Connecting Commerce and Community | July 2025 | | |
From the Director
As summer unfolds, our team remains dedicated to supporting local businesses and strengthening Calvert County’s economy. From business visits and ribbon cuttings to resource connections and new project development, we're here to help your business grow and thrive.
We’re also excited to unveil our updated five-year strategic plan, which will be presented at the Board of County Commissioners Meeting on July 22 by renowned economist Anirban Basu.
Be sure to take time to recharge this summer—visit our community calendar to discover fun events and activities happening throughout the season.
Thank you for being part of our vibrant community.
Sincerely,
Julie Oberg, Director
Department of Economic Development
Calvert County, Maryland
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A Roadmap to your Progressional Web Presence
Thursday, July 31, 2025
11 a.m. to noon
Online
FREE!
Join the SBDC for this free webinar designed to help you plan, build and strengthen your business website. Don’t miss this opportunity to get expert guidance and ask questions to support your business goals!
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Welcome to the Economic Development team!
Please help us in welcoming Dawn Richardson, Special Projects Program Manager, as the newest member to the Economic Development team! Dawn brings more than 14 years of experience in municipal government, along with a strong background in communications, marketing, and digital content management, to the department. She leads initiatives that advance Calvert County’s economic priorities through market research, data analysis, economic reporting, cross-functional project management, and strategic planning in collaboration with department leadership. Her efforts ensure that economic development strategies are data-driven and clearly communicated across internal and external platforms.
Ms. Richardson is an active member of the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) and the International Economic Development Council (IEDC). A proud Calvert County native, she enjoys spending time with family and friends especially in the sun and sand.
Welcome, Dawn!
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Maryland Sales and Use Tax Update
Starting July 1, 2025, Maryland’s Sales and Use Tax (SUT) expanded to cover a wide range of digital products, IT services and other business-related transactions. Here were a few things you could do to make sure your business was ready:
To learn more, click here.
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Unpermitted Signage in Calvert County
On July 1, 2025, the fine for placing unpermitted signs in public right of ways increased from $25 to $500 per sign.
The Calvert County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) recently approved a proactive initiative aimed at enhancing the safety and aesthetics of our community by eliminating unpermitted signage that does not conform to road signage regulations. These unpermitted signs pose a hindrance to motorists by obstructing views at intersections and contribute to excessive clutter along our roadways.
Unpermitted signs will be removed by Department of Public Works staff. The signs will be stored for two weeks at the Appeal Landfill located at 401 Sweetwater Road in Lusby and may be retrieved by the owner for a fee of $6 per sign. Those who violate this will be fined. Any signs remaining after two weeks will be discarded.
Property owners and lessees are permitted to have signs on the premises where they hold rights. Individuals can refer to their property plat to determine the right-of-way width. View the sign ordinance.
Learn more about sign regulations in Calvert County. By working together, we can ensure pleasing aesthetics, safer roadways and intersections free of obstructions.
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Keeping up with Economic Development | |
During Business Appreciation Week (BAW), Economic Development visited with 15 tourism related businesses throughout the county, held an AI workshop at College of Southern Maryland with the SBDC, collaborated with the Chamber of Commerce to host a business after-hours at Mully’s Brewery, completed four business anniversary visits and held one ribbon cutting. Thank you to everyone who participated in our 19th year of BAW!
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Ribbon Cuttings
Calvert County is proud to support small businesses like these that bring energy, innovation and opportunity to our local economy.
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The Department of Economic Development hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday, May 12, to celebrate the grand opening of Fresco Studios in Dunkirk. Commissioner Catherine Grasso was in attendance to help mark the occasion and show support for this exciting new business located at 10379 Southern Maryland Blvd. in Dunkirk, MD.
Fresco Studios is a versatile creative studio offering a wide variety of services for both individuals and businesses. The space includes areas for photography, hair and makeup, birthday parties, events and more. With a sleek, modern design, Fresco Studios delivers high-end services in an environment built to spark creativity and innovation.
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On Tuesday, June 10, Commissioner Catherine Grasso and the Calvert County Department of Economic Development, along with the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion of the Arts Council of Calvert County with the opening of the Kocen Arts Studio.
The Kocen Arts Studio is a new multipurpose facility that will serve as a creative hub for the community. The space will offer a range of programs and opportunities, including public art classes, open studio times, rehearsals for performing arts groups, art demonstrations and more.
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On Wednesday, June 11, Commissioner Todd Ireland and Commissioner Mike Hart, along with the Calvert County Department of Economic Development and the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the expansion of Solomons Nursing and Rehab Center.
The expansion enhances the center’s ability to provide quality long-term care, short-term rehabilitation and skilled nursing services to residents of Calvert County and the surrounding region. With a commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care, the updated facility includes additional therapy spaces, improved amenities and upgraded technology to support the health and well-being of its residents.
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On Tuesday, June 17, Commissioner Catherine Grasso and Commissioner Todd Ireland, along with the Calvert County Department of Economic Development held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate three women-owned Solomons businesses: Shy Beauty, The AllyCat Walk Boutique and Habit Fitness.
- The AllyCat Walk Boutique is a stylish retail shop offering women’s clothing, accessories and unique gifts, designed to create a fun and welcoming shopping experience for the community.
- Shy Beauty provides a full range of beauty services, including lashes, spray tans, waxing, hair and wedding makeup, with a mission to help clients feel confident and radiant.
- Habit Fitness is a supportive space focused on health, wellness and empowerment, offering personalized fitness services to help individuals build lasting, healthy habits.
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Business Anniversary Visits
Congratulations to the following businesses celebrating a milestone anniversary this year.
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Did you know Calvert County has a map dedicated to help the community learn about what businesses are coming into the area? Visit What’s Going Where to find out more.
Economic Development recently updated the Educational Resources webpage. Visit the page and watch previously recorded trainings on cybersecurity, federal and state contracting, business planning 101 and more!
| | | Created by the Calvert County Department of Communications & Media Relations | | | | |
