(1/20/2011) Are you thinking about opening a business or do you need new ideas on how to make your business successful?

On Wednesday January 26, 2011 the Town of Emmitsburg and the Frederick County Office of Economic Development will host a brief seminar on ways to open and maintain a successful business.

The meeting will be held at the Emmitsburg Town Office 300A South Seton Ave. Emmitsburg, Maryland.

The meeting will begin at 7:00 PM and last about 90 minutes.

The Mission of the Frederick County Office of Economic Development (OED): to support, retain and foster the growth of existing businesses in the County and to attract new companies to the County.

•  Industry focus: advanced technology, agriculture, bioscience, manufacturing, renewable industries
• Business support: workforce development, small business assistance, entrepreneurial support network, business technology incubator
• Site selection: available properties, demographics, marketing

OED partners with many local economic entities: Maryland Small Business Development Center, Frederick County Chamber of Commerce, Fort Detrick Business Development Office, Tourism Council of Frederick County, Agriculture Business Council

Bottom line: despite "tough" national economy in the last two to three years, Frederick County has been holding its own. We continue to see an increase in the number of businesses opening up shop (both small and large), primarily due to our proximity to D.C. and Baltimore and because of our great quality of life (mountains, farms, small town charm) and an award winning public school system and higher education prowess (FCC, Hood, Mount)

Speakers for event:

• Randy Gray – marketing specialist, overview of OED services and activities
• Michelle Day – business/career consultant, overview of Frederick County Workforce Services (training and grants)
• Chris Olson – consultant, Small Business Development Center (Frederick County office), business plans, entrepreneurial support
• Emmitsburg Planning Staff – Permits applications; how to apply for the proper permits