Be Updated With the Latest News and Events in Easton, MD
Expanding Care to Talbot’s Children
Even before COVID-19 hit our area, 40% of the children in Easton Elementary schools were considered ‘food insecure.’ Through programs such as FARMs (free and reduced-priced meals) that work with Talbot County Public School (TCPS) and Sodexo (the company that provides the food), these children and others in the school community throughout the area received […]
Essential and Nonessential Businesses
OLC-Interpretive-Guidance-COVID19-04
An Interview With Easton Mayor Bob Willey
We spoke to Mayor Bob Willey last week about the Easton’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here is his response. EEDC: What changes have been made in Easton to help deal with the Corona virus crisis? Mayor Willey: We’re going to go ahead, and as long as possible, keep the normal operations of the town […]
The Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board
The Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board is responsible for coordinating employment and training initiatives across several agencies. The coordination is a requirement of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014. The coordination is accomplished through a Memorandum of Understanding and Resource Sharing Agreement for the Upper Shore American Job Centers. The Memorandum of Understanding/Resource […]
Director’s Note
March came in like a lion, just not the lion that we expected. On the weather front, we’ve been enjoying unseasonably warm weather and early Spring flowers. On the economic development front, we are seeing increasing investment activity and interest in Easton, ensuring a strong pipeline of projects to secure the Town’s future. We also […]
Shamrock Lights Installed in Downtown Easton
Pictured above: Left – Easton Public Works Department employee, Logan Lyons, installing a shamrock Right – Shamrock mounted on a light post If you have been admiring the shamrocks on Easton’s street light poles, you’re not alone. They are brought to you by the same people who create the yearly Christmas decoration you see on […]
Screening of the Film Fantastic Fungi on Thursday, March 26th
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience an afternoon or evening screening of the film Fantastic Fungi on Thursday, March 26th at Temple B’Nai Israel in Easton sponsored by Out of the Fire and Dock Street Foundation. Award-winning filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg has teamed up with an all-star team of professional and amateur mycologists, artists, foodies, ecologists, doctors, and […]
Chesapeake Harvest Meeting Outcome
On Tuesday, February 25th, Easton Economic Development Corp and Chesapeake Harvest hosted a dinner meeting designed to update farmers, restaurant and catering owners, retail buyers, and community leaders on Chesapeake Harvest programs. There was also an overview and wrap up of the USDA Local Food Promotion Program Grant (LFPP). The meeting was held at Temple […]
Rural Maryland Report
The Rural Maryland Council published a special report, 2020 Rural Prosperity Investment Initiative: Building on the Past; Investing in the Future, establishing that Marylanders living in rural communities: Are achieving success in education and employment, Have access to quality and affordable health care and other vital services, and Live in an environment where civic and […]
SCORE Mid-Shore Encourages Succession Planning For Any Small Business Owner
A Succession Plan is vital to ensuring the continued success of your business. Succession Plans transfer ownership, maintain your lifestyle in retirement, provide financially for heirs or prepare the business to address unexpected events. The Succession Plan is longevity insurance for the business you’ve worked so hard to build. There are four strategic steps to […]
Other News: Resource for Farmers
Chesapeake Foodshed Network 2018 and 2019 Impact Report
Other News: Value Added Producer Grants Available
USDA Rural Development State Director for Delaware and Maryland, Denise Lovelady, announced that the agency is now accepting applications for the Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program. Nationally, there is approximately $37 million available. Electronic applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by March 5, 2020, and paper applications must be received by March 10, 2020. For […]
Talbot County Chamber of Commerce: Chairman Luncheon
Chamber Luncheon Recognizes Outgoing Board Members, Welcomes New Chairman The Talbot County Chamber of Commerce Annual Chairman’s Luncheon welcomed incoming Board of Directors Chairman Debbie Walsworth, and expressed appreciation to immediate past chairman Tracy Berrigan and outgoing board members. New board members include Reza Jafari, e-Development International and Jim Normandin, APG Media/Star Democrat Newspaper. Click […]
Town of Easton: Town Works to Encourage Infill Development
The Easton Planning and Zoning Commission is continuing its effort to comprehensive review and update the Town of Easton Zoning Ordinance. One of the principal objectives identified by the Commission in this effort is to strengthen the Ordinance with regards to how it encourages development in general in and around the Downtown, with a particular […]
Field Notes February 2020
Chesapeake Harvest would like to welcome Aleya Fraser as the Food safety educator/consultant. Aleya co-founded and ran a natural vegetable farm for the last 5-6 years and was the Program Manager for Future Harvest: CASA. Under the tutelage of food safety expert, Lindsay Gilmour and Elizabeth Beggins, former Production Manager of Chesapeake Harvest, Aleya […]
Economic News: Talbot’s Housing Statistics for 2019
Thanks to regular reporting from Mid-Shore Board of REALTORS, we are able to provide some interesting housing statistics for 2019. “Comparing 2018 numbers to 2019, Talbot had an increase in the average sold price of the home by 10.9% and an increase of 12.8% of the median sold price. It took 17 fewer days on […]
Upper Shore Workforce
The Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board is evaluated every quarter for its success in implementing United States Department of Labor job training grants. The USWIB makes data, plans, outcomes, and agreements available for public view on its website www.uswib.org. To see the USWIB’s most recent performance results, look at the column titled “US” at the […]
Field Notes: January 2020
Food Safety Chesapeake Harvest and Future Harvest are working together to help farmers demystify the food safety processes, employ best practices, and get closer to food safety certification. Through the Food Safety Outreach Program, funded by USDA, farmers in the Chesapeake Bay region have access to free services for food safety education and technical assistance. […]
Easton Planning and Zoning Commission to Hold Work Sessions
The Easton Planning and Zoning Commission is continuing its exercise of comprehensively updating the Town’s Zoning Regulations. In October, they conducted a Public Hearing on two chapters they are proposing to extensively revise: The Planned Unit Development and Sign Regulations. A primary concern and focus of the Commission throughout this endeavor are producing the best […]
Project Update: Easton Point and Port Street
A question we often hear is: What is happening with Easton Point and Port Street? So here is an update on the project. The EEDC continues to work closely with the Town of Easton on redeveloping Port Street and Easton Point. Throughout 2020, you can expect to see additional land from Easton Point annexed into […]
The American Job Center Upper Shore Network
The American Job Center Upper Shore Network provides an array of employment and training services at its location in Easton. All services are free and we are happy to help job seekers and employers. Take a look at their website here.
