Worcester County Celebrates Economic Development Week

WORCESTER COUNTY, Md.- September 28th- October 2nd is economic development week in Worcester County. From agriculture to technology growth, the week hopes to showcase how diverse the industries of Maryland’s Coast, truly are.

Melanie Pursel is the director of the Office of Tourism and Economic Development in Worcester County, and explained the significance of the week.

“It’s our chance to really shine, and show how important economic development is to our community, it really is the core, and the cornerstone of our community.” Said Pursel. “You know, we have job development, workforce development, and you’re looking at working with small businesses.”

Pursel also emphasized those small businesses, make a huge impact to the economic layout of the county.

“Small businesses really are the backbone of our economy here in Worcester County.” Said Pursel. “And of course, the Downtowns of Snow Hill, Berlin, Pocomoke City, of course, are really drivers in our economy here.”

One of the towns in Worcester County that is focusing on their economic improvements, is Pocomoke City, which highlights their thriving tech and industrial areas, as well as their boutique downtown.

Pocomoke City Economic Development Director Karah Lacey, explained why she buys local.

“A lot of these businesses in Worcester County are your local farmers, your local artists.” Said Lacey. “Most of the ones that have opened businesses in Downtown Pocomoke recently are ones that I’ve gone to school with and they’re reinvesting back into their town.”

Worcester County Economic Development held a variety of events to celebrate the week, from a mobile job unit, to an open house, and a webinar today supporting small business owners.

The Office of Tourism and Economic Development in Snow Hill will continue their open house from 10am to 2pm on October 1st.