Calvert County Economic Development Annual Report 2025

2025

ANNUAL REPORT I

I am pleased to present the 2025 Calvert County Economic Development Annual Report. This year, we remained focused on strengthening our economy while preserving the rural character and quality of life that make Calvert County a remarkable place to live, work and visit.

A study released this year by the Maryland Economic Development Association found that for every dollar invested in economic development, $8.81 was generated in state and local tax revenue.

Through collaboration with businesses, community partners and state agencies, we achieved significant progress across economic development, tourism and agriculture.

2025 Highlights

Business Growth and Investment • Responded to nearly 1,600 requests for assistance from businesses, welcomed 93 new businesses (including the Armory Square development in Prince Frederick) generating an estimated $24.3 million economic impact.

• Supported qualified business expansion and attraction through the existing Fast Track Program in partnership with Planning and Zoning.

• Expanded the Economic Development Authority Loan Fund from $100,000 to $150,000 to provide greater access to capital.

Main Street Revitalization • Secured nearly $150,000 through Project Restore 2.0 to support redevelopment and activate vacant commercial properties.

• Celebrated community pride through events such as the Courthouse Tree lighting Ceremony and Christmas on Main Street Parade, attracting approximately 3,000 attendees and featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales and Miss Maryland.

Agriculture and Tourism • Provided agricultural education and outreach to more than 1,500 students through countywide programs and events.

• Promoted Calvert County through initiatives including National Travel and Tourism Week, the Maryland Buy Local Challenge, and the annual Farm Tour and coordinated the Solomons Island Fox 5 Zip Trip on the Fourth of July.

• Continued expanding marketing efforts to showcase Calvert County’s natural beauty, history and unique visitor experiences.

DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE

Strategic Growth, Strong Partnerships and Lasting Impact

Partnerships and Planning for the Future • Hosted Governor Wes Moore, cabinet secretaries and state leaders to highlight Calvert County’s economic opportunities.

• Finalized the 2026–2031 Economic Development Strategic Plan, establishing priorities for economic development, to include business growth, workforce development, agriculture and tourism.

• Began construction of the Prince Frederick Armory Pavilion, funded through more than $2 million in state grants.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead, I remain optimistic about Calvert County’s future. Our success is made possible by the collaboration of our businesses, agricultural community, elected officials, economic development partners, volunteers and residents. Together, we are building a stronger economy while preserving the values and character that make Calvert County special.

Respectfully, Julie Oberg Director Calvert County Department of Economic Development 1

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT

Julie Oberg Director

Sheebah Smith Deputy Director

Hilary Dailey Tourism Program Specialist

Sarah Frey Tourism & Agriculture Program Assistant

Rose Krell Office Assistant II

Kathy MacAdams Business Retention Specialist

Dawn Richardson Special Projects Program Manager

Sandra Staples Executive Administrative Assistant

Caroline Trossbach Agricultural Development Specialist

Nichole White Business Development Specialist

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY BOARDS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (EDA) Terri Wolfley, Chair Dana Jones, Vice Chair Kevin Frere Julie Fuller

Roman Matatov Michelle McGuffin Warren Rice

EX OFFICIO Earl F. Hance, Calvert County Board of County Commissioners Larry Jaworski, Economic Development Authority Commission

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMISSION (EDAC) Larry Jaworski, Chair Kasia Sweeney, Vice Chair Josh Gibbons Stacey Hann-Ruff Mary Lanham Alessia O’Dell 2

Matt Owens Larisa Pfeiffer Erik Thompson Dave Vollmer Trish Weaver

EX OFFICIO Earl F. Hance, Calvert County Board of County Commissioners Jason Leavitt, Soil Conservation Kathy Maney, Calvert County Chamber of Commerce Katrina Briscoe, Small Business Development Center Rachel O’Shea, Planning & Zoning

TABLE OF CONTENTS

CALVERT BY NUMBERS Demographics TOTAL POPULATION

POPULATION BY AGE

MEDIAN AGE

<18 18-44 45-64 65+

94,913

23.1% 32.7% 27.8% 16.4%

36,119 Total Households

40.8

Median Household Income Per Year $133,922

Employment

Unemployment Rate (2025 Q4)

