BALTIMORE – The Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland (RMI of Maryland) will host its first annual Make It In Maryland Concert/Rally For Next Generation Maryland Manufacturing, Aug. 5, from 3 to 5:30 p.m., at Baltimore’s Rams Head Live (20 Market Place Power Plant Live, 21202).

Designed to celebrate and show support for Maryland manufacturers and their products, the event will feature talks by business leaders and elected officials about the growing strength of Maryland manufacturing and its critical role in the State’s economic future.

Speakers will include Governor Martin O'Malley, Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, former Congresswomen Helen Bentley, Drew Greenblatt (Marlin Steel Wire), Susan Ganz, (Lion Brothers), William Tiger (GM Baltimore), Dale Williams (Chesapeake Bay Candle) and Aris Melissaratos (John Hopkins University).

Guitar icon and Maryland manufacturer of world-class guitars, Paul Reed Smith, will give a special performance with his band. What’s more, America's Got Talent Finalist Julienne Irwin from Bel Air, Md. will take the stage for two sets.

“Maryland manufacturers add over $15 billion every year to Maryland's economy and a thriving manufacturing sector is critical to continued economic growth and prosperity in Maryland,” said Dr. Michael Galiazzo, president of the Regional Manufacturing Institute of Maryland. “It is time for public proclamation that manufacturing makes a positive impact on our region and the lives of those individuals working within the industry.”

The event is free and open to the public, courtesy of RMI of Maryland and the following sponsors:

AAI, ADCOR, Alliance for American Manufacturing, The Aris Institute, BB&T, Baltimore County, Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce, Baltimore Business Journal, bmore media, Comcast, Corridor Inc., Economic Alliance of Greater Baltimore, Ellin & Tucker, GM, Grant Thornton, Kirk-Habicht Company, Lion Brothers, Marlin Steel Wire, Maryland-Asia Environmental Partnership Maryland Department of Business & Economic Development, Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, Maryland's Economic Development Association, MarylandTEDCO, Mtech,Miles & Stockbridge, Northrop Grumman, PNC, Printing & Graphics Association of Maryland, SunTrust, TIME Center and World Trade Center Institute.

People are encouraged to wear their company shirts with logos to promote Maryland products. Complimentary refreshments will be served and drinks will be available for purchase. Event registration is required by visiting www.RMIofMaryland.com.