It's a Good Time to Be in Business in Calvert County, Md. - or Even Consider It

Business Appreciation Week, May 8-12, Offers Activities and Workshops for All Levels of Entrepreneurship

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md., -- April 26, 2006 - The road to business ownership can be a long and arduous one, but the Calvert County, Md. Department of Economic Development and the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) are eager to celebrate and assist local businesses during the first annual Business Appreciation Week to be held May 8–12, 2006. The week-long celebration will feature special events, workshops and personal visits with County business owners.

Of particular interest to budding entrepreneurs are three events designed to help them plan, organize and network with each other. On Tuesday, May 9, the Concerned Black Women of Calvert County will host a minority business reception from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Planning Commission Hearing Room at 205 Main Street in Prince Frederick. Dawn Tucker, CBW Minority Business Chair and one of the event's organizers, hopes to draw a crowd of minority business owners to learn abut the efforts and goals of the organization, network with each other and enjoy light refreshments with local dignitaries. "This is an excellent occasion for minority business owners to share their success stories, exchange information and buld business relationships that can develop into partnerships or mentoring opportunities, she said. The event is free, however registration is required. To sign up, go to www.ecalvert.com/baw.htm or call Dawn Tucker at 866-517-0477. For more information on Concerned Black Women of Calvert County, visit their web site at www.cbw-cc.org.

On Wednesday, May 10, join fellow Calvert County professional women at the Women's Business Roundtable, Sharing the Secrets of Success, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the College of Southern Maryland’s Prince Frederick Campus, Room 119. This special networking event for women from the Calvert County business community will feature interaction and discussion with successful women who have overcome workplace challenges to find ways to work better, smarter and happier. The event is free but seating is limited and registration is required. To sign up, call Marge Ridgell of the Small Business Development Center at 301-934-7580 or send an e-mail to marger@csmd.edu.

Lastly, explore the opportunities of business ownership on Thursday, May 11, from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. in an entrepreneurship workshop to be held in the Planning Commission Hearing Room at 205 Main Street in Prince Frederick. Expert instructor, Casey Willson, will provide an overview of the mechanics, challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship. If you are thinking of taking the plunge into business ownership, Willson will offer a candid discussion and solid advice on the many factors to consider. The event is free but seating is limited and registration is required. To sign up, call Marge Ridgell of the Small Business Development Center at 301-934-7580 or send an e-mail to marger@csmd.edu.

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