MD Comptroller makes first-ever visit to Berlin, connects with local businesses
BERLIN, Md.- “I couldn’t be prouder to be in the position that I’m in. Being in this position sometimes I still question it,” Sorrell said.
Jennifer Sorrell is the Co-Owner of Island Creamery in Berlin. The shop recently received some big news as they’re one of the finalists for Best Ice Cream Shop in the country by USA Today. “I hope I’m doing it justice as a young woman in small business. Just carrying on the hard work, positive energy, and good ice cream,” Sorrell said.
Island Creamery was just one of the women and minority owned businesses highlighted as part of Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman’s first-ever visit to Berlin. “So really it’s about building connections to make sure that people know that the Office of the Comptroller is here to help. We want to serve the people and the small businesses of Maryland,” Lierman said.
On top of getting that sweet treat, Comptroller Lierman also checked out one of the biggest development projects in downtown funded by the Historic Revitalization Tax Credits. “When we passed legislation to create tax credits like the historic tax credits which I worked on extensively, that’s one thing. To actually see it on the ground and how it can really transform a street, or a community is so meaningful,” Lierman said.
Berlin Mayor Zach Tyndall says the project will be essential to the growth of the town. He says not only are they seeing more foot traffic, but more people want to make Berlin home. “So that was one shop before and now that shop is turning into several as well as housing which is huge for our residents,” Mayor Tyndall said.
As they await the results, Sorrell tells us the nomination isn’t their biggest accomplishment. She says that’s being able to give back to a community that gives so much to them. “The gifts that I’ve been given, and I’m not talking about the cash register, I’m talking about these gifts like connections to the community are priceless. They wouldn’t have landed in my lap if it weren’t for this small business grind and this town,” Sorrell said.
Voting is now closed for the USA Today contest and Island Creamery will be notified if they win on July 7th.
The Comptroller says her office is also focused on smoothing the process for both developers and business owners when starting up those construction projects.
Mayor Tyndall also tells us more development projects are slated for the area.
The visit also helped the Comptroller to round out her 6-month mark in office. Lierman says a big focus has been on building up her team which she says has been successful.
She says her office has also been able to work closely with Governor Wes Moore on many initiatives and future plans. Now, she tells us the goal is to build out strategic planning and modernize the 11 field offices across the state. “Our tax processing system, our accounting system, our website, and to make sure that we’re meeting the needs of all businesses in Maryland. That has definitely been the focus the past 6 months,” Lierman said.
Lierman also says she’s proud of legislation passed during the recent Maryland General Assembly’s legislative session creating the Office of Taxpayer Advocates. That’s expected to go into effect next July.
