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December 7, 2024

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

1C Commerce

Business Academy offers free training for Talbot County’s small and minority-owned businesses

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The Talbot Works Business Academy’s inaugural graduates gather on the courthouse lawn to celebrate their graduation, with program facilitator Will Holmes taking a selfie. The third cohort of the Talbot Works Business Academy begins February 4, with limited participation for Talbot County small and minority business owners. Online applications are at www.talbotworks.org and are due by December 31.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism will launch its third cohort of the Talbot Works Business Academy this winter, with the free program limited to 15 participants and online applications due by December 31, 2024. The 8-week online entrepreneurial training program helps Talbot County’s small and minority businesses succeed and grow.
The Talbot Works Business Academy launched in early 2024 through a partnership with the Mid-Shore Regional Council. Cohorts 1 and 2 were funded by the Rural Maryland Economic Development Fund through a grant from the Maryland Department of Commerce to the Mid-Shore Regional Council. The Rural Maryland Council-administered Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund is funding Cohort 3.
“The Business Academy emphasizes our commitment to the development of small businesses in our community,” said Talbot County Councilwoman Keasha Haythe. “This is also an investment by the Talbot County Council, the Mid-Shore Regional Council, and the State of Maryland that will help stimulate economic growth and stability for the future.”
The 8-week program begins on Tuesday, February 4, and meets via Zoom each Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. with graduation scheduled for Tuesday, March 25. Small business owners who have operated for at least two years and have a revenue of less than $1.5 million are eligible to apply.
“The Talbot Works Business Academy focuses on timeless business principles,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “Participants learn how to increase revenue and sales, manage their expenses, hire more people, create a sustainable business model, and prepare to access capital.”
The program was developed by business management and technology consulting firm Will Holmes Consulting, a Baltimore-based company that offers business capital, coaching, and operational solutions to emerging companies. It has been implemented successfully at Johns Hopkins University, Morgan State University, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, as well as Anne Arundel and Charles counties. Caroline and Dorchester also will offer the program in 2025.
Session topics include building sustainable organizational infrastructure; leading people and planning for growth; marketing and selling B2G, B2B, and B2C; accounting, human resources, legal, taxes, and insurance; and preparing for capital and essential financial documentation.
To qualify for the program, participants must own a business in Talbot County and have the ability to scale their operations, hire people, and have a positive impact on their community. Applicants who are selected for this cohort will be invited to a short interview via Zoom.
“I’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars on business courses, all of which told me what I had to do to run my business their way,” remarked Kiersten Mueller, owner of Another Level Fitness during her graduation ceremony as part of the second Academy cohort. “Never once did they say, ‘Here are the tools to run it the way you want to do it,’ and you have done that. That’s a beautiful thing. Thank you.”
To graduate from the program, participants must attend and participate in class; submit weekly homework assignments; meet with senior advisors in law, accounting, human resources, and marketing; present cash flow projections; and give a final 15-minute PowerPoint presentation.
Vanhooser says graduates can expect to have a better understanding of their financial reports, a budget for their growth, and a plan to pursue opportunities to attract new clients and access capital from lenders and investors. “The Talbot County economy is built on the success of our small businesses,” Vanhooser says. “We are looking for those business owners who are primed for growth and have a sincere desire to succeed.”
Applications by business owners can be made online at www.talbotworks.org.
The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.
Business owners and managers are encouraged to receive the department’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking business news by subscribing at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 215 Bay Street, Easton, Md.

