JESSUP, Md. – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) Friday toured Mobern Lighting, a designer and manufacturer of energy efficient lighting solutions that has doubled its workforce and sales in the last three years, before being joined by Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman and small business leaders for a roundtable discussion on local economic development.

The visit to Mobern Lighting was the latest stop of Senator Cardin’s “Made in MD” jobs tour that highlights the diversity of Maryland products and the Marylanders who make them. The discussion provided an opportunity for business owners to share their ideas, observations and concerns on regional growth directly with elected officials. 

“Creativity and dedication are in good supply at Mobern Lighting and other businesses in the Route 1 corridor,” said U.S. Senator Ben Cardin, a senior member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee. “This area has made solid progress in promoting its existing businesses and drawing new ones to join the community, effectively finding a fresh path forward without losing a connection to the past. I have no doubt – especially after today’s discussion – that the corridor’s positive progress will continue in the days ahead.”

“Howard County’s Route 1 Corridor is one of our major economic powerhouses. Its geographic location in Maryland and proximity to Fort Meade have helped attract innovative manufacturing operations and small businesses supporting our nation’s cyber and defense industries,” said County Executive Kittleman. “In the last two years, we’ve added nearly 2,000 new jobs to this corridor, but we have more work to do. I’m pleased to have Senator Cardin as a partner and look forward to working with him to attract continued investment to Route 1.”

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