Howard County Economic Development Authority coordinated the 19th Annual Business Appreciation Week on behalf of the Howard County Executive during the week of May 10.

Sixty-eight County department heads, regional marketing partners, and Authority Board members visited 104 companies representing all industry sectors to thank them for their contributions to the economy of the County. A certificate of appreciation on behalf of the County Executive was presented to each business visited.

“We were able to reach out to the local business community and open the lines of communication to help identify what’s working and what’s not and where more support is needed,” stated Jack Gunther, the Authority’s Business Development Manager.

Among the visits, 12 companies at the NeoTech Incubator of The Center for Business and Economic Development, met with the County Executive in a roundtable discussion to share their stories of progress and growth as well as any issues they wished to see addressed.

These visits provide each company a chance to showcase their operations and give valuable feedback to the County. Reponses from the companies included information about their business operations plans, recommendations for change, and comments about the impact of the economic downturn on their business.
 
The feedback was compiled and referred to the appropriate County departments so that any issues may be resolved. Download the 2010 Business Appreciation Week Final Report by clicking here.