MENU

Sections

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Editors and Writers
    • Join our Mailing List
    • Letters to Editor Policy
    • Advertising & Underwriting
    • Code of Ethics
    • Privacy
    • Talbot Spy Terms of Use
  • Art and Design
  • Culture and Local Life
  • Public Affairs
    • Ecosystem
    • Education
    • Health
    • Senior Life
  • Community Opinion
  • Sign up for Free Subscription
  • Donate to the Talbot Spy
  • Cambridge Spy

More

  • Support the Spy
  • About Spy Community Media
  • Advertising with the Spy
  • Subscribe
June 21, 2025

Talbot Spy

Nonpartisan Education-based News for Talbot County Community

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Editors and Writers
    • Join our Mailing List
    • Letters to Editor Policy
    • Advertising & Underwriting
    • Code of Ethics
    • Privacy
    • Talbot Spy Terms of Use
  • Art and Design
  • Culture and Local Life
  • Public Affairs
    • Ecosystem
    • Education
    • Health
    • Senior Life
  • Community Opinion
  • Sign up for Free Subscription
  • Donate to the Talbot Spy
  • Cambridge Spy
1C Commerce

MDA Reminds Marylanders to Expect Increase in Low-Flying Planes Due to Cover Crop Planting

September 6, 2023 by Spy Desk

The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) is reminding citizens in rural areas to expect an increase in low-flying airplanes or helicopters through Oct. 10, 2022 due to aerial seeding of small grains. Farmers enrolled in Maryland’s Cover Crop Program use this method of seeding in their fields to help protect water quality in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. 

“Maryland’s Cover Crop Program is our most popular conservation practice,” said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Joe Bartenfelder. “In the fall, participating farmers plant wheat, rye, and other small grains on newly harvested fields to recover any leftover nutrients from summer crops. This helps protect water quality in local waterways and the Chesapeake Bay while building and maintaining soil health. People living in rural Maryland should expect an increase in low-flying aircraft over the next several weeks while seeding occurs.”

Farmers enrolled in the Cover Crop Program may plant small grains and other qualifying species by incorporating seeds into newly harvested fields or aerially seeding them into standing corn, soybeans, or sorghum. Once established, cover crops work all winter long to provide a living, protective cover against erosion and nutrient runoff while building the soil’s organic matter for the next year’s crop. No pesticides or fertilizers are applied to cover crops. For aerial seeding, small planes will take off from local airports serving the county or region.

Maryland’s Cover Crop Program is funded by the Bay Restoration Fund and the Chesapeake and Atlantic Coastal Bays Trust Fund. The program is administered by MDA and the state’s 24 soil conservation districts through the Conservation Grants Program. For more information, please contact your local soil conservation district. 

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

Filed Under: 1C Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news

Easton Utilities Promotes Paula Taylor

July 19, 2023 by Spy Desk

Easton Utilities named Paula Taylor as the Manager of Customer Services, a new position for the organization. With over 23 years of experience in customer service and collections for the utilities sector, she will oversee the Customer Service, Billing and Collection employees. “I look forward to this exciting challenge and am committed to ensuring our customers continue to receive the best, most efficient customer service from all employees based on our core values of integrity, commitment and excellence,” states Taylor.

Paula joined Easton Utilities in 2014 as the Credit and Collections Specialist and was promoted to Supervisor of Billing and Collections in 2017. Her responsibilities included providing accurate billing information and collection procedures while remaining in compliance with the Maryland Public Service Commission’s rules and regulations. Prior to joining Easton Utilities, Paula was the Collection & Energy Assistance Administrator for Choptank Electric.

“Paula’s dedication to serving our customers combined with her leadership skills and compassion, highlighted her as a perfect candidate for this role,” says Tracie Thomas, Vice President of Customer Services for Easton Utilities.

Paula is actively involved with work in her local church.  She also enjoys helping others find a passion in the work they do each day through coaching and inspiration. Paula is a native of Talbot County and currently resides in East New Market with her husband of 26 years.

Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable Television, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Visit eastonutilities.com for more information.

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

Filed Under: 1C Commerce Tagged With: commerce, Easton Utilities, local news, The Talbot Spy

Easton Velocity Increases Internet Speed

July 12, 2023 by Spy Desk

Easton Velocity, a service of Easton Utilities, is increasing the speed of all tiers at no additional cost for its more than 10,000 residential and commercial customers. The faster speed was automatically delivered to all internet customers in early July.

“The constantly growing demand for bandwidth, speed, and seamless connectivity continues to increase and we want to make sure our customers continue to have a great experience with our service,” says Ted L. Book, Vice President of Easton Velocity.

In recent years, Easton Velocity has invested millions of dollars in upgrading the infrastructure which delivers high speed internet, including gigabit capacity, to those interested customers. In addition to increasing internet speeds at no additional cost, Easton Velocity will continue to offer V-Fi, the managed wi-fi solution designed to improve, personalize, and secure the internet connection at home, for $15/month.

Internet Tiers – RESIDENTIAL

Tier Former Speed Increased Speed Same Price
STARTER 15/1 25/5  $  30
VALUE 100/5 125/15  $  48
VALUE PLUS 150/7 200/20  $  60
PERFORMANCE 250/10 350/25  $  75
ULTIMATE 500/15 600/50  $100
EXTREME 1000/25 1000/100  $150

 

Internet Tiers – COMMERCIAL

Tier Former Speed Current Speed Same Price
STARTER 15/2 25/5  $  50
VALUE 100/7 125/20  $100
VALUE PLUS 150/10 200/30 $125
PERFORMANCE 250/15 350/35 $150
ULTIMATE 500/25 600/75 $190
EXTREME 1000/35 1000/125 $290

 

The upgrades are automatic for all internet customers; however, those wishing to change to a different tier will need to contact Customer Service at 410-822-6110.

“Offering enhanced speeds without changing the pricing structure is a reflection of our commitment to our customers,” added Book. “There is a wide range of needs amongst customers depending on lifestyle, and the number of people/devices in the home continues to grow.”

Easton Velocity, a service of Easton Utilities, is committed to keeping our community connected and current with a variety of service offerings designed to meet the needs of both residential and commercial customers. Easton Utilities is a community-owned, not-for-profit utility and telecommunications company operating the Electric, Natural Gas, Water, Wastewater, Cable Television, and Internet services for the Town of Easton and portions of the surrounding area. Please visit www.eastonvelocity.com or call 410-822-6110 to learn more.

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

Filed Under: 1C Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news, The Talbot Spy

St. Michaels Community Center Receives Shore United Bank Investment

July 8, 2023 by St. Michaels Community Center

Shore United Bank is helping to serve local children and adults with an investment of $10,000supporting the St. Michaels Community Center’scapital campaign to renovate its aged building at 103 Railroad Ave. The renovations began in late 2022 and are on schedule to be completed by the end of 2023.

“At Shore United Bank, we’re more than just bankers, we’re bankers who care,” said Shore United Bank Vice President, Branch Manager Parker Spurry. “Investing in the St. Michaels Community Center’s renovations and giving back in this way can make a lasting impression on someone’s life and throughout our entire community. That’s very meaningful to us as a company and as individual bankers.”

Photo: From left: SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe, Shore United Bank Asst. Branch Manager, Morgan Danenmann, Shore United Bank Executive Vice President, Chief Retail Banking Officer, Jennifer Joseph, Shore United Bank St. Michaels Vice President, Branch Manager Parker Spurry, and SMCC Board of Directors Chair Langley Shook stand at the St. Michaels Branch of Shore United Bank.

The funding supports the Community Center’s total renovation of its World War II-era building that originally was a lumber warehouse. The renovated structure will include modern, well-equipped classrooms for after-school programs, summer camps, and adult education, along with a Technology Center to provide online classes offered by Chesapeake College and a home for a retail entrepreneurship training program.

