Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development Announces 2004 Business Survey Results

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- February 18, 2005 -- The Calvert County, Maryland Department of Economic Development (DED) announced today the results of their recent business survey. The survey was distributed in October to nearly 2,500 business owners in Calvert County and made available on the DED Web site.

Business owners were asked to answer 23 specific questions including identification of industry sector, products and services offered, plans for expansion, obstacles faced in growing or managing their companies and promotion methods the company uses. Based on the survey results, nearly 15 percent of respondents are retailers, 12.4 percent offer general business services and almost 11 percent are in the medical/healthcare industry. At 37.2 percent, “other” was the most frequently selected category in the sector classification category and included such write-in responses as childcare, consulting, financial/professional services and nonprofit work.

More than 40 percent of respondents indicated that they have plans to renovate or expand their building or facility and nearly 70 percent of those expected the improvements to take place within two years. In terms of the overall business climate, 50 percent have expanded their employee base over the past five years, 30 percent have expanded their physical space and more than 50 percent indicated that their industry is growing either moderately or dramatically.

In answer to the question regarding why the business owners selected Calvert County as their business location, 69 percent said it was because they live here and 31 percent indicated that the Calvert County quality of life was a major factor. When asked which media they most frequently use to promote their businesses, the top three answers were print, brochures and the Internet. More than 50 percent of the businesses have a web site and use the medium for informational purposes or sales promotions and e-commerce.

Several questions asked whether the respondents needed additional information or help doing business with the government or marketing or relocating their business. Those owners who requested such assistance and provided contact information will be connected with business experts from the DED or the Small Business Development Center over the next few weeks to ensure their needs are met.

Calvert County is home to 3,157 businesses according to Dun & Bradstreet, a global business information and database management company. Major private-sector employers include Calvert Memorial Hospital, Wal-Mart, DynCorp, Recorded Books, DM Group and the Holiday Inn Select in Solomons. The DED strives to strengthen economic development initiatives in Calvert County, Maryland by retaining and supporting existing businesses, attracting new employers, providing a pro-business climate and offering assistance to small and start-up businesses. Some of the free services available to County businesses include online employment classifieds, financial referrals and assistance, on-site visitation program, training and educational seminars, marketing assistance and site location and expansion assistance.

Results of the survey are available to the public by clicking here (pdf file) or by calling 410.535.4583 or 301.855.1880 to receive a copy by mail.

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