Page 45 - Garrett County 2021-2022 Visitors Guide

Our county is home to a diverse mix
of employers, with major industries ranging from trade and transportation to utilities, professional services, education, health services, hospitality and finance. Small businesses and major employers alike appreciate Garrett County’s business-friendly policies and attractive incentives that can help take a company’s growth to the next level.
Each year, the county welcomes 1.4 million visitors, who add significantly to the local customer base, and tourism spending has been on an upward trend in recent years.
Workforce development is a key priority for employers in Garrett County. The Chamber of Commerce is supporting employers through its Workforce Development Taskforce, which aims to help develop a sustainable labor pool. For more details on the task force, or if you are interested in participating, contact Holly Lane at holly@ garrettchamber.com or 301.387.6171, or
go to visitdeepcreek.com/economic-and- workforce-development.
Growth Industries
Garrett County’s convenient location close to major metro areas, educated workforce and solid tourism revenue are beneficial for just about any sector. However, the following industries are our most notable ones:
Technology: With the help of incubator programs, local talent and tech-forward facilities, Garrett County’s more than 30 technology companies are set for growth. To enable more comprehensive broadband connectivity, Garrett County launched
an innovative public-private partnership with wireless broadband-solution leader Declaration Networks Group (DNG). Garrett County and DNG have worked together
to provide residents and businesses with NeuBeam, a high-speed internet service that enables speeds up to 20 times greater than previous offerings. Another draw for tech companies is the Garrett Information Enterprise Center, an incubator space at Garrett College.
Health & Services: Garrett County is
on the cutting edge of rural health-care innovation, striving to provide affordable and comprehensive care to all its residents. Along with the Garrett County Health Department and the Garrett County Community Action Committee, these efforts are being driven by Garrett Regional Medical Center (a proud affilitate of WVU Medicine), Mountain Laurel Medical Center and Western Maryland Health System’s Advanced Lakeside Medical Center.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau
Sources: American Community Survey, Maryland Department of Planning and U.S. Census Bureau
Selected Towns Population (2014-2018)
Friendsville
573
Grantsville
664
Mt. Lake Park
2,148
Oakland
1,823
Population/Households
2014-2018 (American Community Survey):
29,014/12,073
2021* (projected)
30,300/12,383
Population Distribution (2014-2018)
Under age 5:
1,436/4.9%
Ages 5-19:
4,888/16.6%
Ages 20-44:
8,103/27.6%
Ages 45-64:
8,722/29.7%
65 and over:
6,227/21.2%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau
Specialty Manufacturing: Garrett County’s natural resources and intellectual capital have attracted more than 30 specialty manufacturers. These employers also benefit from the county’s broadband network and the convenient location, which allows for overnight trucking to one-third of the United States. The county’s proximity to the Port of Baltimore means manufactured goods can be exported swiftly. Garrett County Airport (garrettcounty.org/airport- 2g4) provides small freight and ground support services for commercial and general aviation.
Tourism & Recreation: Tourism has seen steady, record-breaking growth in recent years. The county’s more than 1.4 million annual visitors provide regular opportunities for new tourism-related businesses to open in the area. Annual visitor spending of $314 million generates $360 million in economic impact.
www.visitdeepcreek.com 43
PHOTO BY KRISTEN FISCHETTI – HIGHER FOCUS STUDIOS