The Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) will host a Business Wellness Workshop on Tuesday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Charles County Public Library’s Waldorf West Branch, located at 10405 O’Donnell Place in Waldorf, Maryland.
Held as part of Charles County’s Business Appreciation Week, May 5 through 9, the Business Wellness Workshop is designed to provide entrepreneurs and business owners with practical strategies, expert insights, and valuable connections to strengthen financial health, improve operational efficiency, and promote long-term, sustainable growth.
“Small businesses are the heart and soul of Charles County’s economy,” says EDD Director Kelly Robertson-Slagle. “Their success fuels local innovation, creates jobs, and strengthens our community. That’s why it’s essential that we provide them with the resources, connections, and support they need to grow. When our local businesses flourish, everyone benefits—from stronger economic momentum to deeper community pride."
The workshop will open with two finance-focused sessions. First, participants will explore strategies for optimizing daily operations in “Efficient Cash Flow Management.” This will be followed by “Planning for Financial Wellness,” led by Beverly Everson-Jones, chief financial and operating officer of FSC First, who will share insights into long-term financial planning and resilience.
As the morning continues, the focus will turn to Government Contracting. Akia Hardnette, founder of Chameleon Global Consulting, will present “Cracking the Code: Mastering the Art of Government Contracting,” providing insights into securing and managing government contracts. A session on “Navigating the Permitting System in Charles County,” presented by Catherine Reisinger, deputy director of the Charles County Planning & Growth Management Department, and Raymond Shumaker, chief of Codes, Permits, and Inspection Services, will follow. This session will help businesses better understand local regulatory processes and uncover opportunities for growth within the county.
A variety of Circle of Services partners will be present with resource tables, offering valuable insights to support business growth. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with these resource partners during a working lunch. Confirmed partners include Chameleon Global Consulting, the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, the Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management (covering Codes, Permits, Inspection Services, and Zoning), the College of Southern Maryland, FSC First, the Maryland Department of Labor, and the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland.
After the working lunch, attendees will explore technology and planning with two final expert-led talks. Will Holmes, founder of Will Holmes Consulting, will discuss “Using AI Tools for Effective Marketing and Streamlining Business Operations.” He will be followed by James Vasquez, regional director of the Southern Region, Maryland SBDC, who will share insights in a session titled “The Importance of Business Planning.”
Each session will conclude with the opportunity for a question-and-answer session, giving participants the opportunity to engage directly with presenters. Throughout the day, attendees can network with fellow business owners and connect with local resource partners. A variety of Charles County’s Circle of Services members will be on-site with informational tables and resources designed to support business development and success.
For more information about the Business Wellness Workshop, please click here. Those interested in attending can register on Eventbrite.
Additional information about Business Appreciation Week events can be found here.
About Charles County Economic Development Department: The Charles County Economic Development Department (EDD) supports and promotes the economic vitality of Charles County, Maryland, a dynamic and fast-growing region in the Washington D.C. metro area. It serves as the first point of contact for local businesses and for companies seeking to locate or relocate to Charles County.
With a strong collaborative network of businesses, education, and governmental partners, the organization assists companies through a variety of services, including site selection, workforce training, incentives packaging, introductions to business contacts, permit expedition, and sourcing of capital.
EDD seeks to attract entrepreneurs, talented professionals, and companies from key growth industries to the region by marketing Charles County's business, workforce, and lifestyle assets. In addition, the EDD provides resources and support for existing businesses to help them grow and expand in Charles County.
