advises the Governor on proposals to enhance the state’s business climate.
  
  
• E-Nnovation Initiative Fund Authority (MEIF)​ - Implements the Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative Fund,​ a program that supports Maryland's nonprofit institutions of higher education.
  
  
• Historic St. Mary's City Fort to 400 Commission - Coordinates the planning and implementation of activities and events to commemorate the 400th anniversary of the founding of Maryland.
  
  
• Life Sciences Advisory Board (LSAB) - Supports the state's biotechnology and ​h​ealth IT industry sectors​.
  
  
• Maryland Economic Development Commission (MEDC) - Establishes policies to create a competitive economic climate for business growth.
  
  
• Maryland Manufacturing Advisory Board​ - Advises the Maryland Secretary of Commerce on ways to encourage new and expanding manufacturing enterprises in Maryland.
  

• Maryland Marketing Partnership (MMP)​ - Develops a state branding strategy, markets the state’s assets, and encourages the location and growth of new businesses in Maryland.
  
  
• Maryland Military Installation​ Council (MMIC) - Identifies infrastructure and community support needed to develop the State's military installations.
  
  
• Maryland Small Business Development ​Financing Authority (MSBDFA) - Promotes the viability and expansion of businesses owned by disadvantaged entrepreneurs.
  
  
• Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC) - Encourages and invests in the advancement of the arts for Maryland citizens.
  
  
• MIDFA/MEDAAF A​​uthority​ - The Maryland Industrial Development Financing Authority (MIDFA) and the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF) are both served by the same Authority members. For MIDFA, the Authority reviews and approves financing transactions being issued as private activity bonds and loan guarantees; for MEDAAF, the Authority reviews and approves loans to support economic development initiatives​.
  
  
• Public Art Commission - Implements Maryland's first formal public art program, enhancing the cultural landscape of Maryland communities.
  
  
• Tourism Development Board - Guides activities to develop and market the state as a destination.
  
  
• Transforming Manufacturing in a Digital Economy Workgroup (Make it in Maryland) - Studies the transformation of manufacturing in Maryland's emerging digital economy and makes recommendations to support the transition of Maryland manufacturing to Industry 4.0 and the digital economy.