120 W. Washington Street

Hagerstown, MD 21740 | 240.313.2380

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:

James Jenkins, Manager

P: 240.313.2384

E: jajenkins@washco-md.net

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND BUSINESSES STATEWIDE CELEBRATE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK

Business Development Department highlights other recent successes and milestones

Hagerstown, Md. (October 28, 2014) - The Washington County Department of Business Development (DBD) in conjunction with the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) are kicking off the Fourth Annual Economic Development Week which runs from October 26 - 31.

Economic Development Week will emphasize to the general public the importance of economic development for the State of Maryland. The week is designed to increase an understanding of economic development's contribution to the State's business climate, job retention and growth, the tax base and the overall quality of life in Maryland.

On the heels of 1.1 percent decrease in Washington County unemployment rates in September 2014, a number of other great economic accomplishments deserve to be recognized this year. DBD would like to highlight some of the success stories, including plans for Washington County's Economic Development Week celebration.

Washington County Prize Patrol

This year we took our appreciation for local businesses to the next level. We mailed over 7,000 commemorative window clings to businesses in Washington County. On Wednesday, October 29, the DBD Prize Patrol will be on the hunt for those businesses with window clings and several lucky organizations will receive a surprise visit along with a sweet treat, a gift card for office supplies and promotion through the DBD social media channels.

The prize patrol will visit each municipality so keep an eye out for them in your area!

Business Outreach Visit to

Bikle Manufacturing

Washington County Celebrates 100^th Business Outreach Visit

In 2012, the Commissioners and the Economic Development Commission (EDC) kicked off the Business Outreach Program. The Commissioners, Business Development staff and EDC members visit with businesses to discuss their day-to-day operations, business challenges, and discuss what can be done to streamline access to County services.

Last week, a Business Outreach visit was held at Pittman's Market of Hancock marking the 100^th visit since the program's inception.

Holcim expansion Ground Breaking

Economic Development Momentum

Throughout the past year, DBD has successfully supported expansion and retention projects for businesses in our community including: Baltimore Mack, National Golden Tissue, Tractor Supply, Cumberland Truck Parts, Volvo Group, and Holcim. Together these projects are reinvesting over $140 million into the local economy while retaining 2,000 jobs and creating more than 650 new full-time jobs.

Other promising economic indicators include commercial building permits issued are up 28-percent from 2012 and 478 companies in the County have $1 million or more in annual sales. You can learn more about economic development in Washington County by browsing our 2014 Economic Data Summary and the 2014 Business & Industry Directory.

Washington County's unemployment rate stands at 6.7 percent for September 2014, just 1.1 percent and 0.8 percent ahead of the State and national averages, respectively, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor data.

For media interested in more information, contact Public Relations and Community Affairs Manager James Jenkins at 240-313-2384 or jajenkins@washco-md.net

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About the Washington County Department of Business Development
Washington County Department of Business Development (DBD) is a county agency providing assistance to new and expanding businesses throughout Washington County, Maryland. The DBD interacts with a vast network of public, private and nonprofit organizations to address the business needs of the community, as well as attract new companies to the county. Visit hagerstownedc.org for more information.