Earlier this week, on a cold and blustery Martin Luther King Day, I had the opportunity to assist Frederick’s I Believe In Me organization provide groceries to over 300 individuals and families. The event which marks over 50 weeks of work by the organization to help feed Frederick occurs in the parking lot at District 40 on the Golden Mile.  While Frederick’s unemployment rate at 6.0% is lower than the state and national averages, it is clear that many in our community are suffering. Suffering from economic hardship due to job loss, and suffering from the mental and emotional hardships of isolation. It was a stark reminder that many in our community live at the margins and I was grateful for the experience and opportunity to share the day in service with two of my sons.  

But there is some light peeking through the storm clouds as we look forward. Frederick is working hard to roll out the COVID vaccination program while encouraging residents to remain vigilant in wearing masks and social distancing. Healthcare workers, frontline service workers, elderly, and teachers are all in the early que for vaccines. According to data presented to the Maryland Banker Association last week at their Annual Economic Outlook Forum, it appears that projections for economic recovery later this year and in 2022 are strong. Places like Frederick are expected to outperform large cities in the post-COVID recovery. The federal PPP program is active with new relief funds and businesses need to apply through their local banks.

Frederick businesses continue to move forward and so does the City of Frederick.  Business expansions, recruitment, and new local homegrown businesses are progressing.  Just this week a long-standing Frederick business, Rollins Funeral Home, held its groundbreaking for a new Life Celebration Center and Stulz USA announced a 25,000 SF expansion.  These projects and more like them, represent good paying jobs with benefits and tax base.  Let’s keep it rolling in 2021.

Stay Well,