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Views from Charles
Making the Move to Online Education
on Thursday, April 2, 2020
We called Brianna Bowling, local entrepreneur and business coach, this week to talk about her Retreat and Learn business in Newburg, but the conversation quickly turned to how she’s converting all her workshops into online trainings. ... Read More...
Thriving In An Unsettled Business Environment like COVID-19… Or Any Crisis
on Thursday, March 26, 2020
This is a guest blog post by entrepreneur Brianna Bowling, who offers business consulting and training through her company, Brindan, and is the owner of Retreat & Learn, a retreat center offering workshops and retreats in Charles County.
I ... Read More...
When Life Gives You Lemons, Make… Hand Sanitizer?
on Tuesday, March 24, 2020
In normal times, just a couple weeks ago, Blue Dyer Distilling Co. of Waldorf specialized in rum, whiskey, and gin. With the coronavirus pandemic spreading nationwide, and products like face masks and respirators in short supply, Blue Dyer has ... Read More...
Economic Development Director’s Statement on COVID-19 Business Impact
on Wednesday, March 18, 2020
Last week, in a conference call with leadership from Maryland’s Counties, Governor Hogan emphasized two very important points about this COVID-19 national emergency. First, what we are experiencing right now is unprecedented. Second, as ... Read More...
Maryland Small Business Certifications
on Thursday, March 12, 2020
It’s important to know what certifications your business needs to compete for government contracts. At our Leveraging Your Certifications workshop on March 5, we discussed numerous certifications that can level the playing field for women- and ... Read More...
EDD Represents Charles County at International Council of Shopping Centers Conference
on Friday, March 6, 2020
The DC Metro region’s largest retail-oriented conference of the year — the Mid-Atlantic Conference & Deal Making event on March 2-3 at the National Harbor — was the place to be for anyone who works with the retail real estate ... Read More...
Charles County Martial Arts and Fitness Center for the Entire Family
on Wednesday, February 26, 2020
Like most successful entrepreneurs, Mr. Jeremy Gray started Southern Maryland Martial Arts and Fitness over 15 years ago, in both Bryans Road and La Plata, because of an unmet need he knew he could fill. A lifelong resident of Charles County and ... Read More...
Leading the EDD's Advisory Board
on Wednesday, February 19, 2020
In recognition of President’s Day, we interviewed one of our favorite leaders, the Economic Development Advisory Board’s Chair, Anne M. Hooper. Ms. Hooper is the Realtor/Manager of Hooper & Associates, a real estate business ... Read More...
Living Local, Working Global: Zekiah Technologies Talks Home Team Advantage
on Wednesday, February 12, 2020
The Zekiah Swamp Natural Environmental Area is a sprawling expanse of woodland and wetland that’s a local and national treasure. Like its namesake, Zekiah Technologies is a treasure in its own right—an ecosystem where lush ideas take ... Read More...
STEM Education in Charles County: Elementary School to Workforce
on Tuesday, February 4, 2020
Science can seem a little academic to young children, but real life exposure to the world of technology and robotics at an early age can show how fun and interesting the field really is. Our Charles County Public Schools (CCPS) students benefit from ... Read More...
Our Regional Hospital and Its Ever-Expanding Network of Care
on Tuesday, January 28, 2020
We welcome this guest blog post from the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center.
Charles County is one of Maryland’s fastest-growing counties. It’s highly educated and affluent. Every year, more and more people call it ... Read More...
Charles County Native Celebrates Five Years in Medical Practice
on Thursday, January 23, 2020
Dr. Thomas Shelton opened the doors of his La Plata practice in January 2015 with the desire to help the people of his hometown reach a better quality of life through health and wellness. Now celebrating five years in business, loyal patients and ... Read More...
Demystifying Surety Bonding
on Wednesday, January 8, 2020
If you are a general contractor or subcontractor, bonding is a topic you should know about—whether you need it to protect your business, what it entails, and how to go about getting it. The Charles County Economic Development Department is ... Read More...
Exploring Business Expansion Through International Trade Mission to Africa
on Thursday, December 19, 2019
The Economic Development Department (EDD) is searching for local companies who want to explore new business opportunities overseas and join an international trade mission to Africa. In Spring 2020, the EDD leadership team and key stakeholders will ... Read More...
New Bryans Road Restaurant Fills Niche With Southern Cuisine
on Wednesday, December 11, 2019
A new restaurant in Bryans Road, High Noon Southern Fine Cuisine & Seafood, opened in September and is already filling a food gap in western Charles County. Patrick McKinnis says, “I live in Indian Head, and when I ... Read More...
