Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism

09/01/2026

ICYMI: meet our new director, with this from the Star Democrat.

EASTON — Talbot County has named Eastern Shore native Stephanie Mervine as its new director of Economic Development and Tourism beginning Monday.

08/31/2026

Stephanie Mervine’s career has taken her from the Eastern Shore to New Mexico, Oklahoma, and beyond.

Beginning Aug. 31, she returns to the Eastern Shore to lead Talbot County’s economic development and tourism efforts, bringing extensive experience in business growth, destination marketing, and community development.

Meet Talbot County's new director of economic development and tourism and read the full September 2026 issue of our newsletter here =>>
https://mailchi.mp/talbotworks.org/september-26

Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism
Escape to Talbot County
Talbot County Government
Talbot County Chamber of Commerce
Maryland Department of Commerce

08/28/2026

Talbot Works Business Academy facilitator Will Holmes takes a selfie with Cohort IV graduates and Cassandra M. Vanhooser, previous Director of Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism (far right, first row). Vanhooser was the driving force behind the creation of the Talbot Works Business Academy, which has now graduated 50 business owners through four cohorts and earned international recognition.

Read more about how by the way here =>>
https://talbotworks.org/talbot-works-business-academy-iedc-award/

Talbot County Government
Will Holmes Consulting

08/27/2026

You're invited! Talbot County will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States with the dedication of a Liberty Tree at Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe on Thursday, Sept. 3, at 10 a.m. The event is part of a broader initiative under the Maryland Liberty Tree Project, which seeks to preserve the history and symbolism of Maryland’s Liberty Tree by planting descendants across the state.

The recently planted tulip poplar is a direct descendant of Maryland’s original 1775 Liberty Tree. The original tree was located on the campus of St. John’s College in Annapolis. Citizens gathered beneath the tree beginning in 1775 to oppose British rule as the colonies moved toward independence.

Read more here =>>
https://talbotworks.org/liberty-tree-frederick-douglass-park/






Talbot 250
Maryland 250 Commission
Talbot County Government

08/26/2026

Part of the way is the way , with internationally recognized, award-winning programs like our Talbot Works Business Academy.

Talbot County’s work to help local entrepreneurs build stronger businesses has earned international recognition.

The International Economic Development Council has honored Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism for its Talbot Works Business Academy as part of the 2026 Excellence in Economic Development Awards. The Academy was recognized in IEDC’s Entrepreneurial & Small Business Development category.

Read the full story here =>>
https://talbotworks.org/talbot-works-business-academy-iedc-award/

Will Holmes Consulting
Talbot County Government

The International Economic Development Council has honored the Talbot Works Business Academy with an Excellence in Economic Development Award

08/24/2026

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses - Baltimore Information Session is on September 9, 2026 @ 2pm

Calling all Maryland small business owners! Join us for an engaging information session to learn how the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program can help you grow your business and build a stronger local economy.

This free, no-cost program offers practical business education, one-on-one support, and a powerful network of local and national peers—all designed to help entrepreneurs increase revenue, create jobs, and scale their businesses strategically.

You’ll hear more about the program experience, Maryland-specific eligibility, and how to apply.

Details and registration here =>>

Overview Discover how Maryland businesses can grow with 10KSB—free education, support & a network to help you scale. Join us to learn more!

08/21/2026

In the News.

In the News 🗞️ Talbot County Council President Chuck Callahan recently sat down with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to discuss the partnerships and persistence behind Talbot County’s decade-long effort to expand broadband access.

What began with the formation of the Rural Broadband Task Force in 2016 has reached a major milestone: Talbot County is the first county in Maryland to achieve full broadband access.

Stay tuned for DHCD’s upcoming video highlighting the Connect Talbot project and the local, state, and federal partnerships that helped make it possible.

08/21/2026

Rural Resident Needs Survey | The Schaefer Center for Public Policy at The University of Baltimore previously developed this survey for residents in rural areas of Maryland on behalf of the Rural Maryland Council (RMC). The RMC is an independent agency within the Maryland Department of Agriculture. RMC serves residents in 18 counties classified as “rural” by the Annotated Code of Maryland as well as residents of the remaining jurisdictions’ semi-rural areas. RMC works with residents, local organizations, government at all levels, and others to serve the needs of Maryland’s rural communities.

Take the Survey here =>>
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfO2MIEsFnAm9S4uw8y3BdwO2ITZhE-Chw-O7EHYqIR4MRAyg/viewform

The Schaefer Center for Public Policy at The University of Baltimore previously developed this survey for residents in rural areas of Maryland on behalf of the Rural Maryland Council (RMC). The RMC is an independent agency within the Maryland Department of Agriculture. RMC serves residents in 18 cou...

08/19/2026

Maryland Agritourism Webinar #2: Keeping Your Farm and Business Safe in Changing Economic Times by Broadening Revenue Streams
Thursday, August 20, 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Online

While times are uncertain for agritourism with the changing economic environment (inflation, weather risk, market volatility, labor shortages, and shifting consumer demand), we need to have varied revenue streams to address these challenges. Dana Zucker, owner operator of Sugar Water Farm and Manor, will discuss the significance of agritourism activities to reduce or minimize risks to build long-term protection for the core business while adding compatible income streams. Zucker will also share achievable and practical solutions complete with actionable items, along with various ways to market your activities.

Participants will walk away with ideas that can be used to protect a farm against uncertainty. This is about adding profit, using what you have that fits your existing land, labor, and customer base. Your farm and business already have value in the land, the story, the products, and the experience. The goal is to turn that value into multiple income streams without weakening the business that made it possible.

Get all the details here =>>
9be59cac-ccef-45ea-9878-ede8fc810c25@f3b74c6b-af13-4850-97f0-2e97a8a9b7d7" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/9be59cac-ccef-45ea-9878-ede8fc810c25@f3b74c6b-af13-4850-97f0-2e97a8a9b7d7

08/18/2026

Connect Your Business to Maryland's Newest Contracting Opportunities | Learn how the Maryland Department of Social and Economic Mobility can help you access certifications, procurement resources, and agency connections in FY2027.

See more here =>>
https://economicmobility.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx