Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland, to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The Easton EDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.

Easton Economic Development Corporation (Easton EDC) has recently received funds from Project Restore to help with ongoing projects in downtown Easton. The funds originate from the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, which awarded over $16.2 million to assist small businesses and support local revitalization projects on the Eastern Shore. The Grants from the Business Boost Microgrant Program, the Main Street Improvement Grant, and Project Restore 2.0 will facilitate community revitalization by attracting, retaining, and expanding small businesses, along with cultural attractions and events.

One of the local projects that will receive funding is Dover Station. The ongoing project involves revitalizing a former roofing supply center on Dover Street along the path of Rails-to-Trails. Dover Station is an exciting historical redevelopment in the heart of Easton. This local destination will feature a retail market showcasing a variety of local vendors, craftsmen, designers, and artists, all individually curated to provide a unique experience. The project is currently in phase one of planning and is a significant piece of the East End Small Area Plan for Easton.

Another project that will receive funding will be the future installation of a museum/visitor center that will show and tell the history of Talbot County’s native son, Frederick Douglass. Dock Street Foundation will take the lead role in the management and operation of the center. In addition to rotating displays and exhibits, the space will house the Bear Me Into Freedom project, a Frederick Douglass photography and film initiative created by Jeff McGuiness. The center will be the first of its kind in Talbot County. The funds will help with renovating a former downtown department store into a future museum space.

Holly DeKarske, Executive Director of the Easton EDC, shared her excitement for the development of both ventures and the positive effect they will have on the community going forward “The Easton EDC is thrilled to have received a fully funded Project Restore award. We are excited for our developers and their projects, both of which will have huge impacts on the Main Street and Arts & Entertainment Districts of Easton and its residents.”

For more information, email Lance Morris at [email protected].

About Easton Economic Development Corporation:

Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland, to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The Easton EDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.

Easton Economic Development’s new Marketing & Events Manager, Tom Maglio.

Easton Economic Development Corporation (Easton EDC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Maglio as the Marketing & Events Manager for the Easton EDC. This position will combine the marketing and communication goals of the economic development organization that serves the greater Easton area and as well as tourism under the Discover Easton brand. Maglio will also help coordinate local events and festivals.

Maglio is a born and raised Marylander with a fifteen-year history of serving small towns in Delaware and Maryland with award-winning design and marketing strategies, dedicating his work to helping small communities grow and find success. He has created advertising and marketing for Kent Narrows Tourism, Dorchester Economic Development, Sussex County Tourism, and many others across Maryland. Maglio launched two successful regional magazines: Delaware Seaside Bride and Bay to the Beach. He has also helped organize and promote the Dover Comic Con.

Maglio’s newspaper background has given him a deep love of small, local communities and businesses. When asked about his new role, Maglio said, “I just want to keep supporting the communities I love through my expertise and skill set. I’m excited that through the Easton EDC, I’ll be able to devote myself completely to that one goal, that one mission, which has always been my North Star throughout my career.”

Maglio enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children when he’s not working. His hobbies include fitness, illustration, and tabletop games.

For more information, email Lance Morris at [email protected].

About Easton Economic Development Corporation:

Easton Economic Development Corporation was launched in 2013 to drive economic vitality, smart redevelopment, and business creation in the historic Town of Easton, Maryland, to foster a healthy quality of life for all generations. The Easton EDC works to catalyze Greater Easton’s continued prosperity as a diverse and healthy “smart town,” leading innovation where the land and water meet.

The Easton EDC, in partnership with the Town of Easton Department of Planning and Zoning, is launching a survey that is open to anyone who lives in Easton or Talbot County. The purpose of the survey is to provide input on a broader market assessment to identify opportunities and strategies for business retention and attraction. The assessment will also identify specific niches to create new business opportunities, especially in the areas of retail and entertainment.

The Town of Easton has served as a hub of commerce for the eastern shore for over 300 years. As we look to the future, we want to be sure that Easton is identifying the business opportunities in the most optimal locations to serve the current and future households of the town, the county, and beyond. The assessment will also guide land use decisions, objectives, and strategies for the Town’s ongoing East End Small Area Plan and the Dover Road Corridor, as well as the update to the Comprehensive Plan.

The survey is completely anonymous and we encourage everyone to participate. Please share the survey with your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors.  Anyone who lives in Easton or Talbot County and is willing to participate in the survey is welcome to do so as the more input received, the better and more likely the outcomes will represent the needs of our community.  The online survey can be accessed via this link: https://discovereaston.com/retail-market-survey/.

For more information or questions, please contact Holly DeKarske, 410.690.7348 or [email protected].

