REPORT - Cecil County

2015
ANNUAL
REPORT
CECIL COUNTY OFFICE OF
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
WWW.CECILBUSINESS.ORG
Who
We Are
The Cecil County Office of Economic Development
(OED) stimulates economic growth and job creation
through the expansion of the County’s existing
business and agricultural base, attraction of new
business and the development of tourism.
Strategically located between Baltimore and
Philadelphia, Cecil County pulses with intellectual
and economic energy. Our convenient access
to international airports, major seaports and the
Interstate 95/U.S. 40 corridor boosts productivity and
profit margins. Our proximity to premiere intellectual
institutions fuels partnerships and groundbreaking
research in a variety of industries. The total package,
Cecil County boasts brains and beauty. Our country
setting, modern conveniences and cultural offerings
attract over 100,000 high-achieving residents and
innovators like W.L. Gore & Associates, Terumo
Medical Corporation, Orbital ATK and Veltec.
PA
Cecil continues to thrive, grow and
innovate. An outstanding educational
system, the opening of our new stateof-the-art School of Technology, our
prized national award-winning public
library, “very strong and stable bond
rating” opinion and unique presence in
the Mid Atlantic area all create an inviting environment we
call home!
Cecil County’s Office of Economic Development has been
diligent in promoting the County, developing new programs
and initiatives for our businesses and connecting them to
the resources needed to help them thrive. We have seen
tremendous interest this past year in our properties, our
great education and our stellar waterfront — all of which tell
a compelling story about Cecil being a great place to live!
Mike Ratchford, Chair
Economic Development Commission
I am honored to serve as the chair of
this enthusiastic Commission. We are
not only advisors, but work alongside
OED staff to support economic
development for this county. Our efforts
in supporting the Incubator Feasibility
Study, developing new programs and
being ambassadors of our success outside our county help
to strengthen our community’s message: Cecil is open for
business!
Lisa Webb, Director
Cecil County Economic Development
Cecil County
DE
Washington
D.C.
Tari Moore, County Executive
Our office continues to advance our
Strategic Plan that contributes to
the economic vitality of the County:
promoting success, connecting
resources and strengthening our
industry. To achieve this, we have
engaged leaders, implemented the
new workforce training program and further developed our
incubator concept with the support of a consultant. As a
result, we’re managing a heavy load of prospect inquiries,
calls from brokers and site selectors.
Cecil offers enormous opportunity
in the Mid-Atlantic Region and is
poised for growth!
Small Business Success
On the Cutting Edge: Galvinell Meat Company
The Galvinell Meat Company, the only United States Department of
Agriculture (USDA) - Certified butcher in Cecil and Harford Counties, propels
profits within the local livestock industry. Cut out for customer delight,
their retail store specializes in specialty requests and barbecue equipment
for lease or purchase. To keep this local gem going strong, OED, SBDC,
Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) and Maryland
Agricultural and Resource-Based Industry Development Corporation
(MARBIDCO) collaborated on a financial package to purchase Galvinell a
state-of-the-art computer system and training to sustain operations.
Grape Expectations at Chateau Bu-De
Nestled on the Bohemia Manor Farm in Chesapeake City, Chateau Bu-De is
Cecil County’s newest vineyard and thriving small business. Owners Brenda
and Warren Dedrick cultivate approximately 24,000 vines — 10,000 of which
were planted in 2015. The winery features a bucolic barn tasting room, and
construction is almost complete on a 10,000-square-foot processing facility.
Customers savor wines while enjoying splendid views of the Bohemia River.
NEW, EXPANDED AND
RETAINED BUSINESSES
Construction of ODEC’s new power generation
facility anticipated to be complete in 2017.
Quantum Controls
New (Utilities)
AUI Power
Expansion (Utilities)
Chateau Bu-De
Expansion (Agriculture)
Union Hospital
Expansion (Education and
Healthcare Services)
I-Lighting
Expansion (Manufacturing)
ISE
Expansion (Agriculture)
Micropore Relocation (Manufacturing)
Economic
Development
Commission
Technology
The Technology Committee furthered the 2013 Strategic
Plan, advancing our technology-progressive identity
in Cecil County. In Fall 2014, the team released an RFP
for an incubator feasibility study and business plan.
The committee later commissioned Axcel Innovations,
LLC of Virginia to complete this two phase study. Phase
I, which assessed market feasibility, was completed
and presented to the public in Spring 2015. The study’s
favorable results led us to pursue Phase II. Phase II,
slated for completion in Fall 2015, will include business
and implementation plans and financial feasibility
analysis. The Technology Committee is grateful to
the state and regional partners lending support and
momentum to this initiative.
