Several prominent leaders of Loudoun County’s nascent Social Media and Government 2.0 movement met today with an economic development delegation representing the Main-Taunus-Kreis (MTK) district of Hessen, Germany. The Mackeys graciously hosted an in-depth discussion of the impact of social media and technology on Northern Virginia economic development, as well as Loudoun’s progress with respect to Internet Marketing and new media, in their beautiful home at Notaviva Vineyards, Purcellville, VA. A “sister-city” relationship with MTK was formally established in 2006 by Loudoun County, with a goal of furthering Loudoun’s international economic development programs.

Pictured (clockwise from computer) are:

• Steve Mackey (Loudoun EDC-MBRC-Social Media Subcommittee, Mesh Multimedia and Notaviva Vineyards)
• Kelly McLaughlan (CEO, KME Internet Marketing – Loudoun County)
• Kurt Krause (Loudoun EDC-MBRC-Social Media Subcommittee and The National Conference Center)
• Robin Bartok, Asst. to Chairman of the Loudoun Board of Supervisors
• Mr. Jorg Puzicha, Managing Director, Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund Servicegesellshaft mbH
• Bob Steere (Loudoun EDC-MBRC-Social Media Subcommittee; VP, Miles LeHane Companies)
• Jeremy Harvey (Loudoun EDC-MBRC-Social Media Subcommittee; Marketing Director, Visit Loudoun – LCVA)
• (Taking Picture) – Mr. Olaf Juptner, Senior Consultant, Hessen Agentur GmbH, State of Hessen Business Marketing Agency
• (Not Pictured) Mr. Detlev Osterloh, Director of the Department of Industry, Energy and Environmental Protection, IHK Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce and Industry

More pictures to come!