Top Economic Development News
The end of the year always brings us to reflections on the past, and this year has been one like no other. As the holidays approach, we reflect on the impact 2020 has had on each of us. But one thing will always ring true. Frederick County is a great place to live, work and play and no matter the circumstances, those who call Frederick County home are strong, resilient, compassionate and determined. We all have worked together to ensure we endure. We have seen front line workers supported by local businesses and the community by providing meals and supplies, businesses pivoting to provide necessary products to combat the pandemic, and streets opened to outdoor dining.

We're proud to have small business owners with a wide range of stories. As we strive to become more economically inclusive, we're sharing some of our diverse business owners' stories in this newsletter. Continue to read about additional business news from grant support to grand openings, food network debuts and more.

As you finish your holiday shopping, we thank you for supporting our local businesses. Whether it is for buying holiday gifts or treating yourself (because you deserve it), there are so many great opportunities to buy items made right here in Frederick County - especially when it comes to craft beverages. With more than 30 breweries, wineries and distilleries located throughout Frederick County, there really is something for everyone. Check out the link below to find your beer, wine or spirits to celebrate the season and toast to the New Year to come.

Although we may find our celebrations different this year, we hope you have followed our 25 Days of Frederick for 25 COVID safe challenges and adventures for residents across the county to take part in together this holiday season.

However you choose to celebrate, we wish you a safe and joyful holiday season.

Sincerely,
Helen Propheter, Executive Director of Economic and Workforce Development
Frederick County Office of Economic Development
Holiday Spirits in Frederick County

We are all about shopping local, especially when it comes to craft beverages. So we rounded up a few of the holiday beers, wines and liquors made right here in Frederick County.

“As the Main Street Middletown manager I would encourage folks to shop at your favorite neighborhood business this holiday season! Shopping locally helps to keep the neighborhood that you live in vibrant, personable, friendly, and economically healthy. Shopping local helps put a smile on everybody’s face!”

Becky Axilbund, Main Street Middletown Manager
There are many ways to support our local businesses. You can visit the business in person, shop local online, purchase gift cards, or even write an online review!

If you are looking to support underrepresented businesses while you do your holiday shopping, check out our Diversity & Inclusion Business Directory for Frederick County.
K-N95 Masks Distribution for Restaurants and Craft Beverage Businesses
Mask Registration will open at 7:00 am on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 and will close at 12:00 pm on Sunday, December 20, 2020.

Frederick County Executive Gardner, in partnership with the Office of Economic Development, have KN95 masks available at no cost to Frederick County restaurant and craft beverage workers who are frontline staff. This program is available to severs** who wait on customers without masks (as they are seated and are eating or drinking). Please complete the registration for your business as this is a first-register, first serve basis while supplies last. Each business will receive a confirmation email and can pick up the masks at a designated location on either:

• December 21st 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm or
• December 22nd 10:00 am – 12:00 pm (noon)

To make sure your servers get these masks, please register before the deadline of 12:00 pm on Sunday, December 20, 2020.

** Definition of Server, for the purpose of the masks program. Servers are responsible for taking orders of customers at their table and serving the food or beverages to dine-in guests.

Christmas Trees: A Closer Look at Growing and Varieties

Find out what goes into growing a Christmas tree, and learn about the different varieties by clicking the link below.
3 Unique Paths to Opening Downtown Frederick Storefronts

Get to know 3 Frederick business owners with unique stories. Follow the link to learn more about the stories behind Sisters in Style, The Kitchenette, and Wander Hemp Company.
25 Days of Frederick
Have you been participating in the #25DaysOfFrederick challenges? It's a fun way to support local businesses and spread some holiday cheer.
Frederick County COVID-19 Business Grants Distribution

So far during COVID-19, Frederick County Government has awarded more than 9 million dollars in relief grants to local businesses. Follow the link to see the breakdown of how that money was distributed.
Town of Thurmont Raises Nearly $100,000 for the Patty Hurwitz Breast Cancer Fund in 7 Years

This year, at the town meeting with Mayor Kinnaird and Board of Commissioners, the town presented a check for $15,300 for the Patty Hurwitz Fund.
Coming January 2021
Frederick County's Top 50x2 Legacy Businesses

Frederick County is very fortunate to have an amazing business community, especially those that have been in business for over 20 years. Read more about these businesses as they tell their stories and offer advice for younger companies. Find out what being part of a multigenerational business entails, and more.
Introducing: School of Food Frederick

School of Food is coming back to Frederick for a second year of educational programming!

School of Food is not another cooking class. Rather, it's a year-long program that teaches its students the business side of working in the food & beverage industry.