February 26, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball delivered the inaugural Howard County “State of Business” address at the Turf Valley Resort on Tuesday. Ball highlighted Howard County’s record low unemployment rate of 2.5 percent, a highly educated workforce, and the excellent quality of life in Howard County. He noted that despite the good economy, Howard County is looking at an “age of opportunity” to stay competitive in the region and the nation. Photos of the event can be found here. Video of the event can be watched here.
“In times of prosperity, there is a responsibility to remain vigilant. We must be innovative, thoughtful and efficient, create opportunities, and we must act now,” said Ball. “The age of opportunity starts with businesses right here in our neighborhoods.”
Ball also emphasized his administration’s commitment to listening to the business community through monthly business visits, quarterly roundtables and workshops for local and small business and smoother permitting processes. Additionally, he announced the first Innovation Week, beginning March 1st, to award $225,000 in grants to local organizations with unique and new programs.
Following his remarks, Ball sat down with Chamber of Commerce President, Leonardo McClarty. They discussed the upcoming budget process, the importance of business retention and funding priorities for the County.
In partnership with the Chamber of Commerce, County Executive Ball made the focus of this ticketed event specifically on business and economic issues, a change from previous years. Ball decided to host the “2020 State of the County” speech later this fall, so that it can be free and open to the public.