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Money Maryland Announces Panelists, Resource Partners for Sept. 14 Expo

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This Saturday’s Money Maryland event in Easton brings together expert panelists and resource partners to help small businesses prosper and grow. The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the BAAM Athletic Center at 31 Jowite Street. Doors open at 9:30 a.m., with advanced registration suggested at moneymaryland.com.
The Money Maryland program connects participants to important local and state resources. The event includes free learning sessions, interactive panel discussions, and connections to free business resources, workforce training, loans, grants, and support for small businesses.
Attendees will learn more about marketing and branding for small businesses; profitably pricing products, services, and contracts; and funding options for startups and growing companies.
Panelists include Meshelle Howard, director of small business programs for the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA); Dawn Foster, CEO of D. Foster Marketing; Myah Koepfer and Mackenzy Perkins, account managers at iFrog Marketing Solutions; Dr. Rhonda Farrell, CEO of Global Innovation Strategies; Amy Keller, owner of Aging at Home Solution; Jed Anthony, commercial relationships manager at Shore United Bank; Nick Rudolph, Baltimore regional director for Maryland Capital Enterprises, Inc.; Richard Ojuri, vice president business banking at M&T Bank; and Eric Stewart, vice president of sales at EMS Commercial.
The Money Maryland event also includes opportunities for face-to-face connections with Chesapeake College’s business and industry navigator, and representatives from the Comptroller of Maryland, Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship, Maryland Capital Enterprises, Maryland Department of Commerce, Maryland Health Connection, Maryland Small Business Development Center, PNC Bank, Shore United Bank, Talbot County Free Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the U.S. Small Business Administration’s rural development office.
“Talbot County’s small business leaders will not want to miss this program,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism. “Attendees can network while gaining a deeper understanding of Maryland’s small business resources, including funding and grant opportunities.”
Free parking and refreshments will be available for Money Maryland attendees. Lunch also will be provided.
The Money Maryland (TM) series was developed by Will Holmes Consulting (WHC) and is produced in partnership with the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism.
The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.
Business owners and managers are encouraged to receive the department’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking business news by subscribing at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 215 Bay Street, Easton, Md.

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Money Maryland Comes to Talbot County Sept. 14

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The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism is presenting a Money Maryland Expo in partnership with Will Holmes of Will Holmes Consulting (WHC), shown here, on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the BAAM Athletic Center in Easton, Md. Participation is limited, with advanced registration required at www.moneymaryland.com.

Join Talbot County small business leaders for the free Money Maryland Expo on Saturday, Sept. 14 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the BAAM Athletic Center at 31 Jowite Street in Easton, Maryland. Participation is limited, with advanced registration required at www.moneymaryland.com.

The Money Maryland program connects Maryland residents to important local and state resources. The event includes free learning sessions, interactive panel discussions, and connections to free business resources, workforce training, loans, grants, and support for small businesses.

“We’re excited to be able to offer this free program in Talbot County,” said Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism. “Small business owners will come away with a better understanding of financing opportunities and will gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate the small business resources Maryland has to offer, including funding and grant opportunities.”

Featured topics include marketing and branding for small businesses; business basics for entrepreneurs; profitably pricing products, services, and contracts; and funding options for startups and growing companies. The event will also feature a business resource fair and networking opportunities.

Free parking and refreshments will be available for Money Maryland attendees. Lunch also will be provided.

The Money Maryland (TM) series was developed by Will Holmes Consulting (WHC) and is produced in partnership with the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers are encouraged to receive the department’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking business news by subscribing at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 215 Bay Street, Easton, Md.

 

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Step Back in Time at May 24 Talbot Resolves Celebration

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The 250th anniversary of the Talbot Resolves—shown represented here at the Talbot County Courthouse with this Talbot Historical Society marker—will be celebrated at the Talbot County Courthouse on Friday, May 24 beginning at noon. The free rain or shine event kicks off at noon, with a brief program and light refreshments served. Photo courtesy Talbot County Government.

The sounds of an old-fashioned Town Crier will resonate at the Talbot County Courthouse on Friday, May 24 as the community takes a step back in time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Talbot Resolves. The free public event kicks off at noon, rain or shine, with light refreshments served.

The program is sponsored by the Talbot Historical Society, the Talbot County Government and Department of Economic Development and Tourism, and the Colonel Tench Tilghman Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).

“Talbot County acted boldly in declaring our rights, a course of action that later led to American Independence,” said Talbot County Council Vice President Pete Lesher. “We’re grateful to be able to celebrate this 250th anniversary of the Talbot Resolves and to share its messages that still resonate today with the public in a meaningful way.”

