Page 47 - Garrett County 2022/2023 Visitors Guide

Quality of Life: BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
GROW YOUR BUSINESS
IN GARRETT COUNTY
Selected Towns Population (2020)
Friendsville
438
Garrett County is a great place to work and grow a business — just ask the diverse mix of companies calling
the area home. Thriving industries include trade, transportation, utilities, energy, agriculture, professional services, education, health care, hospitality, manufacturing and finance.
Businesses of any size, from startups to major employers, appreciate Garrett County’s business-friendly policies and attractive incentives that can help take a company’s growth to the next level.
Tourism is a major cornerstone of the area’s economic success. Each year, the county welcomes 1.4 million visitors, who add significantly to the local customer base, and tourism spending has been trending upward in recent years.
The county makes it a priority to support employers in every possible way, including workforce development. The Chamber of Commerce works with 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, an 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. Garrett County works closely with the Maryland Broadband Cooperative, state and federal funding agencies, and multiple ISPs to identify and find solutions for the unmet broadband needs of county residents and businsses. 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 UPMC Western Maryland.
Specialty Manufacturing: Garrett County’s natural resources and intellectual capital have attracted more than 30 specialty manufacturers.
Grantsville 968
Sources: Maryland Department of Planning, U.S. Census Bureau
Sources: Maryland Department of Planning, U.S. Census Bureau
Mt. Lake Park
2,147
Oakland
1,851
Population/Households
2020
28,806/11,950
2030 (projected) 29,620/12,550
Population Distribution (2015-2019)
Under age 5:
1,423/4.9%
Ages 5-19:
Ages 45-64:
4,742/16.2%
8,635/29.5%
Ages 20-44:
7,999/27.4%
65 and over:
6,436/22.0%
Sources: Maryland Department of Planning, U.S. Census Bureau
www.visitdeepcreek.com 45
PHOTO BY KRISTEN FISCHETTI – HIGHER FOCUS STUDIOS