Economic News: Easton’s Economic and Demographic Data
Every year, I do a deep dive into Easton’s economic and demographic data to prepare for the new year. And while we all eagerly await the Census of 2020, some excellent data was made available to me, thanks to the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board through Chmura Economics & Analysis. A few of the highlights: […]
Show Up On Time, Work and Play Well With Others, and Learn On The Job
Throughout its 36 year history, the Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board and staff have heard employers say, “give me someone who shows up on time, works and plays well with others, and can learn on the job and I’ll train them myself. “When we hold focus groups with employers, the “certifications” required for employment fill part […]
Tap the Shore Combines Fundraising with Economic Activity
Just imagine – it’s a beautiful day, and you’re enjoying a glass of wine, or rum cocktail with your friends as you explore local hotspots on Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore. All day long you are treated to VIP tours and tastings, and you’re chauffeured around… now that sounds like the perfect summer Saturday, doesn’t it? […]
Counselors to America’s Small Businesses
SCORE is a non-profit, volunteer organization with more than 10,000 business mentors across the United States, both working and retired. Since inception in 1964, SCORE has mentored, free of charge, more than 7.8 million small businesses; helping entrepreneurs live their dreams. SCORE’s Mid- Shore chapter, located in Easton, Maryland, currently serves the counties of: Caroline; […]
Town of Easton: 2020 Census Complete Count Committee
The 2020 Census is just around the corner. April 1st is typically considered “Census Day,” but this year’s Census will be the first intended to primarily be completed online and Census notices will be sent out with instructions concerning how to complete it in March of 2020. In addition to being mandated in the U.S. […]
Project Update: Talbot Interfaith Shelter
Talbot Interfaith Shelter (TIS) gives local families and individuals the resources and tools they need to rebuild their lives. Currently, the shelter is serving 33 people, including 4 single adults and 11 families with 16 children (with one on the way, and another due in March). Guests are in various phases of the S4 Program […]
Upcoming Events
January EEDC Meet & GreetEvery Wednesday, 8:30 – 9:30amMeet with EEDC members at Whole Note Coffee.14 S. Washington Street #106, Easton, MD 21601 Future Harvest Casa ConferenceJanuary 16th – 18thLearn more here. February EEDC Meet & GreetEvery Wednesday, 8:30 – 9:30amMeet with EEDC members at Whole Note Coffee.14 S. Washington Street #106, Easton, MD 21601 […]
Town of Easton: Workforce and Commuting
The Upper Shore Workforce Investment purchased a data analytics tool called Chmura JobsEQ. Jobs EQ puts data at our fingertips in a user friendly format. So taking a look at the Jobs EQ data for the Town of Easton: Employed in Easton: 15,539; First Quarter 2019 Prime Age Labor Force Participation Rate: 85.2% Top 5 […]
The Town of Easton: Restoration of 31 and 34 S. Locust Lane
Pursuant to its goal of renovating historic housing in the hill neighborhood, the Town of Easton has started restoration efforts at two locations, 31 and 34 South Locust Lane. The selective demolition has started as has the framing of an addition on the 31 South Locust lane residence. The first house to be completed by […]
Preston Automotive Group is the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival
Discover Easton is pleased to announce Preston Automotive Group as the presenting sponsor of the inaugural Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival, a three-day ice carving festival coming to downtown Easton February 14-16, 2020. The Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival will feature dozens of ice sculptures spread throughout Easton’s historic district. The Discover Easton Signature Event […]
Citizens brainstorm ideas for preserving 925 Port Street
By CHRISTINA ACOSTA , Nov 5, 2019 Read the story on StarDem.com here. EASTON — Parks and Recreation Director Preston Peper and Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism Director Cassandra Vanhooser held a community meeting on Monday, Oct. 28, to discuss the future of a historic county-owned property at Easton Point. About 25 citizens gathered […]
The Great Reversal: How America Gave Up on Free Markets
Competition is good. No, really. Thomas Philippon, named one of the top 25 economists under 45 by the IMF (International Monetary Fund), set out to answer a question that touches us all: Why are cell-phone plans more expensive in the United States than in Europe? After conducting cutting edge research, the result to this question […]
Town of Easton scores high Moody’s ratings
By KAYLA RIVAS , Nov. 5, 2019 Read the story on StarDem.com here. EASTON — The Town of Easton recently achieved high ratings for its financial position from Moody’s Investors Service. “Easton’s credit position is very high quality, and its Aa2 rating is slightly above the median rating of Aa3 for U.S. cities,” according to […]
Discover Easton Announces 2019 Christmas in Easton Events
EASTON, Md. – Discover Easton invites you to enjoy the holiday season by bringing the entire family to town and celebrating the holidays during Christmas in Easton. Discover Easton is proud to announce the return of their Signature Holiday Events and is partnering with other organizations to bolster the Town’s holiday schedule this year. The […]
AT&T Foundation Invests in Talbot County Students
Chesapeake Leadership Foundation was awarded a $17,000.00 grant in support of a STEM-based scholarship program and Business After School program. Al Silverstein, Executive Director of the Chesapeake Leadership Foundation (an affiliate of the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce), was pleased to receive notification from AT&T Foundation that the Chesapeake Leadership Foundation was awarded a $17,000.00 […]
Infrastructure Management Services (IMS) to Study Easton Roads
