FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 1, 2009
Media Contact: Jim Richardson, Director
Office of Economic Development at 410-638-3059

Annual Business Appreciation Week, County Executive Tours Businesses

October 1, 2009 -- Harford County Executive David R. Craig, accompanied by James Richardson, Director of the Office of Economic Development and members of his staff, kicked off the 2009 Harford  County Business Appreciation Week on Sept. 21 at the Armory in the Town of Bel Air. The day began at the Armory in Bel Air where the County Executive presided over the Harford County Office of Tourism annual meeting. 

County Executive Craig, accompanied by Mayor Rob Preston spent several hours visiting six local businesses in Bel Air before  heading to the northwestern part of the county to honor an additional eight businesses.

Among the businesses honored by the county were Celebree Learning Centers, Preston’s Stationery, Two Sisters Contemporary Gift Gallery, Heart Beat Boutique, Moore’s Candies, The Mill of Bel Air, My Three Sons, 7-11 Jarrettsville, Jack’s Small Engine, Jerry Preston Hauling, Inc., Atlantic Tractor, Delta Lumber and Fiore Winery. Each of the businesses received a plaque from Harford County Government in recognition of their achievements and support to the community.

On Tuesday and Wednesday the county executive continued visits to area businesses in the Chesapeake Science and Security Corridor, including a visit to National Gypsum. On Wednesday five businesses from the Lakeside Business Park were recognized during a business roundtable held at R4 International. The businesses honored included R4   International, Alcore Incorporated, Automated Coatings, Inc., SAIC and Nutramax
Laboratories, Inc. Additionally County Executive Craig, accompanied by staff from the Office of Economic Development attended Harford Awards later Wednesday evening. Thursday, Mayor Michael Bennett of Aberdeen while joined the County Executive
visiting several businesses in the Aberdeen area. New businesses, well established businesses and a new construction project were all part of the days stops. The businesses recognized in Aberdeen included Donley Construction Company, Northeast Plumbing Supply Company, Tractor Supply Company, McDonald’s Restaurant of Aberdeen, Hilton Garden Inn and a site tour of COPT’s North Gate project.

Business Appreciation Week concluded on Friday in Havre de Grace where the County Executive was joined by Mayor Wayne Dougherty of Havre de Grace. Tidewater Marina, Cytec Engineered Materials Inc., and the Vandiver Inn were honored for the economic contribution to Havre de Grace and the County.

“This is a great week for Harford County Government,” stated County Executive Craig.  “We have been able to visit, meet with and discuss matters of critical importance to our business community which ultimately affects all of in Harford County.  I look forward to building and strengthening our partnership with local businesses,” the county executive remarked.