48,995

3.0%

TOTAL Civilian Labor Force

3.7%

4.4%

Calvert Maryland United County States

4.2% 29.3%

Construction/Manufacturing/ Trade/Utuilities..................................... 29.3% Government (Federal/State/Local).22.1% Education/Health Services................16.2%

15.0%

Leisure/Hospitality..............................15.0%

Information/Financial/ Business Services................................9.3%

16.2%

22.1%

Other Services.................................... 4.2%

Commercial Vacancy Rate

Housing

90

3.55%

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AGRICULTURE

5

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND RETENTION

8

TOURISM

Occupations 9.3%

STATE LEVEL ENGAGEMENT

(2025 Q4)

$533,781

11

UNITS AVGERAGE MEDIAN SOLD SALES DAYS ON PRICE MARKET

13

STATE LEVEL ENGAGEMENT

State Official Visits and Engagement

In 2025, the Department of Economic Development (DED) strengthened partnerships through strategic visits, coordinated briefings and targeted site tours that advanced economic development priorities.

The department met with and hosted state leaders to advance initiatives in rural economic strategy, agriculture, manufacturing and business development.

Director of Rural Economic Strategy Carl Anderton, Maryland Department of Commerce Staff met with Director Anderton on multiple occasions for strategic check-ins to discuss how the Office of Rural Economic Strategy can best support Calvert County’s economic priorities. Conversations included traffic safety improvements near Huntingtown High School, synchronization of MD Route 4 traffic signals in Prince Frederick and funding opportunities to strengthen Southern Maryland agriculture.

Meetings also included general updates and a tour of the county administration building to highlight local initiatives and county assets.

Director Luis Cardona, Governor’s Office of Business Advancement DED hosted Director Cardona as part of his outreach to each county of Southern Maryland. The meeting provided an opportunity for attendees to connect with staff and discuss efforts to attract and expand local businesses. Director Cardona also outlined available state resources and how his office may be able support county initiatives.

Gov. Wes Moore and Cabinet Secretaries Staff coordinated with the County Administrator’s Of fice and the Department of Community Resources to organize Main Street revitalization discussions as part of the cabinet secretaries’ bus tour. Staff facilitated meetings with Gov. Moore and prepared comprehensive briefing materials for the secretaries of Agriculture, Commerce and Labor to ensure alignment with county priorities and project readiness.

Commerce Secretary Harry Coker Jr., Maryland Department of Commerce DED Hosted Secretary Coker and members of the Maryland Department of Commerce on Sept. 25 for a countywide tour highlighting manufacturing, agritourism and key economic development sites.

Stops included Constellation Energy’s Calvert Cliffs Clean Energy Center, Rolling Acres Farm, Armory Square, Armory Pavilion, Victor Stanley’s manufacturing facility and Main Street initiatives.

The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion at Rod ’N’ Reel Resort, where Secretary Coker engaged directly with county leaders, resource partners and members of the business community. The visit strengthened state partnerships and elevated Calvert County’s economic assets at the cabinet level.

Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, Maryland Department of Agriculture Staff hosted Secretary Atticks during the 2025 Farm Tour and coordinated a community roundtable discussion focused on agricultural sustainability, market expansion and support for local producers.

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Growing Agricultural Literacy and Youth Engagement

A central priority in 2025 was cultivating agricultural literacy among students and families. Through coordinated programming and partnerships with schools, farmers and elected officials, more than 1,625 students participated in agricultural education initiatives countywide.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture remains a cornerstone of Calvert County’s economy, culture and community identity. In 2025, the agricultural team advanced this legacy by strengthening farm viability, expanding market access, supporting food security initiatives and delivering high-impact educational programming. Through strategic partnerships, cross-agency collaboration and community engagement, the agriculture team reinforced agriculture as both an economic driver and a living classroom.

Maryland Homegrown School Lunch Week Over 500 students at Beach Elementary School participated in a Farm to School celebration featuring locally sourced products, including corn from Swann Farms, ground beef from Battle Creek Beef and produce from Farming for Hunger. Participants explored four interactive outdoor learning stations focused on animal agriculture, planting and growing, seed identification and harvesting. Local producers shared real-world expertise, bridging the gap between classroom instruction and on-farm application.

Maryland Agricultural Literacy Week The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) and Calvert Career and Technology Academy (CTA) students read to approximately 450 students in nine schools. Commissioners and CTA student readers shared The Soil in Jackie’s Garden with elementary school students, reinforcing the importance of soil health and food systems.

This model intentionally connects elected leadership, secondary students and elementary classrooms, creating a full-circle agricultural mentorship pipeline.

Children’s Day on the Farm – Jefferson Patterson Park DED’s agriculture-focused table engaged 309 children, adults and families, distributing educational materials and themed giveaways.

The popular “Farmer for a Day” play area offered immersive, hands-on agricultural experiences with support from volunteers.

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1,625+ students ENGAGED IN AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

500+ students

REACHED THROUGH FARM TO SCHOOL PROGRAMMING

91 students

PARTICIPATED IN AGRICULTURE CAREER FAIR

243 children ENGAGED AT FAIR YOUTH DAY

Youth Day Expansion at the Calvert County Fair Agricultural engagement continued at the County Fair where 243 children participated in “Farmer for a Day” on Youth Day. For the first time, the exhibit remained open throughout the weekend and was staffed by CTA agriculture students and Future Farmers of America (FFA). In addition, 83 visitors engaged with the Calvert Ag table for information and resources. This expansion reflects a deliberate strategy to increase exposure to agriculture beyond a single-day event.

Market Day at Windy Hill Elementary Second-grade students applied economic principles through hands-on business simulations. This initiative introduces entrepreneurship concepts early, reinforcing agriculture’s role in local commerce.

Workforce Development and Career Pathways

Building the next generation of agricultural professionals remains a strategic priority. The 2025 Agriculture Career Fair was held at Spider Hall Farm and engaged 91 selected sixth- and ninth-grade students in hands-on exploration of agriculture career pathways. Ten industry vendors attended, including: • Maryland Agriculture Education Foundation Ag Showcase Trailer • Prince Frederick Animal Hospital • Department of Natural Resources – Forestry • Association of Southern Maryland Beekeepers • Farriers, landscaping professionals and producers Organized through the Tri-County Council Workforce and Blueprint programs, the event gave students a closer look at careers connected to agriculture, from veterinary medicine to environmental stewardship.

Culinary Arts Invasive Species Challenge

Approximately 15 CTA Culinary Arts students participated in a recipe development challenge using invasive species including blue catfish, snakehead and flathead catfish. This initiative aligned with a middle school project-based learning initiative and demonstrated how culinary innovation can support environmental management and local seafood markets.

Strengthening Markets and Expanding Food Access

Expanding market access and strengthening local food systems remained a key focus in 2025. On Jan. 27, DED’s agriculture staff partnered with several organizations to host a regional farmer sign-up event at the Harriet E. Brown Community Center for producers interested in accepting nutrition benefits.

Thirteen farmers from Calvert and surrounding counties attended in person or virtually to ask questions and begin the application process. The county also coordinated 10 resource partners to host information tables at the event, ensuring farmers had direct access to technical assistance and program guidance.

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725+ attendees AT BUY LOCAL CELEBRATION

13 farmers

SUPPORTED IN NUTRITION BENEFIT ENROLLMENT

11 active FARMERS MARKET VENDORS

2

FOOD ACCESS COORDINATORS DEPLOYED

475

AGRICULTURAL EVENTS PROMOTED

Three seasonal farmers markets in Calvert County, the Dunkirk Farmers Market, the CalvertHealth Farmers Market and the North Beach Farmers Market coordinated by the Town of North Beach, offered fresh produce, baked goods, plants and other local products from spring through fall. These markets provided a consistent outlet for local growers and makers while improving food access by connecting residents with fresh, locally produced items in a community setting.