“Shore United Bank’s support of our first-ever capital campaign is a gift that will keep on giving,” said SMCC Board Chair Langley Shook. “Their investment in these major renovations will serve generations of children and adults well beyond our lifetimes.

“My wife Karen and I have banked at Shore United and its predecessor for more than 35 years and we are delighted to have their community support along with our many other donors as we round our way to the finish line in fundraising.”

Shook says additional charitable donations and grants are needed to reach the project’s fundraising goal of $4.5M, which includes establishing an endowment fund to support the nonprofit’s growing operations.

“We anticipate doubling the number of people we serve after our programming in the new building is operational,” said SMCC Executive Director Patrick Rofe. “So, this investment will go a long way in impacting the lives of the children and adults we serve from Oak Creek Bridge down to Tilghman Island.”

Rofe says the renovated center also will help to meet the expanding needs for the Community Center’s food distribution services, which now provide more than 2,200 weekly meals through the nonprofit’s Community Café and pantry. A modern commercial kitchen will be used for a new Culinary Arts & Hospitality Workforce Development Program.

During the year-long renovation, SMCC is operating temporarily from office space generously donated by Christ Church, St. Michaels, and leased space at 207 N. Talbot St. where the Community Café and pantry are open three days a week.

An interior rendering of the renovated St. Michaels Community Center at 103 Railroad Ave. includes new spaces for classrooms, community gatherings, and a new commercial kitchen.

The St. Michaels Community Center’s mission is to serve, empower, and connect the community with year-round programs and activities for children, families, and adults. Tax deductible donations to SMCC and sales proceeds from its Treasure Cove Thrift Shop across the street on Railroad Ave. help the nonprofit provide year-round programs, services, and community events for residents of St. Michaels and the Bay Hundred area.

Architectural renderings of the St. Michaels Community Center’s renovated building and planned capital improvements, including information about how to support the campaign, can be found at www.stmichaelscc.org/homestretch.

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

Filed Under: 1C Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news, st. michaels community center

Eglseder Wealth Management hosts 12th Annual Shred Fest

June 27, 2023 by Spy Desk

Eglseder Wealth Management Group, Inc. hosted its 12th Annual Shredding event on Wednesday, May 10th. A record-breaking 9,135 lbs. of paper was shredded for attendees, keeping private information out of the hands of potential identity thieves.

More than 150 participants watched as their documents were shredded by All-Shred shredding service. Easton’s very own “crossing guard,” Charles “Nut” Jenkins, was there to direct traffic as Eglseder Wealth Management Group’s staff helped unload documents from vehicles and handed out free gift bags to each group of participants.

Eglseder Wealth Management Group recently hosted its 12th Annual Shredding event at its offices on Commerce Drive in Easton.

Shred Fest guests enjoyed complimentary doughnuts, muffins, yogurt, fruit, and coffee while they perused 19 interesting and informative vendor booths. Vendors included Avery Hall Insurance Group, BSC Group, Cardinal Construction LLC, Caronna Estate Sales, Full Circle Travel, Home Instead, Junior Achievement, Maryland Health Connections, The Chesapeake Bay Oyster Reef Recovery Initiative, Partners in Care, Private Sitters Caring Caregivers, The Small Agency, Talbot County Department of Emergency Services, Talbot County Health Department, Talbot Humane Society, Talbot Mentors, Talbot Senior Center, and Wye Oak Mobile Repair.

Grills on Wheels, owned and operated by Mr. Butch Frase, was on hand providing pit beef, turkey, chips, and soft drinks for sale. As a result, more than $550 in proceeds from the BBQ sale were donated to Operation Christmas Spirit, which is a project of the Easton Rotary Youth and Community Fund for the Sheldon Scott initiative. The Rotary Club is currently chaired by Lonnie Green. This amount was added to Eglseder Wealth Management Group’s fundraising efforts from last November, which helped raise nearly $20,000 for Operation Christmas Spirit.

The 12th Annual Shredding Event included free antique appraisals by Charlene Upham Antiques and appraisals of jewelry, art, and decorative items.