Residents of the Town of Easton may have noticed a curiously outfitted van riding throughout the Town’s streets in the past few weeks. That is because the Town hired a company called Infrastructure Management Services (IMS) to study our roads. The van, which was loaded with cameras and sensors, collected surface and curb condition data. Ultimately, […]
SCORE: Small Business Market Planning
A well-developed marketing plan will raise awareness of your business, attract more customers and increase sales. SCORE Mid-Shore recommends a five step process to develop a market plan. Develop an introductory section that gives a description of your business, its products and/or services, the market or business environment, challenges faced and location of your competition. […]
Economic News: Can a Guaranteed $500 a Month Impact Lives?
A jittery stock market, trade war impacts, record unemployment, income inequality, and another predicted cut in the interest rates by the Feds: the economic news is challenging our world views and encouraging out of the box thinking. There is nothing more out of the box than the concept of a universal basic income. And, thanks to […]
Spotlight on Easton Point
As the much talked about Galloway Mansion sat waiting to be loaded onto a barge last month, the location of its temporary home—Easton Point—was spotlighted. It was obvious to residents and fans who had gathered to watch the move, how much the revitalization of Easton Point would be an asset and benefit to the community. […]
Town of Easton: Who are we?
The Upper Shore Workforce Investment purchased a data analytics tool called Chmura JobsEQ. Jobs EQ puts data at our fingertips in a user-friendly format. So taking a look at the Jobs EQ data for the Town of Easton: Population: 16,606Female 55% Male 45%Median age: 43.3 YearsUnder 18 Years Old: 20.3%Over 65 Years Old: 23.5%Prime Age […]
Talbot Chamber awards business leaders
By CHRIS POLK Read the story on StarDem.com. ROYAL OAK — It’s a glittering evening full of Who’s Whos in Talbot’s business community, a chance for hard-working folks to sit back, get a good meal and be congratulated for all that they do, day in and day out to make it in the business […]
925 Port Street: A County Owned Historical Treasure?
Port Street is Easton’s colonial highway and is over 300 years old. Despite the industrialization that occurred there in the 1920s, a remnant of that long gone thriving residential community still exists: 925 Port Street. The site is associated with events of local and national interest, including the War of 1812 and an Underground Railroad link. The house has […]
NO MATTER WHAT… YOU MATTER Campaign Targets Suicide Prevention
Suicide does not discriminate, affecting people of all genders, ages, and ethnicities. Many different factors may contribute to someone making a suicide attempt, depression being one of the lead reasons. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals between the ages of 10 and […]
Hiring? A New Resource Comes to the Region
It is no secret that one of the biggest challenges for business owners these days is finding the right talent to hire. In Easton alone, 11,630 people commute from out of town to work at one of our 14,212 jobs; some as far away as Baltimore, Ellicott City, and Washington D.C. Matching talent and jobs […]
Anirban Basu Weighs in on our Economy
Anirban Basu, CEO of the Sage Policy Group is an Economist with a sense of humor. At his annual speaking engagements on the Eastern Shore, he managed to keep audiences laughing while delivering sound economic analysis. Alas, the slowing of Maryland’s red-hot economy is no laughing matter. Basu attributes this to the 35-day federal shutdown and the […]
Town of Easton: Master Plan for Infill Development Update
This fall, students in Salisbury University’s Applied Planning Class, taught in an adjunct capacity by Easton’s Town Planner, Lynn Thomas, will begin the process of examining and updating the Downtown Easton Master Plan for Infill Development. In 2008, Historic Easton, Inc., utilized grant funding and worked cooperatively with the Town to prepare a “Downtown Easton […]
WATERFOWL CHESAPEAKE
The Easton Economic Development Corporation and Waterfowl Chesapeake have joined forces to conduct a feasibility analysis for the restoration and redevelopment of the historic Armory building located in downtown Easton. A series of visioning sessions are being held to identify potential uses, resources, and next steps. Ideas that have emerged range from creating a space […]
Town of Easton
The effort to update Easton’s Zoning Ordinance continues with the Planning Commission and staff discussing a variety of issues they would like to address at both regular monthly meetings and special workshop sessions. Recently, the Commission outlined a schedule for the next three month’s effort on this project. The Commission established the following dates and […]
Winners Announced for 2019 Talbot Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Program
The Talbot County Chamber is pleased to announce the winners of the 2019 Business Awards. Each year the Talbot Chamber asks its members to nominate individuals and organizations to be recognized for outstanding service to our community. The Chamber Board of Directors reviews the nominations and votes for a winner in each category. The Awards […]
Building African American Minds
Construction of the new BAAM Athletic Center on Jowite Street is well on the way to completion. Solar roof panels have been installed, which will generate 100% of the Center’s electric energy usage. BAAM will fully own all of the panels thanks to Brent and Michelle Beerley who generously contributed towards this solar project. The […]
Easton Arts District Culture Crossing Celebrates Easton’s Artistic and Ethnic Diversity
EASTON, Md. – The inaugural Easton Arts District Culture Crossing was successfully launched on Saturday, July 13. Culture Crossing is an artisan’s summer showcase celebrating the diversity of Easton’s neighborhoods. It is the first event being presented by the Easton Arts District. Maryland Secretary of Commerce Kelly M. Schulz recently announced Easton as one of two […]
Rock that D&I and Score High on Innovation!
