The Garrett County Board of County Commissioners has proclaimed September 28 through October 2, 2026, as Economic Development Week in Garrett County, recognizing the important role economic development plays in supporting local businesses, strengthening the workforce, and creating opportunities for continued investment and growth.
The proclamation also recognizes the work of Garrett County’s economic development staff, who work every day to support the County’s business community and advance economic development opportunities throughout Garrett County.
What Does Economic Development Look Like?
Economic development is more than recruiting new businesses to a community. Much of the work happens behind the scenes—helping an existing business expand, connecting an entrepreneur with the right resource, identifying potential locations for a business, helping a company navigate financing and incentive opportunities, supporting workforce needs, promoting local businesses, and working with public and private partners to move projects forward.
The Garrett County Department of Business Development works directly with businesses and prospective businesses to provide information, connections, and assistance designed to help businesses start, locate, expand, and succeed in Garrett County.
The department’s services include site selection assistance, public and private financing assistance, workforce training and recruitment resources, networking and business referrals, marketing support, demographic information, and general business assistance.
The department also supports local businesses through initiatives such as business spotlights, milestone recognition, the Business B.E.A.R. podcast, and other programs designed to promote and connect Garrett County businesses.
Meet the Business Development Team
Garrett County’s Business Development team works directly with businesses to help solve problems, identify opportunities, and connect owners with the resources they need to start, grow, and invest in Garrett County.
Kim Durst leads the Business Development Division and works with businesses making some of their biggest decisions, such as locating to Garrett County, expanding operations, investing in property or equipment, considering a new location, or exploring available financing and incentives. She also works with regional and state partners to connect businesses with programs and resources that can help move a project forward.
Connor Norman works directly with Garrett County businesses to keep them connected to opportunities, resource,s and assistance. His work includes business outreach, marketing and promotion, helping businesses identify available programs, and making connections when an owner needs help but may not know where to start.
Melissa Bolyard serves Garrett County’s agriculture and natural resource business community, working with farmers, producers, and agriculture- and natural resource-related businesses on opportunities to strengthen and grow their operations. She connects these businesses with marketing assistance, business resources, programs, and partners specific to the unique needs of the agriculture and natural resource industries.
Together, the team serves as a starting point for businesses at every stage with a simple goal: make it easier to do business in Garrett County.
If you’re planning an expansion, looking for financing or incentives, searching for a location, trying to grow your workforce, exploring a new opportunity, or simply aren’t sure who to call, start with Garrett County Business Development at (301) 334-1921 or email business@garrettcountymd.gov.
