Governor Moore Delivers Keynote Address at the 2025 Appalachian Regional Commission Conference

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Governor Wes Moore today delivered the keynote address during the opening session of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Conference at Frostburg University. As the 2025 ARC State’s Co-Chair, Governor Moore led Maryland in hosting this year’s conference, which convened regional leaders from all 13 Appalachian states to exchange ideas and initiatives focused on growing local economies. The governor’s keynote address today highlighted the Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to leaving no community behind when investing in economic growth.

Following are key excerpts from the governor’s remarks as prepared:

“The power of this organization is rooted in a commitment to true partnership. Partnership between the federal government and our local communities, and partnership across all thirteen states in the region.”

“Where and how we invest says something about who we are. It’s why we fully restored funding for local roadway infrastructure to ensure that people can get from where they live to where they work. It’s why we helped open a 300,000 square foot Hitachi rail production facility in Hagerstown, which will drive $350 million in economic growth. It’s why we’ve awarded nearly $54 million in financial incentives to bring companies like Volvo, Conair, and Lifetime Brands to Washington County.”

“We put party politics aside. On May 13 of this year, flash floods hit Appalachia – from Garrett to Washington Counties. Schools were evacuated. Streets were flooded. Homes were destroyed. The library was wiped out. Marylanders were in trouble. It didn’t matter their political ideologies. It didn’t matter their party allegiances. They’re Marylanders. And they needed help. So in the face of tragedy, Maryland did what we do best: We rallied together. We delivered emergency relief to those affected. And mark my words: We will recover from those storms.”

“ARC is still awaiting final federal funding. The future of our programs remain uncertain. We don’t even know when and how the government will open back up! But leaders don’t get to pick moments. Moments pick leaders. This moment has us. Now, it’s up to us to deliver for our communities.”

Prior to delivering his keynote address, the governor led the Appalachian Regional Commission Meeting this morning alongside ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. The business meeting centered on opportunities for partnership to foster economic development across the Appalachian Region. The meeting also featured a special presentation from First Lady Dawn Moore on the importance of community engagement, with a focus on the inaugural Preakness Festival as a driver of economic development.

The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development partnership organization focusing on the 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia through innovation, partnership, and investment—helping the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

​###​​