Commissioners and Chamber of Commerce
Work Together to Improve Calvert's Business Climate

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- May 18, 2000 -- The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce announced today that they are working together to further improve the business climate in Calvert County, Maryland. Both the Chamber and Commissioners agreed that steps should be taken to enhance operations that will provide a more positive environment in which to conduct business.

Based on recent discussions with the Chamber, the BOCC determined that in order to improve one aspect of client service, that all prospect servicing will be conducted by the Department of Economic Development (DED). The Department acts as the County advocate for existing businesses and those businesses seeking to relocate to the County. Any business looking to expand or relocate in Calvert County is encouraged to use the DED as their first point of contact. The DED will work to negotiate businesses through the regulatory process.

The County already has several mechanisms in place to assist businesses; some of those programs include: the Fast-track permit process, development agreements, and modifications to the Zoning Ordinance to allow flex space. Additionally, the Calvert County Department of Economic Development (DED) recently announced the availability of the Calvert County Economic Development Loan Fund (CEDLF), in conjunction with the BOCC and the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, to provide an alternative funding source for businesses having difficulty finding traditional financing. Additionally, a small business development center (SBDC) counselor became available, on-site in the Economic Development offices in February 2000, and the DED currently offers free on-line business listings to Calvert-based companies on their web site.

The Board of County Commissioners and the Chamber of Commerce will continue to work to identify areas to improve the business climate in Calvert County. For more information, please contact Linda Vassallo, Director of Economic Development at 410.535.4583 or via email, 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