Focusing on Diversity and Inclusion is all the rage! Why? As businesses face increasing pressure to innovate to stay ahead of the market, they are looking for strategic ways to capture new ideas. The people most apt to innovate are the people that world isn’t optimized for, and that includes people with disabilities of all […]
Economic News
Opportunity Zones spur investment in economically distressed census tracts by reducing capital gains taxes for investors. As previously reported, most of Easton is located in an Opportunity Zone. The State of Maryland has layered additional incentives for O-Zone investors, including tax credits for companies that locate or expand in a Maryland Opportunity Zone. These companies […]
Photos from Maryland Russian sisters state Leningrad Oblast Visit
Say Bonjour to BONHEUR, Easton’s new ice cream and pie shop
EASTON — BONHEUR, at 5 Goldsborough St., recently opened its doors in downtown Easton as an ice cream and pie shop inspired by Coco Chanel. “Ice cream is a timeless guilty pleasure,” said Paul Prager, proprietor of BONHEUR and principal of Bluepoint Hospitality Group. “We wanted to capture that sentiment and take visitors on a […]
Chesapeake Harvest has BIG NEWS!
This month’s Field Notes is an update on WHAT’S NEW at Chesapeake Harvest. We have launched our new and improved online buying platform. You will experience easier navigation as well as a better shopping experience. OUR RETAIL PICK UP LOCATION HAS CHANGED! We’re now located at Vintage Books & Fine Art – 4 N. Washington Street in Easton. […]
Economic News
While fifty-five million people live in rural U.S., it is often challenging to sift through the National news to find the news that fits the Town of Easton. The Center for Rural Strategies addresses that issue through its dailyyonder.org multimedia news site. Check it out, and while you are at it, take the annual “Save […]
Freedom Rowers Completes a Winning Spring Season
Easton, MD – Freedom Rowers recently concluded their spring season by celebrating the team’s many accomplishments on the water and saying goodbye to their departing seniors. “It seems like we just got ourselves onto the water in the cold and wind of March, and here we are sending our kids off to summer break and colleges” […]
Proposed Boathouse Plans Unveiled
At a recent meeting of the Town Council, Mitch Hager presented architectural design plans for the proposed Easton Point Boathouse at the Evergreen site. Hager was first approached by a group from Evergreen, to help in the redevelopment after seeing his other project on the Tred Avon. After months of meetings, which included examining the […]
Town of Easton
To improve the accessibility of Town Hall for its citizens, the Town of Easton has been diligently working towards a significant reconfiguration of the entrance and the interior customer service and office areas. With the blessing of the Historic District Commission and skilled assistance from the Department of Public Works, the exterior improvements will include […]
Workforce Inclusion – “When announced at Davos, business leaders Listen.”
