Across Maryland, a dynamic shift is underway. From the bustling urban centers to the serene rural landscapes, counties are experiencing transformative economic growth, welcoming new businesses and embracing change. This statewide expansion highlights Maryland's resilience and adaptability, demonstrating that prosperity is not confined to specific regions.
The economic evolution of Maryland is a story of interconnected growth. Counties like Somerset, Kent, Dorchester and Harford, each with unique strengths, contribute to a broader narrative of statewide progress. This collective advancement underscores Maryland's commitment to fostering a business-friendly environment that benefits all its communities.
Somerset County: An Eastern Shore dynamo
On the Delmarva peninsula, rural Somerset County is best known for its economic roots steeped in the agriculture and seafood industries. Slow and steady progress over recent decades surged post-pandemic, with the county witnessing continued industrial demand and entrepreneurial activity, outpacing neighboring Eastern Shore regions. This growth is driven by affordable real estate, a dedicated workforce, proximity to higher education and strategic incentive programs, including Maryland’s Enterprise Zone Tax Credit.
“In Somerset County, we were the busiest in our office that we had been in the decade before,” recalls Daniel Thompson, executive director of Somerset County Economic Development, about the implementation of the tax credit. “We saw a lot of growth during the pandemic to the point that our industrial park in Princess Anne actually is now almost full.”
Thanks to funding under former Gov. Larry Hogan, Somerset has continued to meet demand through the acquisition of an additional 160 acres of industrially zoned land. Meanwhile, established county businesses continue to expand, with employment doubling in several facilities including the well-known Sherwin-Williams brush manufacturing facility.
The entrepreneurial spirit is palpable, with an array of amenities – from restaurant and retail to child care and tattooing – blossoming in Crisfield and Princess Anne. Programs like Project Restore and the Job Creation Tax Credit are effectively incentivizing this growth; Thompson notes another key incentive: “The price point to get in the game is a lot different in Somerset than it would be if you were in other areas. Because of this you can get in the game a little bit quicker, so we've had three or four ribbon cuttings in the city of Crisfield.”
As business growth shows no indication of slowing, county officials understand other resources must increase. "The supply for housing has not reached up to the demand,” says Thompson. “They're also looking at workforce housing, and that will help increase the population.”
The county’s population remains front-of-mind during continued growth as Thompson emphasizes one key priority: “I’d like to see the buying power stay in Somerset County and support local needs while we retain the quality of life that our residents so much need. And that comes from agriculture and the seafood industry.”
Kent County: Collaborating to cultivate an entrepreneurial spirit
Kent County's focus on nurturing small businesses exemplifies Maryland's commitment to fostering entrepreneurship throughout the state. Through strategic partnerships and innovative programs, the county provides vital support to aspiring business owners.
Initiatives like a "hotDesks" co-working space and the development of a makerspace with Washington College demonstrate Kent County's dedication to creating a fertile ground for innovation. The county's success stories highlight the effectiveness of targeted support programs in driving economic growth.
“The resource partners and the community can come into this space, network and work together for what the needs of Kent County are to build businesses,” says Kent County Director of Economic and Tourism Development Jamie Williams.
Williams highlights a plethora of resources that makes one thing clear: Kent County's economic strategy is a collaborative one that centers on nurturing small businesses and entrepreneurship both in the county and throughout Maryland. Through partnerships with organizations like TEDCO, SBDC and local educational institutions, the county provides a comprehensive support system to set businesses up for success and nurture them through retention and growth efforts.
“We realized how essential it was to keep the business community informed," says Williams. "We launched a monthly economic development newsletter and strengthened our presence on social media. I send out a weekly report to my partners, highlighting the projects we're working on. By making sure the right information lands in their inboxes, we've helped many businesses take advantage of valuable programs.”
As Kent County looks ahead to business and population growth, entrepreneurs have begun to put down roots with new amenities that benefit tourists and residents alike. Modern Stone Age, a foodery featuring scratch-made sourdough, utilized incentives including the Opportunity Zone Microgrant and a Manufacturing 4.0 grant to move business forward while Wildly Native Floral took advantage of the Upper Shore Regional Council’s Micro Ag Grant Program and has recently expanded offerings to include gourmand retail.