The Talbot Resolves was a proclamation made in front of the Talbot Courthouse on May 24, 1774, by several citizens. The patriots declared they would act “as friends to liberty, and the general interests of mankind” in support of their brethren in Boston, Massachusetts. Great Britain was preparing to shut down the Port of Boston in response to the Boston Tea Party that had occurred the year before on December 16, 1773.

For the commemoration, Richard Culotta will be dressed as the Town Crier while copies of the Talbot Resolves are distributed by a Talbot County Historical Society member also dressed in colonial attire.

Lesher, a direct descendant of Col. Tench Tilghman, will provide an overview of this important historical event. SAR member Wes Hagood will talk about the actions taken by Matthew Tilghman, who was Col. Tench Tilghman’s uncle.

For more information, contact the Talbot Historical Society at 410-822-0773.

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Talbot County Announces Business Academy Graduates

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Talbot Works Business Academy participants were presented graduation certificates from the Talbot County Council on Tuesday, April 9, at their regular meeting. The cohort of business owners recently completed an 8-week entrepreneurship course that was sponsored by the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism. A second cohort will begin in the fall starting on Tuesday, September 10, with up to 15 candidates chosen, and more at www.talbotworks.org.

The Talbot County Council awarded graduation certificates to 15 participants in the inaugural Talbot Works Business Academy on Tuesday, April 9, at their regular meeting. The cohort of business owners recently completed an 8-week entrepreneurship course that was sponsored by the Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism.

The program was made possible by a grant from the Maryland Rural Economic Development Fund through the Mid-Shore Regional Council and developed by consulting firm WHC, a Baltimore-based consulting company that offers business capital, coaching, and operational solutions to emerging companies.

The 15-member cohort was required to meet the program’s guidelines for inclusion in the class, including having the ability to scale their operations, hire people, and have a positive impact on their community.

“These graduates now have a better understanding of their financial reports, a budget for their growth, and a plan to pursue opportunities to attract new clients and access capital from lenders and investors,” says Talbot County Councilwoman Keasha Haythe. “They serve as positive examples to other individuals seeking to grow their businesses in Talbot County and are fine examples of how our collective investments pay high dividends in the way of more jobs and empowered businesses.

“We know that this program works. It does expand businesses, and it does produce jobs,” she says. “Certainly, economic development is one of my priorities and I am happy to have been part of initiating the program. I commend my County Council colleagues for supporting this initiative. I am elated to see this program come to fruition and for the first cohort to complete this program.”

Participants were required to attend and participate in each class; submit weekly homework assignments; meet with senior advisors; meet two times each with the program’s law, accounting, and human resources mentors; present cash flow projections; and give a final 15-minute PowerPoint presentation detailing their plans for business growth.

“I am proud of the work this class of business owners put into the Talbot Works Business Academy,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism. “This program links the latest ideas with timeless business principles to show participants how to increase revenue and sales, manage expenses, add jobs, create a sustainable business model, and prepare to access capital.”

The Academy’s inaugural graduates are Dr. James Bell Jr., Bell Education Solutions, LLC; Tamara Foote, Total Body Wellness; Kimberly Hardesty, Salon Inspire; Gregory Harris, Harris Event Security; Amy and Dave Keller, Aging at Home Solution; Andre Gibson Jr., Shore Awareness Self-Defense; Tyvon Horsey and Tina Skinner, Royal “T” Catering; Alan Lynch, Portside Grille Caterers; Michelle Moaney, Every Voice Counts Rehabilitation Services; Brandon Morgan, East Coast Poly Solutions; Anna Miller, Trade Whims; Dontele Pinder, Helen and Rae’s Kitchen for the Soul; Barbara Ranson, Oxford Vintage & Trade; Tam Vu, Helen’s Nail Salon; and Jaime Windon, Windon Distilling // Lyon Rum.