In January 2019, a momentous discussion happened at the World Economic Forum’s annual summit, commonly referred to as Davos. “The Valuable 500” initiative was launched to spotlight the contributions people with disabilities have had to the business world, and to encourage leading companies to take the helm in spearheading inclusive hiring practices. One of the […]
M&T Bank Sponsors SCORE Mid-Shore
M&T Bank presented SCORE Mid-Shore with a charitable contribution for $2,000 on Friday April 19, 2019 at the bank’s Easton branch on Glebe Road in Talbot County. Located in Easton, SCORE Mid- Shore provides free mentoring and business advice to entrepreneurs interested in starting a new business and/or growing a small business. SCORE mentors also […]
2019 Free Enterprise Workshop Program
Over the past four months, nineteen area educators from Talbot County Public Schools, Caroline County Public Schools and Saints Peter & Paul School joined with Talbot Chamber President & CEO Al Silverstein in visiting Chesapeake College, The Inn at Perry Cabin, Agriculture Agencies, Star Democrat, Avon Dixon Agency, Easton Utilities, Easton Airport, and Phillips Wharf […]
Public Access to Waterfront Property in Easton
On August 2018, the Town of Easton submitted a grant application from Community Parks and Playgrounds Program in the amount of $200,000 for the development of Easton Point Park. The proposed park has been tagged as a way to add needed green space, while also reconnecting Easton to its waterfront heritage. Since most of the […]
Easton Ranked by Kiplinger
Easton was recently ranked 10th out of small towns and cities in millionaires by Kiplinger. “Maryland has the fourth-most millionaires per capita of any state in the U.S., according to Phoenix Marketing International. The downside? Maryland is one of Kiplinger’s 10 least tax-friendly states.” https://www.kiplinger.com/slideshow/investing/T006-S001-25-small-towns-with-big-millionaire-populations/index.html
NOAA’s Tred Avon River Ecological Assessment
NOAA’s National Ocean Service is pleased to share the conclusions of the Tred Avon River ecological assessment report in relation to Easton Point. The study, which analyzed the impacts of land use on the condition of the aquatic ecosystem in the Tred Avon River, was conducted over the period 2015-2017 in support of NOAA’s Choptank […]
Habitat for Humanity Choptank Dedicates Home #79
On Saturday, April 27th, family, friends, public officials, and Habitat homebuyers, board, staff, and volunteers gathered on Port Street in Easton, Maryland to dedicate the home of Habitat’s 79th homebuyer, Harry Seldon. Mr. Seldon was presented with the keys to his new home and moved in that day. “We are blessed to partner with people […]
Labor Market Update
The labor market continues to be very tight; National unemployment, currently at 3.6%, is at its lowest rate since 1969. This tightened market has put pay growth on an upward trend. Strong growth continues in health care, social assistance and food services. Read More
Legislative Update – Maryland Approves Wage Increase to $15 an Hour
On March 20, 2019, the Maryland General Assembly passed a new state minimum wage law. The law raises the state’s minimum wage for $10.10 to $15.00 by 2025. For employers with 15 or more employees, the wage rate will increase $0.75 each year until 2024 and increase $1.00 in 2025 as follows: 2020: $11.00 2021: […]
WRITING A BUSINESS PLAN
The business plan can be a huge stumbling block for potential small business owners. However, you do not leave on a road trip without a map. Why would you start or run a small business without a plan? SCORE Mid-Shore mentors suggest that the business plan be kept simple by addressing the following key points: […]
Easton, Maryland Receives 2019 National Main Street Accreditation
EASTON, Md. –Easton, Maryland has been designated as an accredited Main Street America™ program for meeting rigorous performance standards set by the National Main Street Center. Each year, the National Main Street Center and its partners announce the list of accredited Main Street America programs to recognize their exemplary commitment to preservation-based economic development and […]
Celebration Town of Easton project
Discover Easton to Hold Three Signature Events This Spring
EASTON, Md. – Celebrate the return of spring by joining Discover Easton at one of their three upcoming Signature Events. On Saturday, April 13th from noon to 4 p.m., Eat Sprout and Discover Easton are teaming up for Farmer Appreciation Day. This new Signature Event is hosted at Eat Sprout (335 N. Aurora Street, Easton, […]
MXW Adopted for Easton Point
A significant step in the development of Easton Point has been achieved with the approval of the revised Mixed-Use Waterfront (MXW) Zoning District regulations by the Easton Town Council on March 18, 2019. April 7th marked 20 days since the Mayor signed the Ordinance, making it now officially part of the Town’s Zoning Code. The […]
2019 Free Enterprise Class soaks in the beauty of the Inn at Perry Cabin
The 2019 Free Enterprise Workshop is a partnership between the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce and the Talbot County Public School System. The program is based on the nationally recognized ACES Program. Over the past 29 years more than 375 business visits have been made by Talbot County educators. In 2018 the program was expanded […]
Discover Easton to Hold Three Signature Events This Spring
EASTON, Md. – Celebrate the return of spring by joining Discover Easton at one of their three upcoming Signature Events. On Saturday, April 13th from noon to 4 p.m., Eat Sprout and Discover Easton are teaming up for Farmer Appreciation Day. This new Signature Event is hosted at Eat Sprout (335 N. Aurora Street, Easton, […]
Meet Qlarant – Portrait of an Inclusive Employer
In previous discussions about inclusion, we have seen how fully committing to this innovative philosophy and letting it permeate a company’s culture creates a better environment and an improved bottom line. We know strategies to assure diversity and a welcoming environment to people of all abilities has been an extraordinary positive for Easton based Qlarant. […]
Eastern Shore Community Rowers
Eastern Shore Community Rowers’ (ESCR) 2018 season ended with a bang-up finale at the Hager House on the Tred Avon. The ESCR mission is to foster a stronger, healthier community and environment by promoting, educating and training adults of all ages and abilities in the sport of rowing. With spring around the corner, the rowers are […]
If a small business wants to work for the Federal government, recognize that these contracting efforts require a long-term commitment of time, research, dedicated resources (staff and dollars) plus a short-, mid- and long-term market strategy. Though complex, the Federal business environment offers many economic advantages for small businesses that directly impact the employment growth […]
High Schoolers’ Environmental Plan Takes the Prize
