Calvert Country Market Completes a Successful First Year

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- December 30, 2002 -- The Calvert County Department of Economic Development announced today that the Calvert Country Market would close for the season on December 22. The new market, located at the old SuperFresh site on Route 4 in the Prince Frederick Shopping Center, opened its doors on June 29, 2002 to a standing room only crowd. "We've had an excellent debut year with a strong finish and the merchants are already making plans for next year's grand re-opening," said Kevin Owen, Market Manager. The Market will reopen in April 2003 with a great mix of goods and services, just in time for the peak growing season.

This week, the Market’s farmers, crafters, food vendors and merchants will be meeting with business counselors from the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to create a program of education and instruction that will help them learn more about a variety of small business management techniques. The tips and tools they learn from the SBDC counselors will help them to strengthen their businesses and create a great place for Calvert County residents and tourists to shop.

"Providing outstanding service in a fixed location is a different ball of wax for business people who are used to operating in a more flexible environment," says Casey Willson, the Retail/Restaurant Specialist for the Small Business Development Center. "For many, it will be the first time they will have signed a commercial lease and have to deal with fixed hours, consistent inventory levels, staffing, record keeping, and a steady flow of customers in a shopping center environment. We have a program that will help folks who know how to grow super produce and make unique crafts to thrive in a structure that has different service and financial requirements."

The SBDC is known for its role in helping clients write business plans and package loan applications to assure adequate capitalization of small businesses and credit-worthy entrepreneurs. For the Country Market merchants, the SBDC will also assist in developing effective visual merchandising, fine tuning sales techniques, and creating customer service standards for their operations with a larger goal of building a reputation of excellence for the Market.

Over the winter, the Market will undergo a face-lift of sorts. The County has secured financing to further refurbish the old SuperFresh site to create an old-fashioned farmers’ market that will better serve today’s busy families. "In April, people in Calvert County will be able to enjoy a truly unique shopping experience and receive great service. We’re doing everything we can to support the businesses that will serve the Market’s customers," says Linda Vassallo, Director of the Department of Economic Development.

The Southern Maryland Small Business Development Center has offices in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties and offers support to a wide variety of entrepreneurs. The SBDC conducts low cost training for general and specialized groups, and no cost, confidential consulting with individuals who are interested in starting a business or growing the business they currently manage.

For information on the Calvert Country Market, please contact Kevin Owen, Market Manager, 410.414.8095. For additional information on SBDC services, contact Casey Willson, SBDC Retail/Restaurant Specialist, at 800.762.7232.

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