Some attendees brought family heirlooms, and rather than seeking monetary value, they were able to establish the date of origin and/or country of origin of the object in question, which helped attendees determine who in their family lineage may have acquired the object.

Gary Gerhardt, owner of Yard Works Plus, LLC, donated one of his dumpsters for the day to dispose of cardboard boxes that could not be shredded.

Grills on Wheels owner and operator Butch Frase, right, and Jason Frase were on hand at Eglseder Wealth Management Group’s recent Shred Fest selling pit beef, turkey, chips, and soft drinks.

Eglseder Wealth Management Group hosts this free, community-wide event every May to offer people a chance to shred and safely dispose of unwanted documents, receive free appraisals for antiques and other items, and learn more about available, retiree-focused services in the area.

Eglseder Wealth Management Group, Inc. is dedicated to educating its clients on the five key areas of retirement planning: protection, estate planning, cash flow, income tax reduction, and investments. Each client receives a consultation every three to four months and is offered educational seminars to discuss changes in estate and income tax laws, as well as appropriate investment strategies for retirees and for those who are about to retire. More information is available at www.eglsederwealth.com. They can be reached at 8694 Commerce Drive, Easton, MD, 21601, 410-822-9143. Securities and advisory services are offered through Commonwealth Financial Network®, Member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser.

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

Filed Under: 1C Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news, The Talbot Spy

Easton Utilities Welcomes Summer Interns

June 8, 2023 by Spy Desk

Easton Utilities welcomes five interns to participate in the summer-long paid internship program, which is a formal, comprehensive experience consisting of tours, learning workshops, projects, and presentations. “Our goal is to offer a robust, hands-on learning experience in a professional setting for numerous fields of study,” says Vicki Petro, Vice President of Human Resources for Easton Utilities.

L to R: Nate Moore, Sammy Carter, Myia Jeter, Parker Friedli (Colin Ward not pictured)

The most recent group of interns includes:

  • Sammy Carter, majoring in both Business Administration and International Studies at Rhodes College.
  • Parker Friedli, majoring in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in both Engineering Management and Digital Fabrication at Vanderbilt University.
  • Myia Jeter, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing at Marymount University.
  • Nate Moore, majoring in Computer Science on the software engineer track at Towson University.
  • Colin Ward, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in both Mathematics and Entrepreneurship at Wake Forest University. (Not pictured)

While simultaneously participating in the thorough orientation to Easton Utilities to learn about the services, infrastructure, and demands of each department, the interns are fully submerged in their respective departments for a true hands-on experience. In the first few weeks, each intern will work alongside their supervisor on a specific project designed to benefit both the company and the intern’s overall experience. At the conclusion of the program, each intern will present their specific project.

The internship program, led by HR Generalist Julie Andrew, has helped many students secure full-time positions with both Easton Utilities and elsewhere upon graduating. “Giving the interns the experience needed to build their resumes is invaluable and has led to numerous local job placements, including several at Easton Utilities,” says Andrew.

Anyone entering their junior or senior year of college looking for a rewarding experience can learn more about the internship program and apply at eastonutilities.com.

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

Filed Under: 1C Commerce Tagged With: commerce, Easton Utilities, local news, The Talbot Spy

Chesapeake Bank & Trust Welcomes New CFO Lynn Payne

June 1, 2023 by Spy Desk

Chesapeake Bank and Trust Company is pleased to announce that Lynn Payne has joined its staff as Chief Financial Officer. She will replace Pat Stanley, who is retiring after serving the Bank for nearly 9 years as CFO.

“With her extensive experience in local community banking, Lynn will make a wonderful addition to our organization,” said Mr. Altieri. “We look forward to having her join our management team.”

Mrs. Payne obtained her B.S. in Accounting from University of Maryland College Park and has held a CPA designation since 1994. After 21 years with Prince George’s Federal Savings Bank, she joined CNB as its CFO. Her career continued with Shore United Bank, where she served as Director of Finance and Director of Asset Liability Management (ALM), and had budgeting, Treasury and CECL responsibilities. Mrs. Payne and her husband, Greg, reside in Centreville with their two sons, Sean and Eric. She enjoys gardening, tennis, hiking, and traveling with her family.

“I’ve spent my entire career in community banking and most of it as a CFO. I look forward to joining the Bank and continuing with their great legacy,” said Mrs. Payne.

Chesapeake Bank & Trust Company’s new CFO, Lynn Payne.

About Chesapeake Bank and Trust

Chesapeake Bank and Trust is a full-service community bank, locally owned and directed by area business and community leaders. The Bank is committed to providing area residents and business owners with a broad range of financial products and an unparalleled level of individual service. Chesapeake Bank and Trust’s main branch is located at 245 High Street, Chestertown, Maryland 21620.

For more information, contact Chesapeake Bank and Trust at 410-778-1600, or e-mail Bob Altieri directly at [email protected].

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

Filed Under: 1C Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news

Nina Crist, Esq. Recognized with Judge Robert M. Bell Maryland Pro Bono Service Award

May 27, 2023 by Spy Desk

Mid-Shore Pro Bono volunteer family law attorney Nina Crist, Esq. of Royal Oak, Md. has been recognized for exemplary pro bono service as the recipient of the 2023 Judge Robert M. Bell Maryland Pro Bono Service Award. Crist is the proprietor of the Law Office of Nina M. Crist, LLC in Easton, Md.

Nina Crist, Esq.

This award symbolizes recognition and appreciation of the recipient’s commitment and dedication to the legal profession and for helping to ensure equal access to justice through pro bono services.

“Nina is one of our most dedicated volunteers and we are thrilled for this meaningful recognition of her pro bono work,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Executive Director Meredith Lathbury-Girard, Esq. “Her compassionate approach with our clients has a profound impact on the lives of the people we serve and helps to ensure equal access to justice on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.”

Crist provides family law consultations and serves as a Judicare attorney with Mid-Shore Pro Bono. She has served with MSPB for more than eight years, representing individuals in more than 3,500 pro bono civil cases, and donating nearly 8,700 hours of her time.

“Nina’s dedication translates to nearly $2.2 Million in pro bono services provided to ensure people with financial barriers have the legal resources they need,” said Mid-Shore Pro Bono Legal Director Laura Chafey, Esq. “This state-wide recognition is well deserved for Nina, and serves as an important reminder of the impact our 200 volunteer attorneys make through their work with Mid-Shore Pro Bono.”

The award was presented to Crist at the Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland’s 24th Annual Partners for Justice Conference held at the Baltimore Convention Center on May 25. The annual conference is a gathering of legal services program staff, the public and private bar, members of the judiciary, elected officials, and others working together to improve access to justice. Crist will also be recognized at the Maryland State Bar Association Legal Summit in Ocean City taking place June 7-9.

“Nina’s contribution has truly been exemplary, and we are thrilled to recognize her service publicly and in this meaningful way,” said Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland Executive Director Sharon Goldsmith, Esq. “We are grateful for Nina’s commitment and dedication to the legal profession and for helping to ensure equal access to justice.”

Photo: Nina Crist, Esq. left, accepting the 2023 Judge Robert M. Bell Maryland Pro Bono Service Award from Pro Bono Resource Center of Maryland President Sima G. Fried, Esq.

Mid-Shore Pro Bono delivers a mission of helping Maryland’s Eastern Shore residents obtain access to legal assistance for civil matters through a network of volunteers and offices in Easton and Salisbury. More information, including online intake forms for services, can be found at www.midshoreprobono.org.

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

Filed Under: 1C Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news, Mid-Shore Pro Bono

Shore Leadership Celebrates Class of 2023 and Awards Ceremony

May 17, 2023 by Spy Desk

On Wednesday, April 19, alumni and guests of Shore Leadership gathered at the historic Tidewater Inn in Easton to welcome the Shore Leadership Class of 2023 and also held an Awards Ceremony to acknowledge some of the people and corporations who have made significant contributions to the success of the Shore Leadership program over the past several years.