EASTON — St. Michaels High School students designed an environmental plan in addressing pollution and erosion at Easton Point and carried home a shiny gold trophy for their efforts on March 5 at the ACE Mentor Program of Maryland’s Eastern Shore 15th annual awards and scholarships ceremony. About 150 students, parents, ACE mentors and local […]
The Key to an Inclusive Workplace
Fortune 500 companies and Starbucks share a secret when it comes to inclusive hiring and retention practices. Successful companies know that supporting diversity of all types can create a positive, nurturing environment where all employees feel safe and cared for. Workforce diversity means creative, out-of-the-box thinking when it comes to new or sticky business dilemmas. […]
Talbot Chamber Supports Small Business Participation in Association Health Plans
Small businesses must have access to affordable group health insurance plans to provide as benefits to their employees. In June 2018, the U.S. Department of Labor published a final rule creating a new pathway for small businesses to participate in association health plans. This rule means that small business owners, employees of small businesses, family […]
High Tea, Floats and Potato Races mark St. Pat’s Day
The Easton Business Alliance will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday, March 17 with its annual parade, followed by the fan favorite Potato Race on Washington Street. Before the parade, enjoy a cup of tea at the Academy Art Museum’s afternoon tea service. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at Brewers Lane […]
The Housing on the Hill
The Housing on the Hill initiative is now maturing. The town of Easton has completed one house and is currently working on two others. The most recent project includes raising the residential structure to install a new foundation. The foundation also encompasses a new addition to the rear of the existing house to add a kitchen, […]
Workforce Inclusion and why Talbot County should take notice
Workforce Inclusion and why Talbot County should take notice On the Eastern Shore, we have a need for a workforce that is strong, steady and reliable. Few realize that there is a pool of workers right here that tends to be overlooked with traditional recruitment. People with disabilities often do not get an opportunity to […]
Craft Beer Is the Strangest, Happiest Economic Story in America
Corporate goliaths are taking over the U.S. economy, yet small breweries are thriving. Why? As corporate behemoths continue their march to consolidate their control over most economic sectors, the craft beverage sector is outperforming in business and job creation, all during a period of time when U.S. beer consumption declined. Read More
Easton Revises Waterfront Zoning Plan
The Town of Easton has nearly completed its revisions of the Mixed Use Waterfront (MXW) Zoning Regulations. After reviewing a number of comments at its December meeting, the Easton Planning and Zoning Commission made final changes to the document. They then forwarded the proposal to the Mayor and Council, who held a public hearing on […]
EEDC Port Street Neighborhood meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 29th at 7 p.m.
The next EEDC Port Street Neighborhood meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 29th at Post #77 (102 Glenwood Ave) at 7:00 p.m. Light dessert and refreshments will be provided by EEDC and Post #77. The meeting will include a topical interactive discussion based on questions that arose from the Port Street Neighborhood meeting held […]
Score Mid-Shore
SCORE Mid-Shore is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to providing free business mentoring to those who wish to establish a small business, grow a small business or enhance overall small business operations. SCORE Mid-Shore (a resource partner of the US Small Business Administration) is the region’s premier small business mentoring organization. The volunteer, non-profit entity is […]
Global Vision 2020
Global Vision 2020 (GV2020), located at 12 N. Washington St. in Easton is an international humanitarian organization founded by former US Marine, J. Kevin White. GV2020’s mission is to distribute new prescription eyeglasses to people living at the Base of the Pyramid (BoP) in low resource nations around the world. The unique, patented, and clinically […]
Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance Update
After approximately two years’ work to create a Mixed Use Waterfront Zoning District, the MXW District, the Easton Planning and Zoning Commission and Planning staff are gearing up for the next significant long-range planning project. This will be a comprehensive update of the Zoning Ordinance as a whole. While the Planning Commission often considers or […]
Hogan details plans to ‘supercharge’ Maryland Opportunity Zones
Governor Larry Hogan announced a series of initiatives and legislation to “supercharge” the Maryland Opportunity Zone program. “Providing federal capital gains tax incentives is a great start, but it may not be enough to ensure the revitalization of many of these neighborhoods and communities,” Hogan said. “So, we plan to do everything in our power […]
Maryland Department of Commerce Accepting Applications for Cybersecurity Tax Credit
The Maryland Department of Commerce is accepting applications for the new Buy Maryland Cybersecurity Tax Credit, designed to encourage small businesses to purchase cybersecurity technologies and services from qualified Maryland cybersecurity companies. To register as a Qualified Maryland Cybersecurity Seller (QMCS), Maryland companies must meet certain criteria and submit an application to Maryland Commerce. Once approved, the […]
Easton Business Alliance to Hold Industry & Business Community Meetings in 2019
The Easton Business Alliance held industry meetings with independent Easton retailer and art gallery owners in the 4th quarter of 2018. Plans were put into action for the 2018 holiday season and local merchants shared ideas to boost consumer activity. Sip & Shop Sundays were a direct result of the first meeting. Stores extended their […]
MEPE conducts teacher training
EASTON — With the growing demands of “Career Connections” at all grade levels, educators can benefit from knowing how their course work meets specific requirements in business and industry. The Upper Shore Manufacturing and Business Council developed a program called “Manufacturing and Education: Partnership for Excellence” that was held from September to December. Area educators […]
Shore food market expands through Chesapeake Harvest
EASTON — The Easton Economic Development Corporation created Chesapeake Harvest in 2015 to help small and mid-size farmers develop further economically. Easton native Jordan Lloyd, owner of the Bartlett Pear Inn, was asked to help lead the program in the right direction. A member of the EEDC Board of Directors, Lloyd was named director of […]
Building African American Minds
