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Community Corner

Harford County Celebrates Businesses, Growth, and Community During Economic Development Week

Economic Development Week, highlighted the people, places, and partnerships driving the local economy.

County Executive Bob Cassilly and Economic Development Director Karen Holt, joined local hoteliers, hospitality leaders, and representatives from the Department of Economic Development and Hello Harford during the Tourism Recognition Lunch at Swan Harbor.
County Executive Bob Cassilly and Economic Development Director Karen Holt, joined local hoteliers, hospitality leaders, and representatives from the Department of Economic Development and Hello Harford during the Tourism Recognition Lunch at Swan Harbor.

Harford County wrapped up a dynamic Economic Development Week celebrating the people, places, and partnerships that drive the county’s economy and make it a great place to live, work, and do business.

Throughout the week, County Executive Bob Cassilly, Economic Development Director Karen Holt, and local leaders visited dozens of businesses across Harford County—recognizing milestone anniversaries, showcasing homegrown success stories, and highlighting the strength of the county’s diverse industries.

Milestone celebrations included Wilson-Oliver Agency (150 years), Klein’s Family Markets (100 years), Keyes Creamery (75 years), Jarrettsville Builders (75 years), F N Smith Hardware (more than 50 years), Carl’s Door Service (60 years), Hickory Veterinary Hospital (45 years), Hickory International All Roads Kubota (45 years), The Conits Group (45 years) Allsigns (35 years), Greek Village Restaurant (30 years), Churchville Family Dentistry (25 years), Classic Team Sports (25 years), Real Life Prosthetics (25 years), Bryan Michaels of State Farm (25 years), Smith & Prothero Physical Therapy (25 years) Mountain Branch Restaurant (25 years), Savona Fine Italian Foods & Wine (20 years), and Veteran Compost (15 years). Each was presented with an official proclamation honoring their longevity, innovation, and community impact.

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County Executive Cassilly and Director Holt were joined by Council members and aides, members of the Economic Development Advisory Board, municipal leaders, and representatives from the Maryland Department of Commerce for visits to a wide range of local businesses: from manufacturers and construction firms to restaurants and retailers.

Harford’s Hello Harford tourism team also took center stage, celebrating the county’s vibrant visitor economy with stops at Twisted Roots Rare & Common Plants, the new Copperplex Sports Complex, and Hopkins Brewery—as well as hosting a Tourism Recognition Lunch at Swan Harbor Farm for local hoteliers and hospitality leaders.

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“Economic Development Week is an opportunity to shine a spotlight on the people and businesses that power our local economy,” said County Executive Bob Cassilly. “From family-owned shops and innovative start-ups to established large companies, these are the employers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who make Harford County strong.”

The week also featured the annual Business Leaders Breakfast, where local business owners and partners joined County Executive Cassilly, Director Holt, and local leaders to discuss Harford’s economic outlook and future opportunities for growth.

“Economic development success is a team effort,” said Economic Development Director Karen Holt. “This week celebrates not just business success, but collaboration and partnerships between government, the private business enterprise, and the community. Together, we’re building a thriving, diverse economy for Harford County’s future.”

Harford County extends its sincere thanks to all the businesses and community members who participated in Economic Development Week.

A photo gallery can be found at https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/3515/News-Events.

For more information about Harford County’s business resources and initiatives, visit https://www.harfordcountymd.gov/oed.

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