CHESTERTOWN — In a ceremony with county Economic and Tourism Development Director Jamie Williams and county Economic Development Manager Katie Abbott, the Kent County Commissioners proclaimed the week of Oct. 21-Oct. 25 as Economic Development Week in Kent County.
Kent County Department of Economic and Tourism Development is an active member of the Maryland Economic Development Association, a nonprofit established in 1961 with the mission of enhancing the knowledge and skills of its members; encouraging partnerships and networking among people committed to bringing jobs and capital to Maryland; and promoting economic development as an investment in Maryland.
According to a news release, Economic Development Week is designed to increase awareness of economic development’s contribution to the state’s business climate, job retention and growth, tax base and the overall quality of life in Maryland.
Economic development generates $9.17 in county and state revenue for every dollar invested, according to the news release.
The primary focus areas for Kent County Economic and Tourism Development include business development, tourism development, entrepreneurship and workforce development, as well as real estate development, transportation, infrastructure, housing and community development, “which is why partnerships and collaborations are so critical,” the news release states.
Locally, Economic Development Week provides an opportunity for community-minded organizations to collaborate and share strategies, programs and best practices.
In the past month, Kent County Department of Economic and Tourism Development began visiting local businesses as part of its business retention and expansion initiative. Department staff and Economic Development Commission members have been meeting with leaders in the local business community to assess the challenges they are facing in today’s economy.
