Chamber Chat: Welcome College Students Initiative

SALISBURY, Md. – In this week’s Chamber Chat, WMDT’s John Trout and Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce President Bill Chambers discussed the Chamber’s 23rd Annual “Welcome College Students” initiative, reminding students that they’re an important part of our community, in addition to the local economy.

Starting Tuesday, Aug. 18, a welcome message will be displayed on billboards in five prominent locations throughout Salisbury, Fruitland, and Princess Anne for a duration of four weeks. Additionally, posters welcoming students will be placed around college campuses and at local businesses during the college move-in period. Bill says the effort is all about recognizing the impact that college students have on our local community, far beyond their campuses.

When college students arrive for the fall semester, they’re not just filling classrooms. They’re also spending money throughout the community by buying groceries, eating at local restaurants, shopping at area businesses and, for many, renting apartments and homes off campus.

“And that off-campus housing has an impact beyond the students themselves,” Bill said. “It provides property owners with steady rental income while helping maintain a continuous tax base for local governments.”

Additionally, businesses that serve the student population need employees, creating jobs and generating additional spending throughout the local economy. Plus, our local colleges and universities — Salisbury University, the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, and Wor-Wic Community College — are major economic anchor institutions as well. 

“[Educational institutions] support thousands of service, retail, administrative and other jobs, making higher education a key part of the region’s economic foundation,” Bill concluded. 

If you have business news you’d like to share, email us at newsroom@wmdt.com.