Liatris Inc CEO Frank Yang highlights economic support from Montgomery County EDC

Montgomery County's Economic Development Corporation (MCEDC) received strong support during a recent council session, highlighting its crucial role in fostering local business growth. Frank Yang, President and CEO of Liatris Inc., a startup specializing in building insulation materials, praised the MCEDC for its instrumental support in establishing and expanding his company in Rockville.

Yang shared his journey of founding Liatris in 2018, emphasizing the challenges of securing initial funding and navigating the business landscape during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the help of MCEDC, Liatris signed a long-term lease for a lab space and has since grown to employ 11 full-time staff members, with plans for further expansion. Yang underscored the importance of small businesses in the county's economy, especially during challenging economic times marked by government layoffs.

In addition to Yang's testimony, Irma Washington addressed the council on behalf of affordable housing initiatives. She expressed appreciation for the county executive's proposed funding levels for affordable housing programs but urged the council to consider specific funding requests from the Housing Opportunities Commission (HOC) to ensure stability for low-income families. Washington emphasized the need for continued support for affordable housing in the upcoming fiscal budget for 2026.

The session concluded with a commitment to further public hearings on the fiscal year 2026 operating budget, reflecting the council's ongoing engagement with community needs and priorities. The discussions highlighted the vital role of both economic development and affordable housing in maintaining a resilient and supportive environment for all Montgomery County residents.