$2.5M has been raised and construction started on a new gymnasium, community room and offices for BAAM on Jowite Street. Once this phase is completed, another $1M will be raised and invested to add classrooms, event space and offices to BAAM’s current space, creating a solar-powered campus to house all of BAAM’s after school and […]
Sip & Shop Sundays
The independently owned retail community of Downtown Easton is bringing charm and leisure to the holiday shopping season with Sip & Shop Sundays. Each Sunday leading up to Christmas, retail stores in Historic Easton hold special hours and invite shoppers to enjoy their holiday gift buying in a charming small-town Christmas atmosphere. <> <> […]
Talbot County Wins 2018 Tourism Award at Maryland’s Tourism & Travel Summit
The Talbot County Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Talbot County Frederick Douglass 200 Committee were honored at the 38th Annual Maryland Tourism & Travel Summit for their work on the Year of Frederick Douglass. Presented by the Maryland Office of Tourism Development and the Maryland Tourism Development Board, the Leveraging Partnerships Award honored […]
Shoppers Show Their Support for Local Businesses During the Third-Annual Moonlight Madness in Easton, MD
Shoppers Show Their Support for Local Businesses During the Third-Annual Moonlight Madness in Easton, MD The third-annual Moonlight Madness Shopping Event in Downtown Easton was a great success for local retailers. Many stores cited the event as one of their biggest sales days of the year. It has grown to become a celebration of the […]
Sustaining Strong Communities On Maryland’s Eastern Shore
Expand meaningful access to community College. Continue and strengthen successful approaches to workforce development. Repeal ineffective tax limitations. And when preparing for climate change, be prepared for the worst. These are just several of the policy recommendations outlined in Sustaining Strong Communities: On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, a report published by the Maryland Center on Economic […]
Talbot Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament Donates to Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers
Each summer the Talbot Chamber of Commerce hosts the Talbot Chamber Golf Tournament and selects one non-profit to benefit from the proceeds raised. This year, the tournament was held at the Talbot Country Club and the Chamber is pleased to announce Critchlow Adkins Children’s Centers were chosen as the non-profit beneficiary. Thanks to tournament sponsors […]
Net Zero Homes
Net Zero homes will soon be built by the Housing Commission of Talbot. Nine new units will be built in two multifamily housing units: one two-story structure with five units, and a second with four units. Each will have two bedrooms and one bath. These homes will front closely upon Port and West Street, maintaining the spatial […]
Mayor’s Note
“When I was growing up in the area near Port Street, most people knew each other. We kids were free to roam and play; it was a young boy’s dream. One goal for redevelopment is to return the waterfront area to a place where kids can play and discover. The plan calls for recreation areas […]
A Chat with Mayor Willey: A New Footbridge and Proof of Concept for the Easton Economic Development Corporation
Mayor Bob Willey of Easton is well-known for being a soft-spoken type. Leaning on his conservative instincts and a Talbot County upbringing, he’s never been too animated in his support of a town initiative or project. Let the facts be presented calmly, without due pressure, his thinking goes, and a consensus of support will emerge. […]
Hogan Joins Mistletoe Hall Kickoff
Photo by Christina Acosta On Friday afternoon, Oct. 19, local, county and state officials gathered to announce construction on Easton’s new commerce and business park at the Mistletoe Hall Farm. The 86.25-acre parcel on Goldsborough Neck Road, which comprises seven parcels, offers a prime location to encourage entrepreneurial activity and support business expansion and attraction. […]
Housing on the Hill – 308 South Street is on the market
308 South Street was developed by the Town of Easton “Housing on the Hill” project and through the efforts of their Affordable Workforce Housing Program. This home, originally built about 1900, has under gone extensive renovations from the ground up. The structure was lifted to build a new foundation before being set back in place. […]
Farm + Fish + Food + Technology = Our Future
An innovative statewide public/private initiative, launched by Easton’s own Eastern Shore Entrepreneurship Center (ESEC), seeks to create a renaissance of economic growth and prosperity, building on Maryland’s industries of agriculture and seafood. F³ Tech (Farm-Fish-Food) is a proof-of-concept and commercialization initiative enabling solutions through the development of new products and services in response to market-driven […]
Third-annual Moonlight Madness returns to Easton November 30
The Easton Business Alliance invites you to enjoy the holiday spirit by bringing the entire family to town during its third-annual Moonlight Madness shopping event. The festivities begin Friday, November 30 at 4 p.m. Stores, galleries, and restaurants in downtown Easton will stay open late and welcome holiday shoppers throughout the evening, leading up to […]
Town of Easton Announces Public Hearing on Proposed Revised Mixed Use Waterfront Zoning Regs
In December of 2017, the Easton Town Council brought over three years of Planning for Easton Point and the Port Street Corridor to a close with the adoption of several documents, including the Port Street Small Area Plan. This Plan grew initially from a Town of Easton-Salisbury University project, was subsequently advanced as one of […]
CHESAPEAKE HARVEST AND PARTNER WIN USDA-NIFA AWARD TO BUILD A CULTURE OF FOOD SAFETY
Chesapeake Harvest, a project of the Easton Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Future Harvest, Chesapeake Alliance for Sustainable Agriculture (FHCASA), has been awarded a USDA Food Safety Outreach Program (FSOP) grant. Designed to build a culture of food safety among specialty crop producers in the Chesapeake Bay region, the one-year award of just under […]
Talbot County Chamber Workforce Development Task Force to convene
The Talbot County Chamber Workforce Development Taskforce will host its first meeting on November 6, 2018, from 8:00 – 9:30 am, at the Talbot Chamber office. This Taskforce is a collaborative effort of Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, government agencies and private sector community leaders. It will be an assembly of committed individuals who are […]
Impact of human activities in the Tred Avon River
NOAA’s Cooperative Oxford Laboratory (COL) in Oxford, MD, conducted an ecological assessment in the Tred Avon River over a 3-year period (2015-2017) to identify impacts of human activity on the environment. In this study, COL assessed the effects of different land use characteristics (urban, agriculture, mixed forest) on the condition of the aquatic ecosystem.
