It's surprising, given that Montgomery County has one of the highest-educated populaces in the nation. By comparison, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, and Denver have more than one location offering "The Ultimate Experience." Providing a live performer to enact the scene was always expected to be a major challenge when the film went to nationwide distribution, but IndieWire reports that additional theaters could be added as time goes on. If they are, confirmation will be offered at the time of ticket purchase by the label "The Ultimate Experience" on the particular screening time.
How long "Megalopolis" will play in theaters remains to be seen. Many reviews so far suggest the major messages of the film have gone over most critics' heads. It's likely to be a movie that will be reassessed much more positively in a decade or two.
Foot Locker is only the latest company to sail over Montgomery County and Maryland like Michael Jordan on its way to the basket. Montgomery County hasn't attracted a major corporate headquarters in over a quarter-century. It's just one reason why the County, like Maryland, has a moribund economy and structural budget deficit. Once again, we've been dunked on by a more business-friendly jurisdiction, and the losses are adding up on residents' annually-rising tax bills.
"Foot Locker's move represents a significant corporate relocation, and importantly, it's another example of impactful and inclusive economic development in our city and the Tampa Bay region," St. Petersburg Mayor Kenneth T. Welch said in a statement. "On the heels of the generational Historic Gas Plant District project approval, St. Pete has now attracted a Fortune 500 company that will create 150+ more jobs and further diversify our workforce."
"We are delighted to welcome Foot Locker, Inc. to Pinellas County," Pinellas County Economic Development Director Dr. Cynthia Johnson said. "The Fortune 500 company’s decision to relocate here is a testament to Pinellas County’s attractiveness as a business destination. Pinellas County is committed to supporting the company’s growth and ensuring it thrives in the community.”
Photo courtesy Foot Locker
It must be noted that the burglaries occurred around the same time that looting took place at multiple businesses in Northwest Washington, D.C., following a Metropolitan Police Department officer-involved shooting in that jurisdiction. But none of the media accounts I have seen so far included the Friendship Heights incidents on our side of the border as being related.
Merchandise was taken from all three of the burglarized businesses. Officers responding to the scene found evidence of forced entry at all three. Mandel Greene, 27, of Washington, D.C. was arrested in connection with the Saks Fifth Avenue burglary. He has been charged with felony 2nd-degree burglary, and felony theft. Greene posted bond and was released the next day, according to Maryland court records.
A preliminary hearing in the Saks case has been scheduled for October 4 in Montgomery County District Court in Rockville. Suspects in the T-Mobile burglary are described only as two Black males, and the unsuccessful GAP burglars are described simply as one Black male, and one of unknown description. If you have any information to assist police in tracking down any of the suspects, call (301) 279-8000.
Renderings courtesy DEI Design Build/Burke & Herbert Bank
The New Jersey-based biotech firm made its decision last month, but the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development celebrated the victory at a ceremony on Friday. “Having a company like Adare relocate its global headquarters to Philadelphia is a fantastic win for our Commonwealth and proves Pennsylvania gets it done,” DCED Secretary Rick Siger said. “The company’s growth is helping to boost our already robust life sciences sector ― a key element of our economic development strategy — while creating more opportunities for Pennsylvanians.”
Steering the Keystone state's successful bid was the Governor's Action Team. “I’m competitive as hell and I believe Pennsylvania is the best state in the nation for companies who want to innovate, grow, and succeed so I’m thrilled that Adare has chosen Pennsylvania over other states for its headquarters and continued growth,” Governor Josh Shapiro said in a statement. “Pennsylvania is a leader in biotech and life sciences – with a talented workforce, access to key markets, and significant laboratory infrastructure – and Adare’s growth here will build on that legacy while creating more opportunity for Pennsylvanians. Pennsylvania is open for business, and I look forward to welcoming more companies to our Commonwealth in the near future.”
Adare's new global HQ will bring "at least 115 new, well-paying jobs" to Pennsylvania, the governor's statement indicated. Meanwhile, on the day that Philadelphia was celebrating the Adare HQ prize, the Montgomery County Council was tweeting about placing even more costly environmental regulations and paperwork responsibilities on building owners in the County. "Doh!" Now there's a great recruiting message to send to firms around the world. Montgomery County continues to be closed for business.