The Economic Development Commission
(EDC) convenes business, education and
government representatives to advance the
local economy. The EDC’s 2013 Strategic
Plan targeted the following focus areas:
technology, finance, education/workforce,
land use and communications.
of the region. The committee grew partnerships
and coordinated activities to engage the business
community. Regional economic and workforce partners
focused on industry sectors and consortia activities
related to manufacturing, construction, healthcare,
transportation and logistics and information technology/
cyber-security.
The committee nurtured the growth of the Workforce
Training Partnership implemented over the past year.
This program helped companies improve workers’
technical skills, boosting businesses and employees
economically. Additionally, the committee advocated for
the new Cecil County School of Technology, an essential
educational asset that will meet the future needs of our
workforce.
Finance
Land Use
The Finance Committee is a synergistic task force that
attracts and retains businesses through competitive
financial incentives. They guided the OED in its effort
to market the existing Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and
assisted businesses wishing to utilize the fund. In
addition, the Finance and Technology Committees
explored financial programs supporting businesses
located in and graduating from incubators.
The Land Use Committee participated in the WILMAPCO
Route 40 Visioning Project to address safety and
functionality concerns of this transportation corridor.
The team also worked with the County’s Broadband
Task Force to identify underserved areas and brainstorm
strategies related to connectivity. Thanks to the
contributions of the County’s GIS Specialist, new
mapping will provide business owners with promising
options along the County’s growth corridor.
The Finance Committee actively promoted the Video
Lottery Terminal (VLT) Fund. A funding source created
by the State of Maryland from casino revenues, this
program assists small, minority, women and veteranowned businesses located near casinos.
Education/Workforce
The Education and Workforce Committee developed
workforce strategies that created jobs, helped
businesses grow and advanced the economic potential
Communications
Positioning Cecil County as a place for families and
businesses to grow and prosper, the Communications
Committee updated the County’s welcome videos on
the website portal. These promotional videos showcase
the area’s quality of life, economic development
landscape, real estate climate and more. The committee
collaborated with local businesses to support the
project. The videos will debut in Fall 2015.
Economic
Development
Commission
Members
Michael Ratchford, Chair
Norman Gaither, Technology Chair
Robert Palsgrove, Finance Chair
Denise Davis, Workforce &
Education Chair
Rupert Rossetti, Land Use Chair
JoAnn Dawson,
Communications Chair
Dan Schneckenburger,
County Council Liaison
Dr. Mary Way Bolt
Walter Buck
Linda Burris
Danny DeMarinis
Dr. D’Ette Devine
Bruce England
Paula Gilley
Scott Holland
Woody Jackson
Lauren Johnsky
Michael Lara
Dr. Ken Lewis
Doris Mason
Grove Miller
Michael Travers II
Representatives from:
Cecilton
Charlestown
Chesapeake City
Elkton
North East
Perryville
Port Deposit
Rising Sun
Stimulating Growth
Enterprise Zone (EZ)
Cecil Business First
Cecil County’s Enterprise Zone (EZ), which was designed to
stimulate growth and improve employment, is an essential tool in
business location and expansion. The zone is comprised of nine
business parks located throughout the County’s growth corridor.
During FY 2015, the zone was expanded by 1,251 acres and now
encompasses the Town of Port Deposit and Bainbridge, the
former naval training center.
Cecil Business First is a grassroots initiative focusing on
first-hand business retention efforts. Last year, the program
successfully matched businesses with resources specific to
their needs. OED’s 20-plus personal visits supported businesses
in the areas of manufacturing, logistics, engineering/surveyors
and service. The workforce assistance, retention training
and permitting assistance advanced business objectives in a
meaningful way.
ZONED FOR SUCCESS
Capital investment totaled
$9.7 M
($3 M new construction,
$6 M+ renovations) & created
35 new jobs
Workforce Training Partnership
Program
This innovative program helped eligible companies
gain the critical skills, upgrades or technical training
to boost production and competitiveness. Subject to
the availability of funds, organizations received up
to $1,000 in matching funds per person, totaling no
more than $20,000 per business per fiscal year.
PARTNERS IN PROFITS
ASSISTED
3 BUSINESSES
11
PARTICIPANTS
$5,000
IN GRANTS AWARDED
$10,000
IN TOTAL TRAINING
Cecil Business Resource Partners
(CBRP)
OED actively participated in the Cecil Business Resource
Partners (CBRP) group, assisting entrepreneurs and businesses
within Cecil County. The group supported small businesses with
complimentary support services via referrals, problem solving
and networking.