Get ready for the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Easton, MD! This year, the focus is on people power! Join the Easton EDC and Talbot Thrive as we encourage everyone to come downtown and get moving. We are encouraging groups and individuals to join us on bicycles, skateboards and scooters! Let’s celebrate eco-friendly transportation! New this year, you can come as a team or join the giant Talbot Thrive group that will close out the parade. Participants are encouraged to wear green and distribute eco-friendly giveaways.

Following the parade, the annual Potato Race sponsored by the Talbot County Young Professionals and the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce is back! Register your team, get your team outfit ready, and join in the fun! There is a prize for the fastest and the most spirited – which one are you?

Date & Time
Sunday, March 17th, 5:30 PM

Registration Information
Parade and Potato Race entry forms can be found online. *Please note, there are no motorized floats, cars or golf carts this year. People power only!
https://discovereaston.com/st-patricks-day/.
*Space is limited so do not delay!

Special thanks to our presenting sponsors Preston Automotive Group/Bay Country Security/Safehouse LLC, Soistman Family Dentistry, Easton Utilities and the Town of Easton for helping to keep our events free of charge to the community.

The Easton EDC, in partnership with presenting sponsor Preston Automotive Group, is excited to announce the return of the two-day, spectacular family-friendly ice carving festival on Friday, February 16, 5:00 PM-9:00 PM & Saturday, February 17, 11:00 PM-9:00 PM, 2024. Larger-than-life sculptures made of solid ice will be on display throughout the historic downtown. Activities will include live demonstrations of ice carvings, live music, and a free outdoor ice skating rink sponsored in part by The Arc Central Chesapeake Region. Friday night will feature a Sizzling Sounds Pavilion on Harrison Street, kicking off the weekend with a lively performance from local favorite rock band, Less Than Zero! This year’s line-up also features Cascading Carlos, who will be juggling fire and other props Friday night and Saturday afternoon in Thompson Park.  There is no charge to enjoy the sculptures or enjoy the performances and all venues are accessible.

In conjunction with the festival, retailers and restaurants will be hosting a variety of tasting events, sales, and live music performances. A Fire & Ice Trail map featuring tasting spots for festival-themed food and spirits and noting location of the sculptures will be available. Don’t  miss the Ice Bar at Legal Assets, the Fire and Ice Lounge featuring What’s Up Media’s Ice Fireplace, and the Children’s Icehouse at the Talbot County Free Library sponsored by Soistman Family Dentistry.  Saturday will also feature the annual Stews & Brews event benefiting the Easton Firehouse. Maps will be available online at our festival website www.discovereaston.com/fireandice or picked up at the Easton Visitor’s Center, 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton MD.

Ice and Event partners are still needed! Sponsor an ice sculpture or other festival event feature today, interested parties please contact Deena Kilmon, Director of Strategic Initiatives, via email [email protected] or call 410-690-7348.

Chesapeake Fire & Ice is made possible by the generous support of signature sponsor Preston Automotive Group and Safehouse LLC, the Town of Easton, platinum sponsor Soistman Family Dentistry, The Town of Easton, and the Easton Economic Development Corporation.  For details on all of the activities, please visit: www.DiscoverEaston.com or email [email protected].  If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or participating in this event, please contact [email protected].

The Easton EDC is reaching out to the community to find interested participants in our new Chesapeake Fire & Ice venue, The Children’s Icehouse! The festival, planned for February 16 and 17, 2024, is in its fourth year and attracting thousands of participants. To make the event even more fun and inclusive for our families, event organizers are creating an indoor space for activities. The Children’s Icehouse will be full of interactive activities for the kids (and a place for grownups to get warm too!).

Interested partners should reach out to Deena Kilmon, Director of Strategic Initiatives, Easton EDC at 410-690-7348 or email [email protected]. Non-profit and commercial organizations are encouraged to inquire about participating in the event.

This incredible festival downtown will feature dozens of ice sculptures spread throughout Easton’s historic district. Friday night will kick off with live ice carvings, music, and restaurant specials. The celebration will feature free live music and fire performances, outdoor ice skating, and the unveiling of the weekend’s ice sculptures with a free self-guided tour and light display.

Details: https://discovereaston.com/fireandice/

Easton EDC is excited to announce the launch of our first holiday ornament sale! Perfect for gift-giving or a keepsake, the beautiful full-color enameled ornament depicts the iconic Easton courthouse featuring the Frederick Douglass statue.

Retailers offering the ornament for sale include The Hummingbird Inn, The Mercantile, Studio B Gallery, The Academy Art Museum, and An Optical Galleria.

For more information on the ornament sale, to be a retail location, or for volume purchases please reach out to the Easton EDC, Deena Kilmon, Director of Strategic Initiatives, [email protected] or call 410-690-7348.