Two food access coordinators supported local markets throughout the year, contributing to increased redemption of nutrition benefits. In total, 11 farmers market vendors participated in nutrition benefit programs.

Strengthening farmers markets and improving food access are critical to Calvert’s agricultural economy, helping connect residents to fresh local products while ensuring farmers have reliable, diversified revenue streams.

Buy Local Challenge

The Maryland Buy Local Challenge Celebration Event, hosted at Tettimer’s Produce Stand at Rolling Acres Farm, drew over 725 attendees and featured more than a dozen Calvert County vendors. The event elevated local farm products while reinforcing consumer purchasing power as an economic development tool.

Advancing Agricultural Leadership and Policy Alignment

Agriculture Farm Tour The BOCC and local leaders toured Wilson Dowell Farms, Freedom Hill Horse Rescue, Sassafras Farms and Swann Farms, followed by a roundtable discussion with Maryland Secretary of Agriculture Kevin Atticks.

The tour highlighted: • On-farm economic contributions • Agritourism diversification • Farm-to-table integration • Regulatory and workforce considerations This direct engagement strengthens alignment between local producers and state policy.

Expanding Agritourism and Digital Outreach

Seasonal campaigns and digital marketing efforts amplified agricultural visibility across the county. With 475 agricultural events published on CalvertAg.com, the website provided a consistent promotional platform connecting residents and visitors to farmbased experiences, markets and educational programs.

Through strategic engagement, measurable outcomes and cross-sector collaboration, the DED team continues to ensure that agriculture in Calvert County remains economically resilient, educationally vibrant and deeply rooted in community life.

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BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT & RETENTION 8

In 2025, the Business Development and Business Retention programs advanced a clear objective: ensure Calvert County remains a competitive, business-ready environment where companies can start, grow, expand and remain long term. Through coordinated permitting reforms, financial tools, workforce alignment and proactive engagement, the department strengthened the county’s economic foundation.

Business Engagement and Expansion Outcomes

DED maintained direct engagement with both new and established businesses throughout the year, providing technical assistance, navigating regulatory pathways and connecting companies to capital and workforce resources.

This sustained level of engagement reflects a proactive, relationship-driven retention strategy rather than reactive problem solving.

Capital Access and Financial Tools

EDA Loan Fund Strategic financing remains a critical component of business retention and expansion. In 2025, the Economic Development Authority (EDA) approved and deployed targeted loan funding to support small business stability and capital improvement. A total of three loans were approved during the year.

Two loans were fully closed, totaling $250,000, and one additional loan in the amount of $100,000 was approved. To further expand access to capital, the EDA increased the Loan Fund from $100,000 to $150,000.

State and Grant Investment Leverage The department successfully leveraged state-level funding to enhance commercial property readiness and revitalization initiatives.

Through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development’s Project Restore 2.0 program, the county secured two grants totaling $149,900 to support strategic redevelopment efforts.

In addition, the county received a Site Characterization Grant through the Maryland Economic Development Corporation’s Maryland Business Ready Sites Program, with matching funds provided by the EDA. This funding supports the evaluation of 10 undeveloped sites within Patuxent Business Park (PBP), strengthening site readiness and positioning the park for future business recruitment.

Marketing materials for PBP were also updated and promoted to align with enhanced site readiness and business recruitment efforts.

I’m beyond excited to be opening up shop right here in beautiful Calvert County, and it’s so reassuring to know there’s a team like yours cheering on local businesses every step of the way.

Owings Business Owner

1,572

Business Assistance Support Tickets and Campaigns

93

New, Expanded or Relocated Businesses

4,900

Approximate Number of County Businesses

$24.3

Million in Capital Investments

Business Appreciation and Recognition

From small retail establishments to national brands and professional service providers, the county marked continued investment through ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, hospitality, retail, financial services, fitness and the arts. These ceremonies not only celebrated new openings and expansions but also signaled strong confidence and long-term commitment to Calvert County.

