Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism joins communities across Maryland in recognizing Economic Development Week from Sept. 28 to Oct. 2, 2026.
Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism will celebrate with a Talbot Works Together gathering Thursday, Oct. 1, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at The Ivy Café, 12 and 14 W. Dover St. in Easton. Hosted in partnership with Easton Economic Development Corporation and the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, the event invites community members to stop in for coffee and conversation.
The statewide observance, led by the Maryland Economic Development Association, highlights how economic development strengthens Maryland’s business climate, creates jobs, attracts strategic investment growth, and enhances quality of life.
“In Talbot County, economic development begins with listening to the people who know our economy best, our business owners, employers, entrepreneurs, workers, and community partners,” said Stephanie Mervine, director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism.
Talbot County is home to more than 6,000 businesses supporting over 17,000 jobs and generating nearly $1 billion in annual payroll, according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data reported by Talbot Works.
Its diverse economy includes health care, tourism, agriculture, maritime trades, manufacturing, construction, retail, hospitality, and technology. The county also offers Maryland’s lowest real property tax rate and second-lowest local income tax rate, fostering a competitive environment for growth.
Mervine is advancing a structured business retention, expansion, and attraction initiative (BRE&A), meeting with employers across the county to understand their history, operations, workforce needs, challenges, and opportunities.
Talbot County earned international recognition in 2026 when the International Economic Development Council honored the Talbot Works Business Academy. The eight-week program equips small business owners and entrepreneurs with practical instruction in planning, finance, marketing, operations, HR, and leadership. Fifty entrepreneurs have graduated so far.
“Small businesses give Talbot County its character while creating jobs, investing locally, and strengthening community life,” Mervine said.
Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism supports business growth, entrepreneurship, workforce development, investment, and the visitor economy, guided by the county’s Economic Development and Tourism Strategic Plan. More is at www.TalbotWorks.org.