Each graduate also will receive a $2,000 grant to reinvest in their business, with the funding coming from an anonymous donor. They’ll report on their business growth over the coming years, including increased revenue and the number of jobs they’ve added.

A second cohort will begin in the fall starting on Tuesday, September 10, with up to 15 candidates chosen. Session topics include building sustainable organizational infrastructure; leading people and planning for growth; marketing and selling B2G, B2B, and B2C; accounting, human resources, legal, taxes, and insurance; and preparing for capital and essential financial documentation.

Talbot County business owners who are selected for the second cohort will be invited to a 15-minute interview via Zoom, with registration to be announced at www.talbotworks.org.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

 

Business owners and managers are encouraged to receive the department’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking business news by subscribing at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 215 Bay Street, Easton, Md.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism Recognizes 40th Anniversary of National Travel & Tourism Week

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The Talbot County Council recognized the week of May 7-13, 2023, as Travel and Tourism Week in Talbot County at its regularly scheduled meeting on May 9.

The week is also National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), an annual event designated by the U.S. Travel Association to celebrate the contributions of the U.S. travel industry. NTTW spotlights the essential role that travel plays in driving economic growth and innovation, powering the U.S. Economy.

This year’s theme, #TravelForward, highlights the idea that travel and tourism continues to be the leader in moving the economy forward after the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 662,000 people visited Talbot County in 2021 to enjoy outdoor recreation, shopping, dining and festivals such as the annual Plein Air Easton held each July.

“We join our colleagues around the country in celebrating the travel industry,” says Talbot County Director of Economic Development and Tourism Cassandra M. Vanhooser. “Hospitality is one of the top economic drivers in Talbot County and throughout the Eastern Shore. Visitor spending directly supports nearly 2,000 jobs in Talbot County alone.”

Established in 1983, NTTW is an annual tradition to mark the U.S. travel industry’s role in stimulating economic growth, cultivating vibrant communities, creating quality job opportunities, stimulating business activity, and elevating the quality of life for everyday Americans.

Travel serves as a catalyst for a productive U.S. economy and helps power the success of other industries. The U.S. travel industry generated a $2.6 trillion economic output in 2022 and supported 15 million jobs, fueling communities, small businesses and working families across the country.

Visitor spending also generated nearly $160 billion in federal, state, and local taxes in 2022 — revenue that helped fund critical public services while saving each U.S. household an average of $1,270 in taxes.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism recognizes the power that travel has on the local economy. Tourism is one of Talbot County’s leading industry sectors, with post-pandemic numbers being at their highest point in history, with more than 662,000 visiting the county.

Talbot Tourism leaders receive proclamation from the Talbot County Council during their May 9, 2023 meeting. From left: Krista Boothby, Talbot County Tourism Manager, Council Member Keasha Haythe, Judy Bixler, Tourism Board Chair, and Cassandra Vanhooser, Director of the Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism.

According to a study by Tourism Economics, visitors spent $303 million and directly supported 1,986 jobs in Talbot County in 2021. The industry generated $64.3 million in federal, state, and local taxes.

“Travel is at the heart of Talbot County, powering our strong economy, creating jobs, and strengthening our community’s culture and identity,” Vanhooser says. “We are proud to celebrate all that travel does for our community now, and all that it will contribute in the future.”

To learn more about all that’s happening in Talbot County, visit TourTalbot.org. Follow Talbot County Tourism on Facebook @escapetotalbotcounty and Instagram @talbotcountymd for social media posts spotlighting Talbot County tourism attractions. 

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Talbot County Announces Speaker for Business Appreciation Summit on May 3

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Mark C. Perna

Generational expert, author, and speaker Mark C. Perna, author of Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose & Performance in Younger Generations, will headline both sessions of the Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit on Wednesday, May 3.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism hosts the summit in partnership with the Talbot County Economic Development Commission. The annual event celebrates the local business community and honors businesses, projects, and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community.

The day will begin at 8 a.m. at the historic Tidewater Inn with Talbot County’s annual breakfast and awards ceremony, an event that draws more than 175 leaders who come together to celebrate the businesses, projects, and individuals who have made a significant impact on the community in the past year.

