Charles County's 2025 Business Appreciation Week
Celebrating Charles County’s Business Community During 2025 Business Appreciation Week
Last week, May 5–9, the Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) proudly hosted Charles County’s 2025 Business Appreciation Week, an annual celebration honoring the invaluable contributions of our local business community and expressing sincere gratitude for their continued investment in Charles County.
This year’s celebration also coincided with National Small Business Week and Economic Development Week, a nationwide tribute to the importance of economic development and the dedicated professionals who help communities grow and thrive.
Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s events. We remain committed to supporting both established and emerging small businesses across Charles County. We're excited to share some of the memorable moments and highlights from a week dedicated to celebrating the strength and spirit of our local business community.
Monday, May 5
(Photos provided by Charles County Economic Development Department)
Business Appreciation Week celebrations kicked off with ribbon cuttings to celebrate both new and established businesses in Charles County. My Sweet Baby Learning Center and Gia Candle Bar were recognized.
Adding to the excitement, Charles County launched a special promotion through its "With Love From Charles" digital gift card program. Residents and visitors were invited to take advantage of a Buy One, Get One Free offer, a perfect opportunity to support local businesses while giving a meaningful gift or enjoying a treat themselves. Redeemable at a variety of participating businesses across the county, these digital gift cards help keep spending local and strengthen community connections. To keep the celebration going, new "With Love From Charles" deals will be revealed each week throughout May.
Tuesday, May 6
(Photos provided by Charles County Economic Development Department)
Beginning the day, the Charles County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring May 5-9, 2025, as Business Appreciation Week in Charles County, National Small Business Week, and Economic Development Week.
To promote business health and success in Charles County, the EDD hosted an informative Business Wellness Workshop at the Charles County Public Library's Waldorf West Branch. This event brought together expert speakers and valuable resources to help local entrepreneurs strengthen their operations, plan for growth, and connect with key business support networks.
Workshop Sessions Included:
- Efficient Cash Flow Management
Tisa J.D. Clark, PMP, LEED GA, REALTOR®, CPC, President & CEO, J.D. Clark Companies - Planning for Financial Wellness
Beverly Everson-Jones, Chief Financial & Operating Officer, FSC First - Cracking the Code: Mastering the Art of Government Contracting
Akia Hardnett, Founder, Chameleon Global Consulting - Navigating the Permitting System in Charles County
Catherine Reisinger, Deputy Director, Charles County Planning & Growth Management (PGM) Department Raymond Shumaker, Chief, Charles County Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services - Using AI Tools for Effective Marketing and Streamlining Business Operations
Will Holmes, Founder, Will Holmes Consulting - The Importance of Business Planning
James Vasquez, Regional Director, Southern Region, Maryland SBDC
Beyond the informative sessions, each followed by a live Q&A, attendees had the opportunity to engage with a variety of Circle of Services partners. These organizations offered informational tables and one-on-one guidance on key aspects of business development and support. Participating partners included Chameleon Global Consulting, Charles County Chamber of Commerce, Charles County Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services, Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management, College of Southern Maryland, FSC First, Maryland Department of Labor -Division of Workforce Development and Adult Learning, Maryland Small Business Development Center, Southern Region, and Southern Maryland JobSource. The event also featured a working lunch, creating a relaxed setting for meaningful networking among business owners and resource providers.
Wednesday, May 7, and Thursday, May 8
(Photos provided by Charles County Economic Development Department)
Throughout Business Appreciation Week, the EDD team—accompanied by business ambassadors including community leaders, elected officials, and local stakeholders—visited a wide array of businesses across Charles County to personally express gratitude for their valuable contributions to the local economy.
Businesses visited included:
Apple Spice Junction, Law Office of Rudolf A. Carrico, Jr., La Plata Farmers Market, Dream BIG Boutique & Business Center, Charles Street Bakery, Sky Dominican Hair Salon, DermaCare Wellness & Aesthetics, My Express Care Pharmacy, Velvet & Steel Fitness, LLC, Lela Belles Studio of Dance, Bree's Sweet Treats, The H.E.R.E Center, K&I Healthcare Services, LLC, Capital T. Solutions LLC, BrightStar Care of Waldorf, Quince Blossom Ridge, Zekiah Farms3, LLC, Cobb Island Public Market, Kanto Games & Collectables, Tattered Elegance, Senior Helpers of Southern Maryland, Remembrance Antiques and Vintage Treasures, Muscle House and Fitness, Hot Doggy Dos, JRJ Income Tax Service, Tax Hub Solutions, LLC, Potomac Fine Properties, Diamond International Mart, R & H Entertainment, LLC, G&D Floors, LLC, Pearl's Childcare Learning Center, Island Grille & Chill Lounge, and S.W. Podiatry Group LLC. These visits were an opportunity to listen, learn, and show appreciation for the unique ways each business serves the Charles County community.
(Click on thumbnails to view larger photos)
Friday, May 9
(Photo Credit: Vetoya Smith)
Closing out the Business Appreciation Week celebrations, the EDD, in collaboration with the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, hosted a Business Networking Mixer at The Charles Restaurant & Bar. The event created a unique opportunity for Charles County business owners to connect, share insights, and build valuable relationships with each other, residents, and even elected officials.
Explore additional photos from Charles County’s 2025 Business Appreciation Week and Workshop.
Business Wellness Workshop
Charles County's Business Wellness Workshop will offer a series of impactful sessions led by industry experts, along with presentations from resource partners, designed to provide strategies, insights, and valuable connections for business health. Click below to learn more and register!
