Five-Year Strategic Plan Announced by the Calvert County Economic Development Commission

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- March 04, 1997 -- The Calvert County Economic Development Commission (EDC) presented its first ever Economic Development Five-Year Strategic Plan to the Board of County Commissioners today. The Economic Development Commission is appointed by the Commissioners and acts in an advisory capacity to promote, encourage and improve the general economic well-being of Calvert County.

The Economic Development Five-Year Strategic Plan (Plan), formally adopted by the Economic Development Commission at its February, 1997 meeting, is a guide to achieving a balanced and sustainable economy in Calvert County. The Plan represents the combined effort of the Economic Development Commission, the Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC), County businesses, citizens, and public officials who worked cooperatively to analyze options and define approaches to improve the County's economic climate.

The primary purpose of the Plan is to establish priorities to most efficiently utilize public and private resources for quality economic development. The Plan asks and answers the questions of where Calvert County is today economically, where does it want to be and how to get there.

Three specific overall economic development goals are outlined by the Plan. They are:

• Maintain the character of the County;
• Increase the economic base $325 million over the next five years; and
  
• Attract 2,700 new in-County jobs for residents over the next five years.

As presented to the Board of County Commissioners, specific objectives and action items are identified for each goal in the Plan. To measure success, the Plan is intended to be reviewed and updated each calendar year by the Economic Development Commission.

"The Plan presents opportunities to enhance the commercial tax base, increase employment opportunities and improve the County's business climate," said Jim Lemons, Chair, Calvert County Economic Development Commission . "To achieve these goals, a cooperative effort from all segments of our community is needed."

Mr. Lemons noted that the Board of County Commissioners has been supportive of the EDC's efforts to improve the County's job and tax base. "In just the past year, the Board of County Commissioners has supported the financing of sewer and water tap fees, the establishment of an Economic Development Loan Fund, repealed the personal property tax on machinery and equipment used in manufacturing and endorsed an initiative to stimulate the establishment of business parks in several Town Centers.

We are extremely grateful to the Board of County Commissioners for their support and we will continue to work as hard as we can to maintain their confidence," Lemons stated.

"The Tourism Advisory Committee was pleased to actively participate in the development of this Plan", said Jeff Shepherd, Chair, Calvert County Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC). "We had the opportunity to provide major input on the direction of the County's tourism program and to participate in the development of realistic and attainable goals. Our overall objective for 1997 is to increase Calvert's identity as an established destination for heritage, recreation and tourism. The Plan's vision and long-range goals for the tourism industry, such as development of new destination facilities and an increase in tourism-related jobs, are exactly what the industry needs to thrive." Shepherd said, "the Tourism Advisory Committee (TAC) fully supports and endorses the Plan."

"We were very careful to incorporate the concerns of the community into our Plan while still working within the framework of the County's Comprehensive Plan," Lemons said. "By creating the Strategic Plan in concert with this long-term policy, we will foster favorable economic growth, maintain the character of the community and provide the foundation that will move Calvert into the next Century."

A copy of the Five-Year Strategic Plan is available on the Internet by clicking here or by contacting the Calvert County Department of Economic Development at (410) 535-4583, e-mail cced@co.cal.md.us.

For more information on the Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development, our visitor sites and attractions and the services available to assist County businesses, call 410.535.4583, 800.331.9771 or 301.855.1880; or send an e-mail to info@ecalvert.com