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Business owner urges St. Mary's County to build an international gateway around Pax River
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Summary
Ron Weinberger told the Economic Development Commission that about 70 international military families and billions in foreign military investment tied to Pax River create an opportunity to make St. Mary's County a national hub for international defense programs, internships and business "soft‑landing" services.
Ron Weinberger, a local business owner introduced by staff, told the St. Mary's County Economic Development Commission that the county already hosts a sizable international community connected to Naval Air Station Patuxent River and that the county should organize to capture more economic and workforce benefits.
"We have 70 international families that are tied to the base who are stationed right here in Saint Mary's County," Weinberger said, noting other personnel and contractors who bring foreign military sales investment to the area. He estimated these overseas ties have produced "$113 billion" in foreign military funding through Pax River over a 10‑year period, and emphasized that much of that spending flows to local contractors and businesses rather than U.S. taxpayer salaries.
Weinberger outlined a three‑phase concept that begins with awareness and engagement — coordinating roundtables, cultural outreach events (he cited an "International Thanksgiving" held at a local venue) and outreach to embassies and foreign liaison officers — and would eventually pursue designation as a "global soft landing" or gateway site for aerospace and defense firms. He said the county’s proximity to embassies and a dense cluster of international liaison officers creates a distinctive advantage that other jurisdictions lack.
The presentation highlighted workforce and education ties: Weinberger described targeted recruiting of students from local academies (Chocticon Academy of Finance and Leonardtown’s Academy of International Studies), changes to internship hiring to prioritize county residents, and examples of local students who have advanced into federal foreign‑military sales roles. He argued these steps could reduce brain drain and keep skilled workers in the county.
Commissioners asked about outreach to all county schools, inclusion of smaller or lower‑income high schools and coordination with the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses. Weinberger said some programs have expanded — including base offices and university partners — and described plans to meet with embassy contacts and state commerce officials to seek designation and funding.
Why it matters: Weinberger framed his proposal as an economic and national‑security opportunity. He said positive experiences by international families and overseas officers who live in St. Mary's County can influence future procurement decisions and partnerships that benefit local contractors and employers.
The commission did not take formal action on the presentation but encouraged staff to continue outreach. The presenter requested a group photograph and asked the commission for help with awareness and local partner engagement as the effort moves toward more formal planning.