Cecil Business Resource Partners:
Business and Education Partnership Advisory Council
Cecil College
Cecil County Chamber of Commerce
Cecil County Office of Economic Development
Cecil County Public Library
Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development (DBED)
Small Business Development Center
Susquehanna Workforce Network
RAMP-MD: Regional Additive
Manufacturing Partnership of
Maryland
RAMP-MD’s inaugural year was a fruitful one, yielding
partnerships that will expand the state’s additive
manufacturing capabilities. The group secured 12
agreements from industry partners and hosted their first
symposium. Cecil was well-represented on the board of
directors, which included members of OED, Cecil College,
Cecil County Public Schools, Cecil County Public Library,
Terumo Medical and Orbital ATK.
Port of Baltimore/CSX
Cecil continues to collaborate with the Port of Baltimore
and CSX in support of their expansions, and the interest to
export worldwide! Some of our existing companies utilizing
the Port of Baltimore and/or CSX include; IKEA, Michelin,
General Electric, W.L. Gore & Associates, Herr Foods, Burris
Logistics, Maryland Cork, Richie Bros., ISE America and
Siemens/Mitsubishi. Cecil offers significant available land
along the Growth Corridor to accommodate port and rail
customers.
America’s Small Business
Development Center (SBDC)
Working together with area business partners, OED’s SBDC
representative provided free consulting and assistance
to new and existing small businesses. SBDC’s counseling
sessions honed in on essential business needs, such as:
preparing and executing business plans, financing, strategic
planning and goal setting. Subject matter also addressed
challenges and opportunities associated with establishing
and expanding small businesses.
SMALL BUSINESS SAVVY
26
sessions
156 counseling
offered
workshops
delivered
16 training
small business
clients supported
Listening Tour with
DBED Secretary
Michael Gill
Maryland DBED Secretary Mike
Gill joined Economic Development
Director Lisa Webb and elected
officials on a local portion of the
State’s Listening Tour on June 25,
hosted at W.L. Gore & Associates.
Highlights included discussions
on county needs, the impact of legislation and local
challenges and opportunities. A facility tour given at the end
of the event showcased W.L. Gore’s diverse capabilities.
Global Cities Initiative
OED assisted the Greater Baltimore Committee (GBC) with
the Global Cities Initiative, an effort designed to boost
exporting and foreign direct investment. Eligible Cecil
County businesses participated in an email survey and
phone interviews with GBC to convey their export needs,
challenges and successes. A key outcome of this ongoing
project is a Metropolitan Export Plan for our region.
CONGRATULATIONS TO
•
Mike Ratchford: Volunteer of
the Year from Maryland Economic
Development Association
•
Sandy Turner: President’s Award
from North East Chamber of Commerce
•
Joanne Richart-Young:
Distinguished Service Award from
Maryland Horse Industry Board and
Maryland Department of Agriculture
Promotion
Commercial Broker Event
The 2014 Commercial Broker Tour and Luncheon
convened nearly 100 regional brokers and property
owners invested in Cecil County’s continued growth.
Participants hailed from greater Philadelphia,
Wilmington, Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Attendees
toured available buildings and sites, including Principio
Industrial Park. Stewart Properties was a premiere event
sponsor.
Economic Development Week
OED participated in 2014 Maryland Economic
Development Week from October 27-31. County
Executive Tari Moore, Economic Development Director
Lisa Webb and other team members visited businesses
representing a range of industries, including agriculture,
manufacturing and professional services. OED hosted a
community open house during the week, educating the
public on the tools and resources available to them.
Cecil Night in Annapolis
This annual event was hosted by OED and the Cecil
County Chamber of Commerce Government Relations
Committee in conjunction with the opening of the
Maryland General Assembly session held in January.
Attendees participated in “Get to Know Annapolis,” an
afternoon session that included tours of both houses and
presentations from senators and delegates. The evening
reception, which gave guests the chance to network
with elected officials, was well-attended.
Economic Development and Your
Community
This workshop helped community leaders position
their municipalities for success. Representatives from
the Maryland Department of Housing and Community
Development (DHCD) and Maryland Historical Trust
discussed Main Street designation, Sustainable
Communities designation and Historic Rehabilitation tax
credits. The Maryland Economic Development Association
(MEDA), OED and the Town of Elkton shared valuable
perspectives on local economic development. Over 100
attendees lent their ears and insights to the event.
