July 18, 2008
Celebrating Small Business
Two small business milestones were celebrated during the Carroll County Economic Development Commission’s June 
26th
monthly meeting. Director of Economic Development Lawrence Twele opened
the recognition ceremony by introducing Ms. Karen Barbour, President
and Founder of Westminster-based The Barbour Group, LLC. Ms. Barbour
was named the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) 2008
Maryland Small Business Owner of the Year. Karen was officially
recognized by the SBA at a ceremony in Washington, DC during
May’s National Small Business Week.
June 2008 also marks the 20th anniversary 
of the Small Business
Development Center (SBDC) within Maryland. In recognition of the SBDC
20th anniversary, Carroll County Chief of Staff Steve Powell presented
a proclamation from the County Commissioners to SBDC Regional Director
Russell C. Teter III and Beth A. Woodring, Carroll County SBDC
Counselor. SBA District Director Mr. Stephen Umberger also attended the
event.
Ravens Come to Roost in Westminster
McDaniel’s current agreement with the Ravens will keep the annual
summer camp on their campus
through 2010. This year Ravens new head coach John Harbaugh has
extended the camp by nearly two weeks which will boost the local
economy that much more. The Raven’s training camp has
historically drawn nearly 100,000 spectators.
When visiting training camp, make sure to spend some time in Ravenstown, a fun interactive area for fans of all ages. Held between the practice fields, Ravenstown provides fans with football skill challenges, concessions, a Ravens team store and information tents. Also, stop by the Carroll County Tourism booth for the latest information about local destinations and events.
Visit the Baltimore Ravens' website for more information about the summer training camp. For a complete training camp schedule click here. Practices are subject to change so call 410-261-RAVE (7283) and press "6" to confirm the daily practice schedule before you go.
Carroll County: Take the "Buy Local Challenge" this August
Carroll County has joined The Buy Local Challenge to boost the local farm economy and to highlight the taste, nutrition and health benefits of local products. The Buy Local Challenge, August 2nd through 9th, is an
excellent time to explore new farmer’s markets
and restaurants offering genuine local products. The
challenge is simple: “I pledge to eat at least one item from
a local farm every day during Buy Local Week." “Fresh picked fruits and vegetables provide more nutrition and buying local products provides the benefit of knowing where your food comes from and how it was raised or produced. Additionally, buying local helps support agribusiness and maintain Carroll’s rural character”, said Gabe Zepp, Carroll County Agriculture Development Specialist.
To assist consumers in locating fresh, locally grown products, restaurants or butchers visit Carroll’s agricultural website at www.carrollag.org or pickup the latest version of the “Carroll County, Maryland Farmers’ Markets 2008” brochure at local libraries and tourism centers. Look for The Buy Local Challenge signage in local restaurants and pledge to eat at least one item from a local farm every day.
Farmers, restaurant owners or other businesses selling locally-produced products that would like to participate in the “Buy Local Week” are asked to contact Gabe Zepp at 410-386-2070.
