2024 Business Appreciation Week

Thank you to everyone who celebrated Business Appreciation Week to help recognize the invaluable contributions of Charles County businesses!

Local enterprises are the cornerstone of our county's economy, offering critical products, services, and employment opportunities. This annual event honors the indispensable role of our business owners and expresses our ongoing gratitude for their decision to operate in Charles County.

Monday, May 6

With Love From Charles Digital Gift Card Launch

Charles County’s digital gift card program, “With Love From Charles,” launched on May 6th to kick off Business Appreciation Week! When you support local, you boost the businesses that bring one-of-a-kind offerings to our community. This gift card program will be a way to support locals, create jobs, and strengthen our community in the near and far future! Purchase a gift card.

Money Maryland Expo

(Photos provided by Charles County Government)

Charles County Economic Development Department, in partnership with Will Holmes Consulting (WHC), hosted the Money Maryland regional expo at the College of Southern Maryland (CSM). The expo series offered a combination of training sessions, panel discussions, and vendor exhibitions to help business owners grow their organizations.

Tuesday, May 7

The Charles County Board of County Commissioners issued a proclamation declaring May 6-10, 2024, as Business Appreciation Week in Charles County.

Built to support businesses of every size and stage of growth, the Charles County Economic Development Department held a Circle of Services Webinar to highlight the many resources available to business owners through the program’s devoted local, regional, and state partners. Featured speakers included Justin Ferguson, TEDCO; Ellen Flowers-Fields, College of Southern Maryland; Yvette Turner CWDP, CBEP, CPRW, Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland; and Steve Wall, Maryland Department of Commerce.

(Photos provided by Charles County Government)

The EDD hosted a networking luncheon for Business Growth Advantage Program (BGAP) alumni to share their experiences in Charles County. EDD’s own Dr. Margaret Dureke gave a presentation on the power of networking, and Chef Olumide Shokunbi, CEO Spice Kitchen West African Grill and TikTok Influencer, presented “Driving Social Media Presence Using the Three C’s.”

Wednesday, May 8 and Thursday, May 9

(Photos provided by Charles County Economic Development Department)

The EDD team, in collaboration with community leaders, elected officials, and stakeholders, spread the love to local businesses by completing 29 business appreciation visits. These visits allowed the county to hear directly from businesses and gain a deeper understanding of their challenges and successes.

Friday, May 10

(Photos provided by Charles County Government)

To end the week of celebrations, the EDD, in partnership with the Charles County Chamber of Commerce, hosted the Business Networking Mixer for businesses recognized during the BAW engagement visits.

View Additional photos from Charles County's 2024 Business Appreciation Week.