Tourism
Totals in Cecil County
Generated $152 million in sales
Supported 2,422 county jobs
$90 million in wages
Provided $22 million in local & state
tax revenues
Tourism
Cecil County Tourism continued to market our destination
with imagination. Whether on the road at shows and
events in Maryland and Pennsylvania, marketing Tourism
Month or crafting proposals, the department celebrated
our attributes far and wide. Highlights include:
• Bassmaster Elite planning
• Southwest Airlines national prize partnership
• Cecil County photo contest
• Cecil County’s first wedding destination guide
• Maryland Sportsmen’s Marketing Initiative leadership
Visit www.seececil.org for more information!
Sports Tourism
Cecil County championed local sports tourism with the
Bassmaster Elite Tournament and the development of
Calvert Regional Park. Cecil County Tourism also joined
Team Maryland to promote our location’s venues, events
and amenities.
On the Horizon
Bassmaster Elite Series (2015)
Cecil County will hold its first Bassmaster Elite
Tournament from August 13-16, 2015. The tournament is
set to feature over 100 of the top professional anglers in
the world, and is expected to draw between 10,000 and
30,000 visitors to Cecil County.
Agriculture
Cecil County’s agricultural offerings remained rich
and ripe with innovation. Once again, Cecil’s acres
of corn, soybeans, wheat, barley and fruit reaped
economic rewards for area growers. In an effort
to provide the finest local products, orchards,
nurseries, wineries and vineyards continued to
experiment with alternative agricultural techniques.
Cecil County’s Award-Winning
Vineyards and Wineries
Chateau Bu-De
Terrapin Station Winery
Dove Valley Winery
Turkey Point Vineyard
Elk Manor Winery
Cecil County CommunitySupported Agriculture
Calvert Farm
Stone Run Farm
Fair Weather Farm
at Fair Hill
Wallin Organic Farm
Calvert Regional Park (Ongoing)
Construction of the 112-acre Calvert Regional Park
continued at a steady pace. Once complete, the park will
feature synthetic turf fields designed for football, soccer,
field hockey, lacrosse and rugby. Sod was laid on two
natural grass fields, stone was laid on three fourths of the
parking lot and Phase 1-B earth work began at the site.
Cecil County Parks and Recreation capitalized on our
wide open spaces, confirming several tournaments for
Spring/Summer 2016 and two tournaments for Fall 2016.
Cecil County Parks and Recreation is a proud member of
Team Maryland.
Prospect Activity
OED engaged 45 prospects last fiscal year through
its business development, retention and expansion
efforts. OED actively pursued prospects with follow up
information, site tours and responses to RFIs. Ongoing
dialogue with partner agencies deepened understanding
and collaboration.
Trade,
Transportation
and Utilities
Agriculture/
Agribusiness
Priapi Gardens
Agricultural Promotion
•
Beer, Wine and Spirits Workshop
•
Joe Bartenfelder, Maryland Secretary of
Agriculture, attended Fair Hill Races
•
Maryland Stadium Authority and Maryland
Department of Agriculture continued their study
of Maryland Horse Park System
•
Eighth Annual Cecil County Harvest Dinner
•
Governor’s Buy Local Cookout participant
•
Cecil County Farmers’ Market in North East
Construction
Education and
Health Services
Professional and
Business Services
Information
Technology
Manufacturing
Leisure and
Hospitality
Natural Resources
and Mining
Agriculture/Agribusiness....... 9
Manufacturing........................ 10
Construction............................. 1
Natural Resources and
Mining........................................ 1
Education and Health
Services..................................... 1
Information Technology.......... 3
Leisure and Hospitality........... 1
Professional and Business
Services................................... 11
Trade, Transportation and
Utilities....................................... 8
Municipal Focus
Cecil County is home to eight
municipalities brimming with history,
beauty and small town charm.
Cecilton
Elkton
Mayor: Joseph Zang, III
Population: 672
Mayor: Robert Alt
Population: 15,852
The Parklands of Cecilton Apartments,
the only affordable housing
development in lower Cecil County, is
nearly complete. The project will produce tax revenues that
will enhance citizen welfare and the delivery of essential
public services. In addition, adding over 200 homes in the
Pearce Creek Service Area to the Town’s water system (at
no cost to the Town) will generate funds for the Enterprise
Account.
