Rockville, MD (May 2, 2005) — Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) has promoted Lynne M. Benzion to Associate Director.

Benzion has been REDI’s office manager for 18 months, running its day-to-day operations while overseeing special projects such as the build-out of its current office space, the development economic databases, and the negotiation of company contracts. In her new position, Benzion will take charge of the organization’s marketing efforts, as well as its business retention program.

“I am so excited to be taking on these new challenges,” said Benzion. “Research shows that approximately 70% of new jobs are created by businesses that are already in the community. Rockville cares about its companies, and I want to offer them the personal contact that contributes to their success. We want to continue to be ‘Known for the Companies we Keep’.”

Benzion has a wide variety of professional experience that includes owning a home-based busines for nine years and teaching for four years. “Having run my own business, I am sympathetic to the needs of business. There are so many resources available here that many people don’t know about. At REDI, we try to connect companies with the help they need to grow.”

Benzion’s promotion comes at a time of great excitement for Rockville, as its Town Center development is under construction and a number of other development projects, including Twinbrook Commons, are in the permitting pipeline. REDI is also involved with other major projects, including the prospect of bringing a business incubator to Rockville.

“Lynne Benzion has been an important member of the REDI team. We are delighted that she will be working full-time on these important projects, and anticipate tangible benefits to REDI, the City, and our business community as she assumes her new position,” said Sally Sternbach, REDI Executive Director.

For further information about Lynne Benzion or REDI, call (301) 315-8096 or e-mail Lynne Benzion, Associate Director, at Benzion@RockvilleREDI.org.

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The mission of Rockville Economic Development, Inc. (REDI) is to strengthen and broaden the economic base of Rockville. As part of that mission, REDI promotes Rockville as a great place to work and live; assists businesses looking to relocate or expand in Rockville; facilitates the site selection, permitting and licensing processes; serves as a liaison to the people and programs in other levels of government; and maintains and disseminates information on the community, workforce and economic climate of Rockville, where we are “Known for the Companies We Keep”.