"It's All About The Community"

This week marks the 20th year of Business Appreciation Week in Frederick County. In the spirit of this milestone, Frederick County Office of Economic Development and partnering organizations are taking time to celebrate our legacy businesses who have served the community for 20 or more years. Throughout this week, teams of ambassadors have been meeting with over 100 businesses to thank them for doing business in Frederick County. Of those businesses, there are 18 that are over 100 years old!

(Traditionally, the teams of ambassadors would visit the businesses in person at their physical location. However, all of this year’s visits are being done virtually due to the pandemic.)

Business Appreciation Week has always been a fun and energetic way to reach out to businesses, hear their stories, and find out if there is any kind of support local government can offer through our robust and varied resources. The visits are always full of engaging conservation and heartfelt stories.

During these Business Appreciation Week conversations, ambassadors ask business representatives to share what they believe is the best thing about doing business in Frederick County, and the answer always seems to have a common thread – it’s all about the community. Company owners and managers expressed their view that the Frederick community is embracing and supportive; it is different than anywhere else (in a good way), and it is what makes Frederick County a strong and viable place to do business and raise your family. Frederick County is certainly a place known for connectedness, being involved, and paying it forward.

“During these Business Appreciation Week conversations, ambassadors ask business representatives to share what they believe is the best thing about doing business in Frederick County, and the answer seems to have a common thread – it’s all about the community. ”

Here are some of the ways many local businesses like to embrace the Frederick community.

Getting connected: Establishing relationships with people who share the same love for the community.

Being involved in volunteering: Finding opportunities for your business and employees to get involved.

  • United Way offers a list of volunteer opportunities within the area.

  • VolunteerMatch is another portal containing a database of local opportunities to volunteer.

Paying it forward: Many Frederick County businesses have achieved a level of success and want to help others on their own paths to success.

  • The Rotary Club of Frederick is filled with movers and shakers in the community who strive to positively impact others and uplift Frederick County.

  • The Ausherman Family Foundation has been at the helm of making Frederick County “a thriving community of vibrant spaces and places, with a superior quality of life, and strong and collaborative nonprofit organizations.”

Even during the dark times of a pandemic, there are many people and businesses in our county who serve as that shining light many of us need. Business Appreciation Week is all about recognizing Frederick County businesses. This year, perhaps more than ever, it is worth recognizing that all of these businesses share like-minded appreciation and passion for our community. We thank you for making our county a great place to live and do business!

Jessica Mills