Pictured is Southern High School senior Isaac Browning, one of First United Bank and Trust’s customer service interns.

First United Looks to Help Maryland Apprentices

For over a month now, Southern High School senior Isaac Browning has been participating in the Maryland Apprenticeship Program with First United Bank & Trust. Browning serves the retail branch of First United as a customer service representative intern. Along with his remaining school classes, Browning is receiving an education through a training program aimed to teach apprentices about the technology used in the industry, as well as rules and regulations. “That training is pretty in depth; they will actually go through several series,” explained Jason VanSickle, VP and Managing Director of Financial Solutions. “In addition to that, we provide regular feedback, so they will meet with a manager of the Oakland office.” Read more.

Beitzel apprenticeship. Beitzel Corporation employee working with a local high school senior.

"Good Business:" Apprenticeship Program Paying Off in Garrett

Northern High School senior Kyle Broadwater never imagined he'd have a paid apprenticeship job with a guided career track while still in school. But, through the Maryland Apprenticeship program, Broadwater, who has an interest in welding, works five days a week at the Beitzel Corporation's machine shop in Bittinger. Beitzel Corporation, with over 600 employees at locations across 30 states, is an approved Maryland Apprenticeship program employer. The company does industrial construction, including electrical, solar, oil and gas production, communications, machine builds, assembly and fabrication. Learn more.

Men and women celebrating the grand opening of Headwaters Restoration Therapy, Oakland, MD.

Ribbon Cutting Held for Headwaters Restoration Therapy

On Friday, April 12, 2024, the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce partnered with the Garrett County Department of Business Development to hold a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of Headwaters Restoration Therapy. Located at 4000 Thayer Center in Oakland, Maryland, Headwaters Restoration Therapy specializes in family primary care, aesthetic medicine, and IV wellness infusions. Read more.

Block Advisors Logo

Block Advisors Announces Grant Program for Women-Owned Small Businesses

According to Block Advisors by H&R Block’s Small Business Resiliency Series Survey, women small business owners are still more likely to be declined for a loan than men—and the disparities are even greater for small business owners of color. This is despite women entrepreneurs driving 94% more growth than their male counterparts over the past four years. Recognizing this gap in funding and support for women-owned small businesses, Block Advisors is on a mission to break down these barriers. In June, Block Advisors will award $100,000 in grants and essential small business services to support and empower women-owned ventures. Application Deadline: May 26, 2024. Learn more.

GRMC was recently awarded an “A” hospital safety rating from the Leapfrog Group for the sixth straight year. Pictured above in the front row (from left) are Michelle Wiltison RN, Caitlyn Martin RN I, Elizabeth Louie RN III, Summer Sines RN III, Jeannie Miller, Senior Director of Clinic Ops; and Kimberly Gordon, Director of Nursing. In the back row, Amber Ganoe, Clinical Director of Nursing; Kelly Kooser, Manager Nursing; Joseph Martin RN V, Kendra Thayer, VP Nursing & Chief Nursing Officer; Lori Davis, Manager Nursing; Brenda Livengood, House Supervisor; Angela Maule, Regional Senior Director of Performance Improvement and Quality.

GRMC Awarded "A" Rating From Leapfrog for 6th Consecutive Year

Garrett Regional Medical Center (GRMC) earned an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit watchdog. This is the sixth consecutive year GRMC has received this recognition. Leapfrog assigns an “A,” “B,” “C,” “D” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country based on over 30 measures of errors, accidents, injuries, and infections as well as the systems hospitals have in place to prevent them. “The entire team at Garrett Regional Medical Center is deserving of this outstanding national recognition in hospital safety,” said Mark Boucot, President and CEO of GRMC and Potomac Valley Hospital. “GRMC’s staff, clinicians, and providers consistently strive to put patient safety first while delivering exceptional care. This achievement is reflective of every single one of our employees.” Read more.

Beehive Domes, a new glamping experience at Bumble Bee RV Park and Campground, McHenry, MD

New Bumble Bee Owners Debuting Deep Creek Destinations

Bumblebee Management announced the debut of two camping destinations at Deep Creek Lake. “The newly renovated Bumblebee RV Park and Campground, alongside the all-new luxury Beehive Domes, offer unparalleled experiences for guests seeking luxury amongst the beautiful scenery of Western Maryland,” said a statement from Bumblebee Management. “With a legacy dating back years, Bumblebee RV Park and Campground has been a cherished retreat for adventurers at Deep Creek Lake.” Learn more.

SBA - US Small Business Administration logo

SBA Opens Two Business Recovery Centers Amid Key Bridge Collapse

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has opened two business recovery centers to support small businesses amid the Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse. Customer Service Representatives at the SBA’s two BRCs will assist business owners in completing their disaster loan applications, accept documents for existing applications, and provide status on loan applications. The Centers will operate as indicated below until further notice. Learn more.

Maryland Insurance Administration News Release; Background is red

Business Losses Resulting From Key Bridge Collapse: Is Your Business Insured?

If your business suffers financial losses as a result of the collapse of the Key Bridge and the disruption of activities at the Port of Baltimore, the Maryland Insurance Administration advises it is important that you check your business insurance policies to see if they provide coverage for those losses. Learn more.

Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Response Website

The Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse Response Website serves as a central hub for Marylanders in search of federal, state, and local resources and programs related to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The website includes information on relief programs for impacted workers and businesses, major traffic updates for commuters, and guidance on in-person resources available through Maryland Business Recovery Centers. Learn more.

Available Commercial Space in Garrett County

McHenry Business Park

McHenry Business Park, Bumble Bee Road, McHenry, MD: 107.7 acres available;

More information: https://bit.ly/3mKjoph

Additional Resources:


Garrett County Business Development - 301.334.1921 - business@garrettcountymd.gov

May 2024

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