Since 2006, the Calvert Board of County Commissioners has supported a business retention program, focused on strengthening the business community through a variety of mechanisms such as better communication of local, state and federal business assistance programs, identifying local business issues and teaming with regional resource partners.
Since 2006, the Department of Economic Development has organized Business Appreciation Week to highlight the board’s commitment to the local business commitment. Throughout the week the county recognizes businesses of all sizes and industries for their contributions to the county’s economy and quality of life. Business Appreciation Week provides a forum to increase public awareness about the positive impact the businesses have on the local economy and the county’s commitment to assisting them in their success.
This year fifteen businesses were visited by the five commissioners, and there were three additional stops by Commissioners Pat Nutter and Tom Hejl. Following is the businesses visited:
Commissioner President Steve Weems: Friday’s Creek Winery, Owings, Scalped Salon & Spa, Prince Frederick and KB Derr & Son Full Service Marina, Lusby
Commissioner Vice President Slaughenhoupt: Glover’s Septic Service, Inc., Tax Depot, LLC, Dunkirk, and Scheibel Construction, Huntingtown
Commissioner Pat Nutter: M&T Bank, Prince Frederick, Sweet Sue’s Bake Shop & Coffee Bar, North Beach and Lighthouse Market & Signs, North Beach
Commissioner Tom Hejl: G Technologies Corporation, St. Leonard, Holiday Inn Express, Prince Frederick and Rejuvenation Medi-Spa, Prince Frederick
Commissioner Mike Hart: Granados Tire Company, Inc., Lusby, Pepper’s Pet Pantry, Solomons, and Stoney’s Solomons Pier, Solomons
In addition to the scheduled visits, Commissioner Pat Nutter’s team did impromptu stops at: Hershey’s Ice Cream, North Beach and Beverly’s Gifts, Chesapeake Beach. Commissioner Tom Hejl’s team did an impromptu stop at Blondies Baking Company Prince Frederick.
Commissioner President Steve Weems offered this statement on the visits and the assessment. “From the vantage point of being a small business owner, we are in a difficult business climate and the assessment was we would all like to return to Pre 2008 economic levels. But for those who are in business, the pace is slow but everyone is holding out for a better day.”
Margit Miller / Calvert Beacon