Meinhardt Properties Grows in Charles County
on Thursday, December 5, 2019
During the last decade, demand for office space nationwide has enjoyed steady growth. Businesses want amenity-rich, class-A spaces featuring green technologies and smart design, and Meinhardt Properties’ Charles County offerings fit the bill.
... Read More...
Traditional Dishes That Fill Our Thanksgiving Table
on Tuesday, November 26, 2019
As all of us on the Economic Development Team get ready for Thanksgiving, talk about the dishes we’re planning to make has reminded us of the diversity of our department and how well we really work together as a team. It’s interesting ... Read More...
House Boutique Keeps La Plata Chic
on Monday, November 25, 2019
True to her Southern roots, when Texas native Audra Atkinson welcomes newcomers into her shop, she doesn’t consider them strangers, just friends she hasn’t met yet. Atkinson is the exuberant owner of House Boutique, a La Plata gem ... Read More...
Martin’s Serves Up Generations of Smiles
on Tuesday, November 19, 2019
If there’s one thing you don’t expect to find in a gas station, it’s a gift shop. Transforming a convenience store into an enchanting emporium of Maryland-themed gifts is just one of the ways that Martin’s Service Station in ... Read More...
Professional Services Support Small Businesses On the Front Lines
on Tuesday, November 12, 2019
Veteran-owned Balancelogic of Waldorf supplies our small businesses and workers on the front lines with what they need to continue their mission. Many of these entrepreneurs are doing all they can do to keep their small business going, and at some ... Read More...
Sagepoint Senior Living Services: Excellence in Elder Care
on Tuesday, October 29, 2019
The surge in our over-65 population is unprecedented in American history. Thus, the need for quality elder care is essential for our Baby Boomers—many of whom still hold jobs and lead active lives—to thrive in the decades to come. Kelsey ... Read More...
Avening Management and Technical Services Advances the Mission
on Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Lee Platt is undeniably a woman on a mission. As CEO of Avening Management and Technical Services, she’s at the helm of an IT and cybersecurity company that supports government organizations focused on national security. When she decided to ... Read More...
A Culinary Journey From India to Charles County
on Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Charles County is growing and diversifying, and more of our citizens have developed a palate for ethnic foods, often from living or working in the nation’s capital, a hotbed for international food and flavors.
Raj Malhotra and wife, Punita, ... Read More...
Askey, Askey & Associates: A Partner in Prosperity
on Wednesday, October 9, 2019
Partners and CPAs Robert and Cathy Askey
In the years since Robert and Cathy Askey established their accounting and advisory firm, Askey, Askey & Associates, they’ve helped shape the business climates of Charles and neighboring St. ... Read More...
CHUTES International Goes Global in Charles County
on Wednesday, October 2, 2019
While people love the appearance of a shiny new high-rise or crisp hotel linens, few think about the process. Thankfully, the innovators at CHUTES International power that behind-the-scenes process. A master in the mechanics of debris removal and ... Read More...
Scary Strokes is Fun Fore All
on Tuesday, September 24, 2019
Scary Strokes, Doug and LaNeta Roth’s monster-themed family entertainment center, has been in Waldorf for only a couple of years, but it’s already recognized as a beloved haunt—in the best way possible. The 11,000-square-foot ... Read More...
Charles County's Sister City Search
on Wednesday, September 18, 2019
They say you can’t pick your family, but Charles County is looking for a sister—a Sister City, that is. The search was initiated partly in response to feedback at the Economic Development Department’s International Trade Seminar in ... Read More...
#MyCharlesCounty and other ways to make a difference
on Thursday, September 5, 2019
For those who work in economic development, pointing out a community’s assets is part of the job. But sometimes, it’s what its citizens say that makes a difference. This is a true story told by a local businessman who’s now in Southern Maryland but moved here from another state.
Read More...Why These Young Professionals Chose Charles County
on Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Millennials are a vital part of our workforce and future homeowners in Charles County. There is a good chance they’ll start up small businesses, and they’re one of the key demographics to look at when planning for retail development. ... Read More...
Our Hotel Industry’s Annual Checkup. How Did We Fare?
on Wednesday, July 24, 2019
Waldorf is home to Charles County’s active hotel market, which includes nine national “flag” properties located along Route 301, one of the busiest U.S. highways along the Atlantic seaboard. Our hotel industry holds a distinct ... Read More...
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