Announcing New Easton Airport Manager – Micah Risher
On September 28th, Micah Risher, a lifetime Easton native and US Navy veteran, took the reins of Easton Airport, stepping into the very large shoes of the long-standing and much beloved former manager, Mike Henry. Mr. Risher brings to his new role over 25 years of operational and administrative experience which directly applies to his […]
Retiring Baby Boomer with a Business? Consider selling to your employees
Baby boomers own the majority of small businesses, but only 17 percent of them have a formal exit plan for when they want to retire. The consequences could mean the disappearance of the lifeblood of a community, jobs and community wealth. A report published recently, “Co-Op Conversions at Scale,” takes a deep dive into another […]
Talbot Commerce Park Poised For Growth
Talbot Commerce Park (TCP) is located in an ideal location close to the Easton bypass and Route 50. The Park was annexed into the Town of Easton in 2014 and is fully upgraded with public sewer and water service, with complete access road
Shore Regional Health Files Certificate of Need for New Hospital in Easton
An Architectural rendering of the exterior of the proposed new Easton hospital. Contributed photo. University of Maryland Shore Regional Health filed a Certificate of Need application to the Maryland Health Care Commission for a new hospital that will relocate and replace Shore Medical Center at Easton, currently located in downtown Easton. The current design of […]
SED TALKS Shore Economic Development
To register: Click Here
Housing on the Hill. An Affordable Workforce Housing Effort
The Town of Easton currently owns six houses purchased through a Strategic Demolition and Smart Growth Impact Fund in an area that has become known as the “Hill”. An additional house is owned by the Housing Authority of the Town of Easton. These houses are located within a small four block area of the “Hill” […]
Officials getting to the Point
EASTON — Representatives from the Town of Easton, Talbot County and the State of Maryland gathered for a preliminary meeting Aug. 28 at the Easton town hall to further discuss the Easton Point area. Easton Mayor Bob Willey led the meeting with a presentation outlining the project’s progress so far and the related resolutions that […]
PLACE Affordable Housing Event – Press Releases, April 25, 2017 through May 12, 2017
PLACE Affordable Housing Event – Press Releases, April 25, 2017 through May 12, 2017 Apr 25, 2017 – Star Democrat Public forum set on housing in Port Street corridor EASTON — A public forum is scheduled for a nonprofit to develop an analysis of the housing portion of the Port Street Small Area Master Plan. […]
Port Street Plan Study Starts to Look at Affordable Housing
While it is too early to have any concrete ideas on the table as to how a Port Street Master Plan might look, the Easton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) took a few important steps over the last three days to start this important visioning process with a special focus on affordable housing. Through a series […]
Chesapeake Harvest with Deena Deese Kilmon
There seems to be a good bit of nostalgia about the traditional family farm on the Eastern Shore as of late. Going back centuries, the idea of a self-sufficient, agricultural enterprise that’s focused on locally grown produce has had a minor renaissance as consumers continue to seek out healthy alternatives to commercial grown “fresh” fruit and […]
Easton Velocity provides Gigabit Connectivity
EASTON, MD, December 16, 2016 — How does a town like Easton help spur economic development and appeal to technology-savvy businesses? While the charm of our Town may be a driving force, there is one more compelling component. Gigabit connectivity. The expansive fiber optic network throughout the Town of Easton is providing gigabit speed to […]
Startup Next Mini-Accelerator – 3/3-4/35
Whether you want to get accepted into a top accelerator or raise a seed round, these sessions will help you get focused on what matters to reach that goal. By mentoring your team and providing investor or accelerator introductions, your startup will be ready for that next step. This event takes place February 22-25 at […]
Startup Weekend Delmarva 2/22 – 2/25
Startup Weekend is a 54 hour event that brings together Delmarva designers, developers, entrepreneurs, and experts from all domains to do amazing things. All Startup Weekend events follow the same basic model: anyone is welcome to pitch their startup idea and receive feedback from their peers. Teams form around the top ideas (as determined by popular […]
Eastern Shore Legislative Reception – 2/19
An annual event, the Taste of the Eastern Shore Legislative Reception at the Loews Hotel in Annapolis, MD is a networking opportunity for entrepreneurs and startups to meet and speak with members of Maryland General Assembly during its legislative session. The event features an array of Eastern Shore delicacies along with informational booths about Lower […]
Easton TechConnect Meetup: Breakfast and AfterHours – Monthly
Similar to the Baltimore TechBreakfast format, this Eastern Shore event is where entrepreneurs, techies, developers, designers, business people, and interested people see showcases on cool new technology in a demo format and interact with each other in a “Show and Tell for Adults” format: No boring presentations or speakers who drone on. This is a “show and […]
SBY TechConnect Meetup – Monthly
Similar to the Baltimore TechBreakfast format, this Eastern Shore event is where entrepreneurs, techies, developers, designers, business people, and interested people see showcases on cool new technology in a demo format and interact with each other in a “Show and Tell for Adults” format: No boring presentations or speakers who drone on. This is a “show and […]
