Caroline County Economic Development (CCED) is dedicated to creating economic opportunities for the businesses and residents of our community.

Our mission is to enhance Caroline County’s quality of life through economic growth. We are also committed to pursuing economic growth in a strategic manner that preserves our rural character.

CCED is a department within Caroline County government.

We are here to serve you – the businesses and residents of Caroline County.

Debbie Bowden | Director of Economic Development

410.479.4188 | Email 

Debbie Bowden Caroline County

Debbie Bowden is Director of Economic Development for Caroline County. Prior to taking on the leadership role for business and workforce development in the County, she represented the Maryland Department of Commerce in the Mid Shore region. Her time with Commerce was the culmination of 12 years of State service. Debbie joined the public sector after 20 years in the private sector owning and operating small businesses.

Debbie is a Delmarva native and is a staunch advocate for the Eastern Shore. She strives to do her part for prosperity and economic viability for the place she calls home.

Kendall Teague joined Caroline County Economic Development in January of 2021 as the Business Development Coordinator. She comes to CCED with a background in sales, communications, and event planning. In her role she supports new and current business owners of Caroline County, manages outreach events as well as communication efforts to the business community. Kendall brings an eclectic creative energy and infuses positive productivity into any environment. She is a proud graduate of North Caroline High School, studied Fine Arts at Towson University and currently resides in Caroline County.

Economic Advisory Board

We are fortunate to have a dedicated group of local business leaders who serve on our advisory board. This board is a non-governing body that helps advise on matters related to strategy and local business needs. Members include:

  • Fred Hubbard (Choptank Electric retired)
  • Anthony Casey (Shoreline Vinyl and Town of Ridgely)
  • Jeff Damico (Dart Container)
  • Lorry Dudley (Lorry Industries)
  • Emad Mohamed (Crystal Steel)
  • John Phillips (Sisk Fulfillment)
  • Donna Poole (Arcadia Assisted Living)
  • Tracey Snyder (Director of the Chamber)
  • Glen Plutschak (Farm Bureau)
  • Dr. Derek Simmons (Caroline County Public Schools)
  • Jeff McGuiness (Watts Landing)
  • Frank Bartz (Caroline County Commissioner)
  • Ryan Masten (Masten Pools)

Partners

Caroline County Chamber of Commerce – http://www.carolinechamber.org/

Caroline County Office of Tourism – https://visitcaroline.org/

Downtown Denton (Main Street) – https://www.downtowndenton.com/

Small Business Development Center – http://www.mdsbdc.umd.edu/locations/eastern-region

Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board – https://www.uswib.org/

Mid Shore Regional Council – https://www.midshore.org/index

Mid Shore SCORE – https://midshore.score.org/

Caroline County Demographics

Caroline County is home to 33,000 residents. Please explore demographic data about the County in the Brief Economic Facts bulletin prepared by the Maryland Department of Commerce.

Municipalities in Caroline County

Caroline County is home to ten incorporated municipalities. The majority of economic activity takes place in the five largest towns. There are three industrial parks Federalsburg, one in Denton, and a business & technology park in Ridgely.