Economic development and tourism request modest increases for marketing, software and aquaculture branding

The combined Worcester County economic development and tourism office presented a FY 2026 request April 1 that includes modest increases for promotional collateral, software subscriptions and an aquaculture branding initiative aimed at distinguishing local shellfish and seafood products.

Economic development staff asked for increased collateral and reprints for “Choose Coast/Live Coast” materials and said they will seek matching grant funds for aquaculture branding to promote Coastal Bay oysters as a distinctive local product. The office proposed combining some print buys countywide to reduce per-unit costs and said it will pursue consolidated contracts where feasible.

Staff requested continued subscriptions to business and tourism data platforms (HubSpot for business outreach, JobsEQ for workforce data) and recommended consolidating the county’s Placer AI site-visitor analytics license so multiple departments can draw from one subscription. Tourism staff also proposed additional part-time hours at the Pocomoke welcome center, new promotional and distribution runs for river and attraction guides, and a visitor-center interactive kiosk that will be licensed and maintained on an annual contract.

Office leaders noted recent outreach to aerospace and advanced-technology tenants and suppliers following meetings with NASA Wallops and Rocket Lab. They framed the department as an investment that can produce return in visitor spending and business attraction but said they will be fiscally conservative in other items.

Commissioners discussed printing consolidation, procurement thresholds and coordination with other county departments; staff said they will provide further cost estimates and work with finance on any combined solicitations.