Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot presents the awards set up to applaud innovation that strengthens Maryland’s economy.
The Comptroller’s Bright Lights Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is an initiative that both recognizes and celebrates innovation in the private and non-profit sectors of Maryland. One company from each of the state’s 23 counties and Baltimore City are chosen annually for the honour.
Ride Entertainment, who are based at the Chesapeake Bay Business Park in Stevensville, were awarded the Bright Lights Award for Queen Anne’s County in 2017.
The company is a leader in the selling, operating and installing of amusement and thrill park attractions worldwide. It is renowned for its many record-breaking roller coasters and award-winning family attractions that include Skycoaster® and the SeaGlass Carousel, located at the Battery in Manhattan, New York.
“We have a great commitment to developing world-class entertainment systems, and we’re honoured to represent Queen Anne’s County and the state of Maryland as leaders in our industry,” says Ed Hiller, CEO of Ride Entertainment. “We’re an adventure and amusement powerhouse that came from humble beginnings, so we’re excited to receive this recognition and make our home state proud.”
“Ride Entertainment has become one of the world’s largest entertainment sales enterprises,” says Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, applauding Ed Hiller’s “innovative and entrepreneurial spirit” as well as his “dedicated and hardworking” employees.
“This award recognizes our state’s thriving community of innovators and entrepreneurs,” he continues, pointing out that their work not only strengthens Maryland’s economy, generating jobs and tax revenue, but also is responsible for new ideas that more effectively deliver services and products to the marketplace.
“I couldn’t be happier to award the Bright Lights Award for Queen Anne’s County to Ride Entertainment for creating innovative amusement park attractions across the globe,” says Comptroller Franchot.
Images courtesy of Ride Entertainment.
