At the MACo Summer Conference, county leaders and State partners shared how local insight and innovative strategies are driving Maryland’s economic growth.
The Summer Conference session, Shaping Maryland’s Future: Leveraging Innovative Strategies for Economic Growth, highlighted the importance of tailoring policies to reflect the diverse strengths and challenges of communities across the state, from rural tourism economies to urban business hubs.
Delegate C.T. Wilson, Chair of the House Economic Matters Committee, moderated the panel and emphasized the vital role counties play in shaping statewide strategies that support inclusive growth and resilience.
Panel speakers included:
- Ashli Workman, Director of Tourism, Allegany County
- Heather Tinelli, Director of Economic & Tourism Development, Queen Anne’s County
- Stephen Rice, Deputy Secretary for Business Attraction and Special Projects, Maryland Department of Commerce
Ashli Workman underscored the power of tourism as an economic driver, especially in rural areas. She shared Allegany County’s experience with destination branding and national marketing campaigns that brought new visibility to the region. Workman noted that investing in tourism infrastructure — trails, heritage sites, and cultural assets — has a ripple effect, supporting small businesses and community pride.
Stephen Rice outlined the State’s approach to business attraction and retention. He described how Commerce is working with counties to ensure projects land where they can deliver maximum impact, and how strategic partnerships can bridge gaps in workforce, infrastructure, and industry support. Rice stressed the importance of aligning state resources with county priorities to ensure growth benefits communities statewide.
Heather Tinelli brought a local perspective from Queen Anne’s County, highlighting challenges and opportunities for rural and suburban jurisdictions. She discussed balancing tourism with infrastructure demands, supporting entrepreneurship, and ensuring small businesses are part of the growth story. Tinelli also emphasized the need for counties to remain flexible as economic pressures shift, from housing affordability to workforce training needs.
The discussion made clear that Maryland’s growth strategy can’t be one-size-fits-all. Counties know their local assets and challenges best, whether that means branding rural tourism, attracting new industries, or supporting small businesses.
By incorporating county-driven priorities, the State can ensure its policies yield tangible benefits for residents and local economies.
The session was on August 14 at the Roland Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, Maryland.
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