In her first 30 days as the new Director of Economic Development, Stephanie Mervine has hit the ground running by launching a comprehensive Business Retention, Expansion & Attraction (BRE&A) program designed to strengthen Talbot County’s economy and support the businesses that call the county home.
The launch of the first BRE visit and tour included our Economic Development Commission and Community Partners at Eurofins EAG Agroscience.
What BRE Means for Talbot County
Business Retention & Expansion (BRE) focuses on supporting the businesses already operating in Talbot County, helping them stay open, grow, and thrive. This includes meeting with local business owners, understanding their needs, and ensuring they have the resources required to succeed. When local businesses feel supported, they are more likely to invest, expand, and remain part of the community.
According to the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), approximately 80% of all new jobs and capital investment come from existing local businesses. This means strengthening current businesses isn’t just helpful, it is the single most impactful strategy for economic growth.
What Attraction Means for Talbot County
Business Attraction involves bringing new companies to Talbot County by inviting entrepreneurs, new industries, or expanding firms to locate here. By attracting new investment, Talbot County can expand job opportunities, enhance local services, and diversify its economic base.
What the New BRE Program will deliver under Mervine’s leadership, the Talbot County BRE program will:
- Maintain and grow local jobs.
- Strengthening existing firms (which generate ~80% of new net jobs).
- Support business expansions and modernization efforts.
- Identify at-risk businesses early and offer targeted assistance.
- Improve the business climate by removing barriers and offering direct support.
A commitment to Talbot’s Business Community, Mervine emphasizes the importance of understanding the history, present needs, and future aspirations of local businesses.
Whether a company arrived last month or has roots going back generations, each contributes to the character, heritage, and sense of place that make Talbot County uniquely ours.