Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism

What Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism does

Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism is a county government department headquartered at 215 Bay Street, Suite 5, Easton, Maryland, operating under the Talbot County Government. The department leads economic development strategy and tourism promotion for Talbot County on Maryland's Eastern Shore, serving two primary constituencies: local and prospective businesses (through the Talbot Works Business Academy, grant facilitation, and site selection support) and tourists and visitors (through VisitMaryland.org integration and promotion of historic towns such as Easton, St. Michaels, Oxford, Tilghman Island, and Trappe). As of 2025, tourism in Talbot County generates $317.4 million in annual visitor spending, supports nearly 2,000 local jobs, and contributes $132 million in combined local, state, and federal tax revenues, though these figures represent economic impact rather than the department's own budget.

The department's core product surface consists of the Talbot Works Business Academy (a free training program for small and minority-owned businesses, with 50+ graduates across 4 cohorts since 2024), the Talbot County Toolkit (a centralized information hub), the Talbot County Economic Development Dashboard (launched May 2026), and the regional Agricultural Census Dashboard (launched August 2025 in partnership with the Eastern Shore Regional GIS Cooperative at Salisbury University). The department operates with 1-10 employees under Director Cassandra Vanhooser (named Maryland Tourism Person of the Year in 2025, now departed to lead the Maryland Department of Commerce's Office of Tourism) and Tourism Manager Kristen Goller.

The department is funded through Talbot County government appropriations and operates a community-led, event-driven go-to-market model anchored by the annual Business Appreciation Summit (19th edition May 2026), Community Impact Awards, and strategic partnerships with the Maryland Department of Commerce, MDOT, Mid-Shore Regional Council, BAAM, Chesapeake College, and Camoin Associates (engaged to lead the current strategic planning process). It also facilitates grant programs including MD-PACE, Project Restore, and the $10 million Maryland Community Business Compass initiative.

Name

Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism

Legal name

Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism

Website

https://talbotworks.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism is a county government department that promotes business growth and tourism across Talbot County, Maryland, serving local businesses through free training and grant programs and driving a $317.4 million annual tourism economy.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Government Economic Development and Tourism

NAICS

Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219), Scenic and Sightseeing Transportation (487)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Educational Services (8200), Transportation Services (4700)

akta.pro primary industry

Economic Development & Business Licensing (Local) (BPAIACAN)

akta.pro secondary industries

Permitting, Reservations & Visitor Information Services (Passes, Booking, Visitor Centers) (THAAAGAD), Recreation & Activity Services (Hiking, Boating, Climbing, Fishing—Guided/Authorized) (THAAAGAF)

Keywords

• Economic development services
• Tourism marketing
• Workforce development programs
• Small business support
• Destination promotion

Headquarters

HQ city

Easton

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Government Appropriation and Tax Revenue: The department is funded through Talbot County government appropriations. Tourism generates economic activity that produces tax revenue for the county, state, and federal governments — $132 million in combined tax revenues from tourism alone. The department facilitates grant programs (USDA MD-PACE, Project Restore, Maryland Community Business Compass) that channel state and federal funds to local businesses.

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism is a county government department that supports existing and prospective businesses through free training programs (Talbot Works Business Academy), data tools (Toolkit, Economic Development Dashboard, Agricultural Census Dashboard), grant facilitation, workforce development partnerships, and site selection assistance. Separately, the department markets Talbot County's tourism assets through destination promotion, event management, and partnerships with the Maryland Office of Tourism Development. All services are provided at no cost, funded through county government appropriations.

Product overview

Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism operates as a government department offering a suite of economic development programs, data tools, and business support services rather than a single unified product. Its core offerings include the Talbot Works Business Academy (a free training program for small and minority-owned businesses), the Talbot County Toolkit (a centralized information hub), the Talbot County Economic Development Dashboard (an interactive data visualization platform), and the Agricultural Census Dashboard (a regional agricultural data tool). Additional services encompass grant facilitation, workforce development initiatives, business events, a monthly Talbot Works newsletter, and a sites and properties portal for business relocation.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Talbot Works: Brand name for Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism's business outreach and newsletter
• Talbot Works Business Academy
• Talbot Toolkit

Products and services

• Talbot Works Business Academy Free workforce and entrepreneurship training program for Talbot County's small and minority-owned businesses, providing participants with tools, confidence, and connections to grow their enterprises. Cohorts accept 8-15 participants each.
• Talbot County Toolkit Centralized information hub for Talbot County businesses that aggregates economic data, resources, and program information into one accessible platform.
• Talbot County Economic Development Dashboard Interactive online dashboard providing public data on demographics, workforce, housing, business trends, and economic growth indicators for Talbot County.
• Agricultural Census Dashboard Interactive data visualization tool enabling users to explore statewide and county-level agricultural data on farm income, production, demographics, and farming practices across Maryland's Eastern Shore.
• Sites and Properties Portal Online portal listing available commercial and industrial sites and properties for business development and relocation in Talbot County.
• Talbot Works Newsletter Monthly business alert newsletter delivering Talbot County economic development news, grant opportunities, event announcements, and business resources to subscribers.

Quantifiable outcome

• Tourism supports nearly 2,000 local jobs and generates $317.4 million in visitor spending
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers12 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Vetagro (Italian company)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 September 2025Italian firm Vetagro broke ground on September 16, 2025, on a new production and distribution facility in Easton, Maryland — expanding its U.S. operations. This represents a foreign direct investment and business expansion in Talbot County facilitated through economic development efforts.
• Will Holmes Consulting (WHC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 September 2024WHC is a Baltimore-based business advisory firm that partners with Talbot County on the Talbot Works Business Academy, Money Maryland events, free AI training series, and the Solid Foundations business seminar. WHC founder Will Holmes is a key consultant driving small and minority business development programs.
• Rural Maryland CouncilminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 September 2024The Rural Maryland Council provided financial support for the Solid Foundations, Limitless Futures business seminar at BAAM Academic Center (June 2025). The council also supports the Summer Career Enrichment Program and agricultural programs at Chesapeake College through its Rural Maryland Prosperity Investment Fund.
• BAAM Athletic CentercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 14 September 2024BAAM Athletic Center at 31 Jowite Street in Easton serves as the venue for Talbot Works Business Academy and other workforce development programs. The center opened in December 2019. A new Academic Center opened next door in 2025, celebrating BAAM's 20th anniversary.
• Maryland Clean Energy Center (MCEC) and PACE Financing ServicingminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 January 2018Talbot County joined the Maryland PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy) program, a partnership between MCEC (statewide sponsor) and PACE Financing Servicing (administrator), enabling commercial property owners to finance 100% of energy efficiency upgrades repaid as a property surcharge.
• Maryland Department of CommercecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe department works closely with Maryland Commerce on business development initiatives, grant programs, and the statewide tourism network. Maryland Commerce Secretary Harry Coker visited Talbot County in March 2026 as part of a statewide tour. The department also receives funding support and programmatic guidance from the state.
• Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMDOT is a key partner for infrastructure development in Talbot County. MDOT hosted a public meeting on the Frederick Douglass Rail-Trail in April 2026 and is involved in planning the Easton Airport modernization and other transportation projects.
• Mid-Shore Regional CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Mid-Shore Regional Council is a key regional partner supporting economic development initiatives across Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties. Executive Director Scott Warner is recognized as a 2026 Community Impact Award winner. The council partners on workforce development, the Agricultural Census Dashboard, and regional strategic initiatives.
• Building African American Minds (BAAM)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerBAAM is a nonprofit organization serving as a key community partner for Talbot County's workforce and small business development. The Talbot Works Business Academy is delivered at BAAM facilities (Athletic Center and new Academic Center in Easton). BAAM Executive Director Dina Daly is a featured partner in workforce and entrepreneurship initiatives.
• Chesapeake CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChesapeake College is the only community college in Maryland offering an associate degree in agriculture. The department partners with Chesapeake College on workforce development, the truck driving program, and career pathways for Talbot County residents. President Clifford Coppersmith is a referenced partner.
• Upper Shore Workforce Investment BoardcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Upper Shore Workforce Investment Board is dedicated to addressing workforce issues in the region. Executive Director Daniel Schneckenburger is featured as a partner in Talbot County's workforce development ecosystem.
• People for Change CoalitionminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPeople for Change Coalition partners with Talbot County on the Summer Career Enrichment Program, a free technology and career enrichment program for middle school students (grades 6-9) in Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties. Jerry McLaurin and Sandy Pruitt lead the program.
• Talbot Family NetworkcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTalbot Family Network is the Local Management Board for Talbot County and partners with the department on the Maryland Corps/Service Year Option program and youth workforce development. Executive Director Nancy Andrew is cited as a key collaborator.
• Maryland Office of Tourism DevelopmentcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerThe department partners with the Maryland Office of Tourism Development for tourism promotion through VisitMaryland.org (nearly 3M annual visitors), Destination Maryland magazine (200,000 printed copies), and participation in statewide tourism marketing campaigns. Free business listings are available through this partnership.
• Shore United BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerShore United Bank participated as a resource partner in Money Maryland events, offering small business banking and lending expertise. Regional President Butch Townsend emphasized the bank's commitment to supporting small businesses. The bank has deep roots in Talbot County dating back to 1885 as The Talbot Bank.
• Camoin AssociatescoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNationally recognized consulting firm engaged to lead the Talbot County economic development strategic plan planning process. Representatives from Camoin Associates attended the May 2025 open houses to gather stakeholder input directly.
• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSBA rural development office participated as a resource partner in Money Maryland events. SBA Baltimore District Office hosted Small Business Resource Day. Chris Pilkerton, former acting administrator and general legal counsel for the SBA, was keynote speaker at the 17th Business Appreciation Summit.
• Oxford-Bellevue Ferry / JettyLightminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Oxford-Bellevue Ferry (operating since 1683, the oldest privately operated ferry in the U.S.) is a key tourism and transportation asset in Talbot County. JettyLight acquired the ferry and partners with the county to maintain this historic service across the Tred Avon River.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Maryland Department of Commerce: State-level economic development and tourism agency for Maryland. Directly comparable as the parent funder of Project Restore, Maryland Community Business Compass, and VisitMaryland.org, providing the broader incumbent counterpart to Talbot County's local economic development operations.
• Maryland Office of Tourism Development: State-level tourism promotion agency. Comparable as the broader incumbent that operates VisitMaryland.org and Destination Maryland magazine, through which Talbot County tourism listings reach nearly 3 million annual visitors.

Direct peers

• Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County: County-level destination marketing organization (DMO) in Maryland. Comparable as a county tourism promotion body that markets historic towns, waterfront attractions, and cultural events to drive visitor spending — analogous business model and target market to Talbot County's tourism function.
• Howard County Economic Development Authority: County-level economic development authority in Maryland. Comparable as a county EDO that runs business retention, attraction, and incentive programs at a larger scale, with similar functions to the Talbot County department's portfolio.
• Frederick County Office of Economic Development: County economic development office in Maryland. Comparable as a county-level EDO providing business assistance, tourism promotion, site selection, and workforce development for a Maryland jurisdiction, with overlapping program structures.
• Worcester County Tourism: Tourism office for Worcester County on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Comparable as a neighboring Eastern Shore DMO that markets Ocean City, Assateague Island, and coastal heritage — overlapping geographic market and tourism promotion mandate with Talbot County.
• Mid-Shore Regional Council: Regional planning body serving Caroline, Dorchester, and Talbot counties. Comparable as a regional-level economic development partner that the Talbot County department regularly collaborates with on workforce, agricultural data, and regional strategy initiatives.
• Visit Frederick: Destination marketing organization for Frederick County, Maryland. Comparable as a county DMO marketing historic downtowns, cultural attractions, and events — parallel to Talbot County's tourism marketing under the VisitMaryland.org umbrella.
• Caroline County Economic Development: County economic development office on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Direct peer operating in the same Mid-Shore region with similar rural economic development, small business support, and workforce development mandate.
• Queen Anne's County Department of Economic Development: County economic development office in Maryland's Eastern Shore. Closest geographic peer, performing the same county-level business attraction, workforce development, and tourism promotion functions for a neighboring peninsula county.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCULrDNw6OwVX4tKvp5orJPg
• Facebookfacebook.com/TalbotWorks
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/talbot-county-department-of-economic-development-and-tourism

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Talbot County Economic Development and Tourism