With deep roots in agriculture, education, health care, manufacturing, and tourism, Williams emphasizes that while strategic growth is important, it must be balanced with preserving the region’s landscapes, and cultural heritage. “Agriculture is part of our heritage and identity,” she says. “It contributes to the beauty of Kent County. It’s one of the reasons people are drawn here, to unplug and reconnect.”
Dorchester County: Prioritizing progress and preservation
Dorchester County's approach to economic development emphasizes the importance of balancing progress with the preservation of its unique character. This philosophy resonates across Maryland, where counties strive to maintain their identity while embracing growth.
Susan Banks, director of economic development, remarked that “one size does not fit all,” a philosophy which is evident in every resource, from the 17 programs at the Dorchester Career and Technology Center, where approximately 450 of the county’s high school students are enrolled to prepare to enter the workforce, to The Eastern Shore Innovation Center, a business incubator that plays a crucial role in supporting startups in their earliest years.
As a self-proclaimed “liaison,” Banks understands the value of collaboration in regard to connecting businesses with the best resources. “We work closely with our chamber, tourism, SBDC, Main Street, our municipalities and TEDCO. It takes a village, and we all work together.”
Designated as a Tier 1 county, Dorchester County prioritizes quality employment providing its population with a living wage in thriving local industries including manufacturing or the blossoming arts and entertainment district. The need for balance is clear as Banks emphasizes the importance of growing the County’s traditional industries that have sustained the region including agriculture and aquaculture: “We've got our natural resources and our cultural heritage, and you've got to grow. So just being cognizant of who we are, how we want to grow and being mindful is extremely important.”
The county has partnered with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science at Horn Point on marketing the importance of oysters and the aquaculture industry. Two local companies, Madison Bay Seafood from Dorchester County and Whittman Wharf Seafood from Talbot County partnered with a Washington state company to ship oyster shells in from the west coast for a restoration project. “We want our watermen to have jobs, and we also want a healthy bay,” says Banks, “so that's another example of progress and preservation.”
Dorchester County continues to work towards a future with a surplus of good-paying jobs that allow businesses and residents to thrive, while maintaining the county's authentic identity and quality of life with the idea of balance leading each action. For Banks, this is personal: “At the end of the day, have we done something that will make things better for somebody else?”
Harford County: An innovative hub of inclusivity
Recently part of a regional designation as a tech hub, Harford County's strategic location within the Greater Baltimore region positions it as a key player in Maryland's economic landscape. Home to Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG), a major employer with more than 22,000 employees, the county’s revitalization efforts, with emphasis on workforce development and support of small businesses and entrepreneurs, contribute to the county’s overall economic strength.
As many citizens live and work in Harford County, contributing to their communities, it’s understood that all communities benefit from economic expansion. “I think that is a symbiotic relationship, if you will,” says Karen Holt, director of Harford County Department of Economic Development. “I think they feel supported in this community by the resources and the availability of a workforce.”
High school apprenticeship programs ensure area students are prepared to join the community and workforce. Holt reports that currently 295 students are actively in apprenticeships with 171 businesses, benefiting multiple industries.
“It just changes the dynamic in the workplace,” says Holt. “You've got a young person; you're getting to train them. But there's that potential that they could be a future employee, too. So, it's kind of giving back, but also creating a pathway forward.”
While each industry is a valuable component of the county’s ecosystem, strategic programming opens doors to continued success. While APG releases many contractual opportunities for growth, accessing them can feel intimidating for new businesses. To address this, the county has partnered with APG’s office of small business programs to help civilians understand how to navigate the federal process. Large events in April and June provide key information on upcoming opportunities and navigating pitfalls, ensuring every business has access to a variety of resources.
To make sure the whole county benefits from growth, revitalization efforts are underway in the southern regions of Harford County including Edgewood and Joppatowne. From intentional visits to understand the needs of existing businesses to a recently awarded façade grant to improve small business facilities on the Route 40 corridor, county executives are looking forward to growth that benefits every corner of Harford County.
As the county nurtures a workforce and businesses who continue to support one another, Holt feels optimistic about the future. “I do feel like it is a full continuum. There's an opportunity for anyone to be successful here.”
Maryland's collaborative growth
The economic growth seen in these counties, and throughout the state, is a testament to the collaborative spirit that drives Maryland's progress. The state's commitment to supporting businesses of all sizes, across all regions, is a key factor in its continued success. Through strategic investments and innovative programs, Maryland is creating a thriving economic environment and preserving quality of life for its population in every county.
Source: The Baltimore Business Journal