Contact: Susan Hoffmann, 301-565-7300

For Immediate Release: January 25, 2002

Duncan, Ruben to Co-Host Public Event
Celebrating Arts and Entertainment District
In Silver Spring

The official ceremony marking the designation of Silver Spring as Montgomery County's first Arts and Entertainment District by the State of Maryland will be held on February 20, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Hilton Silver Spring, 8727 Colesville Road.

Montgomery County Executive Douglas M. Duncan and District 20 Senator Ida Ruben will co-host the event that will begin with an introduction of the new arts logo and public education campaign.

Following the ceremony, a public meeting will be held to explain the advantages of an Arts & Entertainment District and how it will benefit artists and the ongoing revitalization of Downtown Silver Spring. All area artists, arts organizations and entrepreneurs, commercial real estate brokers, and developers interested in learning about the benefits of the new district are invited to attend.

Legislation was passed during the 2001 Maryland General Assembly session which enables the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development to designate Arts and Entertainment Districts throughout the state as an economic development tool. The designation provides income tax breaks for artists, property tax breaks for developers and property owners, and amusement tax exemption for entertainment venues, as well as other, more specific benefits.

For more information about the event or the Arts and Entertainment District, call the Silver Spring Regional Services Center at 301-565-7300.