Throughout the year, county leadership and DED further recognized the contributions of the business community through formal proclamations, anniversary visits and official citations. Proclamations commemorated National Economic Development Week, National Black Business Month and National Veterans Small Business Week initiatives, underscoring the county’s support for inclusive entrepreneurship and economic growth. Milestone anniversary visits and citations honored businesses reaching significant benchmarks, providing public recognition of their longevity, resilience and sustained economic impact.

Together, these acknowledgments position economic development as a visible, relationship-driven effort that strengthens community pride and fosters a supportive environment for business success.

Business Appreciation Week

Calvert County’s Business Appreciation Week (BAW), held May 12-16, 2025, celebrated the contributions of local businesses to the community’s economic vitality and civic life.

Held as part of National Economic Development Week, the annual observance reflects the county’s continued commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, strengthening business retention and fostering community engagement.

Led by DED, Business Appreciation Week serves as a cornerstone of the county’s ongoing economic development strategy.

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The week kicked off with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fresco Studios in Dunkirk, marking the official start of activities and welcoming business leaders, elected officials and community partners in celebration of new local investment. Throughout the week, BOCC and DED conducted 15 business site visits across Calvert County, engaging directly with employers to learn about their operations, challenges and growth opportunities. The Economic Development Advisory Commission meeting was held aboard a tiki boat operated by Big Kahuna Cruises in Solomons. Jake’s Produce, Neptune’s Seafood Pub and Sneade’s Ace Home Center were recognized for milestone business anniversaries during the meeting, honoring their longstanding contributions to the county’s economy. BAW also featured educational and networking opportunities designed to equip and connect local entrepreneurs, while elevating awareness of the positive impact local businesses have on Calvert County’s economy.

A Small Business Resource Day drew more than 100 registrations for the AI, Insights and Tools for Success Workshop, co-sponsored with Small Business Development Centers (SBDC). The workshop provided practical insights into emerging technologies and their application for small businesses.

Thank you so much for the resources! We likely will have questions along the way so it’s great to know where to go for answers.

Prince Frederick Business Owner

Marketing Campaigns

The week concluded with a Business After Hours networking event hosted in partnership with the Calvert County Chamber of Commerce, the Calvert County Minority Business Alliance and the DED at Mully’s Brewery, bringing together business owners, community leaders and stakeholders to strengthen professional connections.

Throughout 2025, the department actively promoted key business support campaigns to elevate visibility and encourage community engagement. In August, the BOCC formally designated August 2025 as Black Business Month and presented a proclamation recognizing the contributions of Black-owned businesses to Calvert County’s economic vitality. The campaign highlighted the impact of minority-owned enterprises and reinforced the county’s commitment to inclusive economic development and equitable business growth.

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The Shop Small Y’all campaign further advanced local commerce through a coordinated holiday-season marketing efforts. The business team promoted 70 retail-related events and supported the initiative with streaming, radio and digital advertising, along with featured content on the county’s website.

These efforts encouraged residents to shop locally, support small businesses and strengthen Calvert County’s retail economy.

CELEBRATIONS

29

Ribbon Cuttings

2

Groundbreakings

RECOGNITIONS

8

Citations

7

Anniversary Visits

Business Education and Technical Assistance In 2025, the business team delivered foundational business training through the Business Planning 101 workshop, hosted in partnership with Calvert Library and the Commission for Women at the Prince Frederick Library. Offered both in person and virtually, the session provided practical guidance on business plan development, financial projections and strategic goal setting.

I truly appreciate you sharing the Business Resource Guide – I’ve already bookmarked it and will be diving in this week. A ribbon cutting sounds like a magical way to celebrate this next chapter!

Owings Business Owner

The business team hosted a workshop at Calvert Library to help local businesses explore how artificial intelligence can improve efficiency and drive innovation. The session introduced generative AI and demonstrated practical ways businesses can use it to enhance productivity, streamline operations and support creativity. A recording of the workshop is available for free public viewing at Youtube.com/CalvertCountyGov.