The summit continues at 3 p.m. with a regional keynote address at the historic Avalon Theatre with Mark C. Perna, who will offer a fresh take on engaging the workforce of tomorrow.

“This event has always celebrated the strength and resiliency of the local business community,” said Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Director Cassandra Vanhooser. “This year’s event is especially exciting. Mark is so engaging and highly regarded that we have decided to expand the summit to include a keynote address for the entire region in the afternoon.”

Perna is a weekly contributor at Forbes.com and has published many articles in national publications as a recognized voice in student engagement and success. Every weekday, he hosts the 90-second Perna Syndicate podcast with listeners in more than 60 countries.

His multi-award-winning bestseller, Answering Why: Unleashing Passion, Purpose, and Performance in Younger Generations, was written to help educators, employers, and parents understand the millennial and Z generations and inspire them to greater performance in all areas of life. Perna lives in Cleveland, Ohio.

Perna’s keynote address is presented by Talbot County in partnership with the Mid-Shore Regional Council, Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board, Caroline County Economic Development and Tourism, and Dorchester County Economic Development.

Tickets for the breakfast are $45 per person and include a complimentary ticket to the afternoon session at the Avalon Theatre. Advance purchase is required. Tickets for the afternoon session are $25 per person, with tickets and reservations for both events made at www.talbotworks.org.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers may register to receive the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s monthly newsletter and breaking news at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8000 or by visiting the department at 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton, Md.

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Kozel Headlines Let’s Talk Business Speaker Series on March 6

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The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library in Easton continues its spring speaker series on Monday, March 6 at 6 p.m. with University of Maryland Shore Regional Health President and CEO Ken Kozel. The free series takes place at the Easton Branch of the Talbot County Free Library, with limited seating available.

Kozel will speak about proposed plans for a new regional medical center at a site near the Talbot County Community Center. He will share updates regarding the proposed project specifications, planned core programs and specialty centers, project timeline, and more.

Recently named to The Daily Record’s Power 100 List, Kozel has served as UM Shore Regional Health President and CEO since 2011 and is recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a proven leader with an extensive background in building and managing collaborative teams, overseeing multiple clinical and non-clinical divisions and departments, and achieving strategic objectives.

On Monday, March 6, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health President & CEO Ken Kozel, MBA, FACHE, will speak at the Easton branch of the Talbot County Free Library about the recently filed Certificate of Need application for the proposed new hospital and medical services building on the SRH-owned site near Talbot County Community Center.

“The proposed regional medical center will be one of the biggest economic development projects Talbot County has seen in recent years,” says Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Director Cassandra Vanhooser. “We’re delighted to partner with the library to bring this business information to the people of Talbot County.”

On Monday, April 3 at 6 p.m., former Perdue Agribusiness President for Perdue Farms and Grain Marketing Consultant Dick Willey will speak about how the war in the Ukraine is affecting grain markets and business outcomes.

For those unable to attend, the “Let’s Talk Business” speaker series will be videotaped and shared on Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism’s YouTube channel.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers are encouraged to attend all sessions of the speaker series and to subscribe to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking news at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton, Md.

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Let’s Talk Business Speaker Series Begins Feb. 6

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Dan North

The Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism office in partnership with the Talbot County Free Library in Easton is hosting a three-part spring speaker series beginning on Monday, February 6 at 6 p.m. The series continues March 6 and April 3, and is free and open to the public, with limited seating available.

“Talbot County is home to many people who are considered experts in their industries,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism. “We have created a guest speaker series to showcase this homegrown talent and to connect these resources with our business and community leaders.”

On Monday, February 6, St. Michaels native Dan North, Allianz Trade Chief Economist for North America, will share 2023’s outlook. Allianz Trade is the world’s oldest and largest credit insurance company, where North has spent the last 27 years using macroeconomic and quantitative analysis to help manage Allianz Trade’s risk portfolio of more than $250 billion in annual trade transactions within the region.

