Economic Development Commission — 2026-01-28

These are the minutes of the Queen Anne’s County Economic Development Commission meeting on January 28, 2026, held virtually due to weather and chaired by Shelly Gross-Wade. Members unanimously approved the agenda, the December minutes, and the 2026 meeting schedule; Treasurer Lara Wilson reported an EDC account balance of $6,798.85 and explained a $3,049.96 change from recent ticket sales and fees. Commissioner Patrick McLaughlin gave a county operations update; QACETD Director Heather Tinelli reviewed department initiatives including a pitch competition, a new micro‑ag grant, a trades roundtable, a Sudlersville economic strategy presentation, business visits, and upcoming events. The board received the 2025 economic scorecard (unemployment 2.8%, job count 19,000 up 13%, $1.19M in hotel tax revenue up 3%), heard that about $86M in commercial deals are in the pipeline, and learned the county schools reported 373 internships (a 25% increase). Subcommittees reported: Tourism will recalibrate, Workforce Housing & Transportation will become more action‑oriented and seek county input, Business Growth & Attraction is focusing on apprenticeships/real estate/Ag tourism, and Community & Quality of Life will pursue healthcare provider recruitment and quarterly meetings; the “State of the Economy” event drew 175 attendees. Additional member updates covered declines in ACE program participation and UMD Extension events, and Planning & Zoning noted an approved TechOps concept plan, a major site plan for Hinckley Yachts moving toward permits, and a February 4 meeting about gravel pit expansion.