The Town of Elkton enjoyed over $10
million invested in FY 2015 by new and
emerging local businesses, including
the Hertrich Chrysler, Dodge & Jeep dealership, the Ramsey
Ford dealerships and four new restaurants. Additional
planning and development activities included: the Veterans
Hope store on West High Street; the Armed Forces Career
Center in Delancy Plaza; and Union Hospital’s Urgent Care at
123 Singerly Avenue.
Charlestown
North East
President: Joseph Letts, III
Population: 1,197
Mayor: Robert McKnight
Population: 3,715
In Spring 2015, the historic Cecil Inn
was sold to a private individual, and
renovations are underway. The Town
also considered purchasing the former Avalon Marina.
While no immediate plans are slated for the property, it is
contiguous with existing town land and has the makings of
an excellent park. In addition, new housing efforts continued
in the annexed areas of town.
Chesapeake City
Mayor: Dean Geracimos
Population: 690
Revitalization plans are well underway
with the completion of the Biddle Street
project. The project features ADACompliant sidewalks along the main route through the North
Side of this divided canal town. Chesapeake City is proud
to announce the completion of the Ben Cardin Recreational
Trail along the C&D Canal, which connects to the Mike
Castle Trail in Delaware. The South Side Historic District
welcomed two new retail shops and an upscale steakhouse.
The Town applied for Sustainable
Community status. A partnering project
with SHA is in the final planning stages,
providing sidewalk, crosswalk and safe connections for
our residents. A new North East branch of the Cecil County
Public Library will be constructed on land purchased by
Cecil County Government, located in close proximity to
surrounding neighborhoods. Main Street continues to see
new business activity. Additionally, Riverwoods at North
East is a new workforce housing community containing 76
apartments.
Perryville
Mayor: James Eberhardt
Population: 4,429
Perryville offers a variety of grants:
façade, revitalization and grants to
community non-profits. During FY 2015,
over $70,000 was reinvested into the
community by way of these grant programs, with $40,000
budgeted for FY 2016. The Town applied for and received
Sustainable Community status through Maryland DBED and
is working toward a Sustainable Maryland certification.
Port Deposit
Rising Sun
Mayor: Wayne Tome, Sr.
Population: 659
Mayor: Travis Marion
Population: 2,877
In 2009, the Town’s boundary was
expanded to encompass the 1,250-acre
Bainbridge property, located on the
granite bluff overlooking downtown. In 2015, the property
was designated an Enterprise Zone, and the historic
Tome School buildings were included in the Sustainable
Community designation, both providing tax credits. The
addition of Lee’s Landing Dock Bar on the waterfront
complimented other successful restaurants. Salon Phileo
and Main Street Mercantile brought new energy to the area.
The Town underwent a renaissance this
past year with the installation of a dog
park, Stone Run wetlands restoration
project, landscaping and beautification and a $633,000 DNR
Grant for stormwater improvements. Construction finished
on the $14 million wastewater treatment plant. This familyfriendly environment provides many opportunities for all
ages, including concerts, movie nights, fishing events and
the annual Tiger Trot 5k Run.
Advertising & Social Media
Like and follow us on:
Cecil County employed a variety of media to address
opportunities, advance attributes and promote positive
messaging. Publications included Area Development,
Business Facilities, Business Xpansion Journal, Global
Corporate Xpansion, Site Selection and Trade and
Industry Development. Broadcast radio outlets included
WXCY and WYPR.
Cecil County Office of Economic Development
www.facebook.com/CecilCountyEconomicDevelopment
www.twitter.com/CecilOED (@CecilOED)
Social media, email blasts and e-newsletters continued
to be an important part of OED’s marketing efforts.
Participation and engagement in OED’s Facebook and
Twitter accounts grew steadily, and email content
sparked interest in news stories and participation in
workshops and special events. Help us build the buzz
about Cecil County!
Cecil County Agriculture
www.facebook.com/CecilCountyAgriculture
Cecil County Tourism
www.facebook.com/CecilCountyMD
www.twitter.com/c_tourism (@c_tourism)
Economic Development Staff
Lisa Webb, CEcD
Economic Development Director
Christie Dougherty
Office Services Assistant
Susan O’Neill
Economic Development Manager
Sandy Turner
Tourism Coordinator
Robin McCann
Administrative Assistant
Joanne Richart-Young
Agricultural Coordinator
Dale Underwood
Office Services Assistant
Jason Zang
Economic Development
Coordinator
CECIL COUNTY OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
200 Chesapeake Blvd, Suite 2700
Elkton, Maryland 21921
(410) 996-6292
WWW.CECILBUSINESS.ORG