Scan to play video

DED participated in and presented at a certification event hosted by the Governor’s Office of Small and Minority Business Affairs, further advancing the department’s technical assistance efforts. During the session, DED provided an overview of the department’s programs and services, emphasizing the role in supporting small, minority and local businesses through business development resources, strategic guidance and growthfocused initiatives.

In March, Business Development Specialist Nichole White represented the Calvert County Department of Economic Development as a panelist at the Southern Maryland Association of Realtors Coffee and Commercial Mastermind event. She shared updates on county economic development initiatives and highlighted projects currently in the pipeline, strengthening engagement with the commercial real estate community.

Workforce Alignment and Talent Development

Economic growth depends on workforce readiness. In 2025, the department strengthened collaboration with education and workforce partners to better connect employers with emerging and experienced talent.

DED participated in the annual Spark! Student Career Awareness Fair at the University System of Maryland at Southern Maryland, engaging students in conversations about local career pathways and in-demand industries.

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Additionally, DED co-hosted the Calvert County Job and Internship Fair in partnership with the Tri-County Council and the College of Southern Maryland (CSM). The event brought together 36 businesses, four community partners and organizations representing 16 internship opportunities and two apprenticeship programs. A total of 391 jobseekers registered to attend, including 42 students and 239 candidates participated in person, with 78 individuals already under consideration for hire following the event.

Through continued collaboration with the TriCounty Council and CSM, the department advanced coordinated efforts to align employer needs with workforce development resources, strengthening the local talent pipeline and supporting long-term economic vitality.

Professional Development and Leadership

Business Retention Specialist Kathy MacAdams earned her Certificate in Workforce Development Fundamentals through the International Economic Development Council and the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives Foundation—strengthening in-house expertise in workforce alignment and economic strategy. This credential enhances DED’s capacity to integrate workforce intelligence into business retention and expansion initiatives.

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Expanding Visibility Through Strategic Media & Marketing Advertising Campaigns From January through December 2025, over 60 tourism advertising campaigns were successfully executed featuring relevant themes such as charter fishing, birding, local shopping, wedding venues, seasonal events, group travel, sweet treats, visitor guide promotions and general “Visit Calvert County” messaging.

TOURISM

In 2025, tourism initiatives focused on three integrated objectives: increasing visitation, strengthening destination branding and enhancing the on-the-ground visitor experience. Through strategic media exposure, grant investment, statewide leadership engagement and digital marketing campaigns, Calvert County continued to position itself as a distinctive waterfront, heritage and outdoor recreation destination.

A $112,000 U.S. Economic Development Administration grant-funded Tri-County Tourism promotional video series in collaboration with Visit St. Mary’s and Visit Charles County showcased signature locations including: • American Chestnut Land Trust (ACLT) • Fishing Creek • Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort • Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum • K & K Adventure Park • Rolling Acres Farm • Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center This regional collaboration reinforces Southern Maryland as a unified yet diverse tourism corridor.

Fox 5 DC Zip Trip – Solomons Island On July 4, 2025, Calvert County received live, regional exposure through the Fox 5 DC Zip Trip, broadcasting from Solomons Island from 7–11 a.m. The segment featured 20 local businesses and attractions, highlighting the county’s waterfront character, small business vibrancy and holiday appeal.

DED led this large-scale media activation in coordination with the Department of Public Safety and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Department, local businesses and tourism partners, and key county departments, including Communications & Media Relations and General Services.

This collaboration ensured both seamless logistics and maximum promotional impact.

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Tourism Investment: Driving Events and Economic Impact

Through the Tourism Development Incentive Grant Fund, DED supported 10 special events with a total investment of $63,329.77.

These large-scale events drew regional and multi-state visitors, generating measurable impact for lodging, restaurants, retail and entertainment venues.

Strengthening Destination Leadership

Calvert County continues to maintain a strong presence in statewide and national tourism leadership networks.

• Hosted the Maryland Tourism Development Board meeting at Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort.