The following Eastern Shore Leadership awards were given at the ceremony following dinner:

Founders Award: Dr. Murray “Ray” Hoy (individual), Talbot County Chamber of Commerce (business)

Chairperson’s Award: Amber O’Brien, Relationship Manager, Shore United Bank

Outstanding Sponsor: Accounting Strategies Group, LLC

Leader of the Year: Dr. Bryan Newton, Vice President Enrollment Management and Student Services, Wor-Wic Community College

Future Leadership: Savannah Winston, Owners, VanTech Business Solutions

Members of the current Board of Directors for the Shore Leadership program who were present for the Awards Dinner.

The new class of Shore Leadership began their exciting nine-month journey with a 2-day Orientation Session on April 19 and 20. This session was led by Dr. Joe Thomas, Director of the J.B. Stockdale Center for Ethical Leadership at the United States Naval Academy, as well as Ms. Carol Graser, President of the Annapolis Leadership Group.  During those two days, the class learned about Adaptive Leadership and the Theory and Practice of Leadership.  The class also completed a team-building exercise around the village of Easton.

Members of the Shore Leadership Class of 2023 include:

Tia Bell, Channel Marker, Inc; Kate Bleile, Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore; Kevin Callahan, Saints Peter & Paul School; Shelby Eason, TreeHouse Foods; Joey Faulkner, Town of Easton; Michelle Hall, Chesapeake College; John Hines, Easton Utilities; Jen Hughes, Londonderry on the Tred Avon; Jess Iacona, Beacon at Salisbury University; Jess Kilby, Chesapeake College; Carolyn Lane, QLarant, Inc.; Hali Leeson, Provident State Bank; Grace Lyons, Candlelight Cove; Sarah Lyons, Shore United Bank; Brian Merriken, Sisk Fulfillment Services; Grayson Middleton, Delmarva Chicken Association; Jessica Mumbulo, Willow Construction; Jenni Murphy, Hope, Inc.; Amber Rash, Horizon Farm Credit; Don Richardson, Town of Easton; Stefanie Rider, Wor-Wic Community College; Dr. Jen Schrecongost, Queen Anne’s County Public Schools; Greg Snyder, The Arc Central Chesapeake Region; Jen Wawrzenjak, Toroid Corporation; Jason Wielgosz, Caroline County Public Schools.

Over the course of the nine-month program, the class will visit a different county on the Eastern Shore each month.  In the morning, a Leadership topic will be discussed, and in the afternoon, the members of the class will get to meet and interact with business leaders from different industries in each of the counties. Leadership topics that will be covered over the nine-month period include: the Neuroscience of Leadership, Transformational Leadership, Leading Change, Leading Teams, Personal Mission Planning, and Coaching for Excellence.

Dr. Deirdra Johnson welcomed the class of 2023 in her opening address by stating “These next nine months will give you an opportunity to engage with various up-and-coming leaders as well as explore the various business industries on the Eastern Shore.”

If you are interested in learning more about the Shore Leadership Program, please contact Ms. Chris Caulk at [email protected].

Shore Leadership is a component fund of Mid-Shore Community Foundation, a public foundation designated as a 501(c)(3) charity. A copy of Mid-Shore Community Foundation’s financial statement is available at www.mscf.org or by calling 410-820-8175.

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

Filed Under: 1C Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news

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

May 13, 2023 by Talbot County Office of Economic Development & Tourism

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. 

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

Filed Under: 1C Commerce Tagged With: commerce, local news, The Talbot Spy

Next Page »

Copyright © 2025

Affiliated News

  • The Chestertown Spy
  • The Talbot Spy

Sections

  • Arts
  • Culture
  • Ecosystem
  • Education
  • Mid-Shore Health
  • Culture and Local Life
  • Shore Recovery
  • Spy Senior Nation

Spy Community Media

  • Subscribe
  • Contact Us
  • Advertising & Underwriting

Copyright © 2025 · Spy Community Media Child Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in