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September 22, 2023

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

Commerce

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.

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Author and Former NFL Running Back Johnathan Holifield Headlines Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit

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Former NFL running back Johnathan Holifield, author of The Future Economy and Inclusive Competitiveness, will headline the Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit on May 6.

Johnathan Holifield

Holifield holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and earned a law degree from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. He was an assistant prosecuting attorney, founding vice president of New Economy Enterprise at the Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce, CEO of the Cleveland Urban League, and founding executive director of CincyTech.

An economic development consultant with more than 20 years of experience, Holifield was named White House Advisor on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in 2017. He played college football at West Virginia University and played professionally for the Cincinnati Bengals.

Holifield coined the term “inclusive competitiveness.” In his recent book, he shares a groundbreaking approach for achieving shared prosperity that blends traditional community development with leading national economic competitiveness forces.

“Last year, we held our business appreciation Summit virtually,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism. “For 2022, we have raised the bar and are back in person. Those who attend are in for a real treat.”

The department hosts the summit in partnership with the Talbot County Economic Development Commission. The annual event, now in its 13th year, celebrates the local business community and honors businesses, projects, and individuals who have made a significant impact in the community.

The breakfast and awards presentation begins at 8 a.m. at the Tidewater Inn’s Gold Ballroom. Tickets for the breakfast are $45 per person. Space is limited and advance purchase is required.

Immediately following the awards ceremony, Talbot County will host a reception for USDA Rural Development State Director David Baker at The Bullitt House, across the street from the Tidewater Inn. No ticket is required for this portion of the program.

At 11:30 a.m., Holifield will continue the summit with a round table discussion on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Building African American Minds (BAAM) Athletic Center located at 31 Jowite Street. This portion of the summit is free and open to the public.

Tickets can be purchased at TalbotWork.org. The Talbot County Business Appreciation Summit is presented in part by APG Chesapeake. Provident State Bank and the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce are silver level sponsors.

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Talbot County Hosts Community Economic Review Work Sessions

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The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism will host four Community Economic Review Work Sessions to share the economic resiliency toolkit developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The first meeting will take place in Easton on April 7 at 8 a.m. at the Avalon Theatre.

Talbot County officials were part of a group of economic and workforce development professionals led by the Mid-Shore Regional Council and the Tri-County Council of the Lower Eastern Shore who worked with Salisbury University’s Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative (ESRGC) to develop the tools in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The resiliency toolkit will be discussed along with other information from the ESRGC’s Delmarva Index.

These tools are available to help stakeholders identify challenges facing the region and assist in long-term planning and the development of public policy. While the tools created for the Eastern Shore Economic Recovery Project will have many uses, they give decision makers information to understand long-term trends and anticipate challenges. The U.S. Economic Development Administration, a bureau within the Department of Commerce, funded the project.

“I am excited to share this information with the leaders in our communities,” says Cassandra Vanhooser, director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism. “These dashboards hold a wealth of information that can help us better understand our communities and the current economic climate.”

The sessions are free and open to the public. All of the meetings will begin at 8 a.m. The schedule of upcoming meetings is as follows: April 7, Avalon Theatre in Easton; April 21, Trappe Volunteer Fire Department; May 26, Oxford Community Center; and June 23, Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum Van Lennup Auditorium in St. Michaels.

For more information, call Cassandra Vanhooser at 410-770-8000. For a preview of the Delmarva Index, visit delmarvaindex.org.

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

Talbot County Sponsors Orientation for Youth Apprenticeship Program

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Talbot County Public Schools students participate in a culinary class. Photo by Mike Morgan.

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism is partnering with Talbot County Public Schools and the Maryland Department of Labor to sponsor a virtual apprenticeship orientation for businesses on May 19 at 8 a.m.

“Our goal is simple,” says Jodie Colombo, School-to-Career Facilitator for TCPS. “We want to recruit more local businesses to participate in our Youth Apprenticeship Program.”

The Talbot County Youth Apprenticeship Program pairs local employers with students who want to “earn while they learn.” Juniors and seniors are eligible to work in career track occupations while earning both a fair wage and credits that count toward graduation.

Talbot County’s program is part of the Maryland Department of Labor’s Apprenticeship Maryland Program (AMP). It provides an opportunity for businesses to introduce students to in-demand careers and helps develop a pipeline of future employees.

The program also gives students the opportunity to get hands-on training and evaluate career options before investing in higher education. Youth apprentices gain valuable job skills and often have an advantage when seeking employment after high school.

Eligible employers hire students in industries such as manufacturing; science and health; technology, engineering, and math; business and finance; and culinary and hospitality; as well as the traditional trades.

Students can start as early as the summer before their junior year and continue to graduation. The students work a minimum of 450 hours while receiving related educational training through their school and earning a wage.

Colombo works with businesses to develop student work plans, recruits potential candidates, and ensures students meet both school and industry requirements. The Talbot County program, which began in 2018, has graduated eight students to date.

“Our program has produced talented, dedicated employees who graduate ready to work,” Colombo says. “Youth apprenticeships are a great way to develop a pipeline of talented, highly-skilled workers to help businesses grow.”

Colombo encourages Talbot County businesses to participate in the orientation program to learn more about the program and the application process. For more information, she can be reached at 410-490-4763 or [email protected].

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Second Round of Talbot CARES Small Business Grant Funding Begins September 1

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Business owners who have not yet received a grant will soon have a second opportunity to apply for a Talbot CARES Small Business Emergency Relief Grant. The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism announced that it will begin taking applications for the second round of the program on September 1.

Talbot County has already reinvested $849,967 of the money it received from the CARES Act into small businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 public health crisis. A total of 107 business applied for the $1.2 million in grant funding that the County set aside for its small business grant program, with 90 applicants awarded grants.

Another $1.2 million of Talbot County’s $6.4 million allocation was earmarked for individual assistance, with the balance offsetting costs related to the COVID-19 response and funding additional public health efforts.

Small businesses from every corner of the county received funding of up to $10,000. To qualify, owners were required to illustrate that they suffered a loss of revenue of at least 25% directly related to the pandemic. Many of the business that received grant funding had been shut down by executive orders or have been operating at reduced capacity.

Grant recipients are using the money to offset business losses caused by the pandemic. Qualifying expenditures include rent or mortgage payments, utilities, inventory, personal protective equipment, enhanced cleaning protocols, and upgrades designed to limit person-to-person contact. Each business that receives a grant must also submit a final report detailing how it spent the funds.

“We are pleased to see that this money is being put to good use in our community,” says Talbot County Council President Corey Pack. “It’s important that we reinvest in our businesses during these unprecedented times.”

The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Talbot County Finance Office together are administering the program. “Economic stability is one of the pillars of a vibrant, healthy community,” says Director Cassandra Vanhooser. “We are doing everything we can to help Talbot County’s businesses survive the COVID-19 pandemic.”

An online application form can be found at TalbotWorks.org, along with information about other business resources. For more information about Talbot County’s COVID-19 response, visit TalbotCOVID19.org or on Facebook @Talbot County COVID 19.

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Tickets on Sale to 2019 Talbot County Business Appreciation Breakfast

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Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Talbot County Economic Development Commission will host the 11th Annual Business Appreciation Breakfast on Friday, May 3, 2019, at the Milestone Event Center in Easton from 8 – 10 a.m.

The program is designed to honor all Talbot County businesses, with special recognition for those that have exhibited a significant positive impact in the community in the past year.

“Whether it is through volunteering, providing a service that is in desperate need in the community, or hiring and retaining a great workforce, our local business community goes above and beyond when it comes to community impact,” says Talbot County Council President Corey Pack. “Businesses, organizations, and individuals are an integral part of our community and we are proud to celebrate their successes at the Business Appreciation Breakfast.”

Last year, four community impact awards were presented to business and community projects. Winners included Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, Eat Sprout, Easton Utilities, and Talbot County Sherriff’s Office and Tidewater Rotary for Talbot Goes Purple. Furthermore, Captains Tom and Judy Bixler of the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry were awarded the Community Impact Award for an individual.

In addition to the award presentations, this year’s Breakfast will feature Maryland Department of Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz as the keynote speaker. In her role as Secretary, Schulz oversees an agency comprised of six divisions and 13 public boards and commissions. Prior to joining Commerce, Schulz served as Secretary for the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation, an agency of nearly 2,000 employees and a $375 million budget.

Tickets are $30 per person and can be purchased at www.TalbotWorks.org. For more information, or to purchase a table, call 410-770-8058.

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