• Tourism Specialist Hilary Dailey was appointed to the 2025 Destinations International Small Destinations Task Force, representing Calvert County in global tourism dialogue.

• Dailey co-authored a national blog for Destinations International on How Destinations Nationwide are Leveraging the America 250 initiative.

• DED represented Calvert County at the 2025 summer MACo conference.

This engagement ensures Calvert County remains aligned with best practices in destination marketing, visitor experience management and tourism-driven economic development.

Calvert 250: Leveraging America’s 250th Anniversary DED took the lead on local programming and promotional efforts aligned with the national America 250 commemoration, building momentum toward the nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. These efforts were designed to strengthen Calvert County’s positioning within the growing heritage tourism market tied to the semiquincentennial.

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$80.7 million IN LABOR INCOME

1,623

TOURISM-RELATED JOBS

$174 million IN VISITOR SPENDING

700,000+

VISITORS ANNUALLY

In April, the county participated in the national Two Lights for Tomorrow initiative, coordinating an electric candle display at the Circuit Courthouse to commemorate Paul Revere’s ride and the beginning of the American Revolution. Throughout the year, DED staff supported observances recognizing the 250th anniversaries of the founding of the U.S. Army (June 14-15), U.S. Navy (Oct. 10-13) and U.S. Marine Corps (Nov. 7-10), each reinforcing patriotic heritage tourism themes and community engagement.

To centralize information and drive visitation, staff launched a dedicated landing page, VisitCalvert.com/ Calvert250, highlighting upcoming 250-related events, exhibits, lectures, activities and commemorations.

Collectively, these initiatives strategically position Calvert County to capture increased heritage travel and visitor spending as the national anniversary approaches.

Enhancing Visitor Experience and Place Activation

“Greetings from Calvert County” Postcard Sign The traveling postcard installation rotated among six county sites in 2025, serving as a photo engagement feature and social media driver.

Chronolog Stations In partnership with Natural Resources Division of Calvert County Parks & Recreation, six Chronolog photo stations were installed across the county to capture and document seasonal landscape changes. These interactive stations invite residents and visitors to stand in the same marked location over time, contributing photos that collectively create a compelling time-lapse record of Calvert County’s natural beauty. To date, the community has submitted 319 photos, building a crowd-sourced visual archive of the county’s evolving natural assets.

Learn more at VisitCalvert.com/TimeLapse.

Chronolog strengthens outdoor recreation storytelling, deepens environmental appreciation and generates authentic visitor-created content that can be leverage across marketing platforms.

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Strengthening Partnerships

A new connection was established with the College of Southern Maryland Business Department, specifically within hospitality and tourism programming. This partnership builds alignment between: • Hospitality industry needs • Visitor services excellence DED hosted multiple tourism round table networking sessions throughout the year, bringing together hospitality professionals, attraction representatives and local business owners to strengthen collaboration and share industry updates.

DED also hosted the annual planning session with 20 organizations to coordinate the 2026 countywide special events calendar. Representatives from the Department of Public Safety and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office participated to support event logistics, traffic management and public safety planning.

Destination Content and Visitor Services

The Visit Calvert website continues to serve as the county’s central hub for tourism information, connecting visitors and residents with events, attractions and travel resources.

In 2025, a total of 1,586 community events were published on VisitCalvert.com, reinforcing the site’s role as a comprehensive events calendar. The demand for print materials remained strong, with 5,809 bulk visitor guide requests fulfilled and 932 individual guides distributed statewide and regionally.

Travel & Tourism Week Activities Travel & Tourism Week activities included an annual proclamation, a Tourism Business Blitz tour that included 15 local tourism ambassadors from attractions and hotels traveling to, supporting and learning from five local businesses, a scavenger hunt and a “Where’s Crabby?” interactive social media game.

Through integrated marketing, strategic investment and destination leadership, the DED continues to position Calvert County as a dynamic small destination with regional and out-of-state draw.

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ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 150 Main Street, Suite 226, Prince Frederick, MD 20678 410-535-4583 | info@choosecalvert.com www.ChooseCalvert.com