This year, the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Economic Development celebrate Business Appreciation Week from May 4 thru May 8. The week will feature a host of special events and activities to recognize and thank businesses of all sizes and industries for their contributions to the county’s economy and quality of life.

This year’s theme will focus on the spirit of entrepreneurship and the important role that small businesses play in our local economy. The week will include special events, workshops and networking activities and personal visits with county business owners by the Board of County Commissioners and staff from the Department of Economic Development.

Schedule of Events

Monday, May 4, 2009
BAW Evening Kick-Off Reception, invitation only, Annmarie Garden, Solomons.

Tuesday, May 5, 2009
8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Company site visits with Ambassador Teams, including Calvert County Board of County Commissioners, various locations. 

6 – 8:30 p.m., B2B Power Networking Session: Kevin Hawkins, Director of Government Services Protiviti Inc. and former President/CEO and Co-Founder of Enspier, Inc. “The Entrepreneur’s Keys to Success: Drive, Determination and Dedication.” Hosted by the Concerned Black Women of Calvert County and the Calvert County Minority Business Alliance (FREE).  The Reid Building, 7994 Solomons Island Rd., Owings. 

Wednesday, May 6, 2009
6 – 8 p.m., Women’s Business Roundtable Networking Event
Co-hosted by the Small Business Development Center (FREE), College of Southern Maryland, Prince Frederick Campus. 

Thursday, May 7, 2009
9 – 10:30 a.m., “Why Words are Your Most Powerful Marketing Tool,” seminar with Lynne Thorne of Lollipop Copy. (FREE) Planning Commission Hearing Room, Ground Floor, 205 Duke Street, Prince Frederick. 

5:30 – 7:30 p.m., Calvert County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours Mixer hosted by Davis, Upton, Palumbo & Keffler, LLC (Fee: $5.00 for Chamber Members /$25.00 for Non- Members), Prince Frederick. 

Friday, May 8, 2009
12 – 4 p.m., Visitor Information Center Drop-In to kick off National Tourism Week. (FREE) Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit one or both of Calvert County’s Visitor Information Centers to meet the staff and discover all that is special, new and fun in Calvert County. Fairview Visitor Information Center, 8120 Southern Maryland Boulevard, Owings or Solomons Visitor Information Center, 14175 Solomons Island Road, Solomons. 

For more information on Calvert County’s BAW, including updates on planned activities and events, or to learn about the many services the county offers the business community, contact the Calvert County, Md., Department of Economic Development at (410) 535-4583, 800-331-9771 or (301) 855-1880; by e-mail at info@ecalvert.com, or on the Web at www.ecalvert.com.