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Calvert County marks National Economic Development Week; department outlines Business Appreciation Week events
Summary
Calvert County commissioners on May 6 recognized National Economic Development Week and economic development staff outlined Business Appreciation Week activities including ribbon-cuttings, business visits, an AI workshop, and tenant recruitment efforts.
The Calvert County Board of County Commissioners recognized National Economic Development Week at its May 6 meeting and heard a schedule of Business Appreciation Week events from county economic development staff, including ribbon-cuttings, business visits, an AI workshop and after-hours networking.
Julie Oberg, director of economic development, and Kathy McAdams, the department's business retention specialist, presented the week's activities. Highlights include a courthouse citation for RadioShack honoring 40 years in business; an anniversary visit to the Humane Society of Calvert County; a May 12 series of visits to 15 businesses focused on tourism-related enterprises; a Fresco Studios ribbon-cutting in Dunkirk; an AI workshop presented with the Small Business Development Center at the College of Southern Maryland; and an after-hours event at Molly's featuring a commemorative beer named for Business Appreciation Week.
McAdams told commissioners the county's current commercial vacancy rate is about 3.6%, below the Maryland average. The department also discussed the Fox Run Shopping Center and other retail centers where facade improvements and new signage are part of efforts to attract tenants. The Armory Square development was reported to be on track to begin opening stores in July, and Foster's and Always Ice Cream were among eating establishments named as early tenants.
Commissioners and staff discussed the limits of local control over which national chains decide to open in the county and said economic development's role is to support existing businesses and coordinate with developers and planning staff. The department said it meets regularly with shopping-center managers and tracks vacancy and leasing activity.
No votes or funding decisions were taken; the presentation was informational. Staff invited commissioners and the public to participate in Business Appreciation Week events.