Dan North has been with Allianz Trade North America since 1996, using macroeconomic analysis to help manage Euler’s risk portfolio of more than $150 billion in annual U.S. trade transactions. He has appeared on CNBC, Fox Business News, and Bloomberg Radio and Television. He has been quoted by Business Week, the Financial Times, NBC, the BBC, the New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. After having predicted the 2008/2009 recession and its implications accurately, he was ranked 4th on Bloomberg’s list of the 65 top economic forecasters in 2010.Mr. North holds an MBA from the Wharton School of Business.

On Monday, March 6, University of Maryland Shore Regional Health President and CEO Ken Kozel, MBA, FACHE, will speak about proposed plans for a new regional medical center at a site near the Talbot County Community Center. Kozel will provide information and updates regarding the proposed project specifications, planned core programs and specialty centers, project timeline, and more.

Ken Kozel

Kozel has served as UM Shore Regional Health President and CEO since 2011 and is recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. He is a proven leader with an extensive background in building and managing collaborative teams, overseeing multiple clinical and non-clinical divisions and departments, and achieving strategic objectives. Kozel was recently named to The Daily Record’s Power 100 List featuring the state’s top business leaders.

On Monday, April 3 at 6 p.m., former Perdue Agribusiness President for Perdue Farms and Grain Marketing Consultant Dick Willey will speak about how the war in the Ukraine is affecting grain markets and business outcomes.

Dick Willey

Willey led Perdue’s agricultural commodities businesses in growing from primarily supplying the internal needs of Perdue’s poultry feed mills to a multi-faceted business ranking among the top 10 U.S. grain companies. He has served on the National Oilseed Processors Association Board of Directors, the National Grain and Feed Association’s Strategic Direction Committee, and the Grain Elevator and Processing Society Grain Company Executive Advisory Council.

For those unable to attend, the “Let’s Talk Business” speaker series will be videotaped and shared on Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism’s YouTube channel.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers are encouraged to attend all sessions of the speaker series and to subscribe to the Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking news at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton, Md.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.

Talbot County Business Resource Fair Scheduled for Jan. 21 in Easton

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Small business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to attend the Talbot County Business Resource Fair on Saturday, January 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Building African American Minds Athletic Center in Easton.

Participants at the free event will gain important knowledge and resources to help facilitate business start-ups and expansion. The featured speaker will be the Small Business Development Center’s Rich Loeffler with “How to Finance Your Small Business,” with registration beginning at 10 a.m.

The Resource Fair is presented by the Talbot County Department of Economic Development, and Tourism, Building African American Minds (BAAM), Talbot Mentors, Chesapeake Multicultural Resource Center, JACK Construction, and Naima Ventures, LLC.

Resource partners include the Small Business Development Center, Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center, Maryland Capital Enterprises, Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, TEDCO, and local banks and accounting firms.

“Being connected to resources helps businesses succeed, and we’re here to be the conduit for building these connections with local business owners and leaders,” said Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Director Cassandra Vanhooser. “Participants will come away from this event knowing more about the programs and resources available to start and grow a business in Talbot County, including financing options for small businesses.”

Building African American Minds is helping host the event with the hope that minority business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will feel welcome to attend and access the information.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to host this event with so many of our partners,” said BAAM Executive Director Dina Daly. “Together we are providing business resources that are accessible to any individuals who want to start a business in Talbot County, including minority businesses.”

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism’s mission is to enhance and promote a business-friendly environment for current and prospective enterprises and to advocate for policies that support and strengthen the economic vitality of Talbot County. The department’s vision for Talbot County is built on the principles of strong communities, empowered businesses, and innovative solutions.

Business owners and managers are encouraged to receive the department’s Talbot Works newsletter and breaking business news by subscribing at www.talbotworks.org. The department can also be reached at 410-770-8058 or by visiting their office at 11. S. Harrison Street, Easton, Md.

The Spy Newspapers may periodically employ the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the clarity and accuracy of our content.