December brings reflections of the previous 12 months, and I want to share mine with you.
This has been yet another interesting post-pandemic year and challenging in ways that seemed to have left many of us a bit breathless. Inflation at a 40-year high. Labor market still as tight as ever. Resurgence of COVID and other illnesses that are impacting the workforce. Mid term elections. Maryland elections. Supply chain tight – then loose – then more expensive because of rising fuel costs.
2022 has been rough for small businesses, employers, and employees.
I’ve seen some partially good news mixed in with the bad news highlighted above. We’ve had more small business start-up and next-stage-growth cases than ever. Larger business growth in terms of capital expansion is better than it’s been in years. Anecdotally, some of the major employers in the County have had banner years in terms of revenue and profits. But the positive outcomes in the economy have been shadowed by layoffs and closures.
2023 is probably not going to be any better. However, I am optimistic that the business community in Caroline County will rally to survive whatever economic policies, legislative agendas, natural and man-made emergencies are thrown at them.
I am so fortunate to work with amazing team. Kendall Teague, who works with small businesses and entrepreneurs and your go-to for information and support on small business concerns. Tara Hill-Coursey, the county’s champion for tourism promoting the things to do and people to see in the county to those who visit here. And I am grateful for the partnerships I have with businesses and organizations that help to make Caroline County such a fantastic place to have a business, have a family, and enjoy peaceful, safe life.
I hope everyone gets to enjoy times with friends and family as we close out 2022 and start up 2023.
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Caroline County Economic Development and Tourism is an office within Caroline County government. Its mission is to help businesses of all sizes thrive in the community. Debbie can be reached at 410-479-4188 or info@carolinebusiness.com