County website revamp and CBS 'Uniquely Maryland' filming highlighted as tourism promotions move forward

County staff and tourism partners updated the commission on a pair of marketing and digital projects intended to promote Kent County tourism and improve public access to county services.

Website redesign Katie Abbott, economic development manager, and IT staff told members that vendor Revise completed development and that the county will take over content build‑out; staff said the target launch is early fiscal‑year 2026. Staff emphasized three objectives: simpler navigation, a tourism subsite with secondary navigation, and improved accessibility (image descriptions and screen‑reader features). The new site is intended to be “bright and clean” and easier for residents and visitors to use, staff said.

CBS filming and tourism outreach Staff described a CBS feature project produced by Rachel Holt and a New York production team titled Uniquely Maryland. Joanne Rich, a hospitality business owner who was interviewed on camera, said filming used extensive production resources and that the segment will spotlight Rock Hall, Chestertown and Crow Vineyard. Staff said the series begins airing August 2 and will run in multiple segments every other week; the Maryland Office of Tourism Development coordinated the production and county staff supported local logistics.

Why it matters: staff said an improved website will make public information and tourism resources easier to find and that national media segments can raise visitor interest in county towns and businesses. Staff also noted continuing local promotional efforts — rotating staffing at the Kent County Visitor Center and cooperative advertising discussions with municipal partners.

Ending Staff said they will circulate a link to the county’s new online orientation packet and the county’s “data story” to commissioners when available, and will provide updates on website launch timing